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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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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