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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A tribute to Spain 2014

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

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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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