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Germany's referee Felix Brych sprays vanishing foam on the pitch as he takes part in a training camp for referees for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich March 27, 2014. Reuters/Arnd Wiegmann
(Reuters) - The vanishing spray used by referees to mark the 10 yards distance between a free kick and the defensive wall of players made its debut at World Cup level in Thursday's opening game between Brazil and Croatia.
The aerosol can which sprays a white foam-like substance that disappears from vision quickly after use has previously been used in tournaments including the 2011 Copa America, Copa Libertadores matches and in Major League Soccer.
Use of the small can has been credited with cutting out time-consuming disputes with referees able to swiftly illustrate the place the kick should be taken from and the distance the wall needs to step back to.
By Brian Homewood
BRASILIA Thu Jun 12, 2014 8:29pm BST
A worker drives a lawn mower on the pitch of the Arena Amazonia stadium in Manaus,June 11 2014. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko
(Reuters) - The world players' union FIFPro has criticised conditions in Manaus as being unsuitable for World Cup matches after a threadbare pitch added to concerns over heat and humidity.
"The players deserve a quality playing surface and conditions that reflect what is meant to be the world's premier football event. This is simply not the case in Manaus," said FIFPro in a statement.
"Nobody wants to see the players and the spectacle in general suffer."
The grass at the Amazonia arena on Wednesday was threadbare in places and discoloured in others. Near one goalkeeper's area patches of sand could clearly be seen poking through.
Manaus, which lies at the heart of the Amazon rain forest and swelters in high heat and humidity year-round, will stage four matches, starting with England v Italy on Saturday.
Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, whose side face Honduras in another match in the city, has already complained about playing "in the middle of the jungle", saying the decision was "almost irresponsible."
"FIFPro's concerns stretch to parts of Brazil, including Manaus, where heat and humidity can reach dangerous levels at this time of year," FIFPro said.
"Putting a player in harm's way is shockingly irresponsible and not how the game ought to be run.
“Cooling breaks are important, but when and how often they’re introduced during a match is also open to interpretation in order to ensure optimal protection for the players”
FIFA guidelines state that cooling breaks are considered when Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which takes into account heat, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover, is above 32 Celsius.
FIFA has ruled that it will decide on a case-by-case basis whether cooling breaks are necessary at the World Cup.
However, FIFPro has argued that this is too high, quoting the American College of Sports Medicine as recommending that cooling breaks are introduced when the WBGT reaches 27.9 Celsius.
(Reporting by Brian Homewood, editing by Ed Osmond)
Police use stun grenades on protestors in Sao Paulo
By Kris Voakes
Jun 12, 2014 4:04:00 PM
A TV producer was injured and one person arrested after another day of demonstrations against the hosting of the World Cup
Tear gas and stun grenades have been used on protestors in Sao Paulo and one demonstrator has been arrested on the day the city hosts the opening game of the 2014 World Cup.
A TV producer was also injured as police with riot shields attempted to quell unrest from citizens railing against Brazil's decision to host the tournament rather than spend extra funds on domestic issues.
The incidents happened outside a subway station in the city just hours before Brazil take on Croatia at the Arena Corinthians on Thursday evening. The crowds also attempted to restrict movement on roads and footpaths leading up to the stadium, but were quickly moved along by the armed police ranks.
The trouble comes after a six-day subway strike in Sao Paulo was lifted just in time for the build-up to the opening fixture, while ground staff at many of Brazil's airports have voted to go ahead with 24-hour industrial action to coincide with the tournament's opening matches.
Brazil president Dilma Rousseff conducted a TV address to the nation on Tuesday asking the population to come together over the next month and postpone plans to disrupt the tournament, but the latest incidents have cast a shadow over the finals once more.
Recife steps up shark warnings for unwary World Cup fans
By Philip O'Connor
RECIFE Brazil Thu Jun 12, 2014 9:11pm BST
Vendors adjust sun recliners near a sign warning of shark attack, ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Recife, June 11, 2014. REUTERS-Yves Herman
(Reuters) - Soccer fans visiting Recife for the World Cup may be unaware that the city is not just famous for football - it is also one of the most dangerous places in the world to swim due to the risk of shark attacks.
Supporters strolling on the sandy beaches of the city, which will host five World Cup matches, are being met by a forest of warning signs in English and Portuguese, and newly-built watchtowers where lifeguards keep a close eye on bathers.
The Boa Viagem beach suffers a high number of shark attacks and an above-average number of fatalities, and local authorities are keen to avoid any incidents with unsuspecting soccer fans during the World Cup.
"In the 20 kilometres of beach we have in the state of Pernambuco, we have an atypical concentration of sharks, above the world average," local lifeguard captain Helder Silva told Reuters in an interview at one of the many watchtowers along the shore.
"Across these 20 kilometres of coastline we’ve had 59 incidents over 21 years, which is considered above the world average for attacks."
The waters off the coast of the capital of the Pernambuco region are mainly populated by bull and tiger sharks, which Silva says are attracted by the jetsam emptied into the sea by two local rivers.
In July of 2013 an 18-year-old Brazilian tourist from Sao Paulo, Bruna Gobbi, died after she was bitten on the leg by a shark at the Boa Viagem beach.
"Tourists often are not aware of the problem with sharks here, nor do they know the prevention measures. So we’ve needed to reinforce our efforts," Silva said.
"The World Cup is going to happen during the rainy season here, which is the period of greater risk of shark attack.
"We've nearly doubled our number of watch towers, which was part of the planning to receive the World Cup, and we've doubled our personnel to cater for the demand of the World Cup."
VIDEO MONITORS
As his colleagues intently study video monitors showing the situation on the strand, Silva said a campaign to make visitors aware of the dangers of swimming at the city's beaches was well underway, and seemed to be paying off.
"This year, we’ve not registered any attacks. Last year we had two, one here on Boa Viagem beach and another on Praias dos Corais in the neighboring town."
Silva demonstrated a device used by lifeguards called a Sharkshield, which uses an electronic pulse to repel sharks, before offering soccer fans and swimmers some simpler tips.
"To avoid a shark attack, avoid swimming in the ocean in unprotected areas or open shore. Here on our coast we have protected areas inside natural reefs, so it's recommended that if you swim, to do it in these areas at low tide," he said.
"Don’t swim alone. Stay in groups and don't spend too much time in the water. Don’t go in the water if you're bleeding, as it attracts sharks."
But high up the beach, sunbathing American soccer fan Quinn Gemperline told Reuters that he was not too worried about the prospect of a shark attack.
"If you swim past the reef wall maybe you should be a little worried, but this side of the reef I think you should be fine. I haven’t seen any sharks but I have seen a lot of the signs," he said.
"Every year there are fewer shark attacks than people who die from vending machine accidents, so I am not too worried.”
World Cup 2014: Javier Hernandez must sit out Mexico’s curtain-raiser against Cameroon
Manchester United striker faces further frustration on the bench as Samuel Eto’o is accused of ‘treason’ over Cameroon pay strike
Sidelined: Javier Hernández will be sitting on the bench again Photo: EPA
By Telegraph Sport, and agencies
12:30AM BST 13 Jun 2014
Javier Hernández will take his now-familiar place on the substitutes bench when Mexico face Cameroon on Friday.
The Manchester United striker, who has become increasingly frustrated at spending the majority of his Old Trafford career outside the starting line-up, might have hoped for something less peripheral with his national team.
But Mexico coach Miguel Herrera revealed on Thursday that he will pick the Villarreal forward, Giovani dos Santos, and Oribe Peralta to start in attack for the Group A encounter in Natal.
“I know that all of my players are going to leave their soul on the pitch to achieve a result,” Herrera said. “We are ready to go out and win.”
With Brazil and Croatia also included in the pool, Mexico know how vital Friday’s game is.
Mexico have failed to reach the knock-out round in the past five tournaments. “This is a very important game for us, key to our aspirations to progress to the next round,” Herrera said. “We know it’s not going to be easy but we are going to work very hard to beat Cameroon.”
Mexico will have to show a vast improvement as they suffered 1-0 defeats in their last two friendlies against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Portugal.
Cameroon’s build-up to the competition has been overshadowed by the squad’s controversial decision to “strike” over appearance fees.
Newspapers in the country have accused former Chelsea striker Samuel Eto’o of “treason” over his behaviour last weekend.
Eto’o’s tantrums and temperamental behaviour have long been tolerated because of his success on the field but it seems his country has had enough on the eve of their opening game.
A strike by the World Cup-bound squad over money meant their expensively-chartered airline took off for Brazil almost 24 hours late as the players attempted to squeeze more appearance money out of their federation.
But what has really rankled with the fans and media was their refusal to receive a symbolic flag from prime minister Philemon Yang at the end of their last warm-up international against Moldova in Yaounde last Saturday. Their German coach Volker Finke accepted it on their behalf.
“We must now ask: which country do Eto’o and his comrades represent if they go to Brazil having refused to accept this country’s most precious symbol, its flag?,” asked the daily Mutations newspaper.
“The flag is a symbol of the nation. We can blame those in power [for our problems], but insulting the national anthem or trampling the flag is a sacrilege. A player who goes to the World Cup is a soldier at the front. If he does not want to board that is high treason that deserves punishment!”
The opening game of the World Cup was shrouded in controversy but the officials' boss says the referee was 'permitted' to give the match-changing penalty
Fifa’s referees’ chief Massimo Busacca has defended Japanese official Yuichi Nishimura following his widely-criticised performance in Thursday’s World Cup opener between Brazil and Croatia.
Nishimura made a number of questionable decisions in the tie, culminating in the awarding of a highly dubious penalty – given against Croatia defender Dejan Lovren for an alleged foul on Fred - from which Neymar put Brazil 2-1 up.
Neymar was lucky to escape a red card for an elbow on Luka Modric shortly before the Barcelona star equalised in the first half, while Croatia also had a goal from Ivan Perisic chalked off for what the referee deemed to be a foul on home goalkeeper Julio Cesar by Ivica Olic.
Lovren later hit out, labelling Nishimura’s display “a scandal” while the Southampton defender also claimed his side had been up against 12 men in a match Brazil went on to win 3-1.
Busacca, however, felt the referee was entitled to give the penalty which changed the course of the game.
Speaking at Friday’s Fifa daily briefing, he said: “The referee is concentrating on the situation and the gesture [of Lovren putting his hands on Fred].
“How much was the gesture? How much was he really holding? Black and white is something we can discuss. Many say yes, many say no. It is important to keep your opinion.
“The referee had a very good position and from there he saw. On the pitch he has one second to make the decision.
“Unfortunately, the referee is not the defender or the attacker to understand or to know how much it was or was not [a penalty].
“We made it clear we did not want to see holding.
“There was contact. We are not here to discuss that. That’s why we are working on prevention.
“[He made contact] with the left hand and the right hand. If you make contact you permit the referee to go in one direction.”
Busacca refused to say whether Nishimura will miss any World Cup games on the back of his performance.
“It is impossible to say, we have not fully analysed his performance yet,” he added.
“The game is 90 minutes long, not just one situation.”
Mexico 1-0 Cameroon: Peralta strike secures victory for Herrera's men
Jun 13, 2014 6:57:00 PM
The Club America striker sealed victory for his side after Giovani dos Santos had two goals disallowed in controversial offside decisions
Oribe Peralta again proved his worth to Mexico as his goal helped them to a 1-0 win over Cameroon in their World Cup opener on Friday.
The Club America striker now has nine goals from his last seven competitive matches for Mexico as he put his side second in Group A after a hard-fought victory.
Amid heavy rain in Natal, the opening 45 minutes saw plenty of goalmouth action - although much of it came courtesy of three disallowed efforts.
Giovani dos Santos had two ruled out by referee's assistant Humberto Clavijo, both of which seemed close calls, while Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting also had one chalked off in a goalless opening half.
Just after the hour, Mexico eventually got their breakthrough when Peralta snaffled up a loose ball inside the area.
Peralta, scorer of 10 goals in Mexico's qualification campaign, secured his first at a World Cup and it proved enough for Miguel Herrera's side to keep pace with Brazil at the top of the group.
Mexico made much of the early running, although Miguel Layun's tame effort on target was easily saved by Charles Itandje.
Dos Santos then looked to have opened the scoring when he side-footed home after 11 minutes, only to be adjudged offside from Rafael Marquez's delivery.
The likes of Dos Santos and Peralta proved a threat for Mexico as Cameroon struggled to get out of their own half in the opening 20 minutes.
It was then Cameroon's turn to have a goal ruled out - with Choupo-Moting judged to have strayed offside.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto produced a golden opportunity for Cameroon as he surged down the left wing before pulling a cross back that Samuel Eto'o could only fire wide.
It marked a first spell of dominance for Volker Finke's men, but Mexico could have taken the lead had captain Marquez left a delivery for the onrushing Hector Moreno after a teasing delivery from the right.
Dos Santos had the ball in the net for a second time before the break, but again he was denied after Clavijo deemed the flick-on to come from Hector Herrera rather than Choupo-Moting.
Having been among the talking points at half-time, the officials were soon back in the limelight when referee Wilmar Roldan was required to produce a yellow card for a poor challenge from Alexandre Song on Dos Santos.
Assou-Ekotto went close with a deflected free-kick just before the hour, but, when Dos Santos' shot at the other end was only parried by Itandje, Peralta was on hand to tuck away the decisive goal.
Eto'o cleverly played in Benjamin Moukandjo behind the Mexican defence late on, but his cross was cleared by Francisco Rodriguez. Moukandjo also had a header well saved by Guillermo Ochoa.
Javier Hernandez then blazed a shot off target from close range in stoppage time, but it mattered little as Mexico stood firm to bolster their hopes of reaching the last 16 for a sixth World Cup running and leave Cameroon with a mountain to climb.
The 46-year-old was angry that his side couldn't finish the game with a bigger lead because of the officials' decisions but praised his team for their performance
By Luis Herrera in Natal
Mexico coach Miguel Herrera has criticised referee Wilmar Roldan for taking what he perceived to be two legitimate goals from his team in their 1-0 win over Cameroon.
Giovani Dos Santos twice appeared to give his side the lead in the first half but was denied by the assistant referee's flag, although replays suggested he was onside.
Mexico went on to win 1-0 through Oribe Peralta's goal on the hour mark and while Herrera was happy with his side's performance, he insists the officials made the wrong calls.
"The team has won three points and that's what we wanted," he told reporters. "If we keep this tempo going then I'm sure we will go through to the next round.
"The referee took away two goals that were clear. We would have been able to leave with a bigger lead, but the team did not get desperate. I'll have a quiet sleep tonight, as always.
"Today there was one team on the pitch who played with the ball. But we are now thinking about the next game."
Spain 1-5 Netherlands: Robben and Van Persie obliterate world champions
Jun 13, 2014 9:51:00 PM
Two goals apiece for the attacking duo and a tap-in from Stefan de Vrij left Vicente del Bosque's men totally torn apart in the first game of their title defence
Netherlands left World Cup holders Spain shaken to the core after they recorded a 5-1 thrashing in their opening game on Friday.
Andres Iniesta scored in extra-time to give Spain a 1-0 win and the trophy in South Africa four years ago, and it appeared the same result was on the cards in Salvador when Xabi Alonso powered home a first-half penalty.
But the Netherlands hit back in stunning fashion, with Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben in scintillating form.
Van Persie levelled matters with a fabulous header on the stroke of half-time, before Robben - who fatefully missed a one-on-one with Iker Casillas in the 2010 final - gave Louis van Gaal's side the lead eight minutes after the interval.
Things went from bad to worse for the world champions when Stefan de Vrij nodded home a third on 64 minutes, before Van Persie and Robben netted again to complete a remarkable rout in Group B's opening fixture and cast further doubt over Spain's chances of winning their fourth straight major tournament.
Spain boss Vicente del Bosque forewent the temptation to start with Cesc Fabregas in the false-nine role that was so successful during Euro 2012, instead choosing Diego Costa as an out-and-out striker.
Costa's impact on their system was evident, too, as Spain opted for a more direct approach than in previous tournaments.
It was the Netherlands who created the first opening, Robben's inch-perfect throughball finding Wesley Sneijder, only for the playmaker - making his 100th international appearance - to shoot straight at Casillas.
Costa then spurned a couple of half-openings as Spain began to find their feet and the Netherlands' defending became increasingly desperate.
It was a last-ditch tackle that led to the opener, De Vrij's sliding challenge bringing down the lively Costa - with Alonso coolly converting from the spot.
Van Gaal's side enjoyed a good spell thereafter, but Spain threatened again on the stroke of half-time as Jasper Cillessen kept out David Silva's cute dink following a stunning Iniesta pass.
That miss would become all the more important soon after, Van Persie looping a superb diving header over Casillas after being picked out by Daley Blind's sumptuous long diagonal.
Picking up where they left off, the Netherlands went ahead soon after the break.
Another searching Blind delivery found Robben, who controlled and turned beyond Gerard Pique - who could only deflect his effort beyond Casillas.
Spain suddenly had no answer to their opponents' new-found verve, Van Persie rattling the crossbar with a vicious strike.
The woodwork could not save Del Bosque's men soon after, though, as De Vrij atoned for his earlier misstep by heading Sneijder's deep free kick in off the post after Casillas thought he had been fouled by Van Persie.
The Spain captain was visibly rattled, and an uncharacteristic error from him 18 minutes from time enabled Van Persie to notch his second goal of the game as he stole the ball from his feet and poked home.
And the Netherlands were not finished there, as Casillas was forced to pick the ball out of the net again as the irresistible Robben took advantage of more lax defending to race clear and round off a scarcely believable result.
The Spain coach has no plans to shake-up his side and hinted he will stick with the majority of the players who were hammered by Netherlands on Friday
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque insisted he will not be making drastic changes to his side despite their humiliating 5-1 thrashing by the Netherlands in their World Cup opener on Friday.
La Roja came into the tournament as the title holders – and two-time European champions – but were swept aside by a Holland side inspired by Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben.
Van Persie and Robben each scored twice, capitalizing on mistakes from the experienced Iker Casillas and Gerard Pique.
There will now be a clamour for Del Bosque to shake up his starting XI but the former Real Madrid boss hinted he would stick with the players who have served him so well in recent years ahead of the Group B clashes with Chile and Australia.
He told SporTV: "There is no need for a revolution. We did not win but we will move on and try to win the next game.
"This is a very delicate moment for us. We must all try to resolve this, beat Chile, and move on from there."
It all appeared to be going to script when Xabi Alonso put Spain ahead from the penalty spot after 27 minutes.
David Silva ought to have made it 2-0 but moments later Netherlands equalised through a fine Van Persie header.
The second half was a rout as Robben, Stefan De Vrij, Van Persie and Robben again completed one of the most surprising results in World Cup history.
Del Bosque added: "It's sport, we must accept defeat. They were better in the second half. If Silva makes it 2-0… but they caught us.
"In the second half they had more chances, found lots of space, we were too weak in defence.
"There were errors but we all fought for the result. We got down mentally, it was not about the physical state."
Kompany among Belgium stars to miss training ahead of World Cup opener
Jun 13, 2014 4:39:00 PM
Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen and Moussa Dembele could all not attend the session after picking up injuries
By Kris Voakes in Sao Paulo
Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen and Moussa Dembele all missed Belgium’s open training session on Friday after picking up minor knocks in an intra-squad friendly 24 hours earlier.
Instead of joining the remainder of Marc Wilmots’ squad, the quartet were seen cycling gently around the roads of the Red Devils’ Paradise Golf Resort training base in a bid to relieve the slight injuries.
However, all four are expected to be fit in good time to feature in Belgium’s opening Group H fixture against Algeria in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.
A team official confirmed that the group had been given a “separate programme” to the rest of the squad and there are no concerns over their availability for the clash with Vahid Halilhodzic’s side in four days’ time.
Belgium are favourites to progress from their group, with fixtures against Russia and South Korea also to come.
The former Ajax man is recovering well from injury but will not be risked on Saturday in his side's opening World Cup clash
By Robin Bairner in Fortaleza
Luis Suarez will sit out Uruguay’s World Cup opener against Costa Rica on Saturday, although the Liverpool forward’s recovery from knee surgery remains on track.
Suarez damaged the meniscus in his left knee in training in the build-up to the Brazil showpiece and was always facing a race against time to be fit for the game in Fortaleza.
Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez confirmed on Friday his star striker would not make it even if "all goes well" in training.
He added: "The doctor said he wasn’t ruled out for the World Cup, that was his first report. That’s why he’s in the squad.
"We are increasing his pace of recovery and up until now there have been no glitches.
"Yesterday afternoon he trained fully, and actually played football. There are no problems at all. But, obviously, he’s not at the level demanded in a full match.”
Tabarez would rather Suarez missed the Costa Rica game than jeopardise his participation in the trickier Group D games to come, against England and Italy.
He added: “We don’t want to jump the gun, but we have prepared without Luis. But we have to be very careful. We have to think about the players.
“He is recovering very well, but we have to be very careful and manage things carefully.”
Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani and Cerezo Osaka's Diego Forlan are set to lead the line in Saturday's encounter, which Tabarez believes could be key to launching his side towards an even stronger showing than their third-placed finish in 2010.
"My team has evolved a great deal, not only in terms of matches but also in terms of performance in tough leagues," he explained.
"They’re at their prime, 26 or 27-years-old, and most of the players have won titles. At the South Africa World Cup, some of these guys were only 22 or 23, they’ve evolved, not only because of time but because of what they’ve done since."
Although Uruguay had to qualify for Brazil via a playoff, the coach believes this is "not important" on the eve of his third World Cup experience and is focusing on a simplistic approach to his side’s play.
"We don’t want to complicate manners. We want to play in a straightforward manner and capitalise on the time we’ve had together. I believe I have a very good squad and I’m going to use my players according to circumstances."
Fifa have suspended the former Germany captain and coach from all football activities for 90 days
Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer has been provisionally banned from all football-related activity for 90 days by the Fifa Ethics Committee.
The suspension of the 68-year-old, a special advisor to Fifa's Football Committee, comes after he refused repeated requests for assistance from Michael Garcia, the former US attorney who has led a two-year probe into corruption allegations on Fifa's behalf.
The particular offence is thought to relate to questions regarding the Qatar 2022 World Cup bid, with Beckenbauer having reportedly claimed that Garcia had "no power whatsoever" to demand his co-operation.
The case has now been passed on for formal investigation proceedings, with Vanessa Allard, the Ethics Committee's investigatory chamber member heading the panel which will decide whether Beckenbauer is open to further punishment.
A Fifa statement read: "Franz Beckenbauer was today provisionally banned from taking part in any football-related activity, at any level, for 90 days. The deputy chairman of the FIFA Ethics Committee’s adjudicatory chamber, Alan Sullivan, issued the ban at the request of the chairman of the investigatory chamber, Michael J. Garcia. The ban is effective immediately.
"The decision was taken pursuant to the FIFA Code of Ethics art. 83 par. 1, on the grounds that a breach of the Code of Ethics appears to have been committed and a decision on the main issue may not be taken early enough.
"The apparent breach relates to Mr Beckenbauer’s failure to cooperate with an Ethics Committee investigation despite repeated requests for his assistance, including requests that he provide information during an in-person interview or in response to written questions provided in both English and German."
Beckenbauer, who played 103 times for West Germany, won the 1972 European Championship and 1974 World Cup as a player before going on to coach his national side to the 1990 World Cup title.
In addition to his Fifa role, Beckenbauer is also honorary president of Bayern Munich and chairman of the German giants’ advisory board.
He reacted with surprise to the news, telling Sky Sport Germany: “I had to check the date at first. I thought it was April the first and thus an April fool.”
Refereeing for World Cup opener was "embarrassing"
Jun 13, 2014 11:43:00 AM
A former Fifa referee has blasted world football's governing body for putting an inexperienced referee, Japan's Yuichi Nishimura, in charge of such a high-profile clash
By Hassan Haji Talib & Pitisak Chotpibulsap
Former referee Markus Merk has labeled the refereeing in Brazil's 3-1 win over Croatia "embarrassing", but insisted Fifa are to blame and not Yuichi Nishimura.
With the score tied at 1-1 in the second half, the referee awarded Brazil a penalty when Fred went down in the box, however, it was a contentious decision as there was very little contact on the striker.
As debate raged on about the decision, Merk, a former Fifa referee, launched a scathing attack on world football's governing body, insisting Nishimura should not have been put in charge of the crucial opening game of the tournament.
"It is the World Cup, the opening match, that will never do! I am sorry, as a footballer, it even hurts me," he told Goal. "Croatia were fantastic, they have had a great opening game. But this penalty, in such an important match, that will never do!
"The Japanese referee is the least to blame. He is really a good one, who should by all means be allowed to referee at a World Cup. But not to set new standards, not in the first game of a World Cup.
"With lack of experience and worse, without instruction. I can't remember a referee who escaped after his whistle. Embarrassing! Don't criticise the Japanese referee, question Fifa and its commissions."
Meanwhile, former Thai referee Pirom An-Prasert, who officiated during the 1998 World Cup, says he doesn't think there was any issue with the referee's performance.
"Overall, the Japanese referee does a good job, all errors are minor," he told Goal. "To me there's no seriously bad call.
"For the penalty, he has the right to give it. It's a by-the-book penalty kick which he has given as the rule is obvious - if you interfere with an opponent's possession in the box, then the penalty can be given, no matter how hard or how light the touch is. That depends on the referee's discretion.
"Mr Nishimura's performance is on par in my view. The game runs smoothly as he tries not to interrupt the flow, which some may not like if they are used to referees who pause the game every chance they get."
Italy defender De Sciglio ruled out of England clash
By Alex Young
Jun 13, 2014 9:33:00 AM
The AC Milan left-back pulled up in training on Thursday, with scans revealing a calf strain, as Andrea Barzagli expressed concern over the Azzurri's defensive lapses
Mattia De Sciglio has been ruled out of Italy's World Cup opener against England with a calf strain.
The AC Milan left-back pulled up during training on Thursday before undergoing an MRI scan to assess the extent of the damage.
"Defender Mattia De Sciglio, after [Thursday's] training session in Portobello, has sustained a muscle strain in his left thigh," said team doctor Enrico Castellacci.
"The player underwent this afternoon an MRI at Angra dos Reis and the test has revealed an oedema in his left femoral biceps. De Sciglio will not be available for the first game against England."
In more positive news for the Azzurri, right-back Marco Verratti has returned to full training after being sidelined for two days with flu.
The news comes after defender Andrea Barzagli expressed concern over Italy's defence ahead of Saturday's game against England, urging caution in set-piece situations.
"In recent times, we have given away more goals than we wanted," he said. "But the important thing is to give solidity to our defence," he told reporters.
"Against England, we will have to be very careful on dead-ball situations. They are very dangerous in the area and these are important details where we must not make mistakes.
"I hope our strikers can test England's defence. They have a tough defence and we have tried several options to make life difficult for them."
Hodgson & Gerrard allay Manaus pitch fears ahead of England's World Cup opener
By Sam Lee at the Arena da Amazonia
Jun 13, 2014 11:30:00 PM
Both manager and captain insist there will be no problems with the playing surface at the Arena da Amazonia following reports of barren and uneven patches in certain sections
England manager Roy Hodgson and captain Steven Gerrard have moved to dismiss reports of a sub-standard pitch at the Arena da Amazonia in Manaus ahead of their World Cup opener against Italy on Saturday.
Suggestions that groundstaff had covered bald areas of the playing surface using green spray paint were circulated in the media in both countries earlier in the week, while pictures emerged of bumpy and uneven sections.
Officials from Fifa and local authorities played down any issues and insisted work would be done up until the last minute to ensure everything would be ready in time for the first match in the city.
The pitch appeared to be in much better condition than reported during England's open training session on Friday evening, and both Gerrard and Hodgson insist there will be no problem.
"I've just been on it now, it's fine, it's very flat, I don't see any reason to be concerned about it at all," Hodgson told the media. "I think it will play well and suit both teams. The grass is short and it will be possible to play good football on it."
When Three Lions captain Gerrard was asked about the newspaper reports regarding the pitch, he responded: "With experience I have learned to wait until I can get on the pitch myself, it's easy to get the wrong impression and beleive the wrong thing.
"I've just been on it and it's perfectly fine. The sun is off the pitch at 16:30 and we're kicking off at 18:00 [on Saturday]. It's very zippy and it will make for a fantastic game."
England players train on the pitch at the Arena da Amazonia, Manaus
Much had been made of the tropical conditions in Manaus, situated in the heart of the Amazon jungle, but Gerrard is confident he and his team-mates have prepared as well as they possibly can in hot climates in Portugal and the United States of America.
"We have to be cute and clever and take the conditions into consideration but we're not worried about the pitch or the conditions, it's the same for both teams."
While the goalkeeper laughed off his bed-bug scare, he was quick to state that Uruguay will treat Costa Rica with the utmost seriousness in their opening World Cup clash
Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was given an unwelcome scare on Thursday evening, when he found his bed had been invaded by a swarm of ants.
The Galatasaray goalkeeper tweeted about the incident, but in a press conference on Friday ahead of his nation’s World Cup opener against Costa Rica, he was quick to laugh off the night-time invasion.
"It was a comical situation because I found ants in my bed," he said. "But nothing happened. People came, changed the bedsheets and we resolved it. I had a good night's sleep."
Looking ahead to Saturday’s fixture, he was keen to stress that his side will be treating their Central American opponents with the utmost respect.
"It's an extremely important match but we don't believe that Costa Rica are weak – we have great respect for them. Obviously to win the first match is important. It gives confidence for the games ahead.
"We don't feel like favourites. We know the first game is difficult. To have a good result takes a burden from shoulders. We feel fit and we're well prepared."
Uruguay finished third in 2010, and the shot-stopper believes his side can replicate such a success.
"We have experience from South Africa. Since then, we've made international achievements, we've grown a lot," he stated. "We know we have the ability to go far. But we know we have tough rivals ahead. We have to be cool and calm. In Uruguay, there is an advert about humility and modestly, and that sums it up well."
After facing Costa Rica on Saturday, Uruguay face England and Italy respectively in their other Group D encounters.
Chile 3-1 Australia: Alexis and Valdivia help see off plucky Socceroos
Jun 14, 2014 12:52:00 AM
Two early goals left many predicting a white wash but a header from Tim Cahill reinvigorated his side and they came close to snatching a point before Jean Beausejour's late hit
First-half strikes from Alexis Sanchez and Jorge Valdivia and a late goal from Jean Beausejour sealed a 3-1 win for Chile in their World Cup Group B opener against Australia.
Jorge Sampaoli's men stormed out of the blocks in the Group B affair, with Alexis and Valdivia on target inside 14 minutes.
Australia's all-time leading scorer Tim Cahill popped up to head a goal back for Ange Postecoglou's side on 35 minutes, as they steadied the ship.
And despite several chances - multiple off the head of Cahill and a brilliantly-taken volley from midfielder Mark Bresciano - Australia could not find an equaliser, and Chile sealed the three points when second-half substitute Beausejour struck from outside the area in injury time.
The South American nation dominated from the outset, and while they attacked down the left channel in the opening 10 minutes, they would soon garner much more joy from the other side of the Arena Pantenal.
Australia's time on the ball was minimal, although their one path to get in behind the Chileans would have been to draw their wingers forward and release the likes of Tommy Oar and Mathew Leckie.
Oar almost got onto the end of a long ball through from captain Mile Jedinak in the fifth minute, which drew Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo out of his area.
Chile turned their possession dominance into a two-goal lead inside 14 minutes, with star forward Alexis and Valdivia finding the back of the net.
Alexis finished after some scrappy Australia defence allowed Charles Aranguiz onto the right byline, and his chipped cross found the head of Eduardo Vargas.
Vargas did not connect firmly with his header, and it fell fortunately to Alexis, who side-footed into the back of the net, despite Australian custodian Mat Ryan getting a hand on the effort.
Moments later, Valdivia was left unmarked at the edge of the area, and Alexis found him with a pin-point pass and the Palmeiras midfielder tucked his shot in off the crossbar to double the South American nation's advantage.
Australia found their footing in the contest, when Cahill buried a vintage header in the 35th minute.
Ivan Franjic's cross from the right found the New York Red Bulls striker in the box, and he leapt higher than Chile centre-back Gary Medel to power home past Bravo.
Cahill almost made it two in as many minutes, but Bravo was up to the task with his right-foot effort from a tight angle as Australia's belief grew.
Their new-found confidence also saw them susceptible at the back when Mauricio Isla got in behind, forcing Australian left-back Jason Davidson to clear for a corner.
Injury struck the Australians early in the second half - with Ryan McGowan replacing right-back Franjic - although it did not halt their push for an equaliser.
Oar found the head of Cahill with a brilliant ball from the left on 50 minutes, although he failed to connect with any vigour - and the front man claimed he was fouled in the area.
And Cahill was left more frustrated as his buried header in the 53rd minute was disallowed, albeit rightly so, by the offside flag.
Bresciano then fired a left-foot volley on target, forcing Bravo to save low to his left as Australia's pressure from crosses intensified.
Bravo finally decided to clear the danger himself on Australia's next ball into the box, storming off his line to collect in a small win for Postecoglou's men.
However, Chile were always just one goal away from seeing off the Australian resurgence, and Vargas poked a goal-bound effort past Ryan only for centre-back Alex Wilkinson to clear off the line.
Leckie was running hard at Chile's defence, and his barnstorming run in the 66th minute failed to see him fire off a shot, but the FSV Frankfurt man had put left-back Eugenio Mena on notice.
Cahill kept jumping, and in the 70th minute sent a header just over Bravo's crossbar.
But there would be no late joy for the Australians, as Chile held on to gain a vital three points for their knockout-stage hopes as Beausejour drilled a fine effort across goal and into the bottom-right corner in injury time.
Miguel Herrera's side picked up maximum points against Cameroon despite some more refereeing controversy and their striker insists they can mix it with the best
Javier Hernandez feels Mexico can beat any team in the World Cup after they defeated Cameroon 1-0 on Friday.
Despite Giovanni dos Santos seeing two goals incorrectly disallowed for offside in the first half, Miguel Herrera's men picked up all three points from their opening fixture through Oribe Peralta's goal on the hour mark.
And Hernandez feels his side are capable of beating anyone, as they prepare to meet Brazil and Croatia in their remaining group-stage matches.
"We know we are going game by game, trying to get the three points and no team looks easy for us but no team looks imposible for us to beat," he told reporters after the game.
"The truth is we entered the game with no pressure, no matter what other people thought or said, we came with the illusion and motivation of a World Cup. You have to see coming here as a showcase, as an incredible opportunity to do what you love most, that is playing football in the best competition."
The Manchester United striker refused to criticise the officials' performances after another 90 minutes of controversial decisions, insisting they are only human.
"We have to be respectful, we didn't know they were wrongly disallowed. We were told at half-time. Referees are human and they are a third factor that we can't control - they try to do their best.
"If we can miss, so can they, it's part of football."
The striker also stressed that Brazil cannot be considered more dangerous than Croatia as Mexico prepare for their next two matches.
"All three are difficult, all have their own set of circumstances, but for us they are all equal.
"We are happy, we feel good, very motivated; we try to see things very simple, that this is football, what we love more."
Croatia given a boost as Modric escapes serious injury
Jun 14, 2014 1:30:00 AM
The Real Madrid player spent Friday in hospital after receiving an injury to his foot but a scan has revealed there was no ligament damage
Croatia have been given a boost with the news midfielder Luka Modric has avoided a serious foot injury.
The Real Madrid man suffered a painful blow during Thursday's controversial 3-1 defeat to Brazil in the opening game of the World Cup.
Croatia felt aggrieved by some of Yuichi Nishimura's refereeing, particularly his decision to award a penalty to Brazil after a coming together between Dejan Lovren and Fred with the score at 1-1.
However, the more pressing concern for coach Niko Kovac was the fitness of Modric, who went to hospital for a scan on Friday.
"Luka stayed in El Salvador. We will see what happened to him. Yesterday, he got a strong blow to the foot," Kovac said.
However, a statement published on the Croatian football association's website confirmed that an MRI "proved there is no fracture or ligament damage".
Modric is therefore expected to recover quickly, and should be available for full training on Sunday before Croatia face Cameroon in their crucial second Group A fixture three days later.
