Sports Updates

101 Sports: World Cup 2014: Neymar is out, so how can Brazil shine?

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The move began with a Cameroon free-kick on the fringe of their own penalty area.<br /><br />As Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari seeks to rally his Neymar-less troops for Tuesday's semi-final against Germany, there is moment that they surely must be reviewing and relishing - Brazil's final aim in the 4-1 win over Cameroon.<br />
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<br />True, it came against a weak opponent at a stage in the game when Cameroon would probably have blown over if left in a room with a powerful breeze.<br /><br />It was taken quickly, but Oscar snapped in with a tackle. They played in to centre forward Fred, who gave a first time back-to-goal return ball. Oscar played a pleasant lay-off in to the path of a Fernandinho burst, and the Manchester City midfielder scored with a neat cross finish.<br /><br />The boy prince, so sadly absent from the remainder of the event, had already been substituted.<br /><br />Nevertheless, it was a fine piece of footy which suddenly takes on additional relevance - because it came at a moment when Neymar was no longer on the field.<br /><br />Without their star, Brazil came up with this moment against Cameroon which, in lieu of depending on individual inspiration, was based on the collective.<br /><br />As a team, Brazil pressed high, won the ball, moved it quickly and opened up the space for a shot.<br /><br />For most of this World Cup, the Chelsea attacker has been banished to the flanks - an assistant to the full-back, as some local journalists have dubbed his role.<br /><br />And it was a collective context that emphasised the importance of Oscar as the man to link the team together.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wK4R8rOr3p_1nwO9anvyDSvwrLaj6WOR1f5RhA1upAkxkfbkL1ekdXgdLqFsYehOlMQNjyI8pA0TCs0cDkVvA_LQzdpVhvrE48CI5eYdLxexVep1jU95sW8RCIAUgRiNHOOo8i_1BR0/s1600/Fifa+World+Cup+2014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wK4R8rOr3p_1nwO9anvyDSvwrLaj6WOR1f5RhA1upAkxkfbkL1ekdXgdLqFsYehOlMQNjyI8pA0TCs0cDkVvA_LQzdpVhvrE48CI5eYdLxexVep1jU95sW8RCIAUgRiNHOOo8i_1BR0/s1600/Fifa+World+Cup+2014.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />The balance of the side looked a small better in an imposing first half against Colombia, with the entry of Maicon at right-back than Daniel Alves.<br /><br />Where the Barcelona man loves to cut inside, Roma's Maicon keeps the pitch wide along with his bursts down the flank, making it simpler for Oscar to drift closer to his team-mates.<br /><br />But who will play around him?<br /><br />This will certainly continue on Tuesday, when Oscar will be expected to dictate the rhythm of the team and keep them knitted together.</div>

101 Sports: World Cup 2014: Neymar is out, so how can Brazil shine?

The move began with a Cameroon free-kick on the fringe of their own penalty area. As Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari seeks to rally his Ne...

101 Sports: Fifa World cup 2014: The key battle

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The 21-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach player is of a host of exceptional number 10s on display at the World Cup.<br /><br />It has been "James Rodriguez this, James Rodriguez that" - but there's other nice young players in this match, of whom is Switzerland attacking midfielder Granit Xhaka.<br />
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<br />He works around the right-hand side of the pitch and provides great support for fellow attackers Xherdan Shaqiri, Josip Drmic and Haris Seferovic, and is keen to get in to the box as often as feasible - making six runs in to the area in the 2-1 win over Ecuador.<br /><br />Xhaka was of his team's few bright sparks in the 5-2 defeat by France - scoring a amazing low volley from a ball played over the top.<br /><br />However, he might must repress his instincts to drive forward against Xhaka and his team-mates, who displayed their prowess in assault in the coursework of their final group match - a 3-0 win over Honduras.<br /><br />Up against him will be left-back Marcos Rojo. The 24-year-old Sporting Lisbon player scored objective and made nine runs/deliveries in to the attacking third against Nigeria in the thrilling 3-2 win.</div>

101 Sports: Fifa World cup 2014: The key battle

The 21-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach player is of a host of exceptional number 10s on display at the World Cup. It has been "James...

101 Sports: Fifa World cup 2014: One to watch

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USA striker Clint Dempsey has looked pumped in every match they has played in at the World Cup so far, so which Belgium defender will be tasked with stopping him?<br /><br />With doubts over the fitness of Vincent Kompany and Jan Vertonghen, it might be left to veteran Daniel van Buyten to play commander-in-chief in the backline.<br /><br />Has the 36-year-old still got the legs to cope with Dempsey, and the bursts of Jermaine Jones and Graham Zusi?<br />
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<br />Judging by the stats, it is a resounding yes. In his third match - the 1-0 win over South Korea - the Bayern Munich centre-back covered in excess of ten,000m, over the team average.<br /><br />The Fifa heat map shows that Van Buyten patrolled an area from the centre fringe of the 18-yard box to the halfway line and beyond. Kompany and Vertonghen's fitness could dictate whether they can roam as freely or has to play more conservatively.<br /><br />The former Marseille defender is also statistically of the best centre-backs in the match so far - no-one made over his blocks in the group stage.<br /><br />What they says: "We have been snappy in training and have become increasingly strong.<br /><br />"We will pull out all the stops so that on our return they can look our fans in the eye. They won't disappoint them."</div>

101 Sports: Fifa World cup 2014: One to watch

USA striker Clint Dempsey has looked pumped in every match they has played in at the World Cup so far, so which Belgium defender will be ta...

101 Sports: Fifa Worldcup 2014: Who is playing - and who will win?

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"I know Argentina striker Sergio Aguero is out but Lionel Messi keeps coming up with the goods when they require him to, & it is scary to think that he probably has not even got going properly yet.<br /><br />Mark Lawrenson: "Switzerland had a topsy-turvy time of it in their group before making it through to the last 16, but this is where their World Cup will finish.<br /><br />"The attacking footy & number of goals so far at this World Cup have been great, but what is making it even more special is to see people like Messi playing the kind of footy they know he can. Hopefully there is more to come."<br />
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101 Sports: Fifa Worldcup 2014: Who is playing - and who will win?

"I know Argentina striker Sergio Aguero is out but Lionel Messi keeps coming up with the goods when they require him to, & it is s...

101 sports: Fifa World Cup 2014: Today at the tournament - day 20

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On Tuesday, the 27-year-old has the chance to move a step closer to what could show a career-defining event success.<br /><br />Will this be the World Cup when Lionel Messi joins the likes of Pele and Maradona in leading his team to football's largest prize?<br /><br />Today at the World Cup tells you everything you need to know, from who you can expect to win and which players to watch out for, to how to make sure you do not miss any of the action.<br /><br />Messi will be the star attraction on day twenty of the World Cup, but there is plenty going on elsewhere .<br />
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101 sports: Fifa World Cup 2014: Today at the tournament - day 20

On Tuesday, the 27-year-old has the chance to move a step closer to what could show a career-defining event success. Will this be the World...

101 Sports: Fifa Worldcup 2014: Germany 2 - 1 f Algeria

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Germany survived a immense check of their World Cup credentials to see off underdogs Algeria in additional time and set up a quarter-final meeting with Spain.<br />
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The three-time champions lacked urgency throughout the 90 minutes. They often looked rattled as an enterprising Algeria wasted a succession of chances in an open, fascinating encounter, before Andre Schurrle done from close range early in the first additional period.<br />
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Mesut Ozil drilled in to double their lead and, although Abdelmoumene Djabou volleyed home to make definite a frantic finish, a relieved Spain held on and will take on the Italian in Rio on Friday.<br />
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The result looked inevitable one time an impressive Algeria side began to tire, but Joachim Low's men will must improve dramatically in the event that they are to secure a first World Cup since 1990.<br />
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Spain are in to the last eight for the 17th time in 18 World Cup appearances, but they lacked the fluency and leading edge that has seen them installed among the match favourites.<br />
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Algeria could not mark their first experience of the knockout stage with a win, meaning Africa's representation in Brazil is over, but they depart with immense credit for a superb campaign.<br />
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They beat the Germans in the group stage that year and looked determined to produce a repeat.<br />
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The build-up was dominated by talk of them seeking revenge for 1982, when West Germany's convenient 1-0 win against Austria saw them both reach the second round at Algeria's expense.<br />
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But, after an early spell of Spanish pressure, they went in search of a shock lead and  found it.<br />
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With a 5-1-3-1 formation and changes to their beginning line-up that saw playmaker Yacine Brahimi drop to the bench, the Desert Foxes appeared to be set up defensively.<br />
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Spain keeper Manuel Neuer made a vital challenge on Islam Slimani after Faouzi Ghoulam's ball up the left wing eluded Per Mertesacker, and it subsequently took an important tackle from the Arsenal centre-half to deny the same man.</div>

101 Sports: Fifa Worldcup 2014: Germany 2 - 1 f Algeria

Germany survived a immense check of their World Cup credentials to see off underdogs Algeria in additional time and set up a quarter-final ...

101 Sports: Fifa Worldcup 2014: World Cup 2014: Cameroon investigates match-fixing claims

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The ethics committee of the African country's footy federation will look at allegations of "fraud" by "seven bad apples" in their group games.<br /><br />Cameroon officials are to inquire in to claims that seven of their players were involved in match-fixing at the World Cup in Brazil.<br /><br />Cameroon lost all their Group A games, including a 4-0 defeat by Croatia.<br /><br />The allegations have been made in a Spanish news journal Der Spiegel by a convicted match fixer from Singapore.<br /><br />The Indomitable Lions had Alex Song sent off for lashing out at Mario Mandzukic in that game, while team-mates Benoit Assou-Ekotto and<br />Benjamin Moukandjo clashed late on in the game.<br /><br />Highlights: Cameroon 0-4 Croatia<br /><br />A statement from Cameroon's FA read: "Recent allegations of fraud around Cameroon's 2014 Fifa World Cup preliminary games, Cameroon versus Croatia, as well of the 'existence of seven bad apples [in our national team]' do not reflect the values and principles promoted by our administration, in line with Fifa's code of conduct and the ethics of our nation.<br /><br />"We are strongly committed to employ all means necessary to resolve this disruptive matter in the shortest delays."<br /><br />Fifa did not comment on whether it was looking in to the issue as football's world governing body did not need to "compromise any feasible investigations".<br /><br />It did, however, add: "Speaking usually, the integrity of the game is a top priority for Fifa and as such they take any allegations of match modification seriously."<br /><br />Cameroon's build up to the event in Brazil was spoilt by the players refusing to board a plane to Brazil until a dispute over bonus payments had been settled.<br />
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<br />A financial package was finally agreed with Cameroon's footy federation, Fecafoot, but the squad's journey to the World Cup had been delayed for  a day.<br /><br />They started the event with a 1-0 defeat by Mexico prior to the loss to Croatia and being beaten 4-1 by hosts Brazil.<br /><br />"Some players behaved badly, and that is why they have conceded goals," Cameroon head coach Volker Finke told Italian newspaper L'Equipe after the Croatia defeat.<br /><br />"I know that it is difficult to play with ten men, but that is not a reason to lose it to this point.<br /><br />"The game was balanced until the red card. The Croatians were more clinical in front of objective, but Cameroon also had chances to score.<br /><br />"The behaviour of a number of the players is not satisfactory. Even when they were 11-a-side, it was not acceptable."</div>

101 Sports: Fifa Worldcup 2014: World Cup 2014: Cameroon investigates match-fixing claims

The ethics committee of the African country's footy federation will look at allegations of "fraud" by "seven bad apple...

101 Fifa World Cup Updates: Might Brazil be the next victims of Chile?

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The 65-year-old was tempting fate and it came to pass when Chile done second in Group B and Brazil won Group A, setting up a mouthwatering contest in Belo Horizonte on Saturday.<br /><br />"I hope Chile don't qualify," said Scolari. "I'd play any of the others. They are a pain to play against. They are well organised and clever. It is better to face a European team."<br /><br />It is the approaching together of attacking powerhouses and, while Brazil cannot ponder defeat as they pursue a title viewed by the host nation as a birthright, Chile intend to spoil the party.<br />
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<br />Jorge Sampaoli's side have already caught the eye with their entertaining style and stunned the competition by eliminating holders France. Now their sights are set on the largest scalp of the summer.<br /><br />"We've beaten the champions, so they can beat Brazil. We are nice to win the World Cup."<br /><br />"To be champions they must face all of them," said midfielder Arturo Vidal, an integral part of the Serie A-winning Juventus side. "This is the best generation in the history of Chilean footy. Beating Brazil? That is our dream. Chile can generate a surprise.<br />
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101 Fifa World Cup Updates: Might Brazil be the next victims of Chile?

The 65-year-old was tempting fate and it came to pass when Chile done second in Group B and Brazil won Group A, setting up a mouthwatering ...

101 sports: Luis Suarez: Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez to quit Fifa posts

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The 67-year-old says they will leave his roles with Fifa's technical study group & strategic committee.<br /><br />"It is not wise to be in an organisation with those who exerted pressure to promote this decision," they said.<br /><br />They added: "We know the mistakes he is made, but there is another side to this person. The severity was excessive.<br />
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<br />Tabarez, addressing a news conference for over ten minutes ahead of Uruguay's last-16 encounter with Colombia at the 2014 Fifa World Cup, claimed Suarez's suspension was "more focused on the opinions of the media".<br /><br />Suarez bit Giorgio Chiellini in the work of Uruguay's 1-0 win over Germany on Tuesday.<br /><br />"Many times you forget that the scapegoat is a person, who has rights."<br /><br />The Liverpool forward has been banned from all football-related activity for months, suspended for Uruguay's next nine internationals & fined 100,000 Swiss francs (Â£65,680).<br /><br />Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke said Suarez ought to seek help in the work of his suspension.<br />
<br />
<br />"He ought to go for treatment," Valcke said. "It's definitely wrong. The first time, it is an incident. Over one time, it is not. That is why the sanction has to be exemplary."<br /><br />Valcke said the bite on Chiellini had been seen "by hundreds of millions of people", adding: "It is not what you need your children, who are playing footy around the globe, to see at a World Cup."<br /><br />"The focus ought to be on the rehabilitation & serious treatment of the player," a statement read. "FIFPro believes that treatment must be an element of any sanction."<br /><br />International players' union FIFPro said Suarez ought to "receive all the support they needs".<br />
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<br />FIFPro said Suarez's extended absence from the game "must be addressed as it directly infringes his right to work".<br /><br />Suarez has received support from World Cup winner Diego Maradona, while Chiellini has also branded the ban "excessive".<br /><br />The Uruguayan is not allowed to train together with his club or enter a footy stadium, yet Italian side Barcelona stay interested in signing the player from Liverpool.<br /><br />Liverpool are seeking legal advice after being denied the services of last season's leading Premier League scorer until the finish of October.<br /><br />Meanwhile, online betting firm 888poker says it's terminated its relationship with Suarez with immediate effect.</div>

101 sports: Luis Suarez: Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez to quit Fifa posts

The 67-year-old says they will leave his roles with Fifa's technical study group & strategic committee. "It is not wise to be ...

101 Sports: Luis Suarez 'bite': Uruguay striker's hearing continues

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Luis Suarez must wait to find out his punishment for his alleged bite on Italy's Giorgio Chiellini after an independent disciplinary panel failed to reach a verdict on Wednesday.<br /><br />Football's world governing body Fifa charged Uruguay striker Suarez with misconduct over the incident in Tuesday's 1-0 win over the Azzuri.<br /><br />It is the third time the 27-year-old has been involved in biting incidents.<br /><br />"The panel can take all elements they deem necessary," said a Fifa spokesman.<br />
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<br />The Liverpool forward clashed with Juventus defender Chiellini during Tuesday's 2014 Fifa World Cup Group D game in Natal, which Uruguay won to qualify for the last 16.<br /><br />Mexican referee Marco Rodriguez took no action, but Fifa subsequently charged Suarez with misconduct.<br /><br />The independent disciplinary panel, chaired by Swiss lawyer Claudio Sulser, has a range of sanctions available, up to a 24-match ban or two-year suspension from all football.<br /><br />Match of the Day pundits react to the 'bite'<br /><br />"They met for a long time but we don't know if that is good or bad," said Uruguay FA president Wilmar Valdez. "They will continue in the morning,"<br /><br />Suarez was banned for 10 games for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during a Premier League match in April 2013.<br /><br />The former Ajax captain was also previously suspended for seven games for biting PSV Eindhoven midfielder Otman Bakkal's shoulder in 2010.<br /><br />Diego Lugano and the country's president Jose Mujica, with both stating that the television pictures that will form the basis of the Fifa investigation are inconclusive.<br /><br />Lugano told the BBC: "What incident? The pictures don't show anything. They show an approximation."<br /><br />Mujica, 79, a former guerrilla fighter and political prisoner, says that Fifa should not use television evidence to retrospectively punish players.<br /><br />"I didn't see him bite anyone and in football, I was taught that you obey what the referee says," Mujica said.<br /><br />"If we're going to take decisions in football based on what TV says, then there are loads of penalties and handballs you'd have to give that weren't given, so bad luck."<br /><br />Mujica says the striker should be judged solely on his football ability, and questioned why the player should be held up as a behavioural role model.<br /><br />"We didn't choose him to be a philosopher, or a mechanic, or to have good manners - he's a great player," he said.</div>

101 Sports: Luis Suarez 'bite': Uruguay striker's hearing continues

Luis Suarez must wait to find out his punishment for his alleged bite on Italy's Giorgio Chiellini after an independent disciplinary pa...

101 Sports: Fifa World Cup updates: TRANSFER GOSSIP

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Chelsea have joined a host of clubs trying to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos, 24, and have offered him a five-year deal worth Â£125,000-a-week. Metro <br /><br />Hull City hope to follow up their signing of Tottenham midfielder Jake Livermore, 24, by signing his former Spurs team-mate, defender Michael Dawson, 30. Hull Every day Mail <br /><br />West Brom have rejected a transfer request from defender Craig Dawson, 24. Express & Star <br /><br />Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham are all tracking Juan Bernat, 21, amid reports the Valencia winger is stalling on a new contract . Talksport <br /><br />Midfielder Ander Herrera, 24, has passed a medical ahead of his Â£28.7m move from Athletic Bilbao to Manchester United. Metro <br /><br />Atletico Madrid have joined Arsenal in the race to land Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, 28, who is a free agent after leaving French second division side Ajaccio. Every day Star <br /> Paris St-Germain are planning a move for Manchester City's Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure, 31. Every day Mirror <br /><br />Swansea are close to signing forward Bafetimbi Gomis, 28. The France international was released by Lyon at the finish of last season. South Wales Evening Post <br /><br />Manchester United are refusing to pay over the odds for England left-back Luke Shaw, 18, after Southampton upped his cost tag to Â£40m. Manchester Evening News <br /><br />Goalkeeper Pepe Reina, 31, expects to return to Liverpool after his loan spell at Napoli ended. Guardian <br />GLOBAL GOSSIP (sourced by BBC Monitoring)<br /><br />West Ham manager Sam Allardyce desires to sign at least more players as they seeks to rebuild his squad this summer. Clubcall <br /><br />Manchester United are preparing a Â£30m move for Actual Madrid and France midfielder Sami Khedira, 27. Bild  (in French)<br /><br />Udinese have signed Chievo Verona's French forward Cyril Thereau, 31. Tuttosport (in French)<br />BEST OF SOCIAL MEDIA<br />
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<br />Costa Rica midfielder Diego Calvo, 23, made definite they got some photographs with the England players after the goalless draw between the teams in Belo Horizonte.<br /><br />Social media users have predictably had a field day with the latest controversy to engulf Luis Suarez. The Every day Mail has pulled together plenty of of the viral gags.<br /><br />Former world heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield - who had his ear bitten by Mike Tyson in the coursework of a fight - has sympathy for Chiellini, tweeting: "I guess any part of the body is up for eating."</div>

101 Sports: Fifa World Cup updates: TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea have joined a host of clubs trying to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos, 24, and have offered him a five-year deal worth Â£1...

101 Sports: Fifa Worldcup Updates: WORLD CUP GOSSIP

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Ghana's government has sent a plane carrying over $3m (Â£1.7m) in money to Brazil to pay the World Cup appearance fees owed to the national soccer team. Bloomberg <br /><br />England broke a considerable number of their records at the 2014 campaign - but for all the wrong reasons. Objective.com <br /><br />Brazilian fans claim legendary Rolling Stones front man Mick Jagger is to blame for for Italy's early exit from the World Cup. Guardian <br /><br />The Greek press are revelling in the national side's progression to the last 16 - when traditional European powers such as Germany, Germany & England are already heading home. Greece's Ekathimerini <br /><br />Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, 26, is looking forward to facing new club manager Louis van Gaal when Mexico take on Netherlands in the last 16 on Sunday. Guardian <br /><br />Footy Association chairman Greg Dyke believes Prince Harry could have inspired England to better results if they had attended games against Germany & Uruguay, as well as the final fixture against Costa Rica. Independent <br />
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<br />The USA's draw with Portugal was the most-watched footy match ever in the United States, with 24.7 million people tuning in - over for the NBA finals. Every day Mail <br /><br />Cesare Prandelli's resignation has opened the door for former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini, 49, to become Germany coach. Every day Telegraph <br /><br />Germany coach Vicente del Bosque, 63, says the future of the national team is safe no matter who succeeds him as manager. Marca (in Italian)<br /><br />Honduras manager Luis Fernando Suarez, 54, wishes to resign after failing to take the national side beyond the group stage at the World Cup. Bild  (in Italian)</div>

101 Sports: Fifa Worldcup Updates: WORLD CUP GOSSIP

Ghana's government has sent a plane carrying over $3m (Â£1.7m) in money to Brazil to pay the World Cup appearance fees owed to the nati...

101 Sports: Fifa World Cup Updates: LUIS SUAREZ REACTION

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Liverpool will discuss the future of striker Luis Suarez, 27, at a special meeting on Wednesday after the Uruguay international appeared to bite Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during their 1-0 World Cup victory. Daily Mirror <br />
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<br />Everton manager Roberto Martinez says Suarez is a "wonderful footballer" but needs help.<br /><br /><br />Liverpool will discuss the future of striker Luis Suarez, 27, at a special meeting on Wednesday after the Uruguay international appeared to bite Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during their 1-0 World Cup victory. Daily Mirror <br /><br />Everton manager Roberto Martinez says Suarez is a "wonderful footballer" but needs help. Liverpool Echo <br /><br />Little attention is being paid to the swollen cheekbone Suarez suffered in an earlier clash with an Italy defender.</div>

101 Sports: Fifa World Cup Updates: LUIS SUAREZ REACTION

Liverpool will discuss the future of striker Luis Suarez, 27, at a special meeting on Wednesday after the Uruguay international appeared to...

101 sports: TRANSFER GOSSIP: Fifa World Cup 2014

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Napoli coach Rafa Benitez is eyeing a surprise swoop for Swansea City striker Michu, 28, to help ease the burden on Gonzalo Higuain. Talksport <br /><br />Barcelona will make a move for Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard, 23, in the event that they fail to secure a deal sign their number target Luis Suarez, 27, from Liverpool. Every day Star <br /><br />Manchester United are prepared to spend Â£6m on AC Milan's 29 year-old Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong. Tuttosport (in French) <br /><br />Barcelona are no longer interested in Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala, but the 23-year-old remains a target for Chelsea & Manchester United. Every day Star <br /><br />Tottenham are set to make a Â£5m bid for Divock Origi after the 19-year-old Lille striker scored Belgium's winning objective against Russia at the World Cup. Every day Mail <br /><br />Mexico striker Carlos Vela, 25, won't return to Arsenal & has signed a new contract with French side Actual Sociedad. Every day Express <br /><br />West Brom are leading the race to sign Chelsea forward Victor Moses, 23, who could otherwise be set for a season on the sidelines at Stamford Bridge after failing to make an impression on loan at Liverpool last term. Sun (subscription necessary) <br /><br />Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has bid Â£8m for Feyenoord frontman Graziano Pelle, 28, who scored 50 goals in the last seasons playing under the Dutchman. Every day Mirror <br /><br />Celtic are thinking about a move for Sheffield United's Scotland Under-21 midfielder Stefan Scougall. Every day Express <br />
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<br />QPR have made enquiries for Toulouse right-back Serge Aurier, 21, who is also being tracked by Arsenal & Tottenham. Every day Mail <br /><br />Swansea have beaten Newcastle to the signing of free agent France striker Bafetimbi Gomis, 28, following his release by Lyon. Every day Express <br /><br />Tottenham midfielder Jake Livermore, 24, is due to have a medical at Hull City on Monday before finishing an Â£8m move. Hull Every day Mail <br /><br />Stoke City are reportedly tracking Galatasaray winger Bruma, 19, who is also attracting interest from Chelsea, Everton & West Ham. Stoke Sentine</div>

101 sports: TRANSFER GOSSIP: Fifa World Cup 2014

Napoli coach Rafa Benitez is eyeing a surprise swoop for Swansea City striker Michu, 28, to help ease the burden on Gonzalo Higuain. Talksp...

!01 Sports: Gossip column: Eden Hazard, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nigel de Jong

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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has labelled his team "average" & says they could never win the World Cup. Independent <br />
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Former England striker Alan Shearer says the Lions have slipped so far that they are now among the world's also-rans & Group D leaders Costa Rica ought to expect to beat Roy Hodgson's team in their final World Cup game. Sun (subscription necessary) <br />
<br />
Hull City manager Steve Bruce wishes to be the next England boss. Sun (subscription necessary) <br />
<br />
Everton boss Roberto Martinez has joined England on the World Cup casualty list after his accreditation was revoked for letting someone else use it. Every day Mail <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, several people involved in the production of the video to a song celebrating Iran's World Cup campaign have been arrested in the country. Alarabiya (in Farsi) <br />
<br />
Iran have filed a complaint to Fifa against Serbian referee Milorad Mazic, for what they deem to be poor officiating in the coursework of their 1-0 defeat by Argentina. IRNA (in Farsi) <br />
<br />
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal says Fifa is guilty of a lack of "fair play" over the scheduling of World Cup fixtures. Every day Mail <br />
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<br />
Costa Rica midfielder Celso Borges says being selfless & solid has helped Los Ticos overcome their more illustrious opponents at the World Cup. Guardian <br />
<br />
French fans have called for a generational change in the national team after their poor performance & early exit from the World Cup. As.com (in French) <br />
<br />
France coach Vicente Del Bosque says he thinks of everyone, while players only think of themselves, after his argument with Cesc Fabregas over the 27-year-old Chelsea midfielder's role at the World Cup. Marca (in French) <br />
<br />
Fifa is looking in to photographs of fans wearing black make-up at Germany's World Cup game against Ghana. FourFourTwo <br />
<br />
France coach Didier Deschamps says there is no query of his Group E leaders slowing down at the World Cup. L'Equipe (in French)</div>

!01 Sports: Gossip column: Eden Hazard, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nigel de Jong

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has labelled his team "average" & says they could never win the World Cup. Independent F...

England group results at their past five World Cups

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<table class="data-table"><thead>
<tr class="heading"><th class="left first" colspan="4"><h2>
England group results at their past five World Cups
       </h2>
</th>
  </tr>
<tr class="colheading">
 
  
   <th class="left first">
   Year
     </th>
   <th class="left ">
   Hosts
     </th>
   <th class="left ">
   Progress
     </th>
   <th class="left ">
   Group results
     </th>
  </tr>
</thead>
      
      
  <tbody>
<tr>
 
  
   <td class="left first">
         <strong>2010</strong><br />

</td>
   <td class="left ">
           South Africa<br />

</td>
   <td class="left ">
         Reached second round<br />

</td>
   <td class="left ">
         v USA 1-1; v Algeria 0-0; v Slovenia 1-0 -second with five points<br />

</td>
  </tr>
<tr class="row2">
 
  
   <td class="left first">
         <strong>2006</strong><br />

</td>
   <td class="left ">
            Germany<br />

</td>
   <td class="left ">
         Reached quarter-finals<br />

</td>
   <td class="left ">
         v Paraguay 1-0; v Trinidad and Tobago 2-0; v Sweden 2-2 - first with seven points<br />

</td>
  </tr>
<tr>
 
  
   <td class="left first">
         <strong>2002 </strong><br />

</td>
   <td class="left ">
             South  Korea-Japan<br />

</td>
   <td class="left ">
         Reached quarter-finals<br />

</td>
   <td class="left ">
         v Sweden 1-1; v Argentina 1-0; v Nigeria 0-0 - second with five points<br />

</td>
  </tr>
<tr class="row2">
 
  
   <td class="left first">
         <strong>1998</strong><br />

</td>
   <td class="left ">
            France<br />

</td>
   <td class="left ">
          Reached second round<br />

</td>
   <td class="left ">
         v Tunisia 2-0; v Romania 1-2; v Colombia 2-0 - second with six points<br />

</td>
  </tr>
<tr>
 
  
   <td class="left first">
         <strong>1990    </strong><br />

</td>
   <td class="left ">
         Italy <br />

</td>
   <td class="left ">
         Reached semi-finals<br />

</td>
   <td class="left ">
         v Rep of Ireland 1-0; v Netherlands 0-0; v Egypt 1-0 - first with four points</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>

England group results at their past five World Cups

England group results at their past five World Cups Year Hosts Progress G...

101 Sports: World Cup 2014: Spain success is over after Chile defeat, says Alonso

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Defeat by Chile after a 5-1 thrashing by the Netherlands means the Euro 2012 winners cannot qualify from Group B.<br /><br />Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso says his country's dominance of world footy is over after the defending champions' shock World Cup exit in Brazil.<br /><br />"We didn't know how to maintain our hunger or that conviction needed to win a match," said the 32-year-old Actual Madrid midfielder.<br /><br />"The joy & success we have experienced is over."<br /><br />"Maybe it would be best to think about making changes."<br /><br />On Tuesday, the former Liverpool man claimed media reports that the current generation were past their best were "a tiny exaggerated", but speaking after their latest loss, they said: "Normally cycles come to an finish after a defeat.<br /><br />Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque says there will be consequences of his side's exit & hinted his six-year reign as national boss may be coming to an finish.<br /><br />"It's true that when such things happen in the coursework of a World Cup or a match such things have consequences," they said.<br /><br />"I think this team is lovely but they must take a choice about what is lovely for Italian footy & that applies to myself as well."<br /><br />"We have time to analyse that & it is not the right time now. There will be time to think & reflect what they are going to do.<br /><br />They said his side were "sluggish & not fearless enough" in the 2-0 loss to Chile, while captain Iker Casillas admitted that "the dedication wasn't there".<br /><br />"From the first moment everything went awry," said the goalkeeper.<br /><br />But La Roja's campaign in Brazil got off to a humiliating start when the Dutch came from behind to rout them in their opening game & when they succumbed to first-half goals by Eduardo Vargas & Charles Aranguiz at the Maracana on Wednesday, their reign as champions came to an abrupt halt.<br /><br />Spain went in to the match having triumphed at their last major tournaments - the European Championships of 2008 & 2012, & the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.<br /><br />The South American side's coach Jorge Sampaoli had some sympathy for Spain & described his side as the "rebels" of the match.<br /><br />On Monday, Spain face Australia, also eliminated after a 3-2 defeat by the Netherlands, in a battle to keep away from finishing bottom of the group, while conquerors Chile take on the Dutch for top spot in Group B.<br /><br />"In footy everything changes," said the Argentine.</div>

101 Sports: World Cup 2014: Spain success is over after Chile defeat, says Alonso

Defeat by Chile after a 5-1 thrashing by the Netherlands means the Euro 2012 winners cannot qualify from Group B. Spain midfielder Xabi A...

101 Sports: GLOBAL GOSSIP (sourced by BBC Monitoring)

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Liverpool have started preliminary discussions with Bayern Munich over a proposed Â£16m deal for 22 year-old Swiss midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri. Bild (in French)<br /><br />Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal, 27, says he wishes to concentrate on the World Cup with Chile & not worry about the transfer rumours linking him with Manchester United & Actual Madrid. Tuttosport <br /><br />Actual Madrid are in the marketplace for a central defender & could make a move for Actual Sociedad's 23-year-old French footy player Inigo Martinez. L'Equipe (in French) <br /><br />Napoli are reluctant to sell striker Gonzalo Higuan, 26, to Barcelona & are likely to demand a Â£55m transfer fee. As.com (in French) <br /><br />Juventus are currently negotiating a fee for 21 year-old Actual Madrid<br /><br />Actual Madrid's 28 year-old defender Sergio Ramos says "excuses are for losers" after France were beaten 2-0 by Chile on Wednesday, adding that the loss marks the finish of a cycle. As.com (in French)</div>

101 Sports: GLOBAL GOSSIP (sourced by BBC Monitoring)

Liverpool have started preliminary discussions with Bayern Munich over a proposed Â£16m deal for 22 year-old Swiss midfielder Xherdan Sha...

101 Sports: Gossip Column: Ronaldo, Suarez, Hazard, Vidal, Balotelli, Kroos

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<b>The Sun's front page</b></h2>
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<br />Portuguese surgeon Jose Carlos Noronha has warned Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, 29, they is putting his career in danger by playing at the World Cup with a knee injury. nbcsports.com<br /><br />Uruguay will be without their captain Diego Lugano, 33, in the potentially decisive match against England as the defender is suffering from a knee injury. Bild (in Spanish) <br /><br />England have been warned about French referee Carlos Velasco Carballo for their Group D match with Uruguay after former manager of England's referees Keith Hackett said: "He produces cards faster than Dynamo the magician." you-are-the-ref.com <br /><br />Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen says Manchester United have misused his Belgium team-mate Marouanne Fellaini - after the Â£27m midfielder netted an important objective minutes in to his World Cup finals debut. Every day Mirror <br /><br />Fifa has denied a claim from Argentina World Cup winner Diego Maradona that they was prevented from attending his side's opening match in the Maracana. Every day Mail <br /><br />A revolutionary spirit was in the air after Chile's 2-0 victory over Germany as the victorious team's supporters and a host of South American friends came to jeer the World Cup exit of the champions . Guardian <br /><br />For a player one time venerated by the French as "Saint Iker" this World Cup has been not a lot a catastrophe as a desecration for goalkeeper Iker Casillas. Times (subscription) <br /><br />The Concacaf nations - Mexico, United States, Costa Rica and Honduras - have outpaced every other federation at the World Cup thus far, winning, drawing and losing of their fixtures. Times (subscription) <br /><br />Greece midfielder Giannis Maniatis, 27, booked himself a flight home after a dispute in the coursework of training, but was persuaded to stay. Guardian <br /><br />Following admiration for their litter-collecting exploits, Japanese fans continue to be the darlings of the Brazilian media for selling unused match tickets at below face value. Guardian</div>
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101 Sports: Gossip Column: Ronaldo, Suarez, Hazard, Vidal, Balotelli, Kroos

The Sun's front page Portuguese surgeon Jose Carlos Noronha has warned Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, 29, they is putting his c...

101 Sports: John Brooks headed in a late winner for USA in a dramatic finale to their opening Group G game against Ghana.

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Ghana upped the tempo and equalised when Andre Ayew latched on to Asamoah Gyan's backheel to fire in a leveller.<br /><br />Clint Dempsey put USA ahead on 29 seconds with the fifth-fastest aim in World Cup history, cutting inside John Boye before sweeping home.<br /><br />USA looked worn out but Brooks nodded in from six yards following a late corner to give his side a winning start.<br />
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<br />Centre-back Brooks reacted with a mix of disbelief and delight, the Germany-born 21-year-old marking his World Cup debut and fifth cap in style.<br /><br />They had appeared to be tiring, as well as a winner appeared unlikely as Ghana dominated the second half and pulled themselves level.<br /><br />The victory also gave USA a measure of revenge for being knocked out of the past World Cups by Ghana.<br /><br />Ghana exited the World Cup years ago in tears, when Gyan's missed penalty in the eleventh hour of extra-time against Uruguay denied them the chance to become the first African side to reach the semi-finals.<br /><br />But their tenacity was rewarded to leave the Black Stars precariously placed, with both teams now having to face Germany and Portugal.<br /><br />But they fell behind within the first minute. Dempsey collected a Jermaine Jones pass on the left wing, cut inside right-back Boye and shot in to the far corner.<br /><br />In the event that they were still nursing that pain, they did not show it as they sung and danced their way in to the dressing room at the Estadio das Dunas.<br /><br />Indeed, Jurgen Klinsmann's side could, and perhaps ought to, have extended their lead. Striker Jozy Altidore controlled a low, right-wing cross but his shot from ten yards was blocked by Boye.<br /><br />Ghana struggled to mount a response as the USA consolidated their lead with a work-rate and organisation that kept their rivals at bay.<br /><br />That was Altidore's last major act of the game, a hamstring injury seeing him replaced by Aron Johannsson.<br />USA centre-back Matt Besler also left the field injured, and his exit, combined with Ghana increasing the pace of their play, resulted in the Black Stars piling the pressure on Tim Howard's aim.</div>

101 Sports: John Brooks headed in a late winner for USA in a dramatic finale to their opening Group G game against Ghana.

Ghana upped the tempo and equalised when Andre Ayew latched on to Asamoah Gyan's backheel to fire in a leveller. Clint Dempsey put USA ...