Soccer: Rivaldo forced to cover up messages of peace

KUALA LUMPUR - Rivaldo's plans to send a message for world peace have been scuppered by Fifa's clampdown on goal celebrations.

The Brazilian, who has been battling to overcome a knee injury, said he had intended to reveal a message-bearing T-shirt underneath his Brazil shirt when celebrating a goal - a trend that has become increasingly popular with players.

But with the game's governing body instructing referees to book players for such displays, Rivaldo has promised to keep his messages covered up.

"I have to respect the opinion of Fifa, so I won't do it because I don't want to get a yellow card and spoil our team's chances," Rivaldo said.

"Of course, you can get across a positive message, a message for peace in the world.

"All the games involving Brazil are shown across the world, so of course it's a good chance to send a message of peace, especially with the situation the world is in at the moment."

Rivaldo said helping his country to win a fifth World Cup would be a perfect tonic for many Brazilians who face a daily grind of poverty, violence and injustice.

"It makes me sad, the war [in Afghanistan] and the situation in Brazil, where there is hunger and poverty," he said.

"A World Cup is important and we know that if we win the title we could bring a little happiness to the people of Brazil. So we will play with all our hearts to try to win the title we missed out on in France four years ago."

Rivaldo, who missed the end of the Spanish season with Barcelona because of a troublesome right knee, said he was no longer feeling any pain and was ready to play in Sunday's friendly against Malaysia.

Brazil are spending a week in Malaysia before travelling to South Korea, where they kick off their campaign against Turkey on June 3.

In group C action they will also play China and Costa Rica.

Meanwhile, with five players injured and only three left standing, England's midfield risks being a lonely place at the finals.

The tale of woe grew yesterday when Danny Murphy fell awkwardly in training.

Pending the results of Murphy's bone scan, coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has been left with Paul Scholes as England's only first-choice midfielder still on his feet.

Two gifted rookies, Joe Cole, 20, and Owen Hargreaves, 21, are also available.

But both have only a handful of caps after breaking into the squad last season.

Argentina, who England face on June 7 in group F, will not be quaking in their boots.

- REUTERS

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