June 23rd, 2014
12:14 PM ET

Univision Sports Anchor Takes On Match-Fixing: 'It's the Mystery of the World Cup'

America is apparently late to the game with its newfound World Cup-driven soccer obsession.

So who better to catch up CNN's Chris Cuomo on all things "futbol" than Fernando Fiore, the Univision sports anchor who has covered not one, not two, but SEVEN World Cups.

On "New Day" Monday, Fiore expressed optimism about the U.S. men's soccer team's chances of beating Germany.

"Yesterday, they demonstrated that they can beat anybody," Fiore said of the U.S.' 2-2 draw with Portugal.

Fiore, who counts U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann among his friends, spoke less definitively, however, about the prospect of Germany and the U.S. colluding on Thursday for mutually beneficial results.

Should the match between Germany and the United States end in a tie, both teams would automatically advance out of group play.

Have you heard of the controversial 1982 World Cup game between a then-West Germany team and Austria?

Conspiracy brewed after the 1982 match played in Gijon, Spain, where both teams knew a low-scoring German win would automatically eliminate the Algerian team from group play and ensure that both teams advanced.

Early group matches are played at the same time now as a result of that World Cup, Fiore explained.

"It's the mystery of the World Cup," he said.

Fiore predicted that collusion rumors would swirl furiously leading up to Thursday's game.

"If it happens - 'I told you so," he said of soccer's naysayers.

"If it doesn't - 'soccer is the cleanest sport in the world.' It's a win-win situation."

__________

And see behind-the-scenes photos from Chris Cuomo and producer John Griffin in Rio de Janeiro:

chris and griff

"The other 'twin brothers'– I promise, we ARE actually working," shared producer John Griffin.

cuomo on beach rio

CNN's Chris Cuomo enjoys Sunday at fan fest. Photo credit: John Griffin

chris on beach rio

"Greetings from Rio de Janeiro, land of beaches, mountains... and soccer!" Photo credit: John Griffin

cuomo shirtless rio

Portuguese producer Duarte Mendonca loses a bet against Chris Cuomo following the USA vs. Portugal game. He had to wear this Team USA jersey.

Posted by
Filed under: Interview • New Day • Sports • Videos • World News
soundoff (No Responses)

Post a comment


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.