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World Cup diary: Maracanã’s bare pitch raises worries for future games World Cup diary: Maracanã’s bare pitch raises worries for future games
(2 months later)
Maracanã’s lack of grass sows seeds of concernMaracanã’s lack of grass sows seeds of concern
The Maracanã may have iconic status, epic history and look fantastic but, according to the Belgian squad, its pitch is not up to scratch. Following their 1-0 victory over Russia on Monday, several players complained. Vincent Kompany said the quality of the pitch was lower than European standards. Others said the grass was poor and the surface was too hard. After three matches, the pitch is showing signs of wear in the goalmouths, which is a matter of concern as the Maracanã still has to host another five matches, including the final.The Maracanã may have iconic status, epic history and look fantastic but, according to the Belgian squad, its pitch is not up to scratch. Following their 1-0 victory over Russia on Monday, several players complained. Vincent Kompany said the quality of the pitch was lower than European standards. Others said the grass was poor and the surface was too hard. After three matches, the pitch is showing signs of wear in the goalmouths, which is a matter of concern as the Maracanã still has to host another five matches, including the final.
England may be poor but group tops rich list England may be poor but group tops rich list
Little consolation for England, but they were knocked out of the most valuable group in the World Cup. A ranking of national teams by the market value of their players found that Group D was top with the squads of England worth $493m, Italy $449m, Uruguay $261m and Costa Rica $52m. Added together, this comes to $1.255bn, a sliver ahead of Group G with Germany, Portugal, USA and Ghana. The hosts Brazil – with the most expensive World Cup team – will hopefully provide better bang for its total valuation of a whopping $718m.Little consolation for England, but they were knocked out of the most valuable group in the World Cup. A ranking of national teams by the market value of their players found that Group D was top with the squads of England worth $493m, Italy $449m, Uruguay $261m and Costa Rica $52m. Added together, this comes to $1.255bn, a sliver ahead of Group G with Germany, Portugal, USA and Ghana. The hosts Brazil – with the most expensive World Cup team – will hopefully provide better bang for its total valuation of a whopping $718m.
Nazi invasion prompts investigation by FifaNazi invasion prompts investigation by Fifa
Fifa’s disciplinary committee are investigating a pitch invasion by a man sporting Nazi daubings during the Germany against Ghana game on Saturday. The spectator was escorted off by Ghana’s Sulley Muntari but not before he had removed his shirt and displayed a chest painted with HH for “Heil Hitler”. Commentators have linked this to other apparently racist acts by German fans, including two supporters who blacked their faces and scrawled Ghana on their T-shirts. Germany supporters are sure to come under closer scrutiny for the rest of the tournament.Fifa’s disciplinary committee are investigating a pitch invasion by a man sporting Nazi daubings during the Germany against Ghana game on Saturday. The spectator was escorted off by Ghana’s Sulley Muntari but not before he had removed his shirt and displayed a chest painted with HH for “Heil Hitler”. Commentators have linked this to other apparently racist acts by German fans, including two supporters who blacked their faces and scrawled Ghana on their T-shirts. Germany supporters are sure to come under closer scrutiny for the rest of the tournament.
Gerrard and Jagielka capped for Hapless XIGerrard and Jagielka capped for Hapless XI
Steven Gerrard and Phil Jagielka have been selected in a World Cup Hapless XI by one of Brazil’s sports’ writers.The England pair – who will probably want to forget their performances against Uruguay – join Brazil’s Fred and Paulinho, as well as Spain’s unfortunate goalkeeper Iker Casillas, in a lineup of misfits and mishits from the second round of group matches chosen by Bernardo Pombo of Globo. He also drew up a Galactico 11 of the best performers, including the Uruguay striker Luis Suárez, whose two goals sunk England, and the Mexico keeper Guillermo Ochoa. Steven Gerrard and Phil Jagielka have been selected in a World Cup Hapless XI by one of Brazil’s sports’ writers.The England pair – who will probably want to forget their performances against Uruguay – join Brazil’s Fred and Paulinho, as well as Spain’s unfortunate goalkeeper Iker Casillas, in a lineup of misfits and mishits from the second round of group matches chosen by Bernardo Pombo of Globo. He also drew up a Galactico 11 of the best performers, including the Uruguay striker Luis Suárez, whose two goals sunk England, and the Mexico keeper Guillermo Ochoa.