CORNER KICK
Journo who exposed doping ‘won’t be in Russia
BERLIN: German journalist Hajo Seppelt, whose investigative reporting exposed Russia’s alleged state-sponsored doping, will not travel to the football World Cup tournament out of security concerns, national broadcaster ARD said. World Cup host Russia had initially refused to issue Seppelt a visa, but later relented after massive international pressure, with FIFA stressing the importance of media freedom to President Vladimir Putin’s government. But Germany’s security agencies have since evaluated the situation and found that it was risky for the journalist to travel to Russia, said ARD in a statement late Wednesday. Representatives from the broadcaster also held talks with Foreign Minister Heiko Maas over the security issue and the ministry shared the intelligence agencies’ concerns.
Malls, stores buckle up as FIFA fever kicks in
NEW DELHI: As the FIFA fever grips India, malls and merchandise stores across the city have kicked off the football season with live screenings of matches, colourful team jerseys and a lot more. Football fans can be seen gathering at sports gear outlets in various parts of the city. Sharad Chandra, an advisor at a sports store in Rohini here said his shop, decorated with FIFA-themed merchandise, has been flooded with supporters of their favourite teams — Argentina, Brazil and England. “Jerseys of Argentina are selling the most,” he said.
Messi needs to be supported for glory
BUENOS AIRES: Argentina goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman called on his side to lessen the burden of their star striker Lionel Messi if they want to attain the glory in Russia. Guzman insisted that the 30-year-old is an important figure for the team and that he needs to be well-supported by his international team-mates. “Of course Leo is a very important figure to us. We have to know how to be with him. He has to let us too. And we have to somehow, take away the responsibility he already has. He feels it too,” goal.com quotes Guzman, as saying Heading into the showpiece event, the Argentina national football team relies heavily on Messi as the Barcelona forward look to clinch his first international honour.
Mexico’s ‘Grand Warlock’ casts spell to help team
MEXICO CITY: With the help of two priestesses and a rain stick shaped like an ancient Mesoamerican god, Mexico’s “Grand Warlock” cast a spell to help the nation at the World Cup. Antonio Vazquez — better known as “El Brujo Mayor,” a soothsayer famed for his annual predictions on politics and the news — invoked the plumed serpent god Quetzalcoatl, worshipped by the Aztecs and other pre-Columbian peoples, to get the Mexican national team to at least the quarter-finals in Russia. “Give me all your force and power to break through heaven’s doors, let Mexico reach the fifth match. Quetzalcoatl, let it be so,” he said, his long white beard standing out against his green Mexico jersey.
Russian kids go crazy over ‘keeper Navas
PAVLOVSK: Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who plays for Real Madrid, is a fan favourite at the FIFA World Cup, drawing hundreds of people to his team’s first practice session at the Olimpiyets here. Dozens of kids turned up for Costa Rica’s maiden practice session at the complex on Wednesday, saying the only two words they knew in Spanish, “Keylor Navas.” Fans applauded when the 31-year-old Navas and his teammates took the field for warm-ups, calmed down and then got excited again when their football hero went into action, making some impressive stops. “He’s my favourite player, I also want to be a goalkeeper,” a nine-year-old boy said.
Scalpers still operating despite crackdown
MOSCOW: Scalpers are still operating at the World Cup, despite claims of a crackdown by FIFA and Russian organizers on illicit ticket sales. Sellers have been visible outside the main ticket office in Moscow, buying spare tickets from foreign fans and sell at inflated prices. A reporter was approached six times within an hour and offered tickets including a luxury Category 1 seat at the opening game Thursday between Russia and Saudi Arabia. One was offered at USD 700, or USD150 above the standard price. The most in-demand tickets, such as for Argentina’s opening game, are being offered online for as much as USD 2,300, though buyers have no guarantee they’re getting genuine access to the games.