FIFA defends Japanese referee
Rio de Janeiro: FIFA chiefs defended Japanese official Yuichi Nishimura after he awarded Brazil a bitterly contested penalty in their opening game victory over Croatia. Croatia’s coach and players erupted in fury at Nishimura’s decision to award a penalty against defender Dejan Lovren for a foul on Brazil’s Fred on Thursday night. Replays indicated that Lovren barely touched Fred. FIFA defended Nishimura, but said no decision had been taken as to if he will appear in another match at the tournament. (AFP)
Nigeria untroubled by pitch invaders
Campinas (Brazil): Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi said he was unperturbed by the attempts of several high-spirited fans to invade the pitch during a training session ahead of their opener. Hundreds of football supporters were in the stadium here on Friday to witness the African champions go through their paces, but midway through the session a number of people got onto the pitch and attempted to make a beeline for the players. (Reuters)
Ronaldo training well, will play vs Ger
CAMPINAS (Brazil): Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo is training well and will play in their opening World Cup Group G game against Germany despite concerns about his left knee, goalkeeper Eduardo said on Saturday. “Cristiano is good. He is training good, he is training hard. We are a group, we have a lot of good players and nobody wins alone but with Cristiano of course it is better for us … You are talking about the best player in the world.” Ronaldo left a training session on Thursday, fuelling concerns that tendonitis in his knee might mean he will not be fit for Tuesday’s game. (Reuters)