Terrorist attacks in South Africa?
The Internet was buzzing this week after an apparent World Cup bomb threat was posted on a militant jihadist website. A contributor to the online magazine Yearners For Paradise said in a post “how beautiful” it would be if a bomb went off during the United States vs. England game on June 1.
Although several reports sounded alarm bells, the threat does not seem to have raised concerns among local security officials. On Tuesday, South Africa’s police minister stated that threats “cannot be ignored,” but that this particular threat “holds no water.” FIFA secretary general Jérôme Valcke declined to comment on any specifics, but suggested that authorities would not be changing their preparations in any way as a result of this threat.
Meanwhile, a visiting German politician stated that he was very impressed by the level of security and readiness in South Africa.
“The South Africans have every reason to be confident, given their preparations,” Frank Hofmann stated. He noted that cooperation with security forces from participating countries and international forces has been encouraging, but added that security success at any large event depends to a large extent on “luck.”
Thanks for that final bit of reassurance.
Barack Obama to attend opening ceremony?
In a possibly related note, President Obama is now being mentioned as “probably” attending the World Cup opening ceremony on June 11, joining such luminaries as Nelson Mandela, Pelé and Eusébio. The event will celebrate Africa and the unifying power of the beautiful game.
The presence of the first African American president—the son of a Kenyan immigrant—would certainly add to the event. After all, if he can make time to fill out an NCAA basketball bracket and follow that little tournament, it seems like he could squeeze in a trip to Johannesburg for the biggest sporting event on earth.
Literally speaking, the whole world will be watching.
Full 3D TV Lineup Announced
FIFA has released the full list of games to be broadcast in 3D, and it includes the tournament opener on June 11th and the World Cup Final on July 11th. A total of 25 games in five stadiums will be shown as part of the first-ever global, live 3D event. Here’s the full listing.
Currently, ESPN and Sogecable (in Spain) are the only networks offering 3D, but FIFA’s TV director said he expects more partnerships in many countries to be announced soon. Games will also be shown at select cinemas and stadiums around the world.
Note to viewers: 3D broadcasts require a 3D-compatible television. The glasses are not magic!
Old, Overweight Brazilians
Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos turned 37 years old this week and, to commemorate the event, announced his desire to play for the Brazil in South Africa. After a run of good form in the Brazilian top flight, Roberto Carlos has been tabbed by journalists as a possible left-back selection.
“I thank the media for their recognition of my good play,” he told reporters. “If the news arrives at my doorstep, I will immediately do a summersault with joy.”
Ronaldo, his good friend and teammate at Corinthians, offered a heartfelt endorsement of Roberto Carlos while simultaneously announcing that he himself was not a candidate.
It would be exciting to see the charismatic left back close out his career on the world stage. But he’ll have to make sure he doesn’t pull another stunt like he did against France in 2006, when he was seen standing with his hands on his knees during a free kick, which Thierry Henry volleyed home for the only goal of the quarterfinal game.
A similar performance might see him doing even more summersaults—to avoid hurled objects from enraged Brazilian fans.
Soldado suffers injury setback
