World Cup briefing: Peru captain Paolo Guerrero cleared to play after drugs ban

Spanish ‘villain’ Sergio Ramos releases a
World Cup song and Manuel Neuer looks set to be Germany’s No.1

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In October last year Guerrero tested positive for prohibited
substance cocaine but has always insisted that it was ingested
after drinking contaminated tea.

The Guardian reports that Switzerland’s supreme
court has granted an “interim order to freeze” the 14-month ban. In
a statement the court said: “Paolo Guerrero can take part in the
World Cup.”

While Guerrero can appear in Russia he has not yet been
formally cleared of doping and could serve the remainder of the
suspension.

After the ruling the Peru skipper said: “This decision
does justice, at least partially, and I’m grateful to the Swiss
court.”

Sergio Ramos releases World Cup
song

Spain and Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has released a
new World Cup song – but don’t expect it to be top of the pops in
Liverpool or Egypt.

In last weekend’s Champions League final Ramos’s tussle with Mohamed Salah left the
Egyptian striker with a shoulder injury that has threatened his
participation in Russia.

The BBC says that in a bid to change his “villainous, bad
boy persona” Ramos is becoming “football’s answer to Justin Bieber”
with the release of a World Cup tune alongside Spanish singer
Demarco Flamenco.

Titled ‘Otra Estrella en tu Corazon’ (translation:
‘Another star in your heart’) the ditty includes the lyrics: “Come
on, Spain, raise your voice; scream loudly, shout that goal.
Thinking big we will achieve the best, fighting together, towards
the star with honour. We have to try. May La Roja shine once
more.”

Bierhoff: Neuer will be Germany’s
No.1

If Manuel Neuer proves his fitness and makes Germany’s
World Cup squad then the Bayern Munich keeper will start for the
reigning champions in Russia.

Neuer, 32, has been out of action since September and is
battling to be included when Joachim Low confirms his final 23-man
squad on Monday.

Quoted by ESPN, Germany national team manager Oliver
Bierhoff said: “Manuel will go to the World Cup as our No.1. If he
makes the squad then Marc-Andre [ter Stegen] will be No.2. Manuel
is already full on track. He does not need to get back on it. All
the players have left a big impression here and it is a very
difficult decision.”