World Cup
World Cup drives up sales of counterfeit jerseys in Argentina
World Cup fever in Argentina, home of the defending champions, has boosted sales of counterfeit jerseys and soccer trading cards, sparking protests from retailers who are already under pressure from President Javier Milei’s market-opening policies.
The main shopping streets of Buenos Aires are flooded with hats, flags, mate gourds and t-shirts in patriotic light-blue and white colours.
Argentina’s World Cup victory in 2022 “makes people who don’t even like soccer feel that passion,” said Fabián Castillo, head of the Buenos Aires commerce chamber.
But he suspects more than 70% of the Argentine national team jerseys sold on the street are counterfeit. Around the world, many consumers say they knowingly buy low-priced imitations because of the often high prices of official jerseys.
Jun 14, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Argentina midfielder Lionel Messi (10) waves to the crowd during warm-up before a friendly against Guatemala at Commanders Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
That is particularly the case in Argentina, where residents’ purchasing power has dropped as salaries have failed to keep up with inflation. The sales of counterfeit goods add to other challenges facing the local textile industry, which has seen factories close due to an increase in cheap imports under Milei.
Lucas Aranda, a textile merchant from the province of Buenos Aires, sells national team jerseys for 40,000 pesos ($28) each, about a quarter of the cost of originals.
Counterfeits have also spread to the popular soccer stickers that children – and many adults – collect to complete their World Cup albums. While originals can be found at convenience stores, cheaper “alternatives” are offered online.
The World Cup kicks off next month, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Argentina’s first match is against Algeria on June 16.
-Reuters
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Uruguay will look to maintain their unbeaten FIFA World Cup record against African opposition when they take on tournament debutants Cabo Verde in a crucial Group H encounter on Sunday.
The two-time world champions face a Cabo Verde side brimming with confidence after the island nation earned a remarkable goalless draw against Spain in their previous outing, one of the biggest results in their football history.
Uruguay have never lost to an African team at the World Cup, recording three victories and two draws in five previous meetings. However, the South Americans know they cannot afford complacency against a Cabo Verde side that has already demonstrated its ability to frustrate established football powers.
For Cabo Verde, the match represents another opportunity to enhance their growing reputation on the global stage. The Blue Sharks impressed observers with their disciplined defensive display against Spain and will be eager to prove that result was no fluke.
Uruguay, meanwhile, will rely on their vast World Cup experience as they seek maximum points and a stronger foothold in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.
With confidence high in both camps, the clash promises to be a fascinating contest between one of football’s traditional giants and one of the tournament’s most inspiring newcomers.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Spain will attempt to strengthen their position in Group H when they face Saudi Arabia in a FIFA World Cup encounter that rekindles memories of their previous meeting two decades ago.
The two nations last met at the World Cup during the 2006 tournament in Germany, when a solitary goal from Juanito secured a 1-0 victory for Spain in Kaiserslautern.
La Roja enter the fixture determined to return to winning ways after being held to a surprise draw by tournament debutants Cabo Verde. The Spanish side will be keen to avoid another setback as the group stage enters a decisive phase.
Saudi Arabia, however, have ambitions of creating history. The Green Falcons are seeking their first World Cup victory against European opposition since their memorable 1-0 triumph over Belgium at the 1994 tournament in the United States.
A positive result would significantly boost Saudi Arabia’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage while adding another notable chapter to their World Cup story.
With both teams aware of the importance of the fixture, Sunday’s encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the final Group H standings.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stands on the brink of history as the Red Devils prepare to face Iran in a crucial Group G match at the FIFA World Cup.
The veteran shot-stopper could equal Belgium’s record of 17 World Cup appearances if selected, underlining his status as one of the country’s most enduring and influential players.
Belgium will be looking for a strong performance as they continue their quest for qualification from a competitive group, but they face an Iranian side buoyed by the form of defender-turned-goalscorer Ramin Rezaeian.
Rezaeian has emerged as one of Iran’s most surprising attacking weapons and is aiming to score in a fourth consecutive international match, a feat that would further enhance his growing reputation.
The clash pits Belgium’s experience and pedigree against Iran’s determination and resilience, with both teams fully aware that a positive result could prove decisive in the battle for a place in the knockout rounds.
As the stakes rise in Group G, individual milestones and team ambitions are set to collide in what promises to be an intriguing contest.
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