Prince William’s visit

MANCHESTER: Prince William paid a surprise visit to England’s World Cup squad on Thursday — and was treated to a demonstration of the goofy goal-celebration dance that has amused the nation. The casually dressed prince chatted with injured striker Wayne Rooney on the sidelines, then met with coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, captain David Beckham and the rest of the team in a huddle in the middle of a pitch at Manchester United’s training ground.

Portugal Prez upbeat

LISBON: Portugal’s President Anibal Cavaco Silva said on Thursday he was upbeat about the country’s chances at the World Cup, praising the quality of the squad travelling to Germany. “I trust in the honour, sense of fair play and qualities of our players. We have players who are among the best in the world,” he said after hosting a reception in the squad’s honour at the presidential palace.

Santa Cruz fit to play

OBERHACHING: Paraguay’s star striker Roque Santa Cruz will be fit to face England in their opening World Cup match, the South Americans’ coach Anibal Ruiz said on Thursday. Santa Cruz has been nursing an injured right knee but is likely to have recovered in time for the Paraguayan’s match against Frankfurt on June 10 in Group B.

Poland to deploy cops

WARSAW: Polish police are to send 68 officers to Germany World Cup to help prevent feared outbreaks of violence by hooligans from Poland. “This will be the second biggest foreign police contingent in Germany after Britain (79),” Polish police spokesman Rafal Wasiak said. Fifty officers will take part in joint Polish-German patrols and the others will be specialists in stadium surveillance.