BRIEFS

Mandela relative killed

JOHANNESBURG (AP): It should have been a moment of triumph - Nelson Mandela, basking in the cheers as Africa's first World Cup opened. Instead, South Africa's beloved anti-apartheid icon stayed at home with his family yesterday in northern Johannesburg during the opening ceremony and game, mourning his 13-year-old great-granddaughter Zenani, who died in a car crash on the way home from a tournament-eve concert in Soweto.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation said the tragedy "made it inappropriate" for the former president, who is 91, to attend the opening ceremony in Johannesburg. We are sure that South Africans and people all over the world will stand in solidarity with Mr Mandela and his family in the aftermath of this tragedy".

Johannesburg Metro police spokeswoman Edna Mamonyane said the driver of the car had been arrested and charged with drunk driving.

"The Metro police found that he was drunk," Mamonyane said. "He lost control of the vehicle and it collided with a barricade."

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Maradona urgings

PRETORIA, South Africa (AP): Diego Maradona urged referees to crack down on foul play today to allow better football to be played at the World Cup. Maradona said referees should "know the meaning of" fair play and apply it wisely, while FIFA's campaign to eliminate dirty play should be more than just a slogan.

"Those who don't want to play football should sit in the stands," Maradona said.

Illustrating his point, Maradona recalled a vicious foul against him by Cameroon at the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

"Someone gave me a kick which nearly knocked my head off," Maradona said.

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De Rossi injury

IRENE, South Africa (AP): Italy have another key injury concern just three days before their World Cup opener. Daniele De Rossi sat out a training match against the Gauteng All Stars yesterday with a right calf problem, although team physician Enrico Castellacci said the midfielder has a chance of recuperating in time for Monday's game against Paraguay. Another midfielder, Andrea Pirlo, could miss the entire group phase with a left calf injury.

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Fan parks full

JOHANNESBURG (AP): Fans filled viewing areas in parks, city squares and beaches across South Africa for yesterday's opening match of the World Cup. In downtown Johannesburg, a viewing area was so packed that a small crowd-control barrier was toppled. At least one person could was seen later being treated at a first-aid tent, but officials did not immediately release more information. The enclosed parks feature matches on giant screens, other entertainment and stalls where food and drink are sold. Other public and private viewing areas were also set up.

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Iniesta doubt

POTCHEFSTROOM, South Africa (AP): Injured midfielder Andres Iniesta remained in doubt for Spain's opening World Cup match after training alone yesterday during the European champion's first practice in South Africa. Iniesta ran individual drills with one of the team's physiotherapists at the North West University sports complex, where the team is based for the tournament. The Barcelona playmaker hurt his right thigh muscle during Tuesday's 6-0 win over Poland. Spain open Group H against Switzerland on Wednesday before facing Honduras and Chile.