UN condemns harassment of women
RIO DE JANEIRO: The UN Women's office here has released videos condemning sexual harassment of Russian women by Brazilian men at the ongoing FIFA World Cup. "It is unacceptable the deliberate intention of some Brazilian fans to sexually harass women during the World Cup, using embarrassment, deception, and thus violating the human rights of women," said the agency on Friday. The videos shared by Brazilian men on social network sites showed Brazilian men harassing a Russian journalist trying to work. In another, they approached a Russian woman and convinced her to repeat some words in Portuguese. Not knowing what she is saying, the woman repeats several expressions with strong sexual and racist connotations. The videos have caused uproar and raised much criticism in Brazil and abroad. "With low slang words, they reduced women to sexual objects in the demonstration of how misogyny, which even underlies the culture of rape, takes different forms and has no borders, occurring in an event that aims to promote the integration of peoples and feelings of union for sport. "To Russian women and women of all nationalities, UN Women Brazil expresses its solidarity," the agency added.
Temer congratulates team on victory
RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil's President Michel Temer congratulated the national football team for their victory against Costa Rica in the second group match in Russia World Cup. Brazil won by 2-0 in a dramatic match on Friday which was only decided in the final minutes. It was the team's first victory in the tournament. In the first group match, Brazil tied with Switzerland 1-1. Brazil will face Serbia on Wednesday. Temer praised the stamina and determination of the players on Twitter. "Congratulations to the team for their stamina and determination! Forward to the sixth championship," he said. The official account of the Brazilian government on Twitter also published a message calling for all Brazilians to cheer for the team.
Serbia question non-use of VAR
KAlININGRAD: Serbian football association vice president Savo Milosevic has questioned why the video assistant referee (VAR) was not used for a penalty appeal during his team's 1-2 World Cup loss to Switzerland here. Referee Felix Brych waved play on after Serbia striker Aleksandar Mitrovic fell to the ground while jostling with Switzerland defenders Stephan lichtsteiner and Fabian Schaer during the second half of the match at Kaliningrad Stadium on Friday. "I understand that maybe the referee didn't see it, but that's why we have VAR," Milosevic said. "What are those guys doing up thereIJ" Mitrovic gave his team the lead with an early header before Switzerland drew level through a long-range Granit Xhaka strike. Xherdan Shaqiri broke the deadlock in the 90th minute by sliding the ball between the legs of goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic. Both teams have a chance to progress to the tournament's knockout phase.
Caballero hit hard by his error
BUENOS AIRES: Argentinia's goalkeeper Wilfredo Caballero has admitted to going through very tough times following his costly mistake in the game against Croatia during the ongoing FIFA World Cup. However, Caballero said he now wants to focus on his work and not become a victim. "It is better to work and apologise by winning, not by talking." When asked about his state of mind by Argentina's Canal 13 over text messages, the keeper said that it was a difficult moment and he needed to see it through.On June 20, Caballero, 36, made a fateful error during their World Cup Group D match that allowed Croatia to score the first goal. Croatia went on to win the group stage match 3-0.Eyebrows were also raised regarding Caballero's performance in the first match against Iceland, which ended in a 1-1 tie.
Costa Rica disappointed after defeat
SAN JOSE: Costa Rican fans and media were bitter after their team was eliminated from the 2018 Russia World Cup, after losing 0-2 to Brazil. Costa Rica played an almost perfect defensive game, holding off the Brazilians until the 90th minute, when Coutinho scored to shatter their hopes before Neymar made it 2-0 deep into extra time on Friday. Despite the game falling on a work day, Costa Ricans fans had high hopes for the game. Several restaurants were packed out with people coming to watch the match before starting work. "Brazil sank Costa Rica when it hurt the most. Goodbye to the World Cup!" read the headline of la Nacion, a daily newspaper. It explained how the second defeat in a row left the country with no chance of making the second round, even if it beats Switzerland in its last game. Caballero said he would like to say many things, but it was not the time instead he needed to work and not talk.