Stoppage time

Police detain hooligans at French border

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Posted: Saturday July 04, 1998 10:43 AM

German authorities boosted security measures and have been on maximum alert to try to prevent hooligans travelling to France (AP)

WEIL AM RHEIN, Germany (Reuters) -- Police said on Saturday they had stopped 19 known soccer hooligans crossing the border into France for Germany's World Cup quarterfinal clash with Croatia.

Groups of fans were temporarily held at border posts in southwestern Neuenburg, Weil am Rhein and Trier.

Several had tried to enter France by first travelling to Switzerland, but were recognized by border guards before leaving Germany.

Germany was poised for a night of wild celebrations expected to bring its major cities to a standstill if it defeats Croatia on Saturday evening.

The match begins in Lyon at 1900 GMT.

German authorities boosted security measures and have been on maximum alert to try to prevent hooligans travelling to France after German fans beat a French policeman into a coma after Germany's match against Yugoslavia on June 21.

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