Hitler salutes!

MUNICH: Munich police said they had arrested four drunken fans, including one Greek, for celebrating Germany’s 3-0 win over Ecuador with the “Sieg Heil” Hitler salute. Fellow fans alerted police when the men began shouting the salute as celebrations broke out. The four have since been released, but could face charges for breaking the law by openly supporting a banned organisation. German law prohibits the display of Nazi symbols or the use of Nazi salutes.

De Rossi’s letter to FIFA

DUISBURG: Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi sent a letter on Tuesday to FIFA’s disciplinary committee explaining his elbow to an opponent’s face. De Rossi elbowed US forward Brian McBride in the face in Saturday’s 1-1 draw, earning a red card and drawing blood from a cut under McBride’s left eye. The cut required three stitches to close. In the letter, De Rossi took full responsibility for his error and explained how he apologised personally to McBride after the game.

Moveable feast

BERLIN: Brazil have put in place a movable consular service to accompany their thousands of fans as they travel around Germany. In leaflets distributed to supporters, the Brazilian authorities explain under what circumstances they can get involved should any fans meet with any difficulty. Among the “can’t do” items are “lending money, make hotel or car reservations, organise trips or look after luggage.”

Ton up for Cocu

BERLIN: Dutch star Phillip Cocu will be a centurion if he faces Argentina in their final Group C match as he stood to win his 100th cap for the Oranje. Keeper Edwin van der Sar was also due to celebrate as he was to win his 12th cap, levelling the Dutch record of Franck de Boer. By coincidence, Cocu and Van der Sar were born the same day, October 29, 1970.