Germany reaching Fifa World Cup final rules out Modi-Merkel meet

NEW DELHI: The entry of Germany into the final of Fifa World Cup has virtually ruled out the chances of a meeting between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Prime Minister Narendra Modi who will make a transit halt in Germany on July 13 enroute to Brazil for the BRICS Summit.

Merkel is travelling to Brazil to watch her team play and an announcement to this effect was made by German President Joachim Gauck's office on Tuesday which said both he and Merkel would travel to Brazil for the final.

With Merkel out on the day when Modi will be in Germany for his transit, a meeting is almost impossible as Modi may not like to have bilateral talks with anyone other than the German Chancellor.

Sunday's match will be Merkel's second at this World Cup. The Chancellor was in the stands for Germany's opening match against Portugal last month, which Joachim Loew's team won 4- 0.

Germany qualified for the finals of the cup by demolishing hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semifinal.

Germany defeat Brazil 7-1 (AFP Photo)

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