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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Neymar carries Brazil into last 16

Brazil and Barcelona ace Neymar has lived up to his billing as the poster boy for this summer's World Cup as his double against Cameroon helped the Selecao on their way to top spot in Group A and a place in the last 16.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's men ran out 4-1 winners over the African side, with Neymar twice putting his side ahead in the first half before they romped to victory late on.

Neymar has now scored four of Brazil's seven goals at this summer's showpiece, topping the tournament's scoring charts, and if the home nation are to claim a sixth World Cup title then they are likely to do so on the back of their star player, who has carried the side into a last-16 clash with Chile.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014 10:00

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Ronaldo stops USA in their tracks

USA were on course to reach the last 16 of the World Cup before Cristiano Ronaldo, who was subdued for the majority of the encounter, whipped in a sublime cross for Silvestre Varela to head home in the 95th minute and salvage a draw for Portugal.

Despite the draw, Jurgen Klinsmann's side are still in the driving seat to reach the knockout stage but they must still get at least a point out of their final game against Germany to ensure that goal difference will not be a factor in dumping them out of the competition.

Monday, June 23, 2014 12:00

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Klose equals Ronaldo's World Cup record

Germany striker Miroslav Klose hit the headlines yet again on Saturday as he bagged his 15th World Cup goal and a place in the history books.

The 36-year-old came off the bench to level the scores against Ghana, in an entertaining 2-2 draw, with a goal that sees him equal Ronaldo’s record that has stood since 2006.

Next up for Germany is their final group game against USA, with Klose able to move clear at the top of the standings should he find the target again.

Sunday, June 22, 2014 11:47

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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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