PORTO ALEGRE (AFP) – The World Cup Group E clash between France and Honduras got off to a bizarre start as the national anthems for both sides were not played before kick-off.
Both teams lined up for the anthems as usual but were then instructed by the referee to go through the protocol of shaking hands when no music for the anthems began.
The players then had to wait for several minutes till the game could start at the scheduled 4pm (1900 GMT) kick-off time.
A FIFA spokesman was unable to immediately give an explanation as to why the anthems hadn’t been played.
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