Germany and England touch down
MOSCOW: Reigning champions Germany arrived in Russia on Tuesday to join the World Cup party.
Gareth Southgate’s inexperienced England team also touched down as excitement mounts ahead of today’s opening fixture between the host nation and Saudi Arabia.
Germany, aiming to join Brazil as fivetime winners of the World Cup, landed near Moscow ahead of their first match against Mexico on Sunday.
The Germans are among a group of favourites alongside Spain, France and Brazil but there are lingering questions over their form.
Joachim Loew’s side went five games without a win before labouring to a 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia in their final warmup and first-choice goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has hardly played since September.
But the Germans have made at least the semi-finals in each of the past four World Cups and have a habit of finding form when they need it most.
The defending champions also play Sweden and South Korea.
Loew warned Germany’s rivals had all made strides since Mario Goetze’s extratime goal gave them the title in 2014.
“There will be a high standard of opposition. Spain have improved, while Brazil and Argentina are up there,” he said.
England, who landed in Saint Petersburg, are not among the favourites in Russia but the third-youngest Three Lions squad ever to head to a World Cup boasts Premier League stars such as Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling.
“It’s the one competition that everybody dreams of winning,” said captain Kane before England set off. “I’d be surprised if the majority of players did not say the World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world.”
QUEIROZ SLAMS NIKE
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has called on Nike to apologise to his team after the US sportswear firm said it could not supply the players with football boots for the World Cup due to sanctions.
“US sanctions mean that, as a US company, Nike cannot supply shoes to players in the Iranian National team at this time,” Nike had said in a statement.
Queiroz, whose side face Morocco in their Group B opener tomorrow, said it was an unnecessary statement and asked Fifa to help.
“It has been a source of inspiration for us,” Queiroz told Sky Sports. “This last comment of Nike was, in my personal view, an unnecessary statement. Everybody is aware about the sanctions.
“They should come out and apologise because this arrogant conduct against 23 boys is absolutely ridiculous and unnecessary.”
RONALDO BACKS BRAZIL
Former Brazil striker Ronaldo believes it is time for his country to live up to the expectations and end their 16-year wait for a World Cup in Russia.
Tite’s Brazilian squad head into the tournament as one of the favourites, and will meet Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia in Group E.
“I think for me the favourite is, of course, Brazil, not just because I am Brazilian but because Brazil are playing very well,” Ronaldo, who was the top scorer when Brazil last won the World Cup in 2002, told reporters in Moscow.
“Spain are playing very well, and Germany are always strong. But the World Cup is such a difficult tournament, and we also have Argentina, who are always strong, France with a very young team.
“I hope Brazil can win. It’s a long time since 2002, and I think it’s time.”
Five-time champions Brazil will open their campaign against Switzerland on Sunday.