Brazilian legend Pele says he is confident about Brazil's chances at the upcoming World Cup and expects injured star Neymar to be fully fit to lead the side in Russia. Brazilian legend Pele, who won the World Cup three times as a player, talks to AFP. (Photo: AFP/Karim Sahib) Speaking to AFP in Dubai, the 77-year-old, who has been in ailing health recently, put his faith in Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar's ability to recover from a fractured foot in time to lead Brazil to a possible sixth global football title. "We don't know exactly what is going to happen, but I think for the World Cup he's going to be in shape because his injury is not so bad," said Pele, the only person to have won the World Cup three times as a player. "I wish he has the same luck I had in the World Cup." PSG's Neymar, the world's most expensive player, has not played since breaking a metatarsal bone in his right foot on Feb 25 in a Ligue 1 match against Marseille. He said last week he is still … [Read more...] about Pele confident Neymar can lead Brazil at World Cup
World cup
Defeating South Korea a must for World Cup berth
Viet Nam News Football HÀ NỘI — Moving on from their two huge defeats in the Asian Women’s Cup, the Vietnamese players are positive for their last Group B match against South Korea today in Amman, Jordan. After two rounds, Việt Nam, world No 35, are at the bottom of the ranking table. Although their previous defeats eliminated them from the final four, they can still reach the playoffs for the fifth place and earn a ticket to FIFA Women’s World Cup if they defeat South Korea, who are world No 16. Despite the challenge, coach Mai Đức Chung allowed his players to spend Wednesday afternoon shopping and sightseeing. Speaking about their rivals, Chung said the South Koreans were a team of physical players, who also owned good technique. He said their playing style was simple but effective, adding their performance improved with their matches against reigning champions Japan and runners-up Australia. He was impressed with at least four … [Read more...] about Defeating South Korea a must for World Cup berth
VTV hasn’t bought World Cup’s copyright
Fans will wait to see stars such as Lionel Messi competing in the World Cup 2018 in Russia. — Photo kenh14.vn Viet Nam News According to Nguyễn Hà Nam, Chief of the VTV Secretariat and Editorial Board, VTV is trying its best to negotiate with the partner holding the right of distributing but its price is very high. Nam didn’t reveal the exact price but it is more than the price of World Cup 2014, which cost around US$7 million. “I want to finish the purchase to prepare for the broadcasting the event carefully to serve the best for fans. “However, besides cost, many other factors also affect the negotiation’s result. In my point of view, I hope everything is fine,” said Phan Ngọc Tiến, head of board of VTV’s sport programmes. VTV paid $3.5 million to buy the copyright of World Cup 2010. — VNS … [Read more...] about VTV hasn’t bought World Cup’s copyright
Messi, Suarez to support South American World Cup host bid
Stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are set to offer their backing to a joint bid from Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay to host the 2030 centenary World Cup, bid organisers said. Lionel Messi joins Cristiano Ronaldo in the 100 Champions League goals club. (AFP/LLUIS GENE) "Messi will join us in this initiative, and Suarez certainly," Fernando Marin, the joint bid co-ordinator, said on Monday. "We told him (Messi) about our aims, and he feels it’s doable." Argentina’s minister of sport Carlos Mac Alister said "it’s important to know we have the support" of such high-profile players as Argentina’s five-time world player of the year Messi and Uruguay striker Suarez. "In 2030, we won’t be there any more, Messi will. "He showed great desire to help us. He will surely be the flag-bearer for the World Cup." The very first World Cup in 1930 was held in Uruguay and won by the hosts, who beat Argentina 4-2 in a memorable final at the Centenary Stadium in … [Read more...] about Messi, Suarez to support South American World Cup host bid
Russia wants to see more Vietnamese tourists during World Cup
Football-loving Vietnamese tourists can visit Russia with ease for this year’s FIFA World Cup which takes place from June 14 to July 15. Volga River Cruise is one among recommended tours for Vietnamese tourists to discover Russia. — Photo russia-cruises-travel.com More favourable visa policies and special tours will be offered for the football spectacle, said the Russian Centre for Science and Culture in a seminar in Hanoi on Friday to promote tourism and introduce the special offers for Vietnamese fans. Representatives of the Russian Embassy, travel agents and airlines attended the event. “It should be noted that for the first time in its history Russia will become the host country of the world football championship, so we prepare carefully for the event,” said Russian Andrey Yurievich in Vietnam Vadim V Bublikov. “Especially for the championship in Russia, 12 stadiums have been made ready, meeting all modern requirements. In addition, more than one … [Read more...] about Russia wants to see more Vietnamese tourists during World Cup