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Journalism of Courage
Hamburg: Costa Rica’s final Group A game against Poland, now only about pride, may mark the end of the road for a side that has driven the small central American nation to two consecutive World Cups. Thursday’s 3-0 defeat by Ecuador guaranteed a repeat of the Ticos’ first round exit in South Korea four years ago, ending their hopes of emulating the 1990 team who made it to the last 16.
A mask is okay
Berlin: FIFA are not planning to take any action against Ecuadorean striker Ivan Kaviedes for donning a Spiderman mask to celebrate his goal against Costa Rica in their Group A clash on Thursday. But the 29-year-old targetman said there was also a serious side to his celebration — a tribute to former international Otilino Tenorio, who died last year aged 25 in a car crash.
No Ahmadinejad
Frankfurt: Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, an avid soccer fan, is not expected to attend his country’s World Cup match against Portugal in Frankfurt on Saturday, local police said. Mohammad Aliabadi, one of Iran’s seven vice presidents and responsible for sport policy, is with the national team in Germany and will be at Frankfurt’s Waldstadion on Saturday.
Closed roof
Berlin: The roof at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen was closed for Friday’s Group C match between Argentina and Serbia & Montenegro. The stadium will become the fourth in World Cup history to stage a match indoors following the Silverdome in Detroit in 1994, the Sapporo Dome in 2002, and Frankfurt’s Waldstadion.
Fresh blood
Berlin: Veteran midfielder Roberto Acuna said Paraguay needed an injection of younger blood to rejuvenate the team after they lost their opening two matches without scoring and crashed out of the World Cup. “In that way, the team would be able to find renewal,” Acuna said.
