Google executives visit Cuba to promote free Internet

Yahoo – AFP, 30 June 2014

AFP

Google (Xetra: GGQ1.DE - news) executive chairman Eric Schmidt visited Cuba this week along with three other top executives to promote "a free Internet," Cuban independent online newspaper "14yMedio" reported Sunday.

The four executives "met with officials," spoke "with youth at polytechnical schools" and, on Saturday, visited the University of Computer Sciences in western Havana, wrote the newspaper, run by dissident blogger Yoani Sanchez.

The two-day visit to the Americas' only communist-run country also included Jared Cohen, Brett Perlmutter and Dan Keyserling.

It was the first such visit by Google executives to "promote the virtues of a free and open Internet," said the new site, which was also contacted by the visiting team.

The visit by Google, which has been accused by Cuba of "scandalously" blocking some of its services on the island, was not reported in any official media.

The Internet giant has justified the services blocked under the full US economic embargo that has been in place since 1962.

In her blog GeneracionY, Sanchez described her meeting Friday with the Google team as "an online workshop."

"We didn't ask him any questions and we didn't want any answers, we just told him who we are and what we are trying to do."

US-based Schmidt confirmed the trip on a Google+ posting Sunday, saying US sanctions on Cuba defied reason.

"Walking around (Havana), it's possible to imagine a new Cuba, perhaps a leader of Latin America education, culture, and business," he wrote.

"Cuba will have to open its political and business economy, and the US will have to overcome our history and open the embargo. Both countries have to do something that is hard to do politically, but it will be worth it," Schmidt argued.?

An underwater cable connecting Cuba to Venezuela opened possibilities to upgrade Internet service starting in 2013.

However, Cuban authorities said financial limitations stopped them from increasing access, and continued with their policy of prioritizing use for universities, research institutes and state entities.

The only Cuban residents who can connect to the Internet from their homes are doctors, journalists and other professionals authorized by the government.

Havana accuses Sanchez, along with other Cuban dissidents, of being a US-paid "mercenary."

The Netherlands beat Mexico 2-1 to reach World Cup quarter-finals

DutchNews.nl, Sunday 29 June 2014 

Celebrations after Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's penalty puts Oranje ahead in the
94th minute. Photo: Reuters

The Netherlands beat Mexico 2-1 in their World Cup round of 16 match in scorching temperatures on Sunday.

A penalty scored by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in the 94th minute gave Oranje a 2-1 advantage with just moments left to play.

'This is absolutely unbelievable,' Robin van Persie said after the game.

Mexico had dominated for much of early match, scoring three minute into the second half.

Penalty

Wesley Sneijder then equalised in the 88th minute. Just minutes later, a foul on Arjen Robben led the referee to award a penalty, taken by substitute Huntelaar in injury time. 

Coach Louis van Gaal told Nos television after the game that his team had showed tremendous spirit under very difficult conditions.

The match was twice stopped by the referee for drinks as the temperature in Fortaleza reached over 38 Celsius.

Who Oranje will play in the quarter final will be decided later on Sunday night when Greece play Costa Rica.

Match report

Ochoa's valiant effort in goal was undone by an unstoppable Sneijder volley

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Van Gaal wants water breaks for Mexico clash

The #NED lion and #MEX eagle are prepared for a fierce battle #WorldCup #NEDvsMEX http://t.co/WLhTajc6lx
— A Googler (@google) June 29, 2014

James Rodriguez brace leads Colombia past Suarez-less Uruguay

Colombia have knocked out Uruguay to reach the World Cup quarterfinals. Without Luis Suarez, outshining the talented Colombian attack was always going to be a tall task for Oscar Tabarez's men.

Deutsche Welle, 29 June 2014

James Rodriguez scored on either side of halftime on Saturday to seal a 2-0 victory for Colombia over Uruguay. Jose Pekerman's side continued their magic, earning their fourth straight win at the World Cup.

There was plenty of support for Uruguay's Luis Suarez at the Estadio Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. The Liverpool striker had to watch the match from his home country after biting an Italy player earned him a nine-game suspension and a four-month ban from all football-related activity.

Uruguay were hoping to put the media circus of the biting scandal behind them, with 35-year-old Diego Forlan starting the match in place of the Suarez. But like the rest of Uruguay's front line, bar Edinson Cavani, on Saturday, he failed to make an impact in the match.

Colombia started the game on the offensive, with Juan Caudrado, Teo Gutierrez, Jackson Martinez and Rodriguez combining well to test Fernando Muslera. Only Cavani managed to create trouble for the Colombian defense, and he clearly lacked the extra forward firepower that Suarez provides.

Cavani was all alone at in the Uruguay
 attack

Rodriguez put Colombia in the lead with a beautiful strike just before the half-hour mark. Receiving a pass on his chest from the top of the box, he turned and volleyed towards goal. His shot dipped and bounced in off the crossbar. It was a beautiful effort from a player who has made a strong case for player of the tournament thus far.

Five minutes after the restart, Rodriguez struck again. Left back Pablo Armero charged forward down the flank, sending a ball towards the box. Caudrado did well to head back across goal, where Rodriguez was there to make the simple finish.

The 2-0 scoreline effectively killed off the match. Tabarez removed Forlan, Alvaro Pereira and later Alvaro Gonzalez for the more-attacking Christian Stuani, Gaston Ramirez and Abel Hernandez, but it was too little too late.

Colombia finished the match as deserved winners. They now face a tired Brazil, who went to penalty kicks in their Round of 16 victory over Chile, in the quarterfinals on July 4.

Uruguay, meanwhile, exit the tournament under the shadow of Suarez and what could have been. There were high hopes for Tabarez's side after a semifinal performance four years ago in South Africa and their subsequent Copa America victory. But as with their 3-1 tournament opening loss to Costa Rica, Uruguay were unable to perform without their controversial striker in the side.

Uruguay coach Tabarez slams Suarez ban, quits FIFA post

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Luis Suárez ‘bite’ incident leaves Uruguay striker facing long ban

Uruguay coach Tabarez slams Suarez ban, quits FIFA post

Van Gaal wants water breaks for Mexico clash

Yahoo – AFP, Kieran Canning, 28 June 2014

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal gives instructions to his players during a

 training session at Flamengo Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, on June 26, 2014 at the

2014 FIFA World Cup (AFP Photo/Damien Meyer)

Fortaleza (Brazil) (AFP) - Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal wants Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca to allow water breaks during his side's World Cup last 16 encounter with Mexico in Fortaleza on Sunday.

Temperatures for the 1pm kick off local time (1600GMT) are expected to reach 30 degrees Celsius with intense humidity also likely to drain players on both sides.

"We hope that we get breaks to drink, otherwise we will put bottles around the pitch for the players," said Van Gaal, who will take over at Manchester United after the finals.

"Dehydration is an element we have looked at in our training. Every people is different, but some can lose up to four kilos during the match, so you have to keep them hydrated as much as possible.

"We hope that the referee will referee in a sensible way."

And Van Gaal admitted that the heat and humidity would be an advantage for the Mexicans at a World Cup where teams from central and south American sides have generally outperformed their European counterparts.

"That is the reason we tried to get the players as fit as possible. I am quite conscious that it will also affect the Mexican team, but they are much more used to it."

The Netherlands did, though, score one of Europe's few victories over south American opposition with a 2-0 win against Chile in their final Group B game to ensure they won the group with a 100 percent record.

And he is expecting a similar test against Mexico, although he acknowledged El Tri lack the individual star power of the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal.

"I think Mexico is comparable to Chile. The difference with Chile is that we could have been faced with two fantastic players. (Arturo) Vidal didn't play so that was obviously a big advantage for us.

"But I think Mexico as an entire team is a better team. I believe that they play according to their qualities, their skills and they have great determination to win. For me Mexico is the most determined team we've faced."

Dutch captain Robin van Persie will come back into the side having missed the win over Chile due to suspension.

Van Gaal confirmed that everyone bar Leroy Fer is fit after the Norwich City midfielder strained a hamstring in training on Tuesday.

However, he insisted that defender Bruno Martins Indi is unlikely to start as he has only just returned to training after suffering a concussion in the 3-2 win over Australia last week, so former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt is expected to start in an unfamiliar role at left-back as he did against Chile.

Van Gaal's men's preparations for the game were also disrupted as both the Netherlands and Mexico were not able to train on the pitch at the Estadio Castelao on the eve of the match due to the bad state of the pitch.

"It is a shame but I do understand the decision from FIFA because the pitch is the most important material for a footballer," added Van Gaal.

"I just checked and the pitch is not that good."

Related Articles:

The Netherlands beat Mexico 2-1 to reach World Cup quarter-finals

First official World Cup ‘cooling break’ taken in Holland v Mexico match

Cooling breaks implemented for first time. Many fans also preferring to stand in shaded areas than sit in their seats pic.twitter.com/uFGcpneMjy
— Kieran Canning (@KieranCanning) June 29, 2014

Uruguay coach Tabarez slams Suarez ban, quits FIFA post

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has hit out at FIFA's decision to ban striker Luis Suarez for biting an Italian player. He has said he'll step down from the strategic committee of world football's governing body in protest.

Deutsche Welle, 28 June 2014

Tabarez said on Friday that Suarez had been made a "scapegoat" for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup, and slammed the "excessive severity" of the player's four-month ban. Instead of discussing Uruguay's upcoming Round of 16 match against Colombia on Saturday, Tabarez used the mandatory pre-match press conference to hit out at FIFA and the English-language media for creating the pressure that led to Suarez's ban.

"Many times you forget that the scapegoat is a person, who has rights," Tabarez said while reading out a prepared statement. "In this particular case of Luis Suarez, despite the faults he may have committed, he has made significant contributions to football from the pitch."

Suarez was banned for nine international games and suspended from all football-related activity for four months by FIFA on Thursday after biting the shoulder of Chiellini during a Group D game in Natal on Tuesday. It is the third time he has been punished for biting a player on the field after previous incidents while playing in the Netherlands and England.

Resigning FIFA positions

Tabarez refused to answer questions during the press conference in Rio de Janeiro. He was given a round of applause by Uruguayan journalists after reading out his 15-minute statement. He also announced he would be stepping down from his position on FIFA's technical study group and strategic committee.

"It is not wise, at least it is not prudent to be in an organization with people who exerted pressure in order to promote this decision," said Tabarez, adding that those who had punished Suarez had "values that are very different from those that I believe I have."

The FIFA strategic committee is led by FIFA President Sepp Blatter and deals with "global strategies for football and its political, economic and social status." It meets no more than twice a year and has a largely symbolic role in the organization.

Suarez 'scapegoat'

Tabarez said Suarez was being made a "scapegoat" and that his staff and players were shocked by the ban, which they never thought would be "of such an excessive severity."

"Who wins, who loses? Who benefits, who is harmed? Who ended up getting this there way," he asked.

"We never thought or expected what we found out when we were told about the details of the punishment - of an excessive severity," Tabarez added. "The decision was much more focused on the opinions of the media, and that media attacked immediately at the conclusion of the match … I don't know what their nationality was, but they all spoke English."

Tabarez ended the press conference with words for Suarez, who returned to Uruguay earlier on Friday, saying the Liverpool forward "will never be alone" in his attempt to get recover from the controversy.

dr/av (AP, AFP, Reuters)

People use their mobile devices to take pictures of an advertising

 placard showing Uruguay’s striker Luis Suarez flashing his teeth, at

 Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on June 26, 2014. (Reuters

Photo/Kai Pfaffenbach)

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FIFA’s Valcke Says Suarez Needs Treatment

Luis Suárez ‘bite’ incident leaves Uruguay striker facing long ban

Blatter: UEFA to introduce goal-line technology at Euro 2016

Sepp Blatter has said goal-line technology will be introduced for the 2016 European Championship. The FIFA President said that the technical aid has been a resounding success thus far at the World Cup in Brazil.

Deutsche Welle, 28 June 2014

"I spoke with the UEFA president, Michel Platini, who said he would introduce it for the European Championships 2016 in France," said Blatter.

However, Europe's ruling football body UEFA said that a final decision had not yet been made.

"The president has said on the record that UEFA will look at introducing GLT at Euro 2016," UEFA spokesman Pedro Pinto said in an emailed statement. "It is not a case of snapping his fingers and making it happen. It will be discussed at the referees committee and then still has to be approved by the executive committee."

Platini has been strongly against goal-line technology in his seven years at the helm of UEFA. However, he said in an interview in December that it could be an option for the Euros. UEFA currently uses additional referees for competitions including the European Championship, Champions League and Europa League.

"It helps the referee and the public and now there is no more discussion about whether a goal was scored or not scored, and ultimately scoring goals is the objective of football," said Blatter. "I am sure that professional leagues will follow.

World Cup debut

The technology is making its World Cup debut this year in Brazil. During the group stage of the tournament, it helped determine a French goal in a game with Honduras.

Goal-line technology was approved by FIFA in 2012 and first put to the test at a major international tournament during last year's Confederations Cup. It has been used by the English Premier League since last season.

Germany's Bundesliga rejected adopting the technology several months ago, but a new vote is expected in the near future.

Blatter also reiterated his call, made during the recent FIFA congress in Sao Paulo, that he'd like to "go one step further" and introduce video evidence to aid referees. He said coaches should be given the opportunity to make two challenges per half during a game, where play is interrupted. The referee would determine the situation via a sideline monitor. Blatter said such a policy would create "a little more justice" in the game.

dr/av (dpa, Reuters, AP)

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Goal-line technology tweak after France-Honduras confusion

German company revels in World Cup controversy

UEFA leaders tell Blatter to quit FIFA presidency

Argentine Vice President Amado Boudou charged with bribery

Argentina's Vice President Amado Boudou is facing corruption charges. If found guilty, he could be imprisoned and banned from holding public office.

Deutsche Welle, 28 June 2014

An Argentine judge has charged Boudou of corrupt dealings with a company that printed the country's currency while he was economy minister in 2010.

Boudou, 51, stands accused of secretly buying the company, Ciccone Calcografica, using shell companies and middlemen to gain control. The alleged dealings would have given him and his helpers unusual tax exemptions and luctrative government contracts.

Ciccone Calcografica was given contracts to print the Argentine peso and campaign material for the electoral ticket Boudou shared with President Cristina Fernandez.

Boudou will remain free while awaiting trial in the case, along with five other defendants, according to a statement from Argentina's federal court system. He has carried out few public functions since the investigation came to a head in recent months.

Least popular politician

He denies all charges, despite the fact that ample evidence of his links to the other defendants has been made public by Argentine newspapers. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to between one and six years in prison and be banned from holding public office.

Boudou continues to enjoy the support of Fernandez, even though he is now Argentina's least popular politician and has faced numerous calls to resign even from allies. Fernandez has yet to speak publicly about the case.

It is the first time a sitting vice president has faced such charges since Argentina emerged from military dictatorship in 1983. The scandal leaves the government without a clear presidential successor ahead of 2015 elections.

The accusation also comes as Argentina is embroiled in a court battle against creditors who still demand full repayment of bonds left over from the country's massive sovereign debt default in 2002.

tj/ipj (AP, Reuters)

Asian Sides Head For Winless World Cup

Jakarta Globe  - AFP,  Jun 23, 2014

Greece’s Kostas Manolas, left, and Japan’s Shinji Kagawa jump for the ball
during their 2014 World Cup Group C soccer match at the Dunas arena in Natal
on June 19, 2014. (Reuters Photo/Toru Hanai)

Cuiaba, Brazil. Asian Football Confederation (AFC) teams are heading for their first World Cup blank in 24 years, with Japan, South Korea, Australia and Iran all failing to muster a single victory in Brazil so far.

In the latest setback, South Korea went down 4-2 to Algeria in Porto Alegre on Sunday after drawing their Group H opener against Russia — leaving them with slim hopes of making the last 16.

Japan have also disappointed, losing 2-1 to Ivory Coast in their first match in Group C and then failing to find the net against 10-man Greece in a 0-0 stalemate.

Australia lost 3-1 to Costa Rica in their opening game in Group B but can at least take heart from their spirited performance against 2010 finalists the Netherlands in a match they briefly led before losing 3-2.

Iran can hold their heads high after they battled hard against Argentina on Saturday before a stunning injury-time strike from Lionel Messi earned the South Americans a 1-0 win in the Group F fixture.

The results for the teams from the AFC spell bitter disappointment after notable progress at recent World Cups.

In Italy in 1990 neither the United Arab Emirates nor South Korea notched a win.

But at the 1994 World Cup in the United States Saudi Arabia reached the knockout phase and four years later Iran famously beat the United States in France in a group match.

At the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, South Korea stunned the football world by reaching the semi-finals while Japan made the round of 16.

Four years later in Germany it was Australia’s turn to shine, with the Socceroos reaching the knockout phase before being narrowly beaten by eventual champions Italy.

And in 2010 Japan reached the last 16 again only to go out on penalties to Paraguay.

Veteran Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni has been left scratching his head as he searches for ways to get his toothless forward line to fire, with his side still harbouring outside hopes of qualification for the next round.

“We know that overall our play over the past four years has been far better than how we have performed here and we all understand that,” he said ahead of their match in Cuiaba on Tuesday.

Australia cannot qualify for the knockout phase after two defeats but all-time leading scorer Tim Cahill is convinced they can salvage some pride by beating dethroned world champions Spain.

“We’ve got one more game to go and it is not about Tim Cahill,” said the New York Red Bulls player, who scored a stunning goal in the team’s defeat by the Netherlands.

“This last game is massive. If we beat Spain that will be one of the biggest moments in Australian history,” added Cahill, who misses the match through suspension.

Agence France-Presse

Luis Suárez ‘bite’ incident leaves Uruguay striker facing long ban

• Suárez appears to bite Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini

• Suárez could be banned for up to 24 matches under Fifa code

• World Cup match report: Italy 0-1 Uruguay

The Guardian, David Hytner in Natal, Tuesday 24 June 2014

Italy's Giorgio Chiellini shows his shoulder, claiming he was bitten by
 Uruguay's Luis Suarez in their World Cup match. Photograph: Tony
Gentile/Reuters

Luis Suárez wrote his name into World Cup infamy by biting the Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini towards the end of what turned out to be a dramatic Uruguay win that secured their progress into the last 16.

Uruguay looked to be heading for the exit in the 79th minute with the game locked at 0-0 – the South Americans needed victory – when Suárez tussled with Chiellini as they chased a ball inside the Italy penalty area.

The striker leaned his forehead into Chiellini, in what looked, initially, to be a headbutt before biting down on his opponent’s shoulder. Suárez flung himself to the ground and, moments later, he could be seen holding his teeth.

Chiellini reacted with fury, pulling down the neck of his shirt to expose what photographs revealed to be a bite mark. The Mexican referee Marco Rodríguez – whose nickname is Dracula – took no action, as he did not have a clear view of the flashpoint, but Fifa has opened an investigation and Suárez, not for the first time, faces a lengthy ban.

Fifa’s disciplinary code has the scope to ban a player for a maximum of 24 matches, although the longest ban in World Cup history was eight games for Italy’s Mauro Tassotti for breaking Spain’s Luís Enrique’s nose in 1994 with an elbow. Diego Godín’s 81st-minute winner sparked delirium for Uruguay but Suárez’s exploits cast the shadow.

“It was ridiculous not to send Suárez off,” Chiellini said. “It is clear, clear-cut. Then, there was the obvious dive afterwards because he knew very well that he did something that he shouldn’t have done.

“Suárez is a sneak and he gets away with it because Fifa want their stars to play in the World Cup. I’d love to see if they have the courage to use video evidence against him. The referee saw the bite mark too but he did nothing about.”

The Fifa vice-president Jim Boyce said: “I have watched the incident several times on television. There is no doubt Luis Suárez is a fantastic footballer but, once again, his actions have left him open to severe criticism. Fifa must investigate the incident seriously and take whatever disciplinary action deemed necessary.”

Italy's Giorgio Chiellini claiming he was bitten by Uruguay's Luis Suarez,

 right, during the Group D match in Natal. (Photograph: Emilio Lavandeira Jr/EPA)

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Uruguay coach Tabarez slams Suarez ban, quits FIFA post - New
Luis Suárez banned for four months for biting opponent in World Cup clash
FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Suarez for biting incident
Third bite is deepest for Luis Suárez and his World Cup may be over

Brazil, Netherlands claim top spots in World Cup group deciders

Yahoo – AFP, Talek Harris, 24 June 2014

Brazil's forward Neymar celebrates after scoring a second goal during

 the match against Cameroon at the Mane Garrincha National Stadium in

Brasilia during the World Cup on June 23, 2014 (AFP Photo/Pedro Ugarte)

Sao Paulo (AFP) - Neymar scored twice as Brazil thrashed Cameroon 4-1 to reach the World Cup knockout rounds just ahead of group rivals Mexico on Monday.

A thrilling finale to Group A saw the hosts surge past Cameroon in Brasilia while Mexico downed Croatia 3-1 in Recife. The Netherlands beat Chile 2-0 to take top spot in Group B.

Brazil finished top of their group on seven points, leading Mexico, also with seven, on goal difference.

Mexico's defender Andres Guardado (L)

 celebrates with forward Javier Hernandez

 after scoring their second goal against

 Croatia in Recife during the 2014 FIFA

 World Cup on June 23, 2014 (AFP Photo/

Javier Soriano)

Brazil will play Group B runners-up Chile in Belo Horizonte on Saturday while Mexico will face the Netherlands in Fortaleza on Sunday.

Star striker Neymar opened the scoring in the 17th minute -- the 100th goal of the tournament in Brazil's 100th World Cup match -- to set the hosts on their way.

A close-range effort by Cameroon's Joel Matip jolted Brazil on 26 minutes before Neymar settled nerves again with his second of the match nine minutes later.

Brazil stretched their lead through Fred after the interval and looked to be cruising to first place.

But a flurry of three Mexico goals in 10 minutes from Rafael Marquez, Andres Guardado and Javier Hernandez against Croatia changed the complexion of the qualifying picture.

With Mexico rampant and leading 3-0, one more goal could have seen them pip Brazil to first place in Group A.

Panic was short-lived however, with substitute Fernandinho stroking home Brazil's fourth to restore the hosts goal difference advantage.

Netherlands' midfielder Leroy Fer heads the ball to score during the Group B

 football match against Chile at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo during the

World Cup on June 23, 2014 (AFP Photo/Damien Meyer)

A late consolation goal by Croatia's Ivan Perisic snuffed out any chance of a remarkable turnaround by Mexico.

In Monday's earlier games, the Netherlands ensured top spot in Group B -- and a date with Mexico -- by beating Chile 2-0 in Sao Paulo.

Super-subs Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay grabbed the late goals to settle a hard-fought clash.

The victory gave the 2010 runners-up a 100 percent record after earlier wins against Spain and Australia.

The Netherlands, missing suspended captain Robin van Persie, finally broke through Chile's defence on 77 minutes.

Netherlands' forward Memphis Depay (L) celebrates scoring with forward

 Arjen Robben during the Group B football match against Chile at the Corinthians

Arena in Sao Paulo on June 23, 2014 (AFP Photo/Damien Meyer)

Daryl Janmaat whipped in a cross and Fer rose high to thunder home a header.

In the dying minutes, Arjen Robben burst clear down the left flank and crossed for Depay to stab home from close range.

"We have to take time to enjoy this fantastic result but it shouldn't end here," said Robben.

"We have to change our mindset and look ahead because we really want to move forward."

Spain defeated Australia 3-0 in Group B's dead rubber, with David Villa, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata scoring.

Villa, 32, took his Spanish record goals tally to 59 in his 97th appearance with a clever backheeled finish on 36 minutes, in his last international appearance.

Spain's forward David Villa scores

 during a Group B football match between

 Australia and Spain at the Baixada 

Arena in Curitiba during the 2014 FIFA

 World Cup on June 23, 2014 (AFP

Photo/William West)

But Villa's goalscoring finale was scant consolation for Spain after a disastrous World Cup campaign which saw the 2010 champions knocked out after their first two matches.

Villa, who will concentrate on a new club football career in Australia and the United States, was substituted early in the second half, shedding tears as he left the field to applause.

"I have always had a lot of love for the national team and it has always been what I dreamed about," Villa said afterwards

"I would play until I am 55 but that is impossible and I have to be realistic."

Tuesday's games see Italy and Uruguay battling to avoid elimination in Group D where a win for either side will send them through to the last 16.

Costa Rica meanwhile will attempt to win the group, needing just to avoid defeat against England in Belo Horizonte.

Human remains in Panama jungle are that of missing Dutch girl

DutchNews.nl, Monday 23 June 2014

Lisanne Froon and Kris Kremers

(NOS/ANP)

Human remains found in a remote area of jungle in Panama are confirmed as that of missing Dutch woman Lisanne Froon, sources have told Nos television.

A human bone found close by will undergo dna testing today to see if it came from Lisanne or from Kris Kremers. The two young women vanished on April 1 after going on a jungle walk.

No traces of violence have been found on the bones, the research leader told Nos reporter Eva Wiessing.

Walk

The human remains, shoes and a rucksack containing clothing and mobile phones, were found last week, some 10 km from where the women were last seen.

Wiessing said it is now thought unlikely the girls were the victims of a crime. The place where they were found is a tough eight hour walk for locals, she said.

‘An outsider would take 15 or 16 hours. It is unlikely they were forced to walk this distance,’ she said.

A search of the area is continuing today but strong winds have made it difficult for helicopters to land, Nos said. The Panama research team is due to give a news conference later today.

Related Article:

Panama jungle bone is that of other missing Dutch girl: Nos

FIFA chiefs pocketed ‘secret 100% pay rise’

Al Arabiya News, Staff writer, Sunday, 22 June 2014

FIFA President Sepp Blatter at a news conference after the Executive
Committee meeting at the Home of FIFA in Zurich. (File photo: Reuters)

Members on FIFA’s Executive Committee have secretly doubled their pay after newly imposed ethics rules banned their fat six-digit World Cup bonuses, The Sunday Times revealed this week.

Secret documents leaked to the newspaper showed that the 25 powerful members on the Executive Committee of football's top governing body saw their $100,000 salary double this year, and the money was paid to Swiss banks controlled by the organization, allowing the top members to withdraw the amounts in cash, and dodge taxes, added the British newspaper.

In addition, the executives enjoyed a VIP treatment of free Business Class air travel, five-star hotel stays, and luxury meals - all to complement their high end social status.

Undercover

FIFA had pledged this year to scrap its practice of awarding its executives bonuses ranging from $75,000 to $200,000 during World Cup years, as a new audit signaled unethical behavior in the practice.

But with the announcement, the Zurich-based organization failed to mention the 100% pay raise it agreed with its committee members as remuneration.

A current member reportedly confirmed the raise last week to The Sunday Times. “It has been doubled to take account of the dropping of the bonus,” the unnamed alleged member was quoted as saying.

Bribery and corruption

FIFA recently came under fire over a controversy that had allegedly “proven” bribery allegations surrounding Qatar’s winning bid to host the World Cup 2022.

Qatar allegedly paid $5 million to help raise its chances in winning the bid, The Sunday Times also revealed earlier this month.

The new outlet claimed it had obtained a “bombshell” cache of millions of leaked emails and documents, relating to payments made by Mohammad Bin Hammam, Qatar’s former top football official, who was an executive member of FIFA at the time.

The Qatar World Cup organizing committee denied all the allegations, however the revelations could see the tournament be withdrawn from the Gulf state.

James Dorsey, author of a blog and related book entitled The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer, told Al Arabiya News earlier this month that the potential fall-out of The Sunday Times revelations could be massive.

“A possible retraction of Qatar’s right to host the 2022 World Cup,” he said, adding: “But we’ve got a fair way to go in legal terms before we see any legal action which could see a withdrawal of the hosting rights and a re-running of the bid.”

The boardroom of Fifa’s headquarters in Zurich (The Sunday Times)

Related Article:

UEFA leaders tell Blatter to quit FIFA presidency