RIO DE JANEIRO: FIFA is probing an alleged confrontation between a Brazilian press official and Chile player Mauricio Pinilla (pictured) in the tunnel at half-time in their World Cup match in Belo Horizonte on Saturday, the governing body said.
“There has been an incident and the disciplinary committee are currently analysing the matter,” FIFA spokeswoman Delia Fischer said yesterday.
The media officer being investigated, Rodrigo Paiva, said after the match that there was a scuffle with Pinilla at half-time and that he shoved him in self-defence.
“It was a mess. It was not something only I was involved in. Pinilla came towards me and I only defended myself but I did not punch him.”
Pinilla came on after 87 minutes of the last 16 match at the Mineirao stadium just before the match went into extra time. With seconds of extra time remaining, he slammed a shot against the Brazil crossbar.
With the scores level at 1-1 after 120 minutes, the game went to penalties and Pinilla missed his during the shootout which Brazil won 3-2 to progress to the quarter-finals. REUTERS
Chile earn hero status despite loss
BELO HORIZONTE: Chile’s team are sure to recieve an incredible welcome on their return from a World Cup where they eliminated Spain but were cruelly knocked out by Brazil for the fourth time in their history.
“The dream is over, but not the applause,” said La Tercera newspaper in a chorus of praise round the nation. “Dry your tears and come back to Chile to be received with full honours.”
One of the strongest Chile teams seen at a World Cup, ‘La Roja’ (The Red) lit up the tournament from swashbuckling wins over Australia and Spain to a heart-breaking loss on penalties to Brazil after a pulsating draw in the last-16 clash. REUTERS
