Italy look for a leg-up for Totti

Francesco Totti recovered from leg surgery in record time. Now he faces another huge challenge: being in top form for the World Cup.

Francesco Totti recovered from leg surgery in record time. Now he faces another huge challenge: being in top form for the World Cup. That’s the biggest question regarding Italy’s line-up entering this year’s tournament. Coach Marcello Lippi tried several options in a two-day training camp earlier this month, but he makes no secret that “no one else can play Totti’s position.” “I’m optimistic regarding Totti,” Lippi said. “But now comes the tough part. He’s going to go up against opponents that won’t have much regard for him.”

‘Don’t rule out early exit’

Frankfurt: Germany captain Michael Ballack has warned the World Cup host nation not to expect too much from the young team. “Everyone should be aware that a positive surprise is possible with this young team – but an early exit as well,” Ballack was quoted as saying in Tuesday’s edition of Sport-Bild weekly. Ballack said the three-time World Cup champions were not stable enough to set a minimum target of the quarter finals or the semi-finals. “We have many on our roster who could still play for the under-21 team. Many are still learning, many are a long way from reaching their zenith,” Ballack said.

‘Davids may still make it’

Amsterdam: Tottenham midfielder Edgar Davids may still be in the Netherlands’ squad. The country’s soccer federation denied reports that Davids had been axed, with the spokeswoman saying the veteran midfielder “could still make it.” Coach Marco Van Basten said Sunday that Davids and five others had only a slim chance of going to the finals. The others were Wilfred Bouma, Ron Vlaar, Urby Emanuelson, Patrick Lodewijks and Martijn Meerdink.

Trump hikes H-1B visa fees to $100,000 a year in massive immigration overhaul

India57 min ago

President Trump has signed a proclamation increasing the H-1B visa fee to USD 100,000 per year in an effort to prevent abuse of the visa system. This will affect skilled Indian professionals, who make up the majority of H-1B visa recipients. The goal is to protect American workers while still allowing companies to hire qualified individuals.

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