As Holland prepared for their last-sixteen clash with Mexico at the Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza on Sunday, Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal revealed he was a big admirer of Mexico coach Miguel Herrera.
Hundreds of anti-World Cup protesters tried to march to the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday as Colombia knocked Uruguay out of the tournament.
Fans in Bogota and Montevideo share their thoughts after Colombia beat Uruguay 2-0 in the last 16 of the World Cup in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday. As you can imagine there were some mixed emotions on display.
Ten-man Costa Rica beat Greece on penalties
Last-gasp Holland reach quarters after breaking Mexico hearts
Louis Van Gaal an admirer of Miguel Herrera
Police prevent protestors reaching Maracana
Michel Platini a convert to goal-line technology?
James Rodriguez and the goal of the tournament
It is one of those goals you will never get tired of seeing. Jamez Rodriguez's stunning volley against Uruguay was not only the goal of the tournament, so far, but it also marked the arrival of football's next global superstar.
Sepp Blatter believes the World Cup finals in Brazil have converted Michel Platini to the cause of goal-line technology.
Platini, French president of European federation UEFA, has always been resolutely opposed to any form of technical assistance; FIFA...
There is no chance of rehabilitation for Luis Suarez. He is what he is and no punishment will change him. In the wake of Suarez's 4-month ban for biting, Brian Glanville discusses the latest controversy.
Demonising Luis Suarez is ultimately irrelevant...
A slightly bemused looking Bruce Springsteen has passed judgment on Luis Suarez. ...
Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri scored the second hat-trick of the 2014 World Cup, and his first goal was the pick of the bunch.
More stunning images from yesterday at the World Cup
Bosnia stroll to a comfortable 3-1 win over Iran in Salvador - a result which means that both teams are eliminated.
Date: June 25, 2014
Result: Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-1 Iran
Scorers:
Bosnia-Herzegovina:
Iran:
Venue: Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador
Attendance: 48,011
Match overview: The...
Messi on song again as Argentina beat Nigeria 3-2 in Porto Alegre
Date: June 25, 2014
Result: Nigeria 2-3 Argentina
Scorers:
Nigeria:
Argentina:
Venue: Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre
Attendance: 43,285
Match overview: Argentina beat Nigeria 3-2 in Porto Alegre but both teams still went through to the knockout...
Uruguayan fans were mixed in their reaction to Luis Suarez's bite in the country's 1-0 win over Italy at the World Cup. To some he can do no wrong, but others had actually seen the incident.
Authorities in the southern Brazilian city of Porto Alegre are preparing for the arrival of 80,000 Argentine fans for Wednesday's match against Nigeria.
FIFA medical bosses are keeping an open mind on amendments to the laws of football and match regulations to cope with the increasingly contentious issue of concussion.
What they are not prepared to do, however, is to claim the power to overrule the team doctor who...
Luis Suarez's bite marks implanted in Giorgio Chiellini's shoulder leads our images of the World Cup on day 14.
While the football world is still reeling from the sight of Uruguay's Luis Suarez appearing to bite Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini, we have unearthed an image which might provide a bit of context to yesterday's extraordinary events.
The photo was taken during...
Bosnia-Herzegovina defeat Iran 3-1 in Salvador
Messi scores twice as Argentina beat Nigeria 3-2 to top the group
80,000 Argentina fans travel to Porto Alegre for Nigeria game
Four more group matches to be played today
FIFA to investigate Suarez biting incident
22:11 BST
This is better from Honduras and they come agonisingly close to...
Last minute Samaras penalty send Greece through in dramatic circumstances.
Date: June 24, 2014
Result: Greece 2-1 Ivory Coast
Scorers:
Greece:
Ivory Coast:
Venue: Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza
Attendance: 59,095
Match overview: Greece have failed to score in seven of their eight World Cup games while...
Majestic Colombia top Group C after 4-1 win over Japan
Date: June 25, 2014
Result: Japan 1-4 Colombia
Scorers:
Japan: Okazaki 45
Colombia: Cuadrado pen 17, Martinez 55, 82, Rodriguez 90
Venue: Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba
Attendance: 40,430
]Match overview: Colombia qualified for the second round as winners of Group C after an emphatic second-half performance...
Played two, lost two, but how how bad were Roy Hodgson's England and is he the right man for the job? Brian Glanville carries out his post-mortem on Brazil 2014.
What of the World Cup and of England? First, while we...
Impressive Algeria hit four past South Korea in Porto Alegre
Date: June 22, 2014
Result: Algeria 0-0 South Korea
Scorers:
Algeria: Slimani 26, Halliche 28, Djabou 38, Brahimi 62
South Korea: Son Heung-min 50, Koo Ja-cheol 72
Venue: Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre
Attendance: 42,732
Match overview: Algeria put themselves on the brink of the last 16 with a...
Portugal grab dramatic late equaliser against USA in Manaus
USA-Portugal underway in Manaus
Algeria make history after 4-2 win over South Korea
Algeria-South Korea underway in Porto Alegre
Belgium grab late winner to beat Russia 1-0 at the Maracana
Belgium and Russia meet at the Maracana in the first game of the day
00:54 BST
African teams have struggled at this World Cup, both on and off the pitch
It looks like being another disappointing World Cup for Africa. One win, one draw and three defeats in their opening matches was worse than four years ago when, in...
Carlo Costly enjoys a bit of luck with his first touch but he makes the most of it by lashing in an unstoppable shot with his left foot.
Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina underway in Cuiaba
Klose equals World Cup record to make it 2-2
Ghana hit back immediately through Ayew and go ahead through Gyan
Germany go ahead through Gotze
Germany-Ghana goalless at half-time
Messi saves Argentina with late winner against unlucky Iran
Argentina and Iran are underway in Belo Horizonte
Germ...
The final round of matches in the group stage of the World Cup will come under extra scrutiny to guard against matchfixing.
FIFA security chief Ralf Mutschke said in Rio de Janeiro today that these matches raised particular concerns because some of the competition issues had been resolved before the matches took place.
Holland, Chile and Colombia...
12 June 2014 18:11
Bosnia-Herzegovina winger Izet Hajrovic has downplayed the threat posed by FIFA World Cup Group F rivals Argentina.
Alejandro Sabella’s Argentina arrive in the tournament among the favourites to go all the way, but some in the Bosnia camp fancy their chances against the South Americans.
The two sides get Group F under way on...
12 June 2014 18:06
Luca Toni has committed himself to Verona for another season after an excellent 2013-14 Serie A campaign.
The 37-year-old netted 20 league goals as Verona challenged in the higher echelons of the table and, although a sluggish end to the season saw them finish 10th, the striker is keen to get started again.
His contract was due to
12 June 2014 17:47
Guillermo Ochoa has won the battle to start in goal for Mexico in their FIFA World Cup opener against Cameroon on Friday.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper, who will leave relegated French club Ajaccio when his contract expires, edged Jesus Corona and Alfredo Talavera for the spot.
Miguel Herrera’s decision to name Ochoa was the...
12 June 2014 17:47
Hull City’s Yannick Sagbo has been banned for two matches for remarks made on social media in relation to the ‘quenelle’ salute.
Sagbo was initially fined £15,000 by an independent regulatory commission in April after showing support for Nicolas Anelka, who celebrated a goal in West Brom’s 3-3 draw at
12 June 2014 17:40
Cesc Fabregas has revealed Arsenal rejected their option to re-sign the midfielder from Barcelona following his move to Chelsea.
It was announced on Thursday that the Spain international had put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
The move brings to an end his three-year stint at Camp Nou, whom he joined from
12 June 2014 17:33
Real Madrid defender Fabio Coentrao missed Portugal training with a suspected hip injury on Thursday.
The full-back scored in his country’s final FIFA World Cup warm-up fixture – a 5-1 triumph over the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday – but there will now be fears over his fitness ahead of Portugal’s
12 June 2014 17:30
Uruguay defender Diego Lugano has paid tribute the strength of character his team-mates showed in securing a FIFA World Cup berth.
Oscar Tabarez’s experienced side made a storming star to their CONMEBOL qualification campaign but a six-game winless run in the middle of the marathon section meant they needed an
12 June 2014 17:05
Chelsea have signed Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas on a five-year deal from Barcelona.
Fabregas, currently away with his national side at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, returns to the Premier League after a three-year stay at Camp Nou.
The 27-year-old joined the Catalan giants from Arsenal in 2011, and won La Liga in 2013, as well
12 June 2014 17:00
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots is keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup opener against Algeria.
Wilmots’ men kick off their campaign against Africa’s top-ranked side, before coming up against Russia and South Korea in Group H.
However, when asked whether he had already settled on his
12 June 2014 16:57
Sabri Lamouchi believes his Ivory Coast side have the experience to succeed at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The African outfit have often been accused of a lack of concentration at the back in some quarters, but coach Lamouchi insists his players’ know-how will help them overcome the problem.
Ivory Coast kick off their campaign
12 June 2014 03:44
Ecuador midfielder Luis Saritama said the squad is mentally ready to tackle Switzerland in their FIFA World Cup opener on Sunday.
Reinaldo Rueda’s men warmed up for their Group E curtain-raiser with a 2-0 friendly win over local Brazilian side AC Ceramica on Wednesday, with each of Renato Ibarra and Joao Rojas hitting the
12 June 2014 03:43
Niko Kovac said Croatia will not park the bus when they play host nation Brazil in the FIFA World Cup curtain raiser on Thursday.
Kovac’s men open their Group A campaign against the pre-tournament favourites at Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo and face an uphill battle.
Brazil have not lost on home soil since 1975, when they...
12 June 2014 05:33
Jurgen Klinsmann said it is unrealistic for people to think the United States can win the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
The USA have been handed a tough draw at the World Cup, pitted alongside powerhouse nations Germany, Portugal and Ghana in Group G.
In an interview with the New York Times published on June 4, coach Klinsmann said:...
12 June 2014 04:31
Greece goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis was wary of upcoming FIFA World Cup opponents Colombia, ahead of their Group C clash on Saturday.
Karnezis will be in goal for Fernando Santos’ men in their tournament opener in Belo Horizonte, and noted Colombian trio James Rodriguez, Carlos Bacca and Teofio Gutierrez as the men for
12 June 2014 03:46
Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo said his compatriots have ‘always played great games’ against 2014 World Cup rivals England.
The two nations are set to square off to open their respective Group D campaigns in Brazil on Saturday.
Dead-ball specialist Pirlo said while he is wary of the potential of Roy Hodgson’s men,
12 June 2014 05:40
Veteran Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo is hoping to win more Serie A titles after prolonging his stay at the Italian champions.
Pirlo was set to come out of contract at the end of the month but the 35-year-old signed a new two-year deal with Juventus on Wednesday.
The Italy international, who will remain at the club until June
12 June 2014 05:36
England midfielder Jack Wilshere will not kick a ball at the FIFA World Cup, according to the country’s former U21 coach Stuart Pearce.
Wilshere has featured in all three of England’s warm-up games against Peru, Ecuador and Honduras as he attempts to return to full fitness after sustaining a foot injury in
12 June 2014 02:47
Javi Martinez said Spain will not be losing sleep if they are beaten by the Netherlands in their FIFA World Cup opener on Friday.
Spain kick off their title defence against the Netherlands in Group B action in Salvador – a rematch of the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa.
The Spanish are known to make slow starts at
12 June 2014 01:17
Algeria forward El Arabi Hillel Soudani said the African nation’s squad are like a family, ahead of their daunting FIFA World Cup campaign.
Dinamo Zagreb man Soudani, 26, will lead Algeria’s line in their Group H campaign against Russia, South Korea and Belgium in Brazil.
Soudani said coach Vahid Halilhodzic has the...
12 June 2014 01:16
Wesley Sneijder said he is still haunted by the Netherlands’ loss to Spain four years ago ahead of their Group B opener on Friday.
The Netherlands, then coached by Bert van Marwijk, were beaten 1-0 in the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa, with Andres Iniesta settling the match four minutes from the end in extra time.
Now...
11 June 2014 11:54
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has not ruled out making a return to Napoli next season amid continuing uncertainty over his future.
The Spaniard spent 2013-14 on loan in Naples, and impressed for Rafael Benitez’s side as they won the Coppa Italia and finished third in Serie A.
Reina, currently away with Spain’s FIFA
11 June 2014 11:28
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric hoped Croatia team-mate Ivan Rakitic would end up at the Bernabeu next season – not Barcelona.
Rakitic’s future has come under intense speculation after he was instrumental in Sevilla winning the UEFA Europa League and finishing fifth in La Liga last term.
It is widely expected that
11 June 2014 11:20
Joe Hart believes Premier League champions Manchester City have now established themselves as one of English football’s superpowers.
City held off the challenge of Liverpool and Chelsea to land their second title in three seasons last term, scoring an incredible 102 goals in the process.
The Etihad Stadium club won their
11 June 2014 12:26
Uruguay star Luis Suarez is putting in extra training in an attempt to win his race to be fit for the FIFA World Cup.
That is according to team-mate Cristian Rodriguez, who has revealed Suarez is doing everything in his power to play a part in his country’s campaign in Brazil.
Suarez underwent surgery to repair meniscus
11 June 2014 12:09
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has hit back at calls for him to step down next year, and called for focus on the upcoming World Cup instead.
Several UEFA officials have publicly stated their belief that the 78-year-old should not stand for re-election as head of football’s global governing body due to the ongoing controversy
11 June 2014 13:14
Galatasaray have announced that they have parted company with manager Roberto Mancini by mutual consent.
The 49-year-old only moved to the Super Lig outfit in September last year after being sacked by Manchester City.
The move is at odds with Mancini’s public comments earlier this week, in which he claimed he was to stay in
11 June 2014 12:56
Argentina captain Lionel Messi is dreaming of leading his country to FIFA World Cup glory by finally shining on the biggest stage of all.
Messi has seen Argentina get eliminated in the quarter-finals of both his previous World Cups, with the four-time FIFA Ballon d’Or winner scoring just once in eight appearances at the
11 June 2014 12:46
Championship outfit Blackpool have announced Jose Riga as their new manager as they look to recover from a disastrous season.
Blackpool led the league in September after a fast start but plummeted down the table in a campaign that saw manager Paul Ince sacked in January.
Barry Ferguson’s short-lived tenure as caretaker boss
11 June 2014 10:19
Netherlands goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen is excited to be emulating his heroes as he prepares to make his FIFA World Cup debut.
The Ajax stopper started all three of his country’s pre-tournament friendlies, and cannot wait to follow in the footsteps of his idols – compatriot Edwin van der Sar and legendary German keeper
11 June 2014 10:11
Andrea Pirlo has put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension at Juventus.
The playmaker’s previous deal had been due to expire at the end of the month, but he has now committed his future to the Italian champions until June 2016.
Pirlo moved to Juve from Milan in May 2011, and is an integral part of the team who have
11 June 2014 06:09
Timing can be critical to sporting success and five days before their FIFA World Cup opener, Ghana may have found a new star at the ideal moment.
Jordan Ayew struck his maiden international hat-trick for Ghana on Monday, taking advantage of an early injury to Abdul Majeed Waris to push his claims to coach Kwesi Appiah for a...
11 June 2014 06:05
United States midfielder Michael Bradley is not paying too much attention to Ghana’s result in their final pre-FIFA World Cup match.
Ghana wrapped up preparations for the World Cup in Brazil with a 4-0 rout of South Korea on Saturday, with Marseille forward Jordan Ayew’s hat-trick inspiring the demolition in Miami.
But...
11 June 2014 06:35
Costa Rica defender Heiner Mora has suffered a World Cup-ending injury, after sustaining a stress fracture in his right heel.
The Deportivo Saprissa wing-back, 29, started in their 1-1 friendly draw with the Republic of Ireland on Friday, however, he felt a ‘sharp pain’ during training on Tuesday.
Team physician
11 June 2014 06:19
Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure said he has overcome his malaria scare, as his side prepares for their FIFA World Cup clash with Japan.
The Ivorians begin their 2014 Brazil finals tournament on Saturday in Recife, and the Toure brothers have been at the helm of the headlines – with Kolo suffering a bout of malaria, while...
11 June 2014 07:40
Striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov has insisted he is not focused on becoming Russia’s all-time leading goalscorer ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
The 31-year-old needs just two goals in Brazil to surpass Vladimir Beschastnykh’s record of 26 goals and should get an opportunity having played a role in all three of Russia’s...
11 June 2014 07:04
Muhamed Besic will try his best to stop Lionel Messi when Bosnia-Herzegovina and Argentina go head-to-head at the FIFA World Cup.
World Cup debutants Bosnia-Herzegovina kick off their campaign against Group F rivals and one of the pre-tournament favourites Argentina in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday.
Argentina captain Messi is expected...
11 June 2014 04:02
Colombia full-back Santiago Arias has challenged his team to reach their maiden FIFA World Cup quarter-final in Brazil.
The South American nation have never gotten past the round of 16 in their four previous World Cup appearances and Arias wants Jose Pekerman’s Colombia side to ‘make history’ this year.
After...
11 June 2014 04:00
Croatia have been forced into a squad change two days out from their FIFA World Cup opener against Brazil, with Ivan Mocinic injured.
Midfielder Mocinic, 21, is set to be replaced in their 23-man squad by Hamburg midfielder Milan Badelj, despite the latter originally ruled out of the squad due to injury also.
The switch is still
11 June 2014 03:55
Captain Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the field to inspire Portugal to a 5-1 win over the Republic of Ireland at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.
Ronaldo had missed Portugal’s past two friendlies due to a knee injury but made a comeback and played 65 minutes as his country wrapped up preparations for the FIFA World Cup with a...
11 June 2014 02:46
The Scotland Football Association (SFA) revealed on Tuesday they are considering moving away from Hampden Park after 2020.
SFA chief executive Stewart Regan confirmed at the FIFA Congress in Brazil that the governing body will ‘proactively explore’ every option regarding Hampden Park as the home of Scottish football.
The...
10 June 2014 19:39
Norwich City boss Neil Adams has dismissed speculation that Gary Hooper has handed in a transfer request.
Hooper arrived at Carrow Road from Celtic at the start of the 2013-14 campaign, but failed to replicate his prolific form shown in Scotland, scoring just six goals in 32 Premier League appearances as Norwich were relegated.
Adam
10 June 2014 19:06
Honduras midfielder Marvin Chavez has targeted a fast start as his side prepare to open the FIFA World Cup against France on Sunday.
Luis Suarez’s side have won just one of their last seven matches in all competitions but had their hopes boosted by a gritty 0-0 friendly draw against England on Saturday.
And Chavez – who
10 June 2014 20:15
Uruguay striker Luis Suarez says his knee is “getting better” ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
The Liverpool man suffered an injury in training during the build-up to the World Cup and had initially been a doubt for the competition.
However, he was included in Oscar Tabarez’s squad with both coach and player
10 June 2014 20:09
Versatile midfielder Giannis Maniatis has backed Greece to spring a surprise or two at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
The experienced Olympiacos man is preparing to feature in his first World Cup after helping Greece through a play-off against Romania in November last year.
Despite not being among the favourites for the competition,
10 June 2014 19:43
Nigeria set off for the FIFA World Cup in a bullish mood with midfielder John Obi Mikel confident of qualification from Group F.
In one of the less eye-catching groups, Argentina are heavy favourites with Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria expected to be locked in a battle for second.
Mikel, though, insists the African side have
10 June 2014 20:32
Ecuador midfielder Oswaldo Minda was delighted to be called up to his nation’s FIFA World Cup squad on the verge of the tournament.
The Chivas USA man was the beneficiary of Segundo Castillo’s exclusion, with the latter failing to recover from a knee injury suffered against Mexico last month.
Minda was initially
10 June 2014 20:21
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has been told not to stand for re-election by high-ranking UEFA officials at a meeting in Brazil.
Blatter, who took over as the world governing body’s chief in 1998, became embroiled in controversy over the weekend when he suggested that criticism of FIFA’s decision to award the 2022 World...
10 June 2014 21:26
FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce says the organisation are not to blame for the political issues in Brazil surrounding the World Cup.
Before the opening game of the tournament on Thursday, there have been scenes of protest from some Brazilians about the decision to stage the finals.
Some feel the money spent on the event would have
10 June 2014 21:15
Switzerland winger Xherdan Shaqiri feels his side have improved immensely since the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The Bayern Munich man made just one appearance in South Africa four years ago, coming on as a late substitute in a goalless draw against Honduras in the group stages.
Four years on, the 22-year-old is one of the main men in
10 June 2014 12:31
Jean Makoun is confident Cameroon have learned from the 2010 FIFA World Cup as they plot a path to the knockout stages in Brazil.
Four years ago the midfielder was part of a squad that failed to collect a single point from their group matches.
Makoun, who featured in all three games in South Africa, is convinced there is a better
10 June 2014 11:51
Joe Cole appears set to sign for Aston Villa on a free transfer after the club confirmed he had passed a medical on Tuesday.
Former England midfielder Cole is a free agent after his contract at West Ham expired.
Villa had been strongly linked with the 32-year-old and a deal now seems close to completion.
The Midlands outfit posted a
10 June 2014 11:35
Maarten Stekelenburg blames himself for missing out on the FIFA World Cup with Netherlands after a disappointing club season with Fulham.
The 31-year-old was first-choice for the Netherlands at the 2012 European Championship and also started the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa.
However, he has since dropped down the pecking
10 June 2014 13:53
Asier Illarramendi is the future of Real Madrid according to Xabi Alonso, who is convinced his team-mate will be a huge success.
The 24-year-old midfielder arrived at Santiago Bernabeu at the start of last season, having impressed for Real Sociedad, and went on to make 29 appearances in La Liga.
Alonso has seen enough to believe
10 June 2014 13:52
Aston Villa have completed the signing of free agent Joe Cole, who has agreed a two-year deal.
The former England midfielder underwent a medical at Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training ground on Tuesday, having been released by West Ham at the end of last season.
Villa subsequently announced the 32-year-old’s arrival via a
10 June 2014 13:12
Head coach Hong Myung-bo has vowed to improve South Korea’s defending ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
The Group H hopefuls were beaten 4-0 by Ghana on Monday in their final warm-up friendly before taking taking on Russia next week.
Even Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah was critical of Hong’s side – advising them to be more
10 June 2014 14:01
Islam Slimani has pledged that Algeria will give their all at the FIFA World Cup, insisting the team “do not want any regrets”.
After enjoying his debut season in European football with Sporting Lisbon, striker Slimani is confident that he and his fellow countrymen have what it takes to make their mark in Brazil.
Algeria
10 June 2014 13:56
France coach Didier Deschamps insists he has no regrets over his decision to leave Samir Nasri out of his FIFA World Cup squad.
The Manchester City midfielder was among the more high-profile players to be left out of the French party, although his omission was not altogether unexpected.
Nasri, handed a three-match ban by the French
10 June 2014 14:11
Carlo Ancelotti is confident Real Madrid have a strong enough squad to compete next season and will not be rushed into making new signings.
Real ended a 12-year wait for their 10th success in Europe’s elite club competition by beating city rivals Atletico Madrid in last month’s UEFA Champions League final.
Ancelotti
10 June 2014 14:05
Shinji Kagawa has urged his Japan team-mates to show their quality at the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
The Manchester United playmaker is set to feature in his first World Cup over the next few weeks, with Japan grouped alongside Colombia, Greece and Ivory Coast.
Together with the likes of Keisuke Honda, Shinji Okazaki and...
10 June 2014 03:07
Spain attacker David Silva said he would happily adapt to other roles to be in the reigning world champions’ starting XI.
The Manchester City star started Spain’s two pre-FIFA World Cup friendlies on the bench as Vicente del Bosque learned more about his team ahead of Brazil 2014.
Silva said he would ideally play behind...
10 June 2014 02:56
South Korea’s nemesis Asamoah Gyan scored and Jordan Ayew struck a hat-trick as Ghana defeated the Asian nation 4-0 in Miami on Monday.
Ayew’s first two goals were split by Gyan’s strike in the shadows of half-time, as the 28-year-old Ghanaian skipper continued his record of scoring in every match between the...
10 June 2014 04:07
Croatia attacker Ivica Olic said he believes Niko Kovac’s men should reach the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup.
Olic and his side face tournament hosts and favourites Brazil in the opener at the Arena de Sao Paulo on Thursday.
Since finishing third at the 1998 World Cup, Croatia have made group-stage exits in South...
10 June 2014 03:19
Chile’s Arturo Vidal looks set to miss his country’s FIFA World Cup opener against Australia after suffering a set-back with his knee.
Reports from Chile’s training session in Belo Horizonte on Monday claimed Vidal did not run during the 15 minutes media were allowed to observe, while the Juventus midfielder only
10 June 2014 03:09
England midfielder Adam Lallana said his first experience of a major international tournament has excited him ahead of their opening match.
Lallana, 26, has just six caps for the Three Lions to his name, but looms as a vital cog in Roy Hodgson’s midfield after starting in recent friendlies against Peru – a 3-0 win...
10 June 2014 04:39
Bosnia-Herzegovina coach Safet Susic denied reports he and his assistants were almost victims of an attack by armed robbers in Brazil.
Reprezentacija reported on Monday that Susic and three assistants were followed by three armed robbers on motorbikes while walking in Guaruja, where their team is based.
Speaking after his team
10 June 2014 04:07
Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez said their playing group remains downcast due to their injured compatriots.
Radamel Falcao is the notable absence from Jose Pekerman’s squad, while Aldo Leao Ramirez, Edwin Valencia and Luis Amaranto Perea have also been ruled out of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil due to injury.
Rodriguez, a
10 June 2014 02:25
Australia attacker Tommy Oar has heaped the pressure on Chile ahead of Friday’s FIFA World Cup clash between the teams.
Ange Postecoglou’s men are expected to be the easy beats in Group B, which includes Chile, Spain and the Netherlands.
And the Socceroos know the pressure is on their opponents in every group game,
10 June 2014 01:52
Brazil striker Jo is simply happy to be at the FIFA World Cup as ticket requests from family and friends flood in for the tournament opener.
Born in Sao Paulo, Jo may get his chance to perform on the biggest stage in his home city when Brazil open the showpiece event against Croatia on Thursday.
The 27-year-old Atletico Mineiro...
10 June 2014 01:49
Champions Universitario made a bright start to the Peru Primera Division’s Apertura campaign as Union Comercio sit top.
Union Comercio climbed to an early lead at the top after crushing newly promoted Los Caimanes 4-0 at the Estadio del IPD.
Antonio Meza Cuadra gave the hosts the ideal start, heading in a Jesus Chavez...
9 June 2014 07:13
England will struggle in Brazil’s heat unless they keep possession at the FIFA World Cup, according to Honduras defender Roger Espinoza.
Heat and humidity is expected to be a major factor when the World Cup gets underway in Sao Paulo on Thursday.
England are set to kick-off their Group D campaign against four-time champions
9 June 2014 06:47
Uruguay striker Luis Suarez always felt confident he would be fit for the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Suarez is on track to return to the national team fold after undergoing surgery on a damaged meniscus in his left knee in May.
However, the Liverpool striker’s place at the World Cup finals had been in doubt initially, having...
9 June 2014 07:37
Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has given Paulo Bento’s squad a huge boost with his return to fitness, according to Vieirinha.
Ronaldo trained on Sunday, easing concerns over his fitness ahead of Portugal’s FIFA World Cup campaign.
Vieirinha was delighted to see the Real Madrid star back as Bento’s side prepare for
9 June 2014 07:35
Brazil-born Croatia attacker Sammir said the extra attention he received in the nation of his birth would spur him on at the FIFA World Cup.
The Getafe man, 27, is preparing to face Brazil in the tournament opener on Thursday, having been heavily spoken about leading into the encounter.
Sammir said the attention was surprising, but
9 June 2014 07:42
Germany coach Joachim Low says he is calm as pressure builds on his team ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Low’s men have been placed alongside Portugal, Ghana and the United States in Group G and are one of the favourites to triumph at the World Cup.
They have experienced a mixed lead up, with draws against Poland and...
9 June 2014 05:57
Croatia international Mario Mandzukic has confirmed he will leave Bayern Munich due to being unsuited to Pep Guardiola’s tactics.
Mandzukic has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, after his future with the Bundesliga giants became unclear.
The 28-year-old striker has confirmed he is leaving...
9 June 2014 04:33
New York Red Bulls ended their four-game winless streak thanks to a 2-0 win against the New England Revolution in MLS action on Sunday.
Eric Alexander and Peguy luyindula were both on target as New York got the better of the Eastern Conference leaders at Gillette Stadium before the FIFA World Cup break.
The win ended New
9 June 2014 03:24
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli praised strike duo Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne after the team’s 5-3 win over Brazilian club Fluminense.
Immobile bagged a hat-trick, while Insigne scored twice as a second-string Italy overcame Fluminense on Sunday – their final warm-up match before the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Italy
9 June 2014 06:08
Midfielder Carlos Carbonero has been drafted into the Colombia squad ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Colombia coach Jose Pekerman was in need of a replacement after Aldo Leao Ramirez was ruled out of the World Cup, having failed to overcome a knee ligament strain.
And Pekerman has decided to call upon 23-year-old
9 June 2014 02:34
Libertad edged closer to Paraguay’s Division Profesional Apertura title as Guarani played out a thrilling 10-goal draw against Cerro Porteno.
Pedro Sarabia’s Libertad were 2-0 winners over strugglers 3 de Febrero at the Estadio Antonio Aranda on Saturday.
Gustavo Mencia and Rodrigo Lopez were both on target as Libertad
9 June 2014 02:29
Aurora and Petrolero Yacuiba will need a third game to decide who takes a place in the Liga del Futbol Profesional Boliviano next season.
The first leg at Petrolero, who finished second in the second tier, finished 1-1 and Aurora needed a late equaliser to draw 1-1 at home on Sunday.
Second bottom in the aggregate table at the end
9 June 2014 01:21
Ben Halloran is still hoping to start Australia’s FIFA World Cup opener against Chile despite only coming off the bench against Croatia.
With Ange Postecoglou moving Tommy Oar from out wide to a central playmaking role, Halloran had appeared to be in with a chance of beginning the warm-up game in Bahia on Friday.
Instead, he
9 June 2014 00:52
Danubio claimed their fourth Uruguay Primera Division title after edging Wanderers 3-2 on penalties in the second leg of the Torneo Final.
The clash at Estadio Gran Parque Central was decided on spot-kicks after Wanderers and Danubio were level 2-2 on aggregate, which was the score at the end of extra-time on Sunday.
And in a match
9 June 2014 00:13
France coach Didier Deschamps refused to read too much into his side’s performance after they hammered Jamaica 8-0 on Sunday.
Karim Benzema, Blaise Matuidi and Antoine Griezmann all scored twice as France destroyed Jamaica in their final friendly before the FIFA World Cup, which starts on Thursday.
Yohan Cabaye and Olivier
8 June 2014 23:50
ES Tunis came from behind to beat CS Sfaxien and keep their hopes of progression from the group stages of the CAF Champions League alive.
Having lost their first two Group B matches, ES Tunis were made to work for their 2-1 win against the side they edged for the Tunisian top-flight title last month.
Maher Hannachi gave CS Sfaxien
8 June 2014 03:07
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots played down concerns over Romelu Lukaku’s ankle after the striker limped off against Tunisia on Saturday.
In Belgium’s final friendly before the FIFA World Cup, Dries Mertens struck the winner in the 89th minute as the hosts triumphed 1-0 in Brussels.
Wilmots labelled the game...
8 June 2014 03:00
David Villa said the hot conditions that greeted Spain in Washington on Saturday should bode well for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Villa came off the bench and scored a second-half double as Vicente Del Bosque’s men wrapped up preparations for the World Cup with a 2-0 victory against El Salvador at FedEx Field.
The...
8 June 2014 02:52
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said Saturday’s 2-0 win over El Salvador should be cause for optimism leading into the FIFA World Cup.
The World Cup holders needed a second-half brace from all-time leading scorer David Villa to seal the win in their final warm-up game in Washington.
Spain dictated play throughout the contest
8 June 2014 04:26
England captain Steven Gerrard voiced his disapproval over Honduras’ physical approach that saw them finish the match with 10 men.
Roy Hodgson’s England are FIFA World Cup-bound after playing out a disappointing scoreless draw against Honduras in a feisty game in Miami on Saturday.
England had to contend with a 45 minute
8 June 2014 03:57
Roy Hodgson was left frustrated after England were held to a goalless draw by Honduras in a weather-interrupted match in Miami on Saturday.
England played against 10 men for the last 25 minutes after Bryan Beckeles was sent off but they still failed to breach the Honduran goal in their final warm-up match before the FIFA World Cup...
8 June 2014 02:00
Jozy Altidore broke his goal-scoring drought on Saturday with a brace to give the United States a 2-1 win over Nigeria in Jacksonville.
Altidore scored his first goal in 2014 for club or country just after the half-hour mark, tapping in Fabian Johnson’s cross, while he added a second after half-time to ensure the USA...
8 June 2014 01:24
England finalised their FIFA World Cup preparations with a disappointing goalless draw against 10-man Honduras in Miami on Saturday.
Daniel Sturridge had two opportunities in each half, while Honduras played the final 25 minutes with a man less after Bryan Beckeles was dismissed but England were still unable to make the...
8 June 2014 00:30
Jozy Altidore gave USA and himself a much-needed boost of confidence after scoring both goals in his side’s 2-1 win over Nigeria on Saturday.
The Sunderland striker struck in either half as Jurgen Klinsmann’s side secured a comfortable victory in their final World Cup warm-up, with a late penalty from Victor Moses not...
8 June 2014 00:08
Abdelrahman Fetori’s injury-time penalty snatched a 1-1 draw for Al Ahli Benghazi in their visit to ES Setif in the CAF Champions League.
Having beaten ES Tunis and drawn with CS Sfaxien in the opening two Group B fixtures, Setif had a great opportunity to enhance their chances of qualifying from the pool by beating the
8 June 2014 00:07
David Villa ensured Spain will begin their FIFA World Cup defence on the back of a win – scoring twice in a 2-0 victory over El Salvador.
Spain’s record goalscorer and recent New York City acquisition was required to spare his country’s blushes as they were forced to work hard at FedEx Field in Maryland on...
7 June 2014 02:57
A second-half goal from Nikica Jelavic was enough for Croatia to edge Australia 1-0 in a dull international friendly on Friday.
The Hull City striker, perhaps in an offside position, capitalised on a fortunate deflection just before the hour-mark to score the game’s only goal in Bahia.
In a major worry for Croatia coach Niko...
7 June 2014 03:55
Greece broke their goal drought in fine style, earning a 2-1 friendly victory over Bolivia in New Jersey on Friday.
Fernando Santos’ Brazil-bound side had not scored in their past three international appearances, but were aggressive from the opening minute at the Red Bull Arena.
Panagiotis Kone powered a header past Bolivia...
7 June 2014 03:33
Japan escaped with a 4-3 victory over Zambia on Friday in their final friendly before the FIFA World Cup.
Yoshito Okubo struck a brilliant late winner for Japan in the first minute of second-half stoppage time to salvage the win for his side, soon after Lubambo Musonda had equalised with an incredible strike.
Japan had looked on...
7 June 2014 03:02
Colombia cruised to a 3-0 friendly win over Jordan in Buenos Aires, courtesy of two stonewall penalties and a Fredy Guarin stunner.
The Jordanians committed handball offences late in both halves at the Estadio Pedro Bidegain – the latter seeing a red card dished out to Anas Bani Yaseen – and the eighth-ranked Colombians...
7 June 2014 04:58
Australia coach Ange Postecoglou wants to see better decisions in the final third from his team after their 1-0 loss to Croatia on Friday.
Although the Socceroos lost their final warm-up game before the FIFA World Cup, conceding a Nikica Jelavic goal in the second half of the friendly, there was plenty to like about their approach...
7 June 2014 04:36
A 93rd-minute header from Bruno Alves gave Portugal an unconvincing 1-0 win over Mexico on Friday.
The Fenerbahce defender found himself free at a late Joao Moutinho set-piece at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough and headed past a helpless Guillermo Ochoa.
With Cristiano Ronaldo still missing due to injury, Paulo Bento’s men...
7 June 2014 04:10
A pair of second-half penalties decided Friday’s friendly between Costa Rica and the Republic of Ireland, which ended 1-1.
Costa Rica avoided a second straight defeat thanks to Celso Borges’ penalty just after the hour mark after Kevin Doyle’s opener, while Ireland captain Robbie Keane was denied from the spot...
7 June 2014 05:43
Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said his side rely too much on star forward Neymar, ahead of their FIFA World Cup opener.
Scolari’s men scraped past Serbia 1-0 in Sao Paulo on Friday, courtesy of Fred’s 58th-minute goal.
The host nation’s fans were unimpressed by the showing, venting their displeasure at the final...
7 June 2014 05:01
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has confirmed Diego Costa is fit for their friendly with El Salvador in Maryland on Saturday.
The Atletico Madrid forward’s fitness has been all the rage after he suffered a hamstring injury in early May – an ailment that limited him to just nine minutes in the UEFA Champions League final.
H...
7 June 2014 05:45
Croatia coach Niko Kovac is unsure if left-back Danijel Pranjic will be fit for his team’s FIFA World Cup opener against Brazil.
The Panathinaikos left-back came off with an ankle injury in the 25th minute of Croatia’s 1-0 win over Australia in Bahia on Friday in their last friendly before the showpiece event.
Pranjic
6 June 2014 02:29
Australia midfielders Mile Jedinak and Mark Bresciano are set to get much-needed game time against Croatia on Friday.
Captain Jedinak missed the Socceroos’ farewell friendly against South Africa due to an ankle injury, while Bresciano (back) was fortunate to make the 23-man FIFA World Cup squad.
But coach Ange Postecoglou is
6 June 2014 03:15
Croatia coach Niko Kovac can see the Dutch influence on Australia ahead of the friendly between the teams on Friday.
Former Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink was replaced by fellow Dutchman Pim Verbeek as the Netherlands’ style was implemented in Australia’s national setup.
Despite now being coached by an Australian in Ange...
6 June 2014 03:10
Russia’s Fabio Capello claimed he was forced to pick an ageing squad for the FIFA World Cup because local coaches do not play youngsters.
Capello’s final squad for Brazil 2014 has an average age of 27 years and 357 days – including eight players in their 30s – putting it in the top 10 for the upcoming World...
6 June 2014 02:39
Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni insists his team remain on track for the FIFA World Cup despite fitness concerns over some of his players.
Captain Makoto Hasebe (knee) and Gotoku Sakai (knee) are both expected to miss Japan’s final warm-up match against Zambia at Raymond James Stadium in Florida on Friday.
Shinji Okazaki,...
6 June 2014 04:07
Sofiane Feghouli is optimistic Algeria can defy the odds by advancing to the knockout stages at the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Algeria have been drawn alongside World Cup dark horses Belgium, as well as Russia and South Korea, in Group H at the showpiece event.
A star-studded Belgium team, who are able to call upon the likes
6 June 2014 03:52
Ashkan Dejagah hopes Iran can get out of Group F at the FIFA World Cup and convince Carlos Queiroz to remain as coach.
Queiroz has been linked with South Africa’s vacant head-coaching position since Gordon Igesund was sacked on Monday with the Portuguese having led Bafana Bafana from 2000-02 but Dejagah believes Iran cannot
6 June 2014 03:35
Joachim Low hit back at claims he does not have enough strikers, saying his Germany squad is blessed with an array of attacking talent.
Low caused a surprise when he named veteran Miroslav Klose as the only out-and-out striker in his 23-man squad for the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Fiorentina striker Mario Gomez was overlooked for...
6 June 2014 05:31
Japan striker Yoshito Okubo reckons he can do a job as a winger at the FIFA World Cup, despite being subbed at half-time versus Costa Rica.
Okubo started on the right flank of Alberto Zaccheroni’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation in Monday’s friendly and was replaced by regular starter Shinji Okazaki at the break.
Japan
6 June 2014 04:18
Sepp Blatter is awaiting results of an investigation into the Qatar 2022 bid before a decision is made on the tournament’s future.
Mounting allegations of corruption continue surrounding the FIFA World Cup bid, with suggestions the gulf nation may be stripped of the event.
FIFA chief ethics investigator Michael Garcia is close
6 June 2014 02:12
Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Raul Meireles will not play in Portugal’s penultimate friendly before the FIFA World Cup due to injury concerns.
Portugal will take on Mexico on Saturday and Ronaldo (knee and thigh), Pepe (calf) and Meireles (thigh), who have been restricted to lighter training duties, will miss out again, having
5 June 2014 17:03
Roma have signed midfielder Seydou Keita on a free transfer, with the player penning a one-year deal at the Serie A club.
The 34-year-old was a free agent after his Valencia deal expired and Roma have won the race to capture his signature.
Mali international Keita counts Barcelona, Sevilla and Lens among his former clubs and will
5 June 2014 16:55
Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan has said he is “very happy” at the club and not interested in a move elsewhere.
Turan played a key role in Atletico’s stunning campaign last term, which saw them win La Liga and reach the UEFA Champions League final.
And the 27-year-old Turkey international is keen to achieve
5 June 2014 16:55
Cameroon bring their FIFA World Cup preparations to a close with a friendly against Moldova on Saturday.
The African nation are bidding to improve on their showing at the 2010 event in South Africa, where they lost every match and crashed out at the group stage.
Worryingly for Cameroon, they have not beaten any of the 31 other 2014
5 June 2014 16:39
Aston Villa have made Philippe Senderos their first signing of the close-season after the free agent agreed a two-year deal with the club.
Senderos was released by Fulham at the end of last season having spent the second half of 2013-14 on loan at La Liga outfit Valencia.
The 29-year-old struggled to make an impact at Craven Cottage...
5 June 2014 16:31
Recently relegated Nuremberg have appointed Valerien Ismael as manager as they look for a quick Bundesliga return.
Nuremberg dropped into the second tier of German football after losing seven successive matches to end the 2013-14 season.
Gertjan Verbeek was sacked during that dreadful run and interim coach Roger Prinzen was unable
5 June 2014 16:12
Roberto Martinez is confident Everton can handle a congested fixture schedule next season that will include domestic and European matches.
After leading the club to a fifth-place finish in his first campaign on Merseyside, Martinez has already begun preparations for 2014-15 and the task of juggling the Premier League and UEFA
5 June 2014 16:12
Alejandro Sabella will be hoping to see a more clinical Argentina when his side take on Slovenia on Saturday.
Despite picking up a 3-0 friendly win over Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday, the South Americans squandered numerous opportunities to pile on the goals in Buenos Aires.
Only five of Argentina’s 17 shots found the...
