Brazil gripped by Neymar fever

Brazil wait with anticipation ahead of their World Cup quarter-final clash with Colombia.

Luiz Felipe Scolari’s men edged past Chile via penalties in their tricky round-of-16 tie and the Brazil coach believes the host nation already has one hand on the trophy.

Can Neymar step up once again and deliver?

Friday, 4 July 2014 12:00

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Howard’s heroics not enough to save USA

Another sublime goalkeeping display was on show at the World Cup as Tim Howard’s heroics on Tuesday evening nearly helped the USA book a place in the quarter-finals.

The 35-year-old made 15 saves against Belgium - more than any other goalkeeper has made since World Cup records began in 1966.

But despite Howard’s performance, Belgium edged through to the last eight with a 2-1 win in extra time.

The Daily Mail posted about this cartoon: America's goalie wizard! Internet tributes pour in for Tim Howard after his heroic performance in USA's World Cup loss to Belgium

Wednesday, 2 July 2014 12:00

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Germany escape from Algeria

Algeria gave the world a historical performance in front of the three times world cup winner Germany, but Germany with their big experience grabbed the win in the extra halves and won 2-1.

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Suarez apologises for Chiellini bite

Luis Suarez has finally held his hands up and issued an apology to Giorgio Chiellini for biting the Italy defender.

The Uruguay forward has vowed that such an incident will never happen again but reports in Spain suggest that the statement will be the foundations for the 27-year-old’s move from Liverpool to Barcelona this summer.

Tuesday, 1 July 2014 12:00

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Robben dive sinks fuming Mexico

The Netherlands progressed to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in controversial circumstances on Sunday, as Arjen Robben's apparent, and flamboyant, dive resulted in a clinically dispatched penalty that sent Mexico crashing out late on.

El Tri had taken the lead in Fortaleza through a long-range screamer from Giovani dos Santos, but a volley from Wesley Sneijder followed promptly by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's spot-kick completed a stunning turnaround.

But Robben has been harshly criticised for his theatrics and even admitted to diving in the match - though not for the penalty!

Charismatic Mexico boss Miguel Herrera, meanwhile, was apoplectic after the final whistle: "[The referee] put us out of the next stage... [Robben] dived three times, and the referee should have booked him the first time."

Monday, June 30, 2014 11:30

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All hail King James!

Forget Falcao, there's a new hero of Colombia and he goes by the name of James Rodriguez... or just James, if you'd prefer.

The Monaco star put in another outstanding performance, scoring two superb goals, as the South Americans defeated Uruguay to go through to the World Cup quarter-finals.

James now has five goals to his name at the tournament in Brazil and, who knows, by the end of the World Cup he may just be a more famous 'James' than NBA star LeBron...!

Sunday, June 29, 2014 12:00

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Fifa bites back in Suarez saga

After Luis Suarez's bite on Giorgio Chiellini, Fifa moved to show their own disciplinary teeth by handing the Liverpool and Uruguay forward a lengthy ban.

Football's governing body suspended Suarez from all football-related activity for four months, which means he will miss the first nine Premier League matches of the upcoming season.

The 27-year-old has also been forced to leave the Uruguay training camp, and last night jetted out of Brazil as his World Cup came to a premature, and deeply controversial, end.

Friday, June 27, 2014 11:30

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Ronaldo lights up the World Cup...with a new haircut?

While Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Neymar have been lighting up the World Cup for Argentina and Brazil respectively, Cristiano Ronaldo has endured a frustrating tournament with Portugal.

The Real Madrid star has made just one notable contribution, a stoppage-time assist against USA, while Neymar and Messi have both leapt to the top of the goalscoring charts with four strikes each.

However, highlighting his enduring stardom, Ronaldo could overshadow his rivals' achievements merely by his latest trip to the barbers. The 29-year-old has gone for a dramatic new Mohawk hairstyle that could prove a welcome distraction from his nation's struggles. 

Thursday, June 26, 2014 12:30

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Third time unlucky? Suarez bites again

Luis Suarez shocked the world on Tuesday by appearing to bite the shoulder of Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini in Uruguay's must-win clash against the Azzurri.

The 27-year-old was supported by domestic club Liverpool the last time he was involved in such an incident, with the Reds standing by the former Ajax man during a 10-game ban for delving his teeth into Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic.

With Fifa now investigated his latest indiscretion, Suarez could be set for another lengthy ban, which would be a major blow to both the Merseysiders and manager Brendan Rodgers.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014 12:30

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Royal Rumble: Balotelli fails England

Mario Balotelli rallied English supporters on Friday, declaring on Twitter: "If we beat Costa Rica i want a kiss,obviously on the cheek, from the UK Queen."

It seemed a fair trade, all told, as England's slim hopes of qualifying from Group D depended entirely on Italy winning both of their remaining group stage matches.

What a pity then - for Queen and country - that Balotelli missed a series of chances against Costa Rica as the Azzurri stumbled to a 1-0 defeat - eliminating England in the process. No royal kiss for Mario.

Saturday, June 21, 2014 11:56

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