Ronaldo struggles hurt Portugal prep
Manuas: Lingering doubts about the fitness of world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo have left Portugal in disarray ahead of their World Cup Group E clash with the United States in Manaus on Sunday (Monday in India). Already reeling from a crushing 4-0 defeat to Germany in their opener, Portugal face almost certain elimination if they lose to the US. But their preparation for the game could not be going much worse. Although the Portugal camp insist the Real Madrid forward is fit, Ronaldo has been seen sporting an ice pack on his knee at training sessions and leaving early as his team-mates continued to train, while he was far from his scintillating best against the Germans. Much media speculation has focussed on whether or not he will play against the US, or indeed if he does, whether or not he will be fully fit. But fellow forward Helder Postiga was adamant that too much is being read into an ice pack. “I personally think that the Cristiano Ronaldo talk is a bit too much so I imagine how he must be feeling about that,” Postiga said. “But regarding his physical condition, he’s been training at his maximum and if it’s not listed in the clinical information of the Portuguese (football) federation it’s because he’s fit to play.” (AFP)
Rooney says sorry for England flop
Rio de Janeiro: Wayne Rooney today apologised to England fans for the country’s disastrous exit from the World Cup after two defeats. The 28-year-old Manchester United striker said on his Facebook page that he was “absolutely devastated” and “gutted” by the losses to Italy and Uruguay in Group D. Costa Rica beat Italy 1-0 yesterday, snuffing out any remaining hope for England. “Sorry to all the fans that travelled and at home that we haven’t done better,” said Rooney, who did manage to get his first World Cup finals goal in the Uruguay game. “Going into each game we had great belief in ourselves but unfortunately it hasn’t worked out,” he added. Midfielder Jack Wilshere sent the same message to England fans. “Gutted doesn’t come close to how I am feeling right now. Sorry to all the fans who came out and supported us, and everyone back home,” the 22-year-old Arsenal player said on his Twitter account. England have faced withering criticism from the media. But the English Football Association has insisted it will stick with coach Roy Hodgson for the Euro 2016 qualifiers. (Reuters)
Spirit of ’98 infecting France: Deschamps
Salvador: Coach Didier Deschamps says the same spirit which helped carry France to their 1998 World Cup victory is infecting the current squad, who thumped Switzerland 5-2. Four years to the day after France’s South Africa campaign unravelled when the players went on strike, Deschamps says the discord of 2010 has been replaced by a rock solid “esprit de corps” in Brazil. “You can’t compare dressing rooms to the one in 1998, but I have a very focused group and they have the mind-set which they want to maintain,” said Deschamps, who captained France to the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 victory. “There is a force which is rising, it’s not a guarantee of our success, but this mind-set is very powerful.” (Reuters)
Salvador goals worth weight in trees
Rio De Janeiro: The goals have been flying in at the Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador and are providing a boost to the environment in the process. According to ESPN Brazil, the local government in the state of Bahia promised to plant 1,111 new trees for every goal scored in the World Cup venue, up to a maximum of 31,111. “This quantity allows for an average of five goals per game, more than the World Cup average of 2.86,” read a statement released by the local government, according to ESPN Brazil. However, France’s 5-2 win against Switzerland on Friday took the total number of goals scored in Salvador to 17 in just three matches, which translates to 18,887 trees and counting. The Netherlands beat Spain 5-1 at the same venue last Friday before Germany hammered Portugal 4-0 there on Monday. The Fonte Nova Arena will also host Bosnia-Hercegovina’s clash with Iran in Group F next Wednesday as well as one last-16 tie and a quarterfinal. (AP)