Casillas seeks forgiveness after Dutch rout
Curitiba (Brazil): World champions Spain’s 5-1 mauling by the Netherlands was especially symbolic for the disastrous role played by captain and talisman of three consecutive major tournament victories Iker Casillas. The 32-year-old was clearly at fault for the Netherlands’ fourth goal, slotted home by Robin van Persie, and was earlier booked for his protests after claiming he had been fouled by the Manchester United striker as he flapped to allow Stefan de Vrij to make it 3-1. “I am the first one to ask for forgiveness,” he admitted. “It wasn’t my best game by a long way because I wasn’t up to the task required and I have to know how to face this type of situation. I need to receive the criticisms I know I will receive and think about training and think about the next game.” (AFP)
Spain better than what they were in 2010: Torres
Curitiba (Brazil): Chelsea striker Fernando Torres believes Spain are an even better team than when they won the World Cup four years ago despite opening the defence of their title with a humiliating 5-1 thumping by the Netherlands. “We are the same as we were a week ago, or four years ago. The team has matured with age. There is nothing to say that the team is worse, I would say it is a lot better,” said the 30-year-old. The defeat against the Dutch was Spain’s heaviest in 51 years, but Torres insisted their experience of winning three consecutive major tournaments before landing in Brazil will mean the squad’s confidence is not short when they face Chile on Wednesday. (AP)
FIFA to probe flying drone above France camp
Porto Alegre (Brazil): France coach Didier Deschamps has said FIFA will look into claims one of his side’s training sessions was disrupted by a drone flying overhead earlier this week. The incident is believed to have taken place on Tuesday at France’s World Cup training camp in Ribeirao Preto, north of Sao Paulo, as they prepared for their opening match against Honduras in Porto Alegre today. “Apparently drones are used more and more,” said Deschamps, who captained the side to their only World Cup triumph in 1998. “We don’t want intrusion into our privacy. It’s hard to fight. (Reuters)
