Moscow: Germany midfielder Julian Draxler admitted Saturday it was ‘fun to read’ reports about a Mexico farewell party involving around 30 prostitutes before the team departed for the World Cup. Nine members of the World Cup squad found themselves caught up in controversy earlier this month after they reportedly partied with the women at a private compound. Mexican officials ruled out sanctions against the players. “I don’t think the party has any significance on the match,” said Draxler, a 2014 World Cup winner, ahead of Germany’s Group F opener Sunday against Mexico. “I don’t know the exact details so I don’t want to speak too much about it. It was fun to read about it, but I’m not sure what part of it was true.”
End before the start
Moscow: Belgian defender Laurent Ciman saw his World Cup campaign end before it began Saturday as he was sent home while the full squad moved from here to Sochi for their 2018 World Cup opener Monday against Panama. Belgium’s coach Roberto Martinez called up Ciman as a replacement in case Vincent Kompany or Thomas Vermaelen were not able to recover in time from their injuries. However, Martinez decided Saturday that both the players were well on their road to recovery and Ciman’s presence was not needed.
Criticism shocks Pique
Barcelona: Spain and Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has said he is surprised at criticism of his role in producing a video in which France star Antoine Griezmann announced he was staying at Atletico Madrid a couple of days back. Barcelona had made Griezmann their top summer transfer target. Pique’s production company, Kosmos Studios, produced the slick film entitled ‘The Decision’. The fact Pique played an indirect role in the video’s production has caused controversy in Spain. Pique, however, said: “I was surprised by the reaction in Barcelona. I’m surprised that my involvement and my love for the club (Barcelona) is being placed in doubt.”
Fans upset
Moscow: While fans from around the world are singing and celebrating the World Cup on the streets here, they can’t go to the most famous place in the Russian capital – the Red Square. Barriers staffed by police officers have blocked off the square for several days, with authorities citing the need to build and dismantle stages for a national holiday and a World Cup-themed opera performance, Tuesday and Wednesday. Mexico supporter Cesar Reyes, peering past the barriers, said “It’s a real shame it’s closed because it’s one of the best places to visit when you’re in Moscow and there’s no opportunity to appreciate this building.”