World Cup Digest

Day 5

Police clash with security workers

SOUTH African police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesting security workers in the coastal city of Durban early yesterday in the first serious trouble at the World Cup.

The clash between police and stadium stewards protesting over pay came after the first match in the beautiful oceanside stadium where Germany defeated Australia 4-0.

Riot police wearing armour and helmets chased stewards who had earlier been responsible for the security of 62,660 fans at the new futuristic Moses Mabhida stadium.

Police blasted tear-gas as the disgruntled staff, bricks and rocks in hand, rampaged down a Durban highway. The protesters were coralled before they reached the city centre and were finally dispersed.

Iniesta winning fitness battle

ANDRES Iniesta’s bid to shake off a thigh injury in time for Spain’s opening Group H match against Switzerland tomorrow is on track, according to the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) yesterday.

“Regarding the injury to Andres Iniesta, he had a scan this morning which confirmed it is progressing well,” the federation stated on their website (www.rfef.es). The Barcelona midfielder tweaked a thigh muscle in Tuesday’s 6-0 win over Poland in a friendly international in Murcia and has mostly been training apart from the rest of the squad.

Portuguese deny Nani rumours

THE Portuguese Football Federation have dismissed reports Nani was sent home from the World Cup for reasons other than a shoulder injury. Portuguese Federation vice-president Amandio de Carvalho said: “There is no attempting to hide anything.”