FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2014 45

Latin passion dominates World Cup at midpoint

SAO PAULO: Look out Europe, Latin passion has taken over the World Cup, bringing a carnival atmosphere to the stadiums but also a security headache for Brazilian authorities. Midway through the tournament, armies of Latin American fans who invaded Brazil by car, plane and busloads have often been the loudest while their teams dazzled on the pitch. After European teams triumphed in the previous two World Cups, they have reason to celebrate. From Mexico to tiny Costa Rica, down to Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Uruguay, Latin American teams have mostly outplayed their European, Asian and African rivals during the group stage ending Thursday. But they have also been the rowdiest fans, giving Brazilian secu- rity officials an extra chore while they deal with a waning anti-World Cup protest movement. And the real excitement has yet to come. After the first gameless day yesterday, the elimination round starts tomorrow, with an all-South American lineup: Brazil-Chile and Colombia-Uruguay. No European team has ever won the trophy in Latin America. But one of South America’s best players, Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, could go home early as FIFA investigates accusa- tions that he bit an Italian defender in Tuesday’s 1-0 victory that BRASILIA: Fans cheer prior to the Group G football match between Portugal and at the Mane Garrincha National sent the Europeans packing. “The first half of the Cup was positive Stadium yesterday. — AFP overall. The protests have had little impact. The Brazilian people want to enjoy the cup,” said Pablo Azevedo, a sports management expert at Brasilia University. While fears of anti-Cup protests deterred some Europeans from traveling, Latin Americans “came in Portugal beat Ghana in much larger numbers than we anticipated,” he said. Azevedo said a survey conducted by his sports research lab found that 300 foreign fans gave a good grade to the tournament’s organization, belying vain; both sides bow out fears of chaos. This is good news for President Dilma Rousseff, who formally launched tomorrow her bid for re-election in October, leading in opinion polls despite a drop in popularity over the cost of BRASILIA: An own goal by John outside of his foot by Kwadwo what she has dubbed “the cup of cups.” Boye and a late strike by Cristiano Asamoah in the 57th minute. Gyan Ronaldo gave Portugal a 2-1 win then turned provider, putting in Stadium invasions over incident-hit Ghana yesterday another ball from the left for an But some fans have gone overboard. Authorities deployed but it was not enough to make the unmarked extra police around the 12 arenas this week to prevent more secu- second round as both sides exited moments later but the striker could rity breaches after scores of ticketless Argentine and Chilean fans the World Cup. Portugal finished only steer his header wide from six gatecrashed the Maracana Stadium in two games. Some 85 level on four points with the United yards out. Chileans were kicked out of Brazil over the incident at the Rio de States in Group G but the The wasted effort proved costly Janeiro stadium, site of the July 13 final. Americans advanced to the last 16 as Portugal skipper and World But tens of thousands turned the Maracana into homefield courtesy of a better goal dif- Player-of-the-Year Ronaldo advantage as Chile upset Spain 2-0, eliminating the defending ference despite their 1-0 smashed his side ahead in the champions. Their sombrero-wearing Mexican amigos have been loss to group winners 80th minute after Ghana goal- loud, too. Maybe too loud. FIFA investigated the “puto” anti-gay Germany in Recife. keeper Fatawu Dauda flapped slur that they chant against opposition goalkeepers during games, Boye’s poor attempt at a at a high ball, sending it but the sport’s governing body did not sanction Mexico’s football first half clearance straight to the Real federation. “Hinchas” (fans) from Argentina-Brazil’s eternal rivals to summed up a disap- Madrid forward. the south-have come in droves, causing security headaches. Police pointing match Ronaldo should used stun grenades in the southeastern city of Belo Horizonte on between two teams have had another Saturday to disperse a group of Argentines who clashed with Brazilian fans. who needed big vic- minutes later but Hours later, police used non-lethal munitions to break up a tories in the Brazilian Dauda was on crowd of fans who tried to break through security to approach capital to have a hand to parry the Argentina’s team bus before their 1-0 victory over Iran. Authorities chance of advanc- forward’s side foot- said they would prevent 2,100 Argentine hooligans from entering ing. The defender ed effort from close Brazil for the cup. At least 32 have been turned away at the border swiped at a 31st range, with the so far. But most Argentine fans seem to be in a party mood. Some minute cross from keeper also blocking 100,000 swarmed the southern city of Porto Alegre for Portuguese fullback an effort from the Wednesday’s 3-2 win over Nigeria, one parading from a car’s sun- Miguel Veloso which hit skipper in the dying roof dressed as Pope Francis, an Argentine. Around 5,000 police his knee and then the stages. and troops were deployed along with helicopters and a navy ship. crossbar before nestling The World Cup in the back of the net. exit completed a Fizzling protests The goal came after a miserable two days The festive legions of fans around the country have greatly out- Ghana break ended for the Africans numbered the dwindling number of protesters fuming at the $11 when Bahrain official who were billion cost of the World Cup. Last year, Brazilians held massive Nawaf Shukralla acciden- embroiled in a pay demonstrations during the Confederations Cup, a World Cup dress tally blocked an attempt- row and kicked out rehearsal, demanding more money for schools and hospitals. This ed pass, handing posses- midfielders Kevin- time, the demonstrations have attracted much smaller crowds, sion to the Portuguese Prince Boateng and with sporadic clashes with police involving rocks, tear gas and rub- who went up field and for ber bullets. “There are few people at the protests because of the scored. ill-discipline hours repression on the first day of the cup,” said protest organizer The Ghanaians before yesterday’s Rodrigo Antonio, 36. Santiago attorney Gabriel Salas, 47, walked BRASILIA: Ghana’s midfielder Mohammed Rabiu improved after the break kick-off. — Reuters through a small protest in Sao Paulo on Monday with his three chil- (left) and Portugal’s forward Silvestre Varela vie and striker dren, draped in Chile’s flag. “It’s a shame because the World Cup is during the Group G football match between headed them level at the back Cristiano a party that should be for everybody,” he said. — AFP Portugal and Ghana yesterday. — AFP post after a brilliant cross with the Ronaldo