'Welcome to Russia’
MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin is welcoming football teams and fans to Russia for the World Cup, saying the tournament will be thrilling and memorable. "For our country, it's a great joy and honor to receive representatives from the massive footballing family," Putin said in a video statement released Saturday. He promised "a real celebration - filled with sporting passion and strong emotions." Putin added "I hope that you will have lasting memories, not only of the matches of the best teams and the skills of the players, but also of your acquaintance with Russia." He concluded in English, saying "Welcome to Russia."
FIFA bans Ghana FA boss
ACCRA: The independent committee of the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has handed a provisional 90-day ban to Ghana's Kwesi Nyantakyi, a council member of the game's global governing body. During this time, Nyantakyi, who is also president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), is banned from all football activities at both national and international levels (administrative, sports or any other), FIFA said in a statement on Friday. According to the statement, the duration of the ban, which takes immediate effect, may be extended for an additional period not exceeding 45 days. Nyantakyi's ban comes two days after the premiering of investigative report on alleged fraudulent activities that have characterized Ghana football.
layun praises Mexico
MADRID: Mexican defender Miguel layun is hopeful about his national team's performances at the upcoming football World Cup in Russia and said they want to give it their all. layun, a regular in the team under Colombian coach Juan Carlos Osorio, said in an interview that they will go into the tournament with the mentality of fighting till the end. "There are times when one cannot put aside the fact that we are not favorites, but we also are a quality team, we have positive things and work together, and all these come together very well because all of us are attuned," said the defender for Portuguese club Porto who was loaned to Sevilla in the middle of the last season.
Germany beats S Arabia 2-1
lEVERKUSEN: Defending World Cup champion Germany defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 on Friday for a timely but unimpressive win just over a week before its title defense begins in Russia. Having failed to win any of its previous five friendly games since wrapping up qualification with a perfect 10 wins from 10 matches, Germany was keen to deliver a statement four days before the side leaves for its tournament base in Moscow, especially after last Saturday's lackluster 2-1 defeat to Austria. But Joachim loew's side again failed to shine and had to rely on Mats Hummels denying Mohammad Al-Sahlawi an injury-time equalizer. "We squandered many chances and allowed many chances today. We were even lucky in the end," the Germany coach said.
Switzerland win over japan
lUGANO: Switzerland continued their preparations for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup by defeating Japan 2-0 in an international friendly here. The Swiss are unbeaten in their World Cup warm-up games, while Japan have lost four of their last five. Switzerland's Breel Embolo won a penalty in the first half of Friday's match after cutting inside from the left, which full back Ricardo Rodriguez converted to open the scoring. Haris Seferovic doubled the Swiss lead from close range late in the second half. Switzerland start their World Cup campaign against Brazil on Jun. 17, with the team also facing Costa Rica and Serbia in Group E. Japan, meanwhile, have one friendly match left to turn their lackluster form around before their World Cup kicks off.
Chile hold Poland
POZNAN: Poland played out a 2-2 draw with Chile in their first international friendly ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. The hosts built up a 2-0 lead in front of some 42,000 fans but Chile, who failed to qualify for the World Cup, battled back. Robert lewandowski exploited a Chilean miscue to open the scoring for Poland, who doubled their lead in the 33rd minute. But the Chileans pressed forward and the reward came in the 38th minute. Chile turned up the intensity in the second half, nearly overwhelming the hosts, and Miiko Albornoz got the equaliser in the 56th minutes.