Five satellites in space, Modi on cloud nine

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  Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C23 soars from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on Monday. Photo: V. Ganesan

India on Monday successfully launched five foreign satellites from four countries on board PSLV-C23 rocket which placed them in orbit, an achievement described by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an ‘endorsement’ of the country’s space capabilities.

After a perfect lift off from the First Launch Pad in Satish Dhawan Space Centre here at 9.52 a.m. witnessed by Mr. Modi, Indian Space Research Organisation’s workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C23 placed all five satellites into their intended orbits, one after the other between 17 and 19 minutes after liftoff, in textbook precision.

Though the Mission Readiness Review Committee and Launch Authorisation Board had on Friday cleared the launch, the launch time was rescheduled to 9.52 a.m. today, a delay of three minutes, attributed to “probable space debris” coming in the rocket’s way.

Besides its primary payload of 714 kg French Earth Observation Satellite SPOT—7, PSLV C23 carried and placed in orbit 14 kg AISAT of Germany, NLS7.1 (CAN—X4) and NLS7.2 (CAN—X5) of Canada each weighing 15 kg and the 7 kg VELOX—1 of Singapore.

In his first official visit to this spaceport, Mr. Modi asked the space community to develop a SAARC satellite even as he heaped praise on Indian space scientists, recalling their contributions from the early days.

He referred to pictures showing rocket components being transported on bicycles.

A visibly elated Mr. Modi, who said it was a ‘privilege’ to witness the event, congratulated “our brilliant space scientists for a successful launch“.

“This fills every Indian’s heart with pride and I can see the joy reflected on your face,” he said from the Mission Control Room, adding today’s successful launch of foreign satellites was a “global endorsement of India’s space capability”.

Naidu witnesses launch

Besides Mr. Modi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Pradesh Governor E S L Narasimhan and Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu also witnessed the launch from the Sriharikota spaceport, about 100 kilometres from Chennai.

The Prime Minister had yesterday arrived in Chennai enroute to Sriharikota to witness the event.

French satellite SPOT-7, identical to SPOT-6, which ISRO had launched in 2012, would be placed diametrically opposite to SPOT-6, forming part of the existing Earth observation satellite. European space technology company Airbus Defence and Space has built SPOT-7.

Germany’s AISAT satellite would focus on the global sea-traffic monitoring system with special emphasis on high traffic zones using AIS signals. It is also Germany’s first DLR satellite in the nano-satellite class.

NLS 7.1 and NLS 7.2 are from the University of Toronto, Institute of Aerospace Studies/ Space Flight Laboratory in Canada. Both payloads would perform Two-spacecraft precision formation flying using differential GPS with centimetre-level relative position and sub-metre level accurate position control system.

Satellite VELOX-1 from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore is a technology demonstrator for in-house design of image sensor, MEMS-based attitude determination and control system and inter-satellite RF link.

The five satellites were launched under commercial arrangements that ANTRIX (ISRO’s commercial arm) entered into with the respective foreign agencies.

ISRO has so far launched 35 satellites from 19 countries around the globe —— Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Singapore, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Turkey and United Kingdom, bringing a huge sum to the country as foreign exchange.

FIFA World Cup: Emotional Julio Cesar Revels in Changed Fortunes

Brazil's goalkeeper Julio Cesar celebrates as Brazil take the lead in the penalty shootout vs Chile in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.

© AP

Labelled the villain after Brazil bowed out of the 2010 World Cup, Julio Cesar broke down in tears as he was toasted as a nation's saviour after the hosts scraped past Chile on Saturday. (Fixtures)

The 34-year-old goalkeeper saved penalties from Mauricio Pinilla and Alexis Sanchez to set Brazil up for a 3-2 shoot-out win against their South American rivals in Belo Horizonte that took them through to the quarter-finals in the FIFA World Cup. (Brazil fan dies of heart failure after Chile match)

Before that he produced a superb save to deny Charles Aranguiz in the second half to help ensure a nerve-jangling tie remained level at 1-1 after 90 minutes and through extra time. (Brazil exhales after ousting Chile by the slimmest of margins)

That Brazil avoided the humiliation of being eliminated before the quarter-final stage for the first time since 1990 and maintained their record of never having lost at home to Chile in 27 meetings was in large part down to the goalkeeper. (Lucky Brazil just three steps from heaven)

"This match proves that if you have a dream you must chase it," he said after collecting his man of the match award at the end of an emotionally draining afternoon.

He was applauded out of the press room at the Mineirao Stadium and dominated the front pages of the Brazilian press on Sunday morning, being described as 'Our King' and Brazil's 'Saviour'.

The enormity of the occasion had got to the goalkeeper even before the penalty shoot-out as he broke down in tears. And he did so again during a television interview at the end of the match.

"I cried because several of the players came to give me their support and tell me positive things and I couldn't contain myself," he admitted.

It was quite a turnaround from four years ago, when he came for a Wesley Sneijder cross and missed as Brazil threw away the lead and lost 2-1 to the Netherlands in the quarter-finals in Port Elizabeth.

"A lot of questions were asked when I was called up," he explained. "I prepared myself well physically and psychologically and I want to thank the staff and my team-mates for having confidence in me.

"It was difficult to come out of the 2010 World Cup labelled as a villain but I have always had their backing.

"I have experienced some great joys in my career but this is special after 2010."

- Frozen out -

Before the last World Cup, Julio Cesar was at the peak of his powers, having just helped Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan win a domestic double as well as the Champions League.

But at club level his career has gone downhill in the intervening period. A move to Queens Park Rangers turned sour and he found himself frozen out at the London outfit, having to buy his own gloves and train in a local park just to maintain his fitness.

Even a move to Major League Soccer side Toronto FC has seen him make only seven appearances, but Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari made him his first choice at last year's Confederations Cup.

He was named that tournament's outstanding goalkeeper as Brazil lifted the trophy, and now he is hoping for a repeat performance in the one competition that really matters to this proud footballing nation of 200 million people.

"I am a professional who is very happy with his career," he insisted on Saturday. "What would crown this would be to lift and kiss the World Cup."

FIFA World Cup: Robben's genius for diving saves the Dutch again

In real time, it was a penalty. But as the action was slowed down, frame by frame in the replays and the pictures and vines, one could not help but think that the Dutch genius Arjen Robben had made a mountain out of a mole hill.

It was the slightest of touches. The Mexican captain Marquez had planted his foot, Robben got a light touch but then he flopped over in the manner of an Oscar winner.

This was the Robben that the world had come to hate.

Footballers are actors and we have seen enough evidence of that during the World Cup but if there was a hierarchy of sorts in the diving stakes, Robben would probably be close to the top.

He has all the right attributes -- pace, dribbling skills and the ability to draw defenders in and earn a vital foul. But then he gives it all away by diving; faking it over and over again.

Netherlands' Arjen Robben, center, goes down to win a penalty during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the Netherlands and Mexico. AP

The lesson one could probably take from it all was simple: Keep diving and eventually, the referee will give you what you want.

The Mexicans had gone on the defensive after taking the early lead through Giovanni dos Santos and it played into Robben's hands. He was allowed to get forward; allowed to run at the defenders and allowed to get into positions where a foul could get his side a penalty.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had said earlier this year after Arsenal's loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League: “(Arjen) Robben is very good at getting the maximum of nothing. He’s a great player as well a very good diver but it’s part of him.”

And today we saw the truth of those words.

After the match, Robben apologised. Not for the penalty but for his attempted dive in the first half.

"I must apologise.The one [at the end] was a penalty, but the other one was a dive in the first half. I shouldn't be doing that," said Robben. "It was awful and stupid."

Indeed, he must not do that. The whole point of having this kind of crazy talent is that you don't need to rely on such petty tricks but no -- just as Suarez is a biter by habit, Robben is a diver.

Mexico manager Miguel Herrera believed that it wasn't just Robben's fault: "If the referee ... invents a penalty of that size, you leave the World Cup.

He went on to say that Robben went down three times and he should have been cautioned. "Doubtful decisions were always against Mexico," added Herrera. “I hope the referees’ committee looks at the decision and that he, like us, goes home. We’re leaving [the World Cup] because of the fact that the decision to stay was not in our hands. If they have a conscience, he should not take charge of another game at the World Cup.”

Robben had looked dangerous throughout the game, should have had a penalty in first-half injury time, and was once again the man who made the difference. But does it always have to be this way?

FIFA World Cup: All that magical Lionel Messi touches turns to goals

Lionel Messi's second goal - his fourth of the World Cup - curled into the top left corner and left Nigerian keeper Vincent Enyeama with no chance (Source: Reuters)

Argentina beat Nigeria 3-2 in their last World Cup group match on Wednesday, with Lionel Messi and Ahmed Musa scoring two goals each before Marcos Rojo kneed in the winner.

Argentina won Group F while Nigeria also advanced despite the loss, becoming the first African team in the Round of 16 in Brazil.

Messi had his best match of the World Cup so far, scoring twice in the first half to boost his tournament total to four goals, and repeatedly cutting up Nigeria’s defense with dazzling runs and clever passes.

“We played against a team that wanted to play,” Messi said. “I think we saw a good Argentina. We need to continue on this path.”

The Argentina captain needed less than three minutes to finish Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama’s clean sheet in Brazil, slamming in the rebound after Angel Di Maria’s shot bounced off the post. Nigeria replied within a minute as Musa cut in from the left and beat Sergio Romero with a curling shot toward the far post.

Nearing halftime Messi tested Enyeama with a 25-meter free kick that the goalkeeper struggled to push to a corner. Having found his aim, Messi was ice cold when Nigeria gave up another free kick just moments later from a slightly shorter distance.

This time Enyeama was stunned as the ball hooked over the wall and slipped in just inside the post.

“Messi is one of heck of a player, he’s blessed. You can’t take it away from him,” Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi said. “Messi is from Jupiter, he is different.”

The second half started at the same furious pace as the first, with two goals within the first five minutes. First Musa took advantage of confusion in the Argentine defense to score his second. Then Rojo made it 3-2 as he got his right knee on a corner kick three minutes later.

Both teams continued to chase more goals but the intensity dropped off somewhat as Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella substituted Messi after the hour-mark. The Barcelona wizard enjoyed the space he was given by Nigeria, which surged forward rather than locking down in defense like Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran did against Argentina. He has scored in each of the team’s three matches.

Finding more space to attack, Argentina created more chances than in its previous games, but its defense caved in on both of Musa’s goals. Another concern for Argentina: Striker Sergio Aguero was injured in the first half, and replaced by Ezequiel Lavezzi.

“I think we had a lot of chances, and could have scored a few more goals,” Sabella said.

Tens of thousands of Argentine fans had traveled to Porto Alegre for the match, taunting Brazilian spectators by singing “Maradona is greater than Pele” at the 44,000-capacity Beira-Rio Stadium.

The Brazilians booed and held up five fingers to remind the Argentines of how many World Cups they’ve won. Argentina has two.

SUMMARY

Lionel Messi had his best match of the World Cup so far, scoring twice in the first half.

Spain's World Cup reign ended by 2-0 loss to Chile

June 18, 2014: Chile's Eduardo Vargas, right, scores the opening goal during the group B World Cup soccer match between Spain and Chile at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

RIO DE JANEIRO –  Defending champion Spain, the dominant global football power for the past six years, was eliminated from World Cup contention Wednesday with a 2-0 loss to Chile.

Spain's famed passing game failed against a high-tempo, tenacious Chile team, its era ending in the storied Maracana Stadium filled mostly with Chilean supporters.

Eduardo Vargas tricked goalkeeper Iker Casillas into diving the wrong way, then shot into an unguarded goal in the 20th minute. Charles Aranguiz scored in the 43rd when the ball landed at his feet after Casillas punched out a free kick.

Spain's second loss, after a 5-1 rout by the Netherlands, ended any hope of advancing. Chile and the Netherlands will both advance, regardless of who wins the game between them.

Spain won the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, in addition to the 2010 World Cup.

Spain came to Brazil with a very similar -- but older -- team than the one that won those titles. They added Brazilian-born striker Diego Costa, but he failed to score a goal.

Their "tiki-taka" style of play -- keeping the ball for long stretches with short passes, and only shooting when you had a clear opening -- had not been working as well in recent years. Brazil defeated Spain 3-0 in last summer's Confederations Cup, a warm-up for the World Cup.

Spain became the third straight European defending World Cup champion to flop in the group stage. France in 2002 and Italy four years ago also failed to advance, or even win a match.

Badly needing a win, del Bosque stayed loyal to captain Casillas despite the veteran goalkeeper's errors against the Dutch.

Two pillars of Spain's title runs, Barcelona pair Xavi Hernandez and Gerard Pique with a combined 194 appearances, were left out.

Xabi Alonso probably should have joined them. His agonizing first half typified Spain's problems and his errors led to both goals.

And Alonso's selection left a younger version of his former self, Atletico Madrid's Koke, on the bench until the logical change was made at half time.

Alonso gave away the ball to Alexis Sanchez to start a move down Chile's right wing by Arturo Vidal and Aranguiz, leading to Vargas' score. Alonso trailed behind the play and put his hands to his head.

Alonso was booked in the 40th before conceding another foul, on Sanchez, three minutes later 22 yards (meters) out.

When Casillas punched away Sanchez's curling free-kick, Aranguiz trapped the ball then flicked a rising shot spinning away from the goalkeeper's reach.

Alonso had Spain's best early chance, a 15th-minute shot smothered by Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.

Often wayward in its passing, Spain missed two clear chances early in the second half.

Costa was slow on Andres Iniesta's threaded pass in the 49th, and Sergio Busquets was guilty of a glaring miss, volleying wide from five meters in the 53rd.

After Bravo pushed away shots by substitute Santi Cazorla and Iniesta, Chile's win was sealed.

World Cup 2014 : Wonder goalie Ochoa leaves hosts Brazil frustrated with 0-0 draw

Guillermo Ochoa threw up an impenetrable shield around his goal as stubborn Mexico frustrated World Cup hosts Brazil to earn a 0-0 draw on Monday.

Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa (L) deflects the ball during a goal attempt by Brazil's Thiago Silva (top R) during their World Cup Group A match at the Castelao arena in Fortaleza. (Reuters Photo)

Ochoa pulled off an incredible diving stop from a Neymar header and a series of other incredible saves, holding up Brazil's march toward qualification from Group A.

The 28-year-old Ochoa, who plays in France for AC Ajaccio, produced the performance of his life at Fortelaza's Castelao Stadium as Mexico held on for a result which leaves them level with Brazil on four points from two games.

Brazil's Paulinho (8) watches as Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa punches the ball clear of the goal during their group A World Cup match at the Arena Castelao in Fortaleza. (AP Photo)

While Ochoa deservedly grabbed the headlines, Brazil finished the game relieved to have earned a point.

Mexico had several late chances to score a shock upset, with Brazil grateful to their own goalkeeper Julio Cesar for keeping the match goalless.

The draw maintained Mexico's impressive recent record against Brazil following their shock victory in the final of the London Olympics football tournament in 2012.

The result leaves Group A finely balanced. Brazil face Cameroon in their final match while Mexico play Croatia.

Brazil's Neymar reacts during their 2014 World Cup Group A match against Mexico at the Castelao arena in Fortaleza. (Reuters Photo)

Highlights:

90+3 - REFEREE BLOWS THE WHISTLE!  Final score : 0-0.

90+1 - Cesar makes his first real save of the day. Jimenez fired it in.

89' - Corner to Mexico. Guardado's shot inches off the goal.

86' - NOTHING GETS PAST OCHOA! Denies Silva a goal after he makes an amazing header of a Neymar free-kick.

85' - Maza fouls Luiz Gustavo. Free kick to Brazil.

83' - Brazil sub : Willian in, Oscar out.

 83' - Mexico sub:  Dos Santos out, Jimenez.

81'- Free kick for Mexico, 23 metres from the goal. Dos Santos fails to clear the wall.

79' - YELLOW CARD for Brazilian captain Thiago Silva. He brings down Javier Hernandez a few yards away from the box.

76'- Mexico sub: Fabian in, Hererra out.

76' - Jo squanders a chance to score after beating the last line of defence.

73' - Mexico sub: Hernandez in, Peralta out.

72' - Dani Alves floats in a cross. Aguilar intercepts and clears the ball.

69' - Ochoa comes up with a spectacular save third time in the day. Neymar's had fired in a cross from Fred.

68' - Brazil sub : Fred out, Jo in

63' - Neymar steps up to take the free-kick. Shot flies wide.

62' - VAZQUEZ gets a YELLOW CARD!! Neymar on the receiving end again.

58' - YELLOW CARD! For Nicolas Aguilar.

57' - Mexico on the offensive. Herrera shoots one from 20 yards away.

56' - Dos Santos tries his luck. Cesar collects the shot.

54' - Vazquez fires one wide off the goal from outside the box.

53' - Corner for Mexico. Easily cleared.

49' - Bernand showing some serious pace. Cleared away by Rodriguez.

48' - P Aguilar is penalised after committing a foul. Neymar on the receiving end this time around too.

45' - Second half begins. Bernand in, Ramires out (Brazil)

             HALFTIME

45' - The first half comes to an end. The home team have had 53% of possession compared to the away team's 47%.

45' - YELLOW CARD TO RAMIRES! Referee penalises Ramires for foul on Aguilar.

44' - Neymar crosses in from a free-kick and David Luiz shoots. Ochoa to the rescue again. He collects it with ease.

41' - Aguilar, Guardado and Vazquez trouble the Brazilian defence with aerial crosses.

39' - Marcelo misses the goal with a shot from outside the box

35' - Neymar floats in a corner, Fred heads it towards the goal only to see Ochoa making another fine save.

25' - TERRIFIC SAVE FROM OCHOA! Neymar is picked out at the back post, rising majestically to steer a header towards the near post! Ochoa is at full stretch to palm the ball away, as Brazil go extremely close!

Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa makes a save on a shot by Brazil's Neymar (not seen) during their 2014 World Cup Group A soccer match at the Castelao arena in Fortaleza (REUTERS photo)

23' - Shot from Perelta goes inches above the crossbar. Peralta makes a dangerous entry into the box, dribbling past the Brazilian defenders.

17' - Maza brings down Neymar. Third time in the game that he's been fouled upon.

Brazil's Neymar (10) is tripped by Mexico's Francisco Rodriguez (AP Photo)

15' - Brazil dominating the game so far.

14' - Fred and Marcelo intercepted in the box by Paulinho. The duo was looking dangerous.

11' - Fred rules offside as he lands a Oscar cross into the back of the net.

8' - David Luiz takes the free-kick but it is blocked.

7' - Giovani dos Santos fouls Neymar

3' - Andres Guardado from Mexico tries to send the ball into the area but his cross is blocked by an opponent.

FIFA World Cup 2014 Match Preview: Belgium v/s Algeria

Much is expected from Belgium's impressive roster at this World Cup and everyone will get to witness a first sample when the Red Devils take on underdogs Algeria in a Group H encounter. Belgium and Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has been declared fully fit for his side’s World Cup opener against Algeria in Belo Horizonte on Monday. The Chelsea forward, who spent last season on loan at Everton, injured his ankle in the Belgians’ 1-0 friendly win against Tunisia last week but resumed full training on Wednesday and told the media on Sunday he was looking forward to participating in his nation’s first World Cup since 2002. Lukaku is set to start for Belgium after Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke was ruled out of the tournament with a serious injury in April.

AFP

The 21-year-old is in fine form after scoring against Sweden earlier this month and then netting a hat-trick in Belgium’s 5-1 win over Luxembourg, although that match is not now recognised by Fifa as coach Marc Wilmots made seven substitutions instead of the permitted six. Wilmots, now 45, is the last Belgian player to have scored in a World Cup after netting against Russia in 2002. Belgium later lost out to Brazil in the second round, with Wilmots (appearing in his fourth World Cup) seeing a strike controversially disallowed in that match against the eventual winners. Back in Brazil as coach, Wilmots is sweating on the fitness of Kevin De Bruyne and Divock Origi, although both are expected to shake off ankle problems in time for the game against Algeria at the Estadio Mineirao.

AFP

North African side Algeria are participating in their fourth World Cup and will be aiming to make it out of the group stage for the very first time. The side, coached by Vahid Halilhodzic, overcame Burkina Faso on away goals to qualify for this competition and warmed up for the showpiece in Brazil by beating Armenia 3-1 and Romania 2-1 recently. Midfielder Hassan Yebda is doubtful for the Group H clash with an ankle injury.

Fact File:

Belgium have won one of their last nine World Cup games (3-2 v Russia on 14th June 2002), drawing five and losing three. They have kept one clean sheet in these nine games: v Netherlands in 1998 (0-0).

Belgium are unbeaten in their last two World Cup group stages, in 1998 and 2002 (Won-1 Drew-5).

Algeria have failed to score in their last five World Cup games, attempting 71 unsuccessful shots since their last goal on 3rd June 1986 against Northern Ireland (1-1, Djamel Zidane with the goal).

Belgium are unbeaten in two previous internationals against Algeria, winning one and drawing one (both friendlies). 

AFP

Thibaut Courtois saved 87.1% of shots faced in the European qualifiers, the best ratio among goalkeepers who featured more than five times.

Eight of Belgium's ;last 14 games at the World Cup have come from set-pieces ( 5 from corners, 2 from direct free-kicks, 1 from an indirect free kick).

Only Spain (3) conceded fewer goals than Belgium (4) in the 2014 European World Cup qualifiers.

The Red Devils are unbeaten in two previous World Cup games against sides from Africa, winning one and drawing one.

FIFA World Cup Preview: Brazil Train Guns on 'Revamped and Revived' Mexico

A year after his team struggled to beat old rival Mexico in the Confederations Cup, Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is bracing for another tough time when the two sides meet in the World Cup on Tuesday.

File photos of Mexicos forward Javier Hernandez (L) and Brazils forward Neymar.

© AFP

The match comes with both teams having their eyes set on a place in the second round after making winning starts in Group A. With Brazil beating Croatia 3-1 and Mexico edging Cameroon 1-0, the winner will advance to the round of 16 if Cameroon and Croatia draw on Wednesday in Manaus.

Brazil labored to a 2-0 victory in the 2013 warm-up tournament, sealing the victory with a late second goal in a match which was also played in Fortaleza and was also the second game of a group stage.

"We know that it's never easy when we play Mexico," Scolari said. "It's always very even. Brazil's second goal against them in the Confederations Cup wasn't scored until late in the second half. It's always difficult."

Mexico has won seven of the last 15 matches against the five-time world champion, including two of the last four. And to make it even more challenging for Brazil, Mexico has changed a lot since the teams last faced each other.

"We can't forget that Mexico's national team has had three coaches in the last 12 months," Scolari said. "That means they also changed the way they play. The team that will play here is not the same that played us in the Confederations Cup. It's going to be a lot different."

Scolari noted that Mexico has been revamped after Miguel Herrera took over the team in the final stages of World Cup qualifying last year.

"The players will remain with the same characteristics, but their positioning will change with a new coach," Scolari said.

Herrera took over El Tri after the team struggled in qualifying, but he helped the team advance to the Brazil tournament and was officially named coach in January this year.

"He organized his team very well and he knows how to motivate his players," said Scolari, who is trying to repeat as champion after leading Brazil to the World Cup title in 2002.

Brazil's last loss to Mexico came in the final of the 2012 Olympics in London, when the Brazilians — led by Neymar and Oscar — were trying to win the nation's first gold medal in football.

Fifa World Cup Brazil 2014: Crazy fan watch, Day 5

June 16, Day 5

A group of Ghana fans get in a festive mood at halftime gathered with US fans to follow the action off a big screen from the pier at Hermosa Beach, California on June 16, 2014, as the United States defeated Ghana 2-1 in their first round World Cup match in Brazil. (AFP)

Iranian and American soccer fans pose for the picture holding their national flags during a live broadcast of the World Cup match between Iran and Nigeria, inside the FIFA Fan Fest area on Copacabana beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, June 16, 2014. (AP)

Soccer fans celebrate Germany's victory at the end of a live broadcast of the World Cup match between Portugal and Germany, inside the FIFA Fan Fest area on Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, June 16, 2014. Germany routed Portugal 4-0 in their group G opener on Monday. (AP)

Fans watch the 2014 Brazil World Cup Group G soccer match between Ghana and the U.S. at a viewing party in Hermosa Beach, California June 16, 2014. (REUTERS)

Michelle Lopez, 14, (R) and her brother Erick Lopez, 12, watch the 2014 Brazil World Cup Group G soccer match between Ghana and the U.S. at a viewing party in Hermosa Beach, California June 16, 2014. (REUTERS)

Fans watch the 2014 Brazil World Cup Group G soccer match between Ghana and the U.S. at a viewing party in Hermosa Beach, California June 16, 2014. (REUTERS)

Fans cheer during the 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match between Ghana and the U.S. at a viewing party in Hermosa Beach, California June 16, 2014. (REUTERS)

U.S.A fans wait at half time for the 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match between Ghana and the U.S. at the Dunas arena in Natal June 16, 2014. (REUTERS)

Fans of the U.S. wait for the 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match between Ghana and the U.S. at the Dunas arena in Natal June 16, 2014. (REUTERS)

Soccer fans, many supporting Germany, raise their arms and cheer at the FIFA Fan Fest area on Copacabana beach, after Thomas Mueller scored Germany's fourth goal against Portugal on Monday, June 16, 2014  in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during Germany's World Cup soccer match with Portugal.(AP)

 

June 15, Day 4

Ecuador soccer fans arrive at the national stadium to watch their team play Switzerland in a 2014 World Cup match, in Brasilia June 15, 2014.  (REUTERS)

Fans of Switzerland cheer during the 2014 World Cup Group E soccer match against Ecuador at the Brasilia national stadium in Brasilia, June 15, 2014. (REUTERS)

France fans pose before the 2014 World Cup Group E soccer match between France and Honduras at the Beira Rio stadium in Porto Alegre June 15, 2014. (REUTERS)

Fans take photos as Argentina's national soccer players arrive ahead of their 2014 World Cup Group F soccer match against Bosnia at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro June 15, 2014. (REUTERS)

Fans wait for the 2014 World Cup Group F soccer match between Argentina and Bosnia at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, June 15, 2014. (REUTERS)

Bosnian fans celebrate a goal against Argentina during the 2014 World Cup soccer match against Argentina, at the main square in Sarajevo June 16, 2014. Argentina won 2-1 in their opening Group F match on Sunday at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro. (REUTERS)

The bus carrying the Brazilian team is surrounded by fans outside the Granja Comary training center in Teresopolis Brazil, Sunday, June 15, 2014. Brazil plays in group A of the 2014 soccer World Cup. (AP)

Soccer fans smile as they wait for the start of  the group E World Cup soccer match between Switzerland and Ecuador at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil, Sunday, June 15, 2014. (AP)

Bosnian fans cheer during a Group F football match between Argentina and Bosnia-Hercegovina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 2014. (AFP)

Fans wait for the start of a Group F football match between Argentina and Bosnia Hercegovina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 2014. (AFP)

Argentina's fans cheer before the Group F football match between Argentina and Bosnia-Hercegovina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 2014. (AFP)

Argentina's fans kiss a fake trophy before for the Group F football match between Argentina and Bosnia-Hercegovina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 2014. (AFP)

Argentina's fans cheer before the Group F football match between Argentina and Bosnia-Hercegovina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 2014. (AFP)

Argentine fans cheer for their team before the start of a Group F football match between Argentina and Bosnia Hercegovina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 2014. (AFP)

French fans cheer before the group E World Cup soccer match between France and Honduras at the Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Sunday, June 15, 2014.  (AP)

June 14, Day 3

Costa Rica fans cheer as they watch the 2014 World Cup Group D soccer match between Costa Rica and Uruguay at the Castelao arena in Fortaleza June 14, 2014. (REUTERS)

Italy fans celebrate after Italy won their Group D football match against England at the Amazonia Arena in Manaus during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014. (AFP)

A man driving a Beetle painted with the colors of the Brazilian flag drives by Argentine fans gathering at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday June 14, 2014. (AP)

Italian fans cheer before the group D World Cup soccer match between England and Italy at the Arena da Amazonia in Manaus, Brazil, Saturday, June 14, 2014. (Antonio Calanni)

  

Fans wait before the 2014 World Cup Group D soccer match between England and Italy at the Amazonia arena in Manaus June 14, 2014. (REUTERS)

Uruguayan soccer fans watch an open air broadcast of the 2014 World Cup Group D soccer match between Costa Rica and Uruguay in Montevideo June 14, 2014. (REUTERS)

Italian national football team fans arrive to the Arena Amazonia in Manaus, Brazil, on June 14, 2014, for the FIFA World Cup 2014 match against England. (AFP)

Japanese football fans pose prior to a Group C football match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014. (AFP)

Japanese fans cover protect themselves from the rain prior to the start of a Group C football match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014. (AFP)

Japanese football fans pose prior to a Group C football match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014. (AFP)

Japan fans cheer prior to the start of a Group C football match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014. (AFP)

Soccer fans pose in front of a giant screen during the World Cup football match Italy vs England in central Rome's Piazza Venezia on June 14, 2014. (AFP)