Suarez pushes England towards World Cup exit

A World Cup campaign that began with cautious optimism appears to be over after just one week and two games for England, as a double from Luis Suarez in Sao Paulo consigned the Three Lions to their second successive 2-1 defeat in Brazil.

Roy Hodgson's men are not quite out of the tournament just yet, but now require a miracle to progress from a competitive Group D. England must hope Italy can beat both Costa Rica and Uruguay, while must overcome the former themselves in their final match.

But no side has ever lost their first two group games at a World Cup and still progressed to the knock-out rounds, while only one team - Chile in 1998 - has qualified with just three points (since three points were awarded for a victory). Thus, Suarez's brace appears to have handed England a premature flight home.

Friday, 20 June 2014 13:00

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Balotelli and Wenger: The Odd Couple

Mario Balotelli could be set for a sensational return to the Premier League with Arsene Wenger set to meet his agent on Saturday.

As revealed by Goal, the Arsenal boss is set to discuss a £25 million move for the Italy internationalas he attempts to seal the Gunners’ first major transfer of the summer.

Balotelli’s agent Mino Raiola has previously admitted that “anything is possible” when asked about a potential transfer to Arsenal, as Wenger prepares to gamble on the controversial striker.

Wednesday, 18 June 2014 13:06

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Stark reality bites in Spain's Roja wedding

It's over, it's finally over. Spain, reigning world and European champions have been dumped out of the World Cup thanks to a colossal performance from Chile.

Jorge Sampaoli's side, also nicknamed La Roja, scored twice in the first half in a frantic end-to-end game of football in Rio de Janeiro.

And for Vicente del Bosque's team it was very much a case of one tournament too far for a group of players who have defined an era. There will be casualties from this exit, not least if they fail to even take home the wooden spoon in their final game against Australia.

Thursday, 19 June 2014 12:46

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Half-fit Ronaldo overrun by ruthless Germany

Poor Ronaldo. He spent all week battling an ongoing knee problem to make Portugal's opening game in Group G against Germany, only to be shackled over the course of a 90 minute 4-0 defeat.

Tendonitis may have restricted his training time in the lead up to the game but the 29-year-old looked fit enough and did draw Manuel Neuer into a couple of good saves.

But when all was said and done (and Pepe had received his marching orders), Ronaldo could do nothing to drag his side away from a heavy defeat.

Tuesday, 17 June 2014 12:22

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Perfect Pirlo hands out lesson to England's youngsters

England were made to pay for their missed chances as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Italy in their opening Group D fixture.

Claudio Marchisio opened the scoring in Manaus but while Daniel Sturridge was quick with England’s leveller, Mario Balotelli had the final say with his second-half header.

Andrea Pirlo put in another masterclass performance as his superb distribution was capped by a cute dummy in the build-up to Marchisio’s strike.

Sunday, June 15, 2014 12:00

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Portugal 2014 Tribute

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.

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France 2014 Tribute

Don't forget to watch GoalToons episode about France world cup history: 

 

Messi follows in Maradona's foosteps

Lionel Messi began his World Cup campaign in fine style with a thrilling goal to secure a 2-1 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina in Argentina’s opening game in Brazil.

The South American side have not won the World Cup since 1986 when Diego Maradona inspired his country to victory in Mexico with Messi out to emulate the Argentina legend.

Of course the 1986 tournament is famously remembered for Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal against England which was followed by a superb, individual second goal as Argentina won 2-1 on their way to being crowned world champions.

Monday, June 16, 2014 12:01

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A tribute to England 2014

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

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Van Persie and Robben tuck into Spanish feast

Spain endured a miserable start to their World Cup 2014 campaign after being thrashed 5-1 by Netherlands on Friday night.

Xabi Alonso gave the holders the lead from the penalty spot but Louis van Gaal’s men scored a stunning equaliser from Robin van Persie to ensure the two sides went in level at the break.

The second half was one to forget for the Spanish, with goals from Stefan de Vrij, another for Van Persie and an Arjen Robben double sealing an incredible win. 

Saturday, 14 June 2014 11:51

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