Soccer Shorts

■ Fans
FIFA wants more big screens

The 300 big screen areas set up across Germany to watch World Cup games have been so overrun by massive crowds that FIFA wants them expanded. Berlin's 2km-long fan zone, the country's biggest with dozens of screens, was closed off on Wednesday after 500,000 jammed inside to watch Germany beat Poland 1-0. The story has been similar across the country. "If that many people keep coming, they are just too full," FIFA spokesman Markus Siegler said. Cities with World Cup stadiums have been overwhelmed as the 3 million visitors to Germany and locals from surrounding areas pour in for the all-day parties on game days.

■ Fans

Chavez silenced by Brazil

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who spends hours talking every Sunday on his Hello President television program, kept quiet this weekend -- at least in part for Brazil's World Cup game. The soccer squad for Venezuela, a major baseball nation, failed to make it to the 2006 World Cup in Germany despite some strong games in the qualifying South American group rounds. Chavez routinely talks for up to six hours on his Sunday television show. "[Yesterday was] Father's Day and also Brazil [were] playing. For these reasons the president, as director of the program, has decided not to broadcast Hello President," Information Minister Willian Lara said.

■ England

Lampard knocks critics

Frank Lampard has lashed out at ex-international players who have criticized England's start to the World Cup. The Chelsea midfielder expressed disappointment that several former players now working in the media, have had harsh words about England's performances. Though Lampard did not name names, it is clear that his rebuke was directed at former skipper Alan Shearer, now working as a pundit for the BBC. "We are fortunate enough to get English TV and we see it," Lampard said. "There's nothing worse than seeing an ex-player who has played in the pressure cooker situation of a World Cup come out and give negative remarks," Lampard added.