German international Gerald Asamoah, the first black player to represent the country, has said it is vital that the host nation do not allow racist neo-Nazis to spoil the World Cup, which begins in two week’s time.
France skipper Zinedine Zidane lashed out at fans who “scandalously” jeered and whistled team-mates including goalkeeper Fabien Barthez during Saturday’s friendly win over Mexico.
Barthez, who is despised by Parisian fans largely because he plays for the city’s bitter rivals Marseille, was barracked every time he touched the ball in the victory against the Mexicans.
Davor Suker’s six goals won him the adidas Golden Shoe at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and to this day the Croatian striker remains his country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 45 goals from 67 appearances.
