Chinese website sells ‘Suarez bite’ bottle openers
Beijing: Chinese online stores are cheekily trying to cash in on Uruguay striker Luis Suarez’s notorious bite of an opponent at the World Cup by selling bottle openers with his image. Popular Chinese retail website Taobao has retailers offering bottle openers in a cartoon image of Suarez, looking angry with his mouth wide open, for 16.80 yuan ($2.70). The China Daily newspaper reported that the products were proving popular. “I came up with the idea the night I watched the game and saw the bite,” Wang Lin, who owns an e-shop on Taobao.com, told the paper. “It has been a good sales idea, the only problem being that the manufacturing process cannot keep up with demand,” he added. Uruguay have lodged an appeal against the four-month ban on Suarez, who later apologised for his actions. (AFP)
Bollywood rooting for Brazil
New Delhi: As World Cup excitement reaches fever pitch, Bollywood actors, including superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, are soaking in the football mania with many of them rooting for tournament favourites Brazil. The quarterfinal match between Brazil and Colombia was watched with great excitement the world over and Bollywood stars were no exception. David Luiz blasted a sensational free kick into the net from 35 yards as Brazil knocked out Colombia 2-1 to set up a FIFA World Cup semifinal clash with Germany. “BBBBRRRRAAAAAAAAAZZZIIILLLLLLLLLLLLL !!!!! (need i say more…),” Amitabh Bachchan tweeted at the end of the match. Bachchan, a self-confessed Brazil fan, tweeted before the game as well, saying, “Its BRA v COL … please do not disturb!!” Shah Rukh, known for his love for sports, tweeted during the game, “Have a feeling Brazil will shift a gear up from here on. Columbia worthy opponents…anything UnSouth American today…can wait.” (PTI)
Happy Brazilians jump in ocean
Rio de Janeiro: Joyous Brazilians jumped in the ocean, threw beer in the air and launched fireworks after their football team took a step closer to a dream World Cup final. From Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana beach to packed bars in Sao Paulo and the capital Brasilia, Brazilians leaped and kissed each other after the 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Colombia, setting up a semifinal against Germany. “I think Brazil are playing better every game. They’ll win the cup. This Selecao has a lot of heart,” said Vinicius Morais, an 18-year-old street vendor at the official Fan Fest attended by 25,000 people in Copacabana. About 100 fans jumped straight into the sea, most fully clothed, after the final whistle, as smoke from dozens of flares filled the air while others sang “I’m Brazilian.” Another 25,000 people were at the Fan Fest in downtown Sao Paulo, where people celebrated by jumping in the air, kissing and hugging.