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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Injuries pile up ahead of World Cup

Injuries have already made their mark on the World Cup with the likes of Victor Valdes, Kevin Strootman and Theo Walcott all failing to make the tournament long before its even begun.

And the injuries continue to pile up.

Italy have been dealt a blow as midfielder Riccardo Montolivo will miss out with a broken leg, while there were scares during Wednesday’s friendlies for Robin van Persie and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Thursday, 5 June 2014 12:00

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Scolari fumes at sub-par show in Brazil training

It's back to the drawing board for Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari after Sunday’s training session did not turn out as well as he had hoped.

"I did not like the training, I did not like anything, all wrong," the 65-year-old told Globo TV.

"When I do not like something I have to find a solution, put it on the field, until I'm satisfied."

You’ve only got eight days left to get it right, Luiz.

Tuesday, 3 June 2014 12:00

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Lampard calls time on Chelsea career

After 13 years at Chelsea which included winning three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League, Frank Lampard will be looking for a new club this summer.

Reports suggest that no less than 16 sides are keen on a move for the 35-year-old, who has admitted that a switch to MLS is an option.

"I'm looking at different options but I want to carry on playing,” said the midfielder.

"I'd like to get it sorted soon, not in World Cup time, but after that. I'm not sure it's possible to do now.

"I can go into the World Cup with a clear head. I can handle it. It's a weight off my shoulders to a certain extent.

"I'm a big enough boy to get on and concentrate fully on this World Cup with England."

Wednesday, 4 June 2014 12:00

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England touchdown in Miami

England have landed in Miami as they continue their preparations for this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

The Three Lions take on Ecuador and Honduras in friendlies on Wednesday and Saturday respectively at the Sun Life Stadium, with plenty of places still up for grabs in Roy Hodgson's team.

The players will need to adapt to the conditions in Florida quickly, with the temperatures even hotter and more humid in Manaus, where England take on Italy in their opening game.

Monday, 2 June 2014 12:05

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Van Persie prepares for Van Gaal's walk of fire

Much has been made of Robin van Persie's strong relationship with Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal, and he recently admitted he would walk on fire for the incoming Manchester United boss.

He probably wouldn't considering his injury record, but it's nice to know.

Sunday, 1 June 2014 12:00

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Sturridge, not Rooney, to lead England to glory?

England strikers Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge had wildly contrasting evenings as the Three Lions laboured to a 3-0 victory over minnows Peru at Wembley on Friday night.

In a match of few chances for the hosts, Sturridge scored a stunning individual effort, curling a rasping effort beyond the reach of Raul Fernandez, which set up an ultimately routine win.

But Rooney had an match to forget which threw into doubt his reputation as the side's talisman andled to calls for Sturridge, fresh from netting 21 Premier League goals last term, to lead the England attack at the World Cup, not Rooney.

Saturday, May 31, 2014 11:45

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Del Bosque praying for Diego Costa recovery

Spain boss Vicente del Bosque is praying striker Diego Costa can overcome injury in time to take part in the World Cup, and has even delayed the announcement of his 23-man squad as he sweats on the Atletico Madrid forward's fitness.

The Brazilian-born attacker had a disrupted end to the season with Atleti, with a string of injury problems hampering his involvement in the run-in. He lasted just 16 minutes in the Liga title-decider against Barcelona and was withdrawn after only nine minutes in the Champions League final.

"I'm not sure Costa will make it," Del Bosque told reporters on Thursday. "We've still got time but now it's in the hands of the doctors and the medical team. We have to be cautious."

Costa was the subject of great controversy when he swapped Brazil, the country of his birth, for Spain back in March, despite having already appeared in two friendlies for the Selecao. His continued injury problems mean he could miss out on the chance to ruin the hosts' World Cup party.

Friday, May 30, 2014 12:30

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The Real deal: Messi left in Ronaldo shadow

Having already watched Cristiano Ronaldo pick up the Ballon d'Or this year, as well as Copa del Rey and Champions League winners' medals, now Lionel Messi has yet another reason to envy the Real Madrid attacker.

According to global sports marketing research group Repucom, it is the Portugal star, not the Barcelona man, who is the most marketable footballer in the world.

The former Manchester United winger has over 82 million Facebook likes, 26m Twitter followers and is "an endorser's dream", all of which means Messi must settle for second place behind Ronaldo - and not for the first time this season!

Thursday, May 29, 2014 11:30

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Yaya flirts with spurned PSG boss Blanc

Paris Saint-Germain had a curious Monday, with target Eden Hazard playing down a return to France while, simultaneously, another Premier League superstar opened the door to a move.

Chelsea attacker Hazard, singled out as a player of interest to PSG by manager Laurent Blanc, all but dismissed speculation that he could move to Paris, saying he takes no notice of transfer gossip.

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure, though, was less dismissive and openly welcome a move to the Ligue 1 champions.

"How can you not be interested in a club like that?" the Ivorian mused to France Football. "It'd be an honour to be part of such a club one day... if I can be of use."

So while PSG may have been spurned by Hazard, they can at least take solace from Toure's revelation that he would love to move to the Parc des Princes.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014 11:00

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De Rossi not afraid of 'monsters' Messi & Ronaldo

Daniele De Rossi is well known for his fearless leadership in the Roma and Italy midfields and insists not even the prospect of facing two "monsters" at the World Cup will keep him up at night.

The 30-year-old has never faced Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the tournament finals, but that could change this summer in Brazil. "Maybe I will have the chance to take on these monsters this year!" he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

Monday, 26 May 2014 12:00

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