India, June 17 -- German football captain Joshua Kimmich said his teammates came up against a snake at their World Cup training base in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. "We saw a snake yesterday, and we were told that it was poisonous. With a bite, you have to go to the hospital. I don't think you're dying, but it's dangerous at least."

North Carolina is home to 37 species of snakes, of which the most common is the venomous copperhead, which the German team is reported to have encountered. It is far from ideal circumstances for the team to juggle during a World Cup campaign.

"We're here trying to prepare for the biggest tournament in football, and suddenly players are looking at the ground before every step they take," said the 31-year-ol...