Seeler gets past security thanks to 'stupid face'

HAMBURG, June 7 (Reuters) Former Germany striker Uwe Seeler today said he was the only person he knew in his Hamburg suburb who had not been inconvenienced by the US World Cup squad training nearby under high security protection.

''I don't have to show any ID. I've got a stupid face that everyone can recognise,'' Seeler said in Hamburg on the sidelines of a reception at city hall to formally welcome the US team.

Seeler scored 43 goals in 72 games for Germany from 1954 to 1970. He played at four World Cups and was named second honorary captain of the German Football Association in 1972.

He spent almost his entire career in Hamburg.

The US squad are preparing for their opening Group E match against Czech Republic in Gelsenkirchen on Monday.

REUTERS PM BST2236