Neymar the star of the World Cup circus

The World Cup kicked-off in Brazil on Thursday with the hosts securing a 3-1 victory in their opening game against Croatia.

The hosts survived conceding an own goal to clinch the win with Neymar scoring twice before Oscar poked home a late third.

However, the game was not without controversy with Croatia furious at the award of Brazil’s penalty, while Niko Kovac's side were also denied a goal when Ivica Olic was adjudged to have fouled goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

Friday, 13 June 2014 12:25

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A tribute to Brazil 2014

Don't forget to watch the animation of Brazil's history in the World Cup:

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Out of this world: Blatter predicts interplanetary football

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has insisted there is no reason why football could not be played on other planets in the future.

Speaking at a Fifa congress in Brazil, the 78-year-old said future tournaments could be contested between planets, rather than countries.

"We should wonder if one day our game will be played on other planets,” he said.

“Why not? And then instead of a World Cup we would have an inter-planetary competition.”

Thursday, 12 June 2014 12:15

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Van Gaal scouts Shaw ahead of record-breaking deal

With his duties at Manchester United not set to start until after the World Cup, Louis van Gaal is wasting no time assessing his desired transfer targets while in charge of Netherlands.

Goal exclusively revealed on Tuesday that Luke Shaw has agreed a deal with £160,000 a week to leave Southampton, making him the highest-paid teenager in the world.

Despite reports of a training group bust-up between Arjen Robben and Bruno Martins Indi at the Netherlands' training camp, Van Gaal's focus appears to be elsewhere.

Wednesday, 11 June 2014 12:00

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Inzaghi edges out Seedorf at Milan

The change that had been expected for some time finally arrived on Monday as AC Milan confirmed that Clarence Seedorf had been removed as coach after only half a season in Serie A.

Taking his place in the dugout for the Rossoneri is Pippo Inzaghi, who has had a great deal of success in charge of the club's youth side since retiring from playing in 2012.

The perennially offside former striker found himself on the right side of Adriano Galliani this time as he edged out his old team-mate.

Tuesday, 10 June 2014 12:26

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GoalToons: World Cup moments

Get animated by watching the heroes, villains and highlights of previous tournaments as you have never seen them before. Eight episodes on World Cup greatest nations. The videos are available in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese and Arabic.

GoalToons: Brazil

GoalToons: Italy

GoalToons: Germany

GoalToons: Argentina

GoalToons: England

GoalToons: France

GoalToons: Spain

GoalToons: Netherlands

GoalToons credits:

Animation Director: Omar Momani

Animation: Sameer Aburezeq

Animation Assitant: Bassem Nabil

Narration on Germany, England and Netherlands: Mike V. Derderian

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Napoli scoff at Arsenal's Insigne interest

Clubs are always looking to drive a hard bargain, but it seems Arsenal have pushed their luck already this summer.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has scoffed at the Gunners’ supposed interest in Italy winger Lorenzo Insigne and suggested there is no chance of signing the 23-year-old for a cut-price fee.

“Arsenal offer 20 million for Insigne? This makes me laugh. I want to make Insigne rise to a value of 60-70 million,” De Laurentiis told Repubblica.

Monday, 9 June 2014 12:00

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France suffer Ribery blow

France have been dealt a major blow to their World Cup hopes after Franck Ribery was ruled out with a back injury.

"He is not capable of training for a few weeks, let alone playing a game," said Didier Deschamps.

But despite the absence of the Bayern Munich attack, the France boss is still not inclined to call up Manchester City’s Samir Nasri.

Saturday, 7 June 2014 12:00

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World Cup party about to get started

With the dust having settled on most nation's World Cup warm-up friendlies, attentions can now be turned to the main event with the World Cup just four days away.

England concluded their preparations in a feisty encounter against Honduras and can next be seen taking on Italy in Manaus on Saturday, while hosts Brazil kick off the tournament on Thusday.

The Three Lions flew from Miami to Rio de Janeiro straight after their 0-0 draw, while plenty of other sides, including the likes of Germany, have finally touched down in Brazil.

Sunday, 8 June 2014 12:45

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Scholes orders Welbeck to shackle Pirlo

Much like Euro 2012, Andrea Pirlo could prove to be the thorn in England’s side when Roy Hodgson’s charges face Italy in their World Cup opener.

But Paul Scholes has a plan to keep the midfield maestro quiet.

"For Manaus, we need an English Park Ji-Sung - one England player designated to man-mark him. Looking at the squad,” the former Manchester United star told Paddy Power.

“Danny Welbeck (a good defender who can nick the ball well) could be an option and would be a bold decision, one which gives England a creative outlet and saddles Pirlo with defensive work."

All the best, Danny.

Friday, 6 June 2014 12:00

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