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Ladybbird · 28-09-12, 19:35

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FIFA -Brazil Unveil World Cup Kick-off Times

September 27, 2012

By ESPN.com news services

ZURICH -- FIFA has selected kick-off times for 2014 World Cup group games, with several matches scheduled in early afternoon in tropical climates.

FIFA says the northeast coastal cities of Natal, Recife and Salvador each have two of their four group-stage matches starting at 1 p.m. local time.

Manaus, in the western Amazon rainforest, hosts two matches at 3 p.m., plus the 9 p.m. match on the opening Saturday, June 14.

FIFA said that the tournament's opening match will take place in Sao Paulo on June 12, with a local kick-off time of 5 p.m (4 p.m. ET).

FIFA says it took into account rest periods for players, local temperatures, global broadcast schedules and fans' travel plans.

FIFA's executive committee scheduled the 32-team finals tournament draw for Dec. 6, 2013, at the Costa do Sauipe in Bahia.

The 2014 World Cup will be held June 12-July 13.

Information from Press Association and The Associated Press was used in this report.

More info & the FIFA Official Website can be found here;

FIFA Official Website

This should be very exciting....cant wait...

Ladybbird · 16-10-12, 17:01

The World Cup Qualifying Matches start today, Tuesday 16th October 2012

World Cup qualifying: Excitement rising for crucial Canada-Honduras soccer game

Toronto Star

SAN PEDRO SULA, HONDURAS—There’s no mistaking it’s game day here.

Not only has a national holiday been extended through Tuesday, the media is non-stop in its coverage of this afternoon’s World Cup qualifying match at Estadio Olimpico between Canada and Honduras.
With the match set to kick off at 2 p.m. local time (4 p.m. ET, Sportsnet), at least two morning TV news programs began broadcasting live from the stadium shortly after 7 a.m. On another channel, a man, dressed in a replica of the white jersey Honduras will wear in the match, was taking phone calls from viewers and discussing the game.

Hondurans must win to advance to the final round of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. The Canadians only need to earn a draw to reach that stage for the first time since the playdowns for spots in the 1998 World Cup in France.
On the front page of the tabloid newspaper Golazo, four of the Honduran players posed with a team flag. At the bottom of the page, it said that 38,000 fans in the stadium and the entire country’s population of eight million will be united in their cry of: “Honduras, Honduras, Honduras.”
Another tabloid newspaper, La Prensa, featured a front page picture of the Hondurans training Monday and devoted an entire 12-page special section to the match. On its cover, a cartoon depicts a petrified Canadian player being tossed into a pot labelled “Olimpico” which is on a burning fire. Loosely translated, the headline said, “You’re toast.”
At the stadium, upwards of 400 police officers are expected inside the stadium with another 50 stationed outside.

Four members of the Canadian media, including the Star, have been told to arrive four hours before the match to secure seats in the press box, which is actually not a box at all but rather a row of chairs and a table located amidst the fans. There have been assurances that visiting reporters will have security during the match and be escorted down to the Canadian locker room for player interviews after the match.
Canadian officials were told at the pre-match meeting Monday that none of the fans will be allowed to bring guns into the stadium.
San Pedro Sula is deemed the most dangerous city in the world, with more than 1,100 murders last year.
END

GO Canada

Ladybbird · 16-10-12, 20:08

World Cup Qualifying Matches

Tuesday 16 October

Ladybbird · 16-10-12, 20:26

continued.....

Ladybbird · 16-10-12, 21:15

continued....

Ladybbird · 16-10-12, 22:28

continued....

(THE LAST FIVE POSTS IN THIS THREAD TOOK ME ALL DAY TO PREPARE & POST FOR OUR MEMBERS, INCLUDING ALL THE SCREENSHOTS AND ENSURING THEY WERE CORRECT & IN THE RIGHT ORDER. THE LEAST YOU GUYS CAN DO IS TO HELP US & DONATE SOMETHING, YOU CAN SEE FROM THE AMOUNT OF DONATIONS COMING IN EACH MONTH, WE REALLY ARE IN TROUBLE TO PAY OUR BILLS EACH MONTH.
SO PLEASE CONSIDER HELPING US AND DONATE WHAT YOU CAN -THANK YOU)

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Ladybbird · 17-10-12, 03:42

Results so far

Ladybbird · 23-11-12, 17:53

Results so Far - Round 1(First Screenshot)

North, Central America & Caribbean

Round 2 (Second 5 Screenshots)

North, Central America & Caribbean

Round 3 (Last 3 Screenshots)

North, Central America & Caribbean

Ladybbird · 23-11-12, 18:58

Results so Far - Round 1

Europe

Round 2 - "Continental Playoffs" will be played between 15 & 19 November 2013

Ladybbird · 03-12-12, 01:23

Results so Far - Round 2

Africa

Round 3 will likely be played between 11-15 October and 15-19 November 2013. The five teams that win their respective ties will qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™.

Ladybbird · 03-12-12, 01:32

Results so Far - Round 4

ASIA

Asia - Round 5 – “CONTINENTAL PLAY-OFF” The two third-place teams from the two Round 4 groups will contest Round 5. The teams will play one home-and-away play-off. The matches will likely be played between 6 and 10 September 2013. The Round 5 winner advances to the intercontinental play-off.

Ladybbird · 03-12-12, 01:37

Results so Far - Round 3

Oceania

Intercontinental Playoffs The intercontinental play-offs will be played between the fourth placed team of North, Central America and the Caribbean and the winner of Oceania.
1st Leg
North, Central America and the Caribbean - Oceania
2nd Leg
Oceania - North, Central America and the Caribbean
The matches are expected to be played on 15 and 19 November 2013.

Ladybbird · 03-12-12, 01:48

Results so Far - Round 1

South America

Intercontinental Playoffs
The intercontinental play-offs will be played between the Round 5 Winner of Asia and the fifth placed team of South America.

1st Leg
Asia – South America
2nd Leg
South America - Asia

The matches are expected to be played on 15 and 19 November 2013.

Ladybbird · 29-03-13, 01:17

FIFA World Cup 2014 Qualifiers: Round-Up

Thursday,28 March 2013

Tuesday night saw a host of FIFA World Cup qualifiers played throughout Europe. Thanks to the results, we now have a better view of who we can expect to see in Brazil next year. Here is a round up of the results.

GROUP A
Serbia 2-0 Scotland
Belgium 1-0 Macedonia
Wales 1-2 Croatia

Former Arsenal man Eduardo Da Silva scored a late winner as Croatia came from behind to beat Wales in an entertaining game at the Liberty Stadium. Gareth Bale had earlier given the hosts the lead on 21 minutes from the penalty spot. It was Bale’s fifth goal in his last six internationals.
The goal spurred the home team on and they finished the half the better side with Bale being denied by Croatian keeper Stipe Pletikosa a few times. The visitors stepped up their game in the second period and their efforts were rewarded when Dejan Lovren’s header pulled them level with 13 minutes to go. Having gotten back into the game, the Croats went for the kill and Eduardo’s low shot guaranteed all three points for Croatia.
The late show in Swansea meant Belgium had to win their game to keep pace at the top. Win they did and Eden Hazard was once again on the score-sheet as his goal gave Belgium a narrow 1-0 win over Macedonia. The win keeps them top ahead of Croatia only on goal difference with both teams on 16 points.
Scotland became the first European nation to be eliminated from World Cup qualification after their 2-0 loss in Serbia. The defeat was Scotland’s fourth in a row in competitive matches and means that they have no chance of overhauling either Belgium or Croatia at the top of the group. Filip Djuricic scored both of the home side’s goals within a span of five minutes in the second half.

GROUP B
Malta 0-2 Italy
Denmark 1-1 Bulgaria
Armenia 0-3 Czech Republic

Mario Balotelli continued his hot streak and was the star man for Italy scoring both goals in a less than convincing 2-0 win away at tiny island nation Malta. Balotelli scored an 8th minute penalty to hand the visitors an early advantage. Gianluigi Buffon then gave away a penalty after Claudio Marchisio’s horror back pass sold him short. But, he redeemed himself by saving the penalty and Malta were denied a way back into the game. On the stroke of half-time Balotelli’s cool finish put the Italians in total control and the ‘Azzuri’ were on cruise control for the rest of the game.
The Czechs rebounded from their loss to Denmark with a victory by an identical score line. An excellent counter-attacking display away at Armenia saw the Czechs move above Denmark in the group and lie third two points behind Bulgaria.
Denmark were held by Bulgaria to a 1-1 draw. Danish skipper Daniel Agger scored from the spot to equalize after Sergiy Manolev had given the Bulgarians the lead on 51 minutes. The result means that both sides are still in the hunt for the second spot, which would give them a playoff berth. The result was favourable for the Italians as it pretty much assures them of automatic qualification holding a 3 point lead over Bulgaria with a game in hand.

GROUP C
Germany 4-1 Kazakhstan
Republic of Ireland 2-2 Austria

Joachim Loew’s German team put in a virtuoso first half performance as they dismantled minnows Kazakhstan in the return fixture at home after a 3-0 win away on Friday. Marko Reus opened the scoring in the 23rd minute and 10 minutes later Germany were up 3-0 with Mario Gotze and Ilkay Gundogan adding to the tally. The Kazakhs pulled one back just after half-time but it was no more than a consolation as Reus rounded things off in style with his second on 90 minutes.
David Alaba’s superb strike deep into injury time with virtually the last kick of the game denied Giovanni Trapattoni’s boys in green a home victory. Ireland had to settle for a share of the spoils and will once again rue a missed opportunity that jeopardizes their hopes of qualification.
Ireland were very impressive and got back into the game brilliantly after Martin Harnik put the Austrians ahead on 11 minutes. West Brom striker Shane Long in particular had a stellar outing as the Irish fought back to turn the game in their favour with two goals from Jonathan Walters, the first of which was a penalty on 25 minutes. They went into the break ahead 2-1 and the Austrians came out battling in the second period as they laid siege to the Irish goal. They were rewarded ultimately when Alaba was given space just outside the box as he unleashed a left footed drive that looked to have taken a slight deflection on its way to goal.

GROUP D
Netherlands 4-0 Romania
Turkey 1-1 Hungary
Estonia 2-0 Andorra

Robin van Persie scored a brace as the Dutch continued their impressive form registering their sixth successive win of the campaign to maintain their perfect record. The victory also means that the Netherlands have won their last 16 qualifying games, both Euros and World Cup put together. Van Persie passed Dutch legend Johann Cruyff in the goal scoring charts with his double strike at the Amsterdam Arena.
He now has 17 qualifier goals (again, both Euros and World Cup) and is level with Denis Bergkamp. Rafael Van der Vaart also scored for the second game running with Jermaine Lens adding one in the 90th minute.
Turkey and Hungary played out a 1-1 draw in Istanbul. Burak Yilmaz has been a goal machine this season and he gave the Turks the lead yet again. Hungary though found the equalizer on 73 minutes to earn a point. The Hungarians will see it as a point gained as it moves them ahead of Romania to second place in the group.

GROUP E (no Group E games scheduled for midweek)

GROUP F
Azerbaijan 0-2 Portugal
Northern Ireland 0-2 Israel

Portugal got back to winning ways with a comfortable win over Azerbaijan. Bruno Alves once again was on the score-sheet for the Portuguese for whom the win was a much-needed one after they only managed a 3-3 draw on Friday against Israel.
Israel also won by the same margin beating Northern Ireland at Belfast with goals from Lior Rafaelov and Eden Ben Basat.

GROUP G (no games played in GROUP G)

GROUP E
Montenegro 1-1 England
Poland 5-0 San Marino
Ukraine 2-1 Moldova

In a game of two halves, England surrendered the early initiative to return home from Podgorica with a 1-1 draw. England were superb in the first half and dismal in the second. Slick passing with excellent ball movement saw the English assert their dominance in the first period and Wayne Rooney on his return to Montenegro got the opening goal.
But, in the second half, England wilted under the constant pressure of the home side and in the end were lucky to emerge with a point as they withstood a battering from the Montenegrins in the second half. Dejan Damjanovic scored the equalizer for the hosts. The draw means England stay two points behind Montenegro and if they finish second would have to go through the playoffs to secure a place in Brazil next year.
Poland hammered whipping boys San Marino for five as Robert Lewandowski bagged a brace and his Borussia Dortmund colleague Tomasz Piszczek also scored.
Ukraine beat Moldova 2-1 to keep up with the leading pack. They are level on points with Poland, 4 points behind England, but both sides have played a game less and can cut the gap to one.

GROUP I
France 0-1 Spain

World and European champions Spain got back to the top of Group I with a 1-0 victory at the Stade de France courtesy of a Pedro Rodrigues goal. In a game with chances for both sides, France had their opportunities , but they lacked the cutting edge up front as Karim Benzema continued his barren run in front of goal which is now in excess of 1000 minutes of football after yesterday’s game.
In the only game on the night in Group I, Pedro’s strike helped lift the Spaniards over France in the standings. The first half saw both teams go close with Andres Iniesta and Franck Ribery missing gilt-edged chances. The two keepers, Hugo Lloris for France and Victor Valdes for Spain, were also in top form as they kept their sides in the game. Pedro then broke the deadlock in the second half after latching on to a lovely cut back from Nacho Monreal who was deputising for the injured Jordi Alba at left-back.
France’s attempts to get back in the game got that much harder when they were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of midfielder Paul Pogba. The young French midfielder earned two quick yellows in less than 60 seconds for a couple of dangerous tackles that brought his participation to an early end.

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeFootball Writing Academy

Ladybbird · 01-07-13, 00:18

Brazil are the Champions of the Confederations Cup 2013 (Warm Up to The World Cup), played in Brazil today:

FINAL-FULL TIME: Brazil 3 Spain 0

For Full Report on That, Click Here:

Confederations Cup 2013

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Ladybbird · 10-07-13, 22:10

FIFA World Ranking of Countries - July 2013

The Screenshots below show the latest edition of the FIFA World Rankings for international teams, with this summer's Confederations Cup victors Brazil making a significant jump back into the top 10.

There were plenty of other movers, both up and down, with World Cup qualifying action taking place all over the globe at the start of summer.

On the next post there is a complete breakdown of the latest rankings, with specific emphasis on the eight nations who took part in the Confederations Cup last month.

continued........

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Ladybbird · 10-07-13, 22:54

FIFA World Rankings 2013: Complete Breakdown Following Confederations Cup

Michael Regan/Getty Images

The Confederations Cup Movers: Going Up

Michael Regan/Getty Images

The host nation of this year's Confederations Cup and next year's FIFA World Cup, Brazil, made the biggest splash in the latest rankings.
Brazil won all five of their matches in the tournament, giving them a big boost in the new list. Prior to their Confederations Cup victory, Brazil had slumped outside of the top 10, but their success this summer meant they surged 13 places back up the rankings, into ninth position.
Spain, the beaten finalists in the tournament, were already the No. 1 ranked side in the world and remain so after four Confederations Cup victories prior to their defeat to Brazil.
Italy moved up two spots into sixth, thanks to their third-place finish at the Confederations Cup, which came about after a penalty shoot-out win over Uruguay in a third-place match between the losing semifinalists.
Uruguay themselves moved up seven places, into 12th.
The 2011 Copa America winners need to take this improved form into the remainder of their qualifiers if they want to be back in Brazil in a year's time for the World Cup.

The Confederations Cup Movers: Going Down

Clive Mason/Getty Images

It wasn't all good news as far as rankings are concerned for the Confederations Cup participants.
Nigeria lost four spots in the latest rankings after a fairly abject performance this summer. They beat Tahiti, but lost to Uruguay and Spain, exiting at the group stage. That meant they fell to 35th overall, which places them fifth amongst African nations.
Japan likewise took a tumble after failing to win any of their three group games in the tournament, losing the opening game to Brazil and then taking spirited but narrow defeats to Italy and Mexico. Japan fell five places to 37th, in a tie with Albania.
They remain the highest-ranked side from Asia.
Mexico were the third Confederations side to drop in the rankings, dropping just three places to 20th. They won one of their group stage games but it wasn't enough to progress to the semifinals.
Finally, Tahiti made huge strides for their country just by qualifying for the tournament, but they were soundly beaten in every game. 6-1, 10-0 and 8-0 were their three results.
They dropped a massive 16 places, down to 154th in the world, but this will be the least of their concerns having put on a great spectacle for the watching public and having scored their first ever major competition finals goal.

Movers in the Top 10

Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Brazil and Italy weren't the only teams to rise in the top 10.
Colombia's two big results in World Cup qualifying—a draw in Argentina and a home win over Peru—lifted them four places, up to the third-best ranked side in the world, and the highest-ranked South American nation. They are now in second place in the CONMEBOL qualifiers and look like a sure bet to be playing at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
With Italy also moving up inside the top six, three teams suffered downward movements as a result: Argentina dropped from third to fourth, Portugal dropped one place to seventh, and Croatia fell four places to eighth.
There was also a new entrant into the top 10. Belgium continue to show they have spawned a new golden age of talent with a real chance of having an impact at next year's World Cup. They rose two places into 10th.

Biggest Climbers and Fallers

Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images

Other than Brazil, there were several nations who managed to earn enough positive results to climb significantly up the rankings.
Fellow South American nation Peru rose 11 places into 19th, while Ukraine did the same, rising to 28th in the world.
Three African nations, Cape Verde Islands (up to 49th), Guinea (61st) and Senegal (74th), rose more than 20 places in the rankings, while European trio Scotland (50th), Austria (54th) and Armenia (66th) did the same.
At the other end of the scale there were dramatic drops for Bolivia (down 15 to 68th), Jamaica (down 28 to 77th) and Central African Republic (down 30 to 89th) after all three suffered damaging defeats.
Way down at he bottom of the rankings, Cambodia dropped nine places to 198th. The Cook Islands, South Sudan and Somalia all rose slightly in their bid to move away from their titles of being amongst the worst footballing nations.
Bhutan, San Marino and Turks-Caicos Islands remain ranked dead-last, in joint-207th with no ranking points.

Latest World FIFA Rankings: Top 25 in Full

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Despite Spain's final defeat to Brazil, they remain the top-ranked nation by some distance. Plenty more nations will get the chance to challenge their dominance next year in Brazil for the World Cup finals, and the FIFA rankings at the time of the group draws will determine who the seeds are for the group stages, so competition to move up the rankings ladder is both intense and tangible at this time.

Here are the latest top-25 nations covering all qualification zones, as per the July edition of the FIFA World Rankings

Rank Nation FIFA Zone

1 Spain UEFA
2 Germany UEFA
3 Colombia CONMEBOL
4 Argentina CONMEBOL
5 Netherlands UEFA
6 Italy UEFA
7 Portugal UEFA
8 Croatia UEFA
9 Brazil CONMEBOL
10 Belgium UEFA
11 Greece UEFA
12 Uruguay CONMEBOL
13 Ivory Coast AFC
14 Bosnia-Herzegovina UEFA
15 England UEFA
16 Switzerland UEFA
17 Russia UEFA
18 Ecuador CONMEBOL
19 Peru CONMEBOL
20 Mexico CONCACAF
21 Chile CONMEBOL
22 USA CONCACAF
23 France UEFA
24 Ghana AFC
25 Norway UEFA

Ladybbird · 15-10-13, 21:39

England v Poland - Nervy Finale as Rooney's Header & Gettard's Follow Up Goal Puts Three Lions in Final in Brazil

England 2-0 Poland

England: Hart, Smalling, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines, Carrick (Lampard 71), Gerrard, Townsend (Milner 86), Rooney, Welbeck, Sturridge (Wilshere 82).

Subs not used: Ruddy, Jones, Gibbs, Barkley, Defoe, Sterling, Lambert, Forster.
Goal: Rooney 41, Gerrard 88.
Booked: Lampard, Rooney.
Poland: Szczesny, Wojtkowiak, Jedrzejczyk, Glik, Celeban, Blaszczykowski, Mierzejewski (Zielinski 76), Krychowiak, Sobota (Peszko 64), Mariusz Lewandowski (Klich 46), Robert Lewandowski.
Subs not used: Boruc, Wasilewski, Jodlowiec, Polanski, Wawrzyniak, Sobiech, Rzezniczak, Fabianski.
Attendance: 85,186.
Referee: Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Full-time: England 2-0 Poland -
ENGLAND QUALIFY FOR WORLD CUP

It's all over. England are on their way to Brazil next year. It's an unbeaten campaign for Roy Hodgson's men. There will be no nervous play-off next month - England's name is in the draw for the group stages on December 6.

Update from Laurie Whitwell:

Quote:

Carnival atmosphere fit for Brazil inside Wembley now. Lots of jumping and clapping even if not entirely in unison.
Hodgson was out his seat like a greyhound from a trap when Gerrard buried that goal. He is finally able to celebrate in the knowledge all those complaints and worries from the campaign can be momentarily forgotten. He hugs literally everyone at the final whistle. Book those tickets to Rio

AS IT HAPPENED

21:46

Two minutes of added time...
Hodgson looks a little more relaxed now. Rooney has been named man of the match.

Delight: Steven Gerrard celebrates England's second goal in the 88th minute

21:43

GOAL! ENGLAND 2-0 Poland
That will do it!
Steven Gerrard adds a second goal and England breathe a sigh of relief. They're on their way to Brazil now.
The England captain stayed on his feet and finished off with an excellent, deft chip over Szczesny as he lost balance. The ball nestled in the bottom corner and Gerrard wheeled away in celebration.
Most of the 85,186 fans inside Wembley dance in delight. What a game.

All over: England captain Steven Gerrard scores his team's second goal to seal their place at the World Cup

21:41

Five minutes to go at Wembley and it has become extremely tense. A lot of nail chewing at the moment.
Milner comes on for Townsend as England's final change.

21:37

First real effort we've seen from Sturridge tonight as he fires in a shot that Szczesny pushed away.
Second change for England sees Wilshere come on for Sturridge with just under 10 minutes to play.
England have struggled to keep the ball in the last few minutes, maybe this change will help them.
Update from Sportsmail's Matt Barlow...
Wembley treated to a full-scale 18,000-man Poznan just then. England fans frozen by nerves. The drummer is banging his drum. Another flare burns in the away end.

Collision: Chris Smalling heads the ball past Jakub Blaszczykowski

21:33

Just five minutes on the pitch and a booking for Lampard as he hauls down Peszko.
Meanwhile, Laurie Whitwell is a bit confused by England's substitution.
Not sure I fully understand Hodgson's first tactical move. Thought Carrick was playing well and keeping tempo - he completed 48 out of 51 passes in the first half. Perhaps he was fading. Lampard will probably score that clinching second now.
More changes coming. Gary Neville has just told Jack Wilshere and James Milner to warm up too.

21:29

That change for England must be a reaction to Poland enjoying more of the ball. England have just slowed the tempo down a bit in the last few minutes.
Sami Mokbel writes: 'Lewandowski's been pretty wasteful in front of goal tonight, you just fear if he's to get another chance tonight, he'll put it away. The way Poland are playing, you'd say there's at least one good opening in them yet.'

21:22

Laura Williamson writes: 'Time for a change in midfield, please Roy. England starting to get over-run a bit here: they're doing well with the ball but look short of numbers in the middle without it.'
... and Roy Hodgson responds. It's Lampard on for Carrick with 20 minutes to play. England's first sub of the night.

21:24

Rooney once again stings the palms of Szczesny from 20 yards. The Manchester United striker has been a joy to watch tonight.

21:21

Second change for Poland as Peszko comes on for Sobota.
Matt Barlow writes: 'Anxious period for England this. The game is stretched and open. Both teams are vulnerable. The tension which normally stifles the game has opened this up. Next goal wins.'

Thwarted: Joe Hart makes a save to deny Robert Lewandowski from equalising

21:20

Still end-to-end stuff at Wembley. Even a Polish pitch invader can't disrupt the electric pace of this game.
Laurie Whitwell wasn't impressed with the invasion.
Quite possibly the jolliest end to a solo pitch invasion in history. Rather portly chap in jester hat doesn't possess quite the speed or swiftness of movement to swerve the pursuing steward in sole pursuit... so gives him a hug instead and grins all the way to the touchline.
Laura Williamson, meanwhile, is enjoying Wayne Rooney's performance.
I've really enjoyed watching Wayne Rooney tonight. The Manchester United forward has really imposed himself on this game, first playing behind Sturridge and chipping the ball left and right and now joining the Liverpool striker in more of a front two. Rooney still isn't afraid to go over to the right wing, though, and already seems to have developed a fine understanding with Townsend, while creating space for Welbeck and Sturridge in the middle.

21:12

SAVED BY HART!
Another chance for Lewandowski but excellent goalkeeping by Hart to stay big and swat away the chip from the Dortmund striker.
A reminder of the danger and threat Poland possess.

21:09

Almost an own goal as Rooney's low cross is deflected just wide of his own post by Krychowiak. It was good tracking back from the Pole, but his heart would have been in his mouth there. Szczesny was stranded.
Roy Hodgson is far from comfortable with this 1-0 lead, as Laurie Whitwell explains.
Hodgson is out of his seat for the first time, clapping and barking encouragement by the touchline. He is also stroking his face in the manner of someone who knows the job is not done yet.
Back in his seat he leans back and puts his face in his hands as Grzegorz Krychowiak so nearly slides the ball into his own net.

Flying: Rooney wheels away in celebration after his header found the bottom corner

21:07

Much better from England as Rooney, Welbeck and Sturridge combine once more.
Rooney picked out Welbeck with a looped cross to the far post, but his cutback was cleared for a corner.
Cahill's header from the corner forced a decent save from Szczesny. It's fair to say half-time hasn't interrupted the flow of this excellent game.

21:04

It's Poland who start the second half better with a couple of corners.
The substitute Klich had a crack at goal from an angle but his shot just kept rising.

20:58

Here we go again .....

Elsewhere in Europe, Scotland lead Croatia 1-0 and Wales are level at 0-0 in Belgium.

Meanwhile, we're back underway at Wembley. Klich comes on for Lewandowski for Poland... not that one, the other one.

20:57

From OptaJoe on Twitter
51 - Michael Carrick made 51 passes in the first half vs Poland, completing 48 of them. Conductor.

Delight: Wayne Rooney celebrates with team mates after giving England the lead

20:45

Half-time: England 1-0 Poland
What a first half. Cannot remember an England game at Wembley like this.
Rooney's header four minutes before he break has given England a priceless lead that, as it stands, will send them to Brazil next year.
Here's an update from Laurie Whitwell on Roy Hodgson watch, but I'm off to catch my breath for a little while.

Quote:

Hodgson gave it the full double-fisted celebration when Rooney headed in, and wore the joyous smile of a child at Christmas. His halftime team-talk will be a lot easier now.

20:40

GOAL! ENGLAND 1-0 Poland
ROONEYYYYYY!
England get their reward for an excellent first-half performance. Rooney rises high to head Baines' pinpoint cross into the bottom corner.
Wembley erupts (the England section anyway) before cries of 'Rooney, Rooney'. The connection on his header was so sweet that it sent his headband flying.
That goal had been coming. England lead and, more importantly, top Group H as it stands.

Breakthrough: Wayne Rooney heads England into the lead four minutes before half-time

Our brilliant match zone service shows the move that led to Rooney's goal

20:39

Can't remember an England game being this entertaining for a very long time.
Seven minutes left in the first half, here's an update from Laura Williamson.
At least all is well in club football, anyway! Sturridge won't pass to Gerrard and now Welbeck gets a mouthful from Rooney after refusing to pass the ball back to his Manchester United team-mate after a delicious flick. Tensions rising here.

Effort: Andros Townsend rattled Poland's crossbar with a brilliant effort from 25 yards

20:36

Excellent ball from Rooney over the top to Gerrard and an even better first-time square pass from he England captain sets Welbeck free, but he just couldn't sort his feet out and get the ball under control. Szczesny comes out to smother the ball at his feet.
England really knocking at the door now. They've dominated the last 10 minutes.

20:32

CHANCE!
... this time for England.
It was a corner from the left that bobbled around in the six-yard box before falling to Welbeck. The Manchester United striker swung his left leg at the ball, but somehow dragged it wide of the goal.
Goal-kick given, but Welbeck should have scored there or at very very least hit the target.

Scare: England goalkeeper Joe Hart watches Robert Lewandowski's shot roll wide of the far post

20:30

Breath-taking entertainment
What a first half hour at Wembley. Surely it can't be this open for the full 90 minutes.
Going back to that Lewandowski chance, here's an update from Sami Mokbel.
Lewandowski is human after all. The Pole really should punished England after a ultra quick break from the visitors. TV footage of Hodgson mumbling: '**** me' to himself said it all.
Laurie Whitwell, on touchline watch, adds...
Roy Hodgson expresses the four-letter word of a nation as he watches Robert Lewandowski go far too close for comfort. Did he not like that. He is sitting arms folded, occasionally stroking his chin and scratching his forehead.
Daniel Sturridge's Strictly Come Dancing routine in the box - and subsequent air shot - has Hodgson stood up in expectation and he takes a few seconds to sit back down again, clearly a little deflated.

20:24

CROSSBAR!
Townsend RATTLES the crossbar with an excellent left-footed effort from 25 yards. Szczesny was beaten all ends up there. Sturridge then had a shot from a tight angle which Szczesny pushed away. Two really good chances for England

20:21

WHAT A CHANCE!
... for Poland!
It was a lightning fast counter attack from Poland from England's corner. The ball came to Lewandowski, who took on Carrick but dragged his left-foot shot wide of the far post. He normally buries them. Massive let off for England. That's a couple of times now that Poland have counter attacked with speed from one of their corners.

Close: Danny Welbeck reacts after just being beaten to Leighton Baines' low cross

20:22

Gerrard whips in an inswinging free-kick from the left that is just beyond the reach of Smalling. Szczesny was scrambling for a while, but the ball fizzed just wide of the far post.
Excellent delivery from the England captain.

20:16

From Sportsmail's Jeff Powell at Wembley
More attacking ambition to this Polish team in the first 15 minutes than Montenegro showed on Friday.

20:19

England awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position on the left flank next to the corner flag. Baines tried to whip it in low towards Sturridge, but the ball never made it that far.
Ukraine are 2-0 in San Marino, which means England now have to win to top the group.

Gone: Poland's Robert Lewandowski evades a challenge from Steven Gerrard

A flare thrown from the Polish section on the pitch at Wembley

20:15

Danger signs for England as Sobota finds space inside the England penalty area but drags his shot into the side netting.
15 minutes played at Wembley, very lively!

20:14

From Sportsmail's Laurie Whitwell on touchline watch
Good and bad for Roy Hodgson to observe so far. Andros Townsend picking up where he left off against Montenegro with attacking verve but England defenders twice backing off dangerously with Robert Lewandowski advancing.
The England manager has left it to assistant Ray Lewington to shout instructions from the technical area, preferring to study from his seat in the dugout.

Expressive: England manager Roy Hodgson takes his seat at Wembley

20:12

Townsend cuts back onto his right foot and fires in a low shot from 20 yards which Szczesny parried dangerously away for Poland. Welbeck couldn't quite get to the rebound first.
At the other end, Sportsmail's Sami Mokbel is keeping an eye on dangerman Robert Lewandowski.
Just a brief glimpse of Robert Lewandowski's pace. Sped away from Steven Gerrard in midfield like the England skipper was wearing ankle weights. Reminder for England.

20:09

First sniff for England as Baines whips in a low cross towards Welbeck at the near post. The defender just got a stud to the ball before the United striker.

20:07

Subdued start to the game itself, the same can't be said of the fans though. England being booed every time they gain possession.
Excellent atmosphere, though, at Wembley, as Laurie Whitwell explains.
Who knew Wembley could be a cauldron of atmosphere? OK, the two dozen flares in the Poland end have made the evening a bit bubble, bubble, toil and trouble but England fans are responding. The loudest before kick-off I've heard them here, hoping any Macbeth massacre is inflicted by them.
Laura Williamson adds: 'Even the adverts on the digital hoardings alongside the length of the pitch are in Polish! The English band has started up now but, with the smoke clouding the view of the pitch and the Polish fans still making a lot more noise, Wembley feels very different to the relatively sedate atmosphere of Friday night.'

Hostile: Poland fans light flares during the national anthem at Wembley

Bright: A general view of Wembley during the national anthems as flares were set off by the Polish fans

19:58

From Sportsmail's Matt Barlow
Quite a few Polish flags and scarves held aloft in the England end during the anthems. Long time since I can recall an England atmosphere with this mix of expectancy and passion.

20:00

We're underway at Wembley!
Rooney and Gerrard kick us off to a backdrop of smoke from the Polish flares.

19:59

Polish fans belt out their national anthem with a backdrop of flares in their section at Wembley before waving their scarves.
England's national anthem is loudly jeered by the travelling fans.
Matt Barlow writes: 'Flares everywhere at Wembley and I'm not talking about press box fashion.'
Laurie Whitwell adds: 'Just the two dozen flairs in the Poland end, one man seems to be holding about 10 himself'

19:55

Here come the teams. Wembley certainly isn't lacking atmosphere tonight.

Bright: Poland fans light flares as they walk along Wembley Way

19:53

Sound familiar?
From Sportsmail's Matt Barlow at Wembley:
A Polish colleague tells me his nation is depressed about this failed WC campaign. The popular belief is that manager Waldemar Fornalik is doomed and the debate is whether he should be replaced by a foreign coach or a Polish coach. Meanwhile, others are convinced that this simply avoids the real problem and that without addressing development and coaching system as a whole Poland will be back in the same position in two years’ time. Sound familiar?

Meanwhile, Neil Ashton is enjoying the occasion.
Love the atmosphere at Wembley on a big England night. Big crowd, big expectations. Marching band just walking on to the field to prepare for the national anthems.

19:47

From OptaJoe on Twitter
6 - Wayne Rooney has netted six goals in his last five World Cup qualifying appearances. Figurehead.

19:46

From Sportsmail's Laura Williamson at Wembley
Poland have at least 15,000 fans inside already, making plenty of noise and England have... the 'Launcherettes', a group of girls firing free scarves into the crowd. What's there to worry about?

Preparation: The England team warm-up for their must win clash

Support: England fans enjoy the atmosphere before the game at Wembley

Partisan: Poland fans wave scarfs from their seats at Wembley

19:42

Just over 15 minutes from kick-off at Wembley. Meanwhile at Portman Road, Ravel Morrison and Saido Berahino have scored again. Gareth Southgate's Under 21s lead Lithuania 5-0 in the closing stages.

19:33

First blood Poland
From Sportsmail's Matt Barlow at Wembley
England were more or less booed out onto the pitch for their warm-up. The Polish fans, already packing into their seats to the far left as the players run out of the tunnel, gave the home team a hostile welcome. It caught England fans napping somewhat. They were still shooting the breeze, waving their flags and listening to Sportsmail’s Martin Keown giving his verdict on the big screen. By the time they realised England were being jeered out they tried to respond with a little cheer but it was too late. Round one to the Poles who are limbering up for a raucous night of vociferous support if travelling to Wembley on the tube is anything to go by. Keown’s gone for a 2-0 home win by the way.

19:25

Lovely goal from Berahino makes it 3-0 to the Under 21s against Lithuania.
Meanwhile at Wembley things seem to be getting a bit heated.

Spark: Polish fans with flares outside Wembley

In trouble: A Polish football fan is arrested by police

Ready for action: James Milner and Phil Jagielka arrive at the stadium

19:15

Howzat!
It's a big game tonight and even England's top cricketers are tweeting about it.
Kevin Pietersen earlier tweeted: 'Imagine how easily ENG would win this eve if they had Ronaldo striking for them and Valdes in goal.. #boom #foreigners'
Andrew Flintoff, meanwhile, is sticking to his soaps.
He tweeted: 'Seriously? No Corrie tonight, surely 22 men chasing a ball should be on ITV4 #wrong.' After realising what day of the week it is, he later added 'Sorry forgot its Tuesday have to be EastEnders and Holby then!'
We know you'll be watching the football, Andrew.

19:08

Sportsmail's Jeff Powell has noticed that things are somewhat quieter down at Marylebone Station.
Curiously subdued at Marylebone station and on train to Wembley. No Pole dancing but no 'Ingerlund' either.
Laura Williamson, meanwhile, is somewhat skeptical of England's marketing strategy.
I'm all for optimism and I'm confident England will win tonight, but I'm not sure adverts in the programme for packages for Brazil 2014 are the best idea (although they do offer a '100 per cent money back guarantee should England fail to qualify').

Stroll: England manager Roy Hodgson speaks to Gary Neville and Sir Trevor Brooking on the Wembley pitch

Reporting for duty: Chris Smalling and Danny Welbeck arrive at Wembley

18:59

Out in force
Attacking team for England tonight then with Rooney, Welbeck and Sturridge all starting.
Meanwhile, the large Polish gathering at Wembley has caught Laurie Whitwell's attention.
The Poles are out in force, building up a healthy atmosphere outside the stadium.
Wembley Way is so full of Eastern European accents I would I would not be surprised if the numbers of away fans inside swelled to a much larger number than the 18,000 touted.

Lit up: Polish fans chant as they hold flares aloft outside Wembley

18:52

From OptaJoe
Not a good sign for England this...
4 - England have won only four of the last 15 games that Michael Carrick has started for them. Decision.

18:46

England's subs for tonight are:
Jones, Ruddy, Gibbs, Wilshere, Lampard, Milner, Barkley, Defoe, Sterling, Lambert, Forster
Here's the Polish starting line-up:
Szczesny, Celeban, Jedrzejczyk, Glik, Wojtkowiak, Krychowiak, M Lewandowski, Blaszczykowski, Mierzejewski, Sobota; R Lewandowski

18:40

TEAM NEWS
As revealed by Sportsmail, Michael Carrick will start for England tonight. Here's the full team.
Hart, Smalling, Baines, Cahill, Jagielka, Gerrard, Carrick, Townsend, Rooney, Welbeck, Sturridge.

18:42

From Sportsmail's Laura Williamson at Wembley
The Poland team just had a quick walkabout on the Wembley pitch but had to duck back inside quickly to allow the sprinklers to do their work. Roy Hodgson, Gary Neville and Sir Trevor Brooking have just been out to inspect the surface as well.
A coach accident on the North Circular road a mile from Wembley hasn't managed to deter the 18,000 Poland fans expected here tonight. The roads around the stadium are already awash with the red and white of the Polish flag, rather than the St George's cross. The away fans are already making plenty of racket, too.

18:38

There is a heavy Polish presence at Wembley tonight, but you'll be pleased to know there will be England fans in attendance.
Here are a few of them arriving at the stadium.
England U21s are now 2-0 up at Portman Road, James Ward-Prowse with the second goal.

Walk: Football fans make their way down Wembley Way from the tube station

18:25

Hospitable
Whatever happens to their team tonight, Polish fans can't accuse England for a lack of hopsitality.
Our snapper Andy Hooper has just seen this sign at Wembley written in Polish. There will be 18,000 Poles at Wembley tonight so it should be quite an atmosphere.

Second language: Signs at Wembley written in Polish for the large travelling contingent

18:17

Familiar ground
This night brings back memories of Croatia in 2007. Hopefully tonight won't end in tears as it did back then when Steve McLaren's men missed out on Euro 2008 after a 3-2 defeat at Wembley.
Should England lose tonight they will most likely finish second in Group H. Ukraine are currently one point behind England but expected to win in San Marino.
There are nine groups in the European qualifying section, but only the best eight second-placed teams will make the play-offs. If England do finish second in their group, they'll have to await other results around the continent tonight to see if they make the play-offs.

18:05

Michael Carrick is expected to start for England in midfield tonight alongside captain Steven Gerrard. We also wait to see who replaces the suspended Kyle Walker at right back with Manchester United's Phil Jones and Chris Smalling in the mix.
We sent our man Sami Mokbel on a scouting mission and the plan is very clear...

Stop Robert Lewandowski and Stop Poland.

The Dortmund striker is one of Europe's leading forwards and could quite easily take the game away from England if given half a chance in front of goal.
The Poles are playing for pride, but they have plenty of that - and plenty of support tonight with 18,000 fans in attendance. Here are some pictures of their fans at Wembley (already).
Ravel Morrison has just scored for the Under 21s in their game against Lithuania

Loud and proud: Polish football fans wave their scarves as they arrive at Wembley

......

17:55

Crunch time!
This has what it's come down to. Nine games over the last 13 months all over the continent and England's World Cup dreams rest on tonight.
A win for Roy Hodgson's men against Poland at Wembley will guarantee their place in Brazil next year as Group H winners. Anything less than that, however, and England face a potential play-off tie next month against another second-placed team, which as it stands includes France, Croatia, Portugal, Greece and Turkey.

continued,,,,, More Updates

.

Ladybbird · 15-10-13, 22:47

All the Final World Cup Group Stage Qualifying Action from around Europe as Spain and Russia Close in on Brazil 2014

2014 World Cup Qualifying

31 nations will be vying to join hosts Brazil in the 2014 World Cup final stages. Qualifiers will be broken down and played amongst the member countries of the 6 confederations.

In Europe, UEFA World Cup qualifying will offer 13 places. Group phase European World Cup qualifiers are scheduled to kick off on 7th September 2012 and will run until October 2013. The knockout phase will be played in November 2013.

Africa will provide 5 qualifiers from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The second round group phase in Africa gets underway in June 2012 and will be completed in early September 2013.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has been allocated 4 places with a further opportunity to qualify through a play-off. The first and second round qualifying draw was made in Kuala Lumpur on 30th March 2011.
Third round qualifying begins in Asia on 2nd September and will be completed at the end of February.

All the qualifying fixtures in Asia can be found here

In South America, CONMEBOL will add 4 teams to hosts Brazil to make a representation of 5. One extra place is available through a play-off meaning South America could provide a total of 6 places. South American qualifiers begin on 7th October 2011 and run until 15th October 2013.

North and Central America and the Caribbean will have 3 available spots plus a further one available through a play-off. The first round qualifying draw was made on 26th April 2011. The second round in the CONCACAF region will run from early September 2011 through to mid November.

Qualifying fixtures can be found here

The top team in Oceania must play a play-off to determine if the Oceania Football Confederation will be represented in the tournament. The first round will take place between 21st and 26th November. The second round is scheduled for 1st to 12th June 2012 as part of the 2012 OFC Nations Cup.

The qualifying draw took place in Rio de Janeiro on the 30th July 2011. All qualifying dates and fixture timetables will appear here as soon as the draw is made.

Group A Fixture Schedule

Date/Venue Result

12th June Brazil v A2
Sao Paolo
13th June A3 v A4
Natal
17th June Brazil v A3
Fortaleza
18th June A2 v A4
Manaus
23rd June Brazil v A4
Brasilia
23rd June A2 v A3
Recife

Group B Fixture Schedule

Date/Venue Result

13th June B1 v B2
Salvador
13th June B3 v B4
Cuiaba
18th June B1 v B3
Rio de Janeiro
18th June B2 v B4
Porto Alegre
23rd June B1 v B4
Curitiba
23rd June B2 v B3
Sao Paolo

Group C Fixture Schedule

Date/Venue Result

14th June C1 v C2
Belo Horizonte
14th June C3 v C4
Recife
19th June C1 v C3
Brasilia
19th June C2 v C4
Natal
24th June C1 v C4
Cuiaba
24th June C2 v C3
Fortaleza

Group D Fixture Schedule

Date/Venue Result

14th June D1 v D2
Fortaleza
14th June D3 v D4
Manaus
19th June D1 v D3
Sao Paolo
20th June D2 v D4
Recife
24th June D1 v D4
Natal
24th June D2 v D3
Belo Horizonte

Group E Fixture Schedule

Date/Venue Result

15th June E1 v E2
Brasilia
15th June E3 v E4
Porto Alegre
20th June E1 v E3
Salvador
20th June E2 v E4
Curitiba
25th June E1 v E4
Manaus
25th June E2 v E3
Rio de Janeiro

Group F Fixture Schedule

Date/Venue Result

15th June F1 v F2
Rio de Janeiro
16th June F3 v F4
Curitiba
21st June F1 v F3
Belo Horizonte
21st June F2 v F4
Cuiaba
25th June F1 v F4
Porto Alegre
25th June F2 v F3
Salvador

Group G Fixture Schedule

Date/Venue Result

16th June G1 v G2
Salvador
16th June G3 v G4
Natal
21st June G1 v G3
Fortaleza
22nd June G2 v G4
Manaus
26th June G1 v G4
Recife
26th June G2 v G3
Brasilia

Group H Fixture Schedule

Date/Venue Result

17th June H1 v H2
Belo Horizonte
17th June H3 v H4
Cuiaba
22nd June H1 v H3
Rio de Janeiro
22nd June H2 v H4
Porto Alegre
26th June H1 v H4
Sao Paolo
26th June H2 v H3
Curitiba

The World Cup draw will take place in Bahia on 6th December 2013.

Fixtures;

2014 World Cup Brazil - Final Stages Timetable/Fixture
Schedule :

Date/Venue

12th June Brazil v A2
Sao Paolo
13th June A3 v A4
Natal
13th June B1 v B2
Salvador
13th June B3 v B4
Cuiaba
14th June C1 v C2
Belo Horizonte
14th June C3 v C4
Recife
14th June D1 v D2
Fortaleza
14th June D3 v D4
Manaus
15th June E1 v E2
Brasilia
15th June E3 v E4
Porto Alegre
15th June F1 v F2
Rio de Janeiro
16th June F3 v F4
Curitiba
16th June G1 v G2
Salvador
16th June G3 v G4
Natal
17th June Brazil v A3
Fortaleza
17th June H1 v H2
Belo Horizonte
17th June H3 v H4
Cuiaba
18th June A2 v A4
Manaus
18th June B1 v B3
Rio de Janeiro
18th June B2 v B4
Porto Alegre
19th June C1 v C3
Brasilia
19th June C2 v C4
Natal
19th June D1 v D3
Sao Paolo
20th June D2 v D4
Recife
20th June E1 v E3
Salvador
20th June E2 v E4
Curitiba
21st June F1 v F3
Belo Horizonte
21st June F2 v F4
Cuiaba
21st June G1 v G3
Fortaleza
22nd June G2 v G4
Manaus
22nd June H1 v H3
Rio de Janeiro
22nd June H2 v H4
Porto Alegre
23rd June Brazil v A4
Brasilia
23rd June A2 v A3
Recife
23rd June B1 v B4
Curitiba
23rd June B2 v B3
Sao Paolo
24th June C1 v C4
Cuiaba
24th June C2 v C3
Fortaleza
24th June D1 v D4
Natal
24th June D2 v D3
Belo Horizonte
25th June E1 v E4
Manaus
25th June E2 v E3
Rio de Janeiro
25th June F1 v F4
Porto Alegre
25th June F2 v F3
Salvador
26th June G1 v G4
Recife
26th June G2 v G3
Brasilia
26th June H1 v H4
Sao Paolo
26th June H2 v H3
Curitiba

Knockout Phase - Round 2

28th June Winner Group A v Runner up Group B
Belo Horizonte Match 1
28th June Winner Group C v Runner up Group D
Rio de Janeiro Match 2
29th June Winner Group B v Runner up Group A
Fortaleza Match 3
29th June Winner Group D v Runner up Group C
Recife Match 4
30th June Winner Group E v Runner up Group F
Brasilia Match 5
30th June Winner Group G v Runner up Group H
Porto Alegre Match 6
1st July Winner Group F v Runner up Group E
Sao Paolo Match 7
1st July Winner Group H v Runner up Group G
Salvador Match 8

Quarter Finals

4th July Winner Match 1 v Winner Match 2
Porto Alegre Match 9
4th July Winner Match 5 v Winner Match 6
Rio de Janeiro Match 10
5th July Winner Match 3 v Winner Match 4
Salvador Match 11
5th July Winner Match 7 v Winner Match 8
Brasilia Match 12

Semi Finals

8th July Winner Match 9 v Winner Match 10
Belo Horizonte
9th July Winner Match 11 v Winner Match 12
Sao Paolo

Third Place Match
12th July
Brasilia

Final
13th July
Rio de Janeiro

Qualifiers 2014 -15/10/2013 -
Some Full Match Replays

Ladybbird · 23-12-13, 18:58

Adidas Brazuca: Official Ball of the FIFA 2014 World Cup Unveiled

By BReport

Adidas

Here it is. The Adidas "Brazuca," official ball of the FIFA 2014 World Cup.

Ladybbird · 23-12-13, 19:10

Brazilian beauty forced to cover up for Ballon d'Or awards after complaints from Iran over revealing World Cup draw dress

By Daily Mail UK, 22 December 2013

Football fans across the world have suffered a blow after Brazilian model Fernanda Lima says she will cover up for the FIFA Ballon d'Or gala in January.

The stunning 36-year-old garnered worldwide fame after hosting the draw for the 2014 World Cup Finals in Costo do Sauipe.

But she has been forced to change her dress style for the awards ceremony in Zurich on January 13 following thousands of complaints from Iranians after TV directors in the Islamic Republic cut the draw broadcast because her appearance was too sexy.
Scroll down to see stunning Fernanda posing for a magazine photoshoot in Brazil

Stealing the show: Brazilian actress Fernanda Lima caused quite a stir after hosting the World Cup draw

Ms Lima said: 'I am sorry for what happened. It was never my intention to offend any country, culture or people, or cause controversy.

'I have learned from this experience and will therefore be very careful in choosing my dress for the Ballon d'Or Gala so all can watch.'

Lionel Messi, Franck Ribery and Cristiano Ronaldo are the three candidates for the prestigous award.

World Cup Draw presenter in racy magazine photoshoot

Stunning: Ms Lima certainly brought a bit of glamour to the event alongside FIFA President Sepp Blatter

Glamorous assistant: Ms Lima helps FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke (right) conduct the draw

Distraction: Ms Lima's dress forced Iranian television directors to cut the World Cup draw broadcast

Ladybbird · 23-12-13, 19:13

Click here for the ultimate interactive guide to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil

Use your mouse to hover over each group, team, day or stadium in our brilliant interactive guide to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Every team, every group, every fixture is covered.

Enjoy

Ladybbird · 23-12-13, 19:19

Click Here to Download the brilliant wallchart and fill in every result from next summer

Sportsmail has produced your essential 2014 World Cup wallchart where you can plot the path of every team next summer.

Ladybbird · 23-12-13, 21:14

Team-by-team guide to the 32 nations gunning for glory at the 2014 World Cup

By Daily Mail UK

Get to know your Lionel Messis from your Islam Slimanis. Everything from red-hot favourite Brazil to what formation the Hondurans are likely to use... here's your ultimate team-by-team guide to the 2014 Brazil World Cup.

Algeria

Population: 37.9million
National dish: Couscous, usually with lamb
National anthem: Kassaman or Qassaman (means We Pledge)
Best World Cup finish: First round in 1982, 1986 and 2010.
Premier League pedigree: Adlene Guedioura (Crystal Palace)

Jubilation: Madjid Bougherra (left) leads Algeria in celebration after qualification against Burkina Faso

Lost for words: Algeria's coach Vahid Halilhodzic reacts to securing his side's place in Brazil

MAGIC MOMENT

Beating reigning European Champions West Germany 2-1 on the first day of the 1982 Finals.

Meet the coach: Vahid Halilhodzic. Former Yugoslavia forward, 61, in charge of the Ivory Coast side that qualified for the 2010 World Cup but was sacked before the tournament.
Meet the captain: Madjid Bougherra. French-born centre back, 31, played in England for Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton then spent three years in Scotland with Rangers.
Star man: Islam Slimani. Tall, powerfully built 25-year-old striker who plays for Sporting Lisbon got five goals in qualifying.

Watch out for: Saphir Sliti Taider. Inter Milan spent £4.8m to buy him the midfielder, 21. Born in Castres, played for French international youth teams, but has an Algerian mother.

One to watch: Islam Slimani (left) netted five goals for Algeria during qualification

Vital statistic Algeria won six of their eight World Cup Qualification games; those two losses came against Mali and Burkina Faso.
Coral odds to win 300/1
Draw danger rating 2/5

Talking tactics: Halilhodzic builds his sides around a solid defence and organisation, then hopes his forwards will come up with something special to pinch a goal
Most likely to: Go through all three qualifying games as 0-0 draws.

Argentina

Population: 41.9million
National dish: Asado – beef cooked on a barbecue
National anthem: Himno Nacional Argentina
Best World Cup finish: Winners 1978 and 1986

World star: Much of Argentina's success will depend on the form of Lionel Messi

Premier passion: Manchester City star Sergio Aguero is also one of Argentina's main attacking threats

MAGIC MOMENT

Diego Maradona’s virtual one-man winning show in Mexico was magnificent, but still doesn’t top the free flowing football played on pitches ankle deep in ticker tape by the 1978 side in front of their own fans.

Premier League pedigree: Pablo Zabaleta, Sergio Aguero (Man City), Erik Lamela (Tottenham), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle).
Meet the coach: Alejandro Sabella. Bit of a Yorkshireman – he spent two seasons in his playing days as an attacking midfielder with Sheffield United and then moved to Leeds for a year. Spent years as coach to Daniel Passarella at different jobs, won the Argentina title in his own right with Estudiantes, and took the national job in 2011.
Meet the captain: Javier Mascherano. Former Liverpool and West Ham star often plays as a central defender for Barcelona, but is more often used in his old midfield position for his country. Tenacious tackler who gets the ball to let the others play.

Leading by example: Manager Alejandro Sabella (left) and tough-tackling midfielder Javier Mascherano

Vital statistic No player assisted more goals in the CONMEBOL qualifiers than Lionel Messi or Angel Di Maria (5).
Coral odds to win 11/2
Draw danger rating: 5/5

Star man: Lionel Messi. What more to say about the brilliant Barcelona star, Ballon d’Or winner four seasons in a row, scorer of countless goals? Only that the one thing he still wants is a World Cup winners’ medal.
Watch out for: Marcos Rojo. Tall, powerful left-sided central defender who plays for Sporting Lisbon and at 23 is starting to get more chances in Sabella’s team selections.
Talking tactics: Strong defence, options in attack – but the side is built around getting the ball to Messi as often as possible and letting him do the damage.
Most likely to: Say: ‘Oh, great goal Messi’.

Australia

Population: 22.68 million
National dish: Anything – just throw it on the barbecue
National anthem: Advance Australia Fair
Best World Cup finish: Round of 16, 2006
Premier League pedigree: Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace)

Helping hand: Former Blackburn and West Ham star Lucas Neill (right) will skipper the Socceroos in Brazil

Making his point: Veteran Tim Cahill is still Australia's star man and the biggest goal threat

MAGIC MOMENT

Tim Cahill’s two goals against Japan got the campaign off to a rousing start in Germany.

Meet the coach: Angelos Postecoglou. Born in Greece, he was five when his family moved to Melbourne. Now 48, he is Australia’s most successful domestic coach and replaced German Holger Osieck last month.
Meet the captain: Lucas Neill. Former Blackburn, West Ham and Everton defender is now 35 and playing in Japan as he aims for a World Cup swansong to his career
Star man: Tim Cahill. A sign that domestic players from Oz are not developing that at 33 the former Everton man remains the most likely to get a goal.

On the road: Angelos Postecoglou is new to the role of Australia manager as they prepare for Brazil

Vital statistic The Socceroos won just three of their eight fourth round matches; fewer than the other three CAF qualifiers for the 2014 WC finals – Japan (5), Iran (5), South Korea (4).
Coral odds to win: 250/1
Draw danger rating: 2/5

Watch out for: Mathew Leckie: Robust, busy striker who is 22 and has been making a name for himself in Germany with Frankfurt.
Talking tactics: Postecoglou is new in the job so his plans are unknown, but his club success has mostly been based on quick counter attacking and the use of wingers.
Most likely to: Hit the Copacabana beach and go surfing.

Belgium

Population: 11.14 million
National dish: Mussels and chips
National anthem: The Brabanconne
Best World Cup finish: Fourth place in 1986.
Premier League pedigree: Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembele Nacer Chadli (Tottenham), Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal), Marouane Fellaini (Man Utd), Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne (Chelsea), Kevin Mirallas, Romelu Lukaku (Everton), Christian Benteke (Aston Villa), Vincent Kompany (Man City).

Hair apparent: Marouane Fellani (left) glides the ball past Japan's Hajime Hosogai for Belgium

MAGIC MOMENT

Leo van der Elst tucking away the fifth and winning penalty to knock out Spain in the quarter-finals in Mexico '86.

Meet the coach: Marc Wilmots. Midfield driving force of his country’s team in the 90s, the 44-year-old has been in charge since 2012 after three years as assistant. Has also been a politician spending two years in the country’s Senate.
Meet the captain: Vincent Kompany. Manchester City’s skipper has proved his credentials as a top defender and is the rock on which Belgium’s defence is founded.
Star man: Marouane Fellaini. That haircut and his 6ft 4ins frame means you can’t miss the Manchester United man in central midfield.
Watch out for: Romelu Lukaku: Barely got a game behind Christian Benteke in the qualifying games but if he goes on getting goals for Everton could win the contest to wear the No 9 shirt.

Wing wizard: Chelsea star Eden Hazard will be a vital part of anything Belgium achieve in Brazil

Target man: Everton's loan star Romelu Lukaku vies for playing time with Aston Villa's Christian Benteke

Vital statistic Despite having 10 different goalscorers during qualifying, no Belgian managed to score more than four goals (De Bruyne – 4).
Coral odds to win: 14/1
Draw danger rating: 4/5

Talking tactics: It’s a 4-2-3-1, which means either Lukaku or Benteke gets to play – Wilmots thinks the two strikers are too similar to be in the same team. Eden Hazard gets a lot of the ball to run from the wings.
Most likely to: Shave Fellaini’s hair off for some fun on a night out.

Bosnia-Herzegovina

Population: 3.83 million
National dish: Cevapi – a grilled dish of minced meat
National anthem: Drzavna himna Bosne i Hercegovine
Best World Cup finish: Never previously qualified.
Premier League pedigree: Asmir Begovic (Stoke), Edin Dzeko (Man City)

Up top: Edin Dzeko, may not be first on the teamsheet at the Etihad, but he's Bosnia-Herzegovina's main man

V for Victory: A shirtless Bosnia-Herzegovina skipper Emir Spahic celebrates a win over Slovakia

MAGIC MOMENT

Topping their qualifying group on goal difference after a nervy 1-0 away win in Lithuania.

Meet the coach: Safet Susic. Once a creative midfielder who played more than 350 games for Paris St Germain, the 58-year-old had coached in France and Turkey before taking his current job in 2009.
Meet the captain: Emir Spahic. Experienced and craggy Bayer Leverkusen centre half, 33, has also played club football in Russia and Spain.
Star man: Edin Dzeko. He may struggle to get a game at The Etihad at times, but some 33 goals in 58 internationals make the 27-year-old an automatic pick for his country.

Making waves: Miralem Pjanic is one of Roma's most gifted players and could help Bosnia's chances

Vital statistic Only Netherlands striker Robin van Persie (11) scored more goals in the UEFA qualifiers than Edin Dzeko (10).
Coral odds to win: 150/1
Draw danger rating: 4/5

Watch out for: Miralem Pjanic: Attacking midfielder cost Roma £10million in 2011. Aged just 23, he’s hugely gifted technically and can work on both wings as well as in central positions.
Talking tactics: Just the one holding midfield man allows two tall strikers with Vedad Ibišević of Stuttgart alongside Dzeko and a fairly direct style.
Most likely to: All dye their hair blond to underline team spirit.

Brazil

Population: 198.7million
National dish: Feijoada – a stew of beans with beef and pork
National anthem: Himno Nacional Brasileiro
Best World Cup finish: Winners 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.
Premier League pedigree: David Luiz, Ramires, Oscar (Chelsea), Paulinho, Sandro (Tottenham), Lucas (Liverpool), Fernandinho (Man City).

Fame and fortune: Neymar (centre) is Brazil's talisman, prompting Barcelona to splash out £50million on him

Top of the world: Chelsea's flamboyant defender David Luiz is a regular at the back for the Selecao

MAGIC MOMENT

How long have you got? For those of us of a certain age it would still be Carlos Alberto arriving from nowhere to meet Pele’s pass and smash the final goal of the 4-1 win over Italy in the 1970 final. YouTube it!

Meet the coach: Luiz Felipe Scolari: Brain behind the 2002 triumph was brought back two years ago with one brief – to win the trophy again on home soil. Vastly experienced and successful 65-year-old.
Meet the captain: Thiago Silva. Imposing centre back has won League titles with both Milan and Paris St Germain. Age 29, likely to win his 50th cap at the start of the tournament.
Star man: Dani Alves: Barcelona star sets the template for what an attacking full back should do. Powerful in the tackle, devastating when he gets forward. At 30 he has some 72 caps.
Watch out for: Neymar: Barcelona paid nearly £50million to sign the quicksilver striker who was still 19 when he was named South American Footballer of the Year. Not 22 until March, he’s already got 46 caps and scored 27 goals.

Leading from the back: Brazil's PSG skipper Thiago Silva (left) in action against Chilean Alexis Sanchez

Vital statistic Brazil have lost just two of their last 17 World Cup matches (W14 D1).
Coral odds to win: 10/3

Draw danger rating: 5/5

Talking tactics: Scolari took over a team playing 4-3-3 and has kept the same basic shape but brought in flexibility to rotate players.
Most likely to: Win.

Cameroon

Population: 20.5million
National dish: Ndole - a stew of nuts, ndoleh leaves, and fish or ground beef
National anthem: Chant de Ralliement or The Rallying Song
Best World Cup finish: Quarter finals, 1990

Premier League pedigree: Samuel Eto’o (Chelsea), Sebastien Bassong (Norwich)

Icon: Cameroon will be pinning their hopes on Chelsea's veteran hitman Samuel Eto'o

Surprise package? Cameroon manager Volker Finke (left) will be guiding Sebastian Bassong and team-mates

MAGIC MOMENT

Beating holders Argentina 1-0 in the opening game of the 1990 tournament, and the Roger Milla corner flag celebrations.

Meet the coach: Volker Finke. The 65-year-old German former teacher spent 16 years as coach of Freiburg. Won three out of three since appointed to his first internaitonal job in May.
Meet the captain: Samuel Eto’o. Veteran Chelsea striker has a goal every other game in 112 caps and is the big hope for his country to make an impact.
Star man: Stephane Mbia. Did his best amid the wreckage of QPR’s relegation season but has found his best form since a loan move to Sevilla.
Watch out for: Fabrice Olinga: Just 17 and only 5ft 7ins tall but emerging as a star in Spanish football for Malaga, his nickname is 'Happy Feet'

Cool head: Stephane Mbia (centre) is a rock in defensive midfield for Cameroon

Vital statistic No Cameroon player managed to register more than two goals throughout the qualifying phases.
Coral odds to win: 400/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5

Talking tactics: Finke pioneered the use of two holding midfield men in German football. He likes neat, passing football and often plays without wide men.
Most likely to: Recreate the Roger Milla wiggle as a goal celebration.

Chile

Population: 17.46 million
National dish: Curanto – a stew of seafood, meat and vegetables
National anthem: Himno Nacional de Chile
Best World Cup finish: Third place 1962
Premier League pedigree: Gary Medel (Cardiff)

Star turn: Barcelona winger Alexis Sanchez (left), taking on Brazil's Luis Gustavo, is Chile's talisman

MAGIC MOMENT

Two years after an earthquake devastated the country, Chile hosted the tournament in 1962. Legend has it they ate Swiss cheese before beating Switzerland, spaghetti before beating Italy, and drank vodka before knocking USSR out of the quarter-final.

Meet the coach: Jorge Sampaoli. Argentine who quit playing through injury at 19. Started his coaching career with an amateur club.

Worked his way up, winning the Copa Sudamericana with Universidad de Chile before taking his current job in 2012.
Meet the captain: Claudio Bravo. Agile Real Sociedad goalkeeper, 30, has been his country’s undisputed number one for nearly ten years, and worn the armband since 2007.
Star man: Alexis Sanchez: Barcelona paid £23million to sign the 5ft 7ins winger from Udinese in Italy – can play on either wing or as a central striker. Some 22 goals in 64 games for his country so far.

Feisty: Cardiff's Chilean hardman Gary Medel (left) battles for the ball with Brazil striker Jo

Watch out for: Gary Medel. Known as the ‘Pitbull’ in Seville where he got five red cards and 33 yellows in three seasons, he’s been tamed since moving to Cardiff and is now the man who makes the Chile midfield tick.
Vital statistic Chile were awarded four red cards; the most by any team during the CONMEBOL qualifying phase.
Coral odds to win: 40/1
Draw danger rating: 4/5

Talking tactics: Sampaoli goes for a brave ‘basketball’ style of football – we attack you, you attack us. Scored the second most goals in South American qualifying, but conceded most too.
Most likely to: Be involved in a 5-4 thriller.

Colombia

Population: 47.7 million
National dish: Bandeja paisa – a red beans cooked with beef and white rice
National anthem: Oh Gloria Inmarcesible
Best World Cup finish: Round of 16, 1990
Premier League pedigree: None

World class: In Radamel Falcao, Colombia can call on one of the most prolific strikers in world football

MAGIC MOMENT

Marcos Coll scored direct from a corner – known in Latin America as an Olympic Goal – as part of a comeback from 3-0 down to draw 4-4 with Russia, complete with Lev Yashin in goal – in 1962.

Meet the coach: Jose Pekerman: Experienced 65-year-old who led his own country Argentina to the quarter-finals in 2006 before losing on penalties to the Germans (who else?).
Meet the captain: Mario Yepes. Rugged centre back will be 38 by next summer but proved he’s still the leader scoring two goals against Paraguay in the final qualifying game. Currently with Atalanta, previous clubs include Paris St Germain and AC Milan.
Star man: Falcao: Scored 52 goals in 67 games for Atletico Madrid, the 27-year-old striker is now raking in more than £12million a year in wages after Monaco bought him for £55million.

Fancy footwork: James Rodriguez's skill has led to comparisons with legendary midfielder Carlos Valderrama

Vital statistic James Rodríguez created more chances than any other player in CONMEBOL qualification (43).
Coral odds to win: 28/1
Draw danger rating: 3

Watch out for: James Rodriguez. Another signed for big money by Monaco – £40million – when he left Porto in the summer, the 22-year-old creative midfielder is considered the new Carlos Valderrama (sadly without the spectacular hair!)
Talking tactics: Pekerman lost his job as Argentina coach accused of being too defensive, and his mentality hasn’t changed. No side in the South American qualifying group conceded fewer than Colombia’s 13.
Most likely to: Score goals - with Falcao and Jackson Martinez up front, they'll be a handful for any defence.

Captain's example: Mario Yepes will be 38 at Brazil but has proven his worth in solidity and experience
World Cup 2014: Brazil sports ministry and FIFA on racism claims

Costa Rica

Population: 4.8 million
National dish: Casado – rice with black beans
National anthem: Noble patria, tu Hermosa bandera
Best World Cup finish: Round of 16 in 1990.
Premier League pedigree: Bryan Oviedo (Everton), Bryan Ruiz (Fulham)

Craven star: Fulham's gifted Bryan Ruiz will be Costa Rica's talisman at the World Cup

MAGIC MOMENT

Hernan Medford’s goal three minutes from the end clinched a 2-1 win over Sweden in the last group game of 1990 to qualify from the knockout stages in a group that also included Brazil and Scotland.

Meet the coach: Jorge Luis Pinto. A 60-year-old Colombian who is in his second spell in charge of Costa Rica. Has also managed his own country and 15 different clubs in a 30-year career.
Meet the captain: Bryan Ruiz. Fulham fans have seen only glimpses of the creative potential of the 28-year-old attacking midfield man, but his performances were key for his country’s qualification.
Star man: Keylor Navas: Just 18 when he made his debut in senior football at home – his talent in goal was rewarded with lucrative moves to Spain where he now plays for Levante, and was a key part of their first ever qualification for the Europa League.

Safe hands: Keeper Keylor Navas is one of Costa Rica's top talents, displaying his quality for Levante

Vital statistic Costa Rica entered the CONCACAF qualification process in the third of four rounds. They progressed from the third round and in the final round of qualification finished in second; the top three automatically qualify.
Coral odds to win: 750/1
Draw danger rating: 2/5

Watch out for: Joel Campbell: Arsenal signed him in 2011 but couldn’t get a work permit at first, so the pacey, skilful forward has been on loan since in Spain and now Greece with Olympiacos.
Talking tactics: Solid defensively, they let in just seven goals in their qualifying campaign – the least of any side in their section. Going forward they are built around creating space for Ruiz to act as playmaker.
Most likely to: Forbid their players to swap shirts – their FA will be one of the poorest at the tournament.

Secret Weapon: Costa Rica's Joel Campbell celebrates, and is on Arsenal's books

Croatia

Population: 4.26 million
National dish: Sir – small milky white cheeses delivered fresh from the farm to market.
National anthem: 'Lijepa nasa domovino' (Our Beautiful Homeland)
Best World Cup finish: Third in 1998
Premier League pedigree: Dejan Lovren (Southampton), Nikica Jelavic (Everton), Mladen Petric (West Ham)

At the heart of it: Luka Modric (left) displays the same playmaking power for Croatia as for Real Madrid

MAGIC MOMENT

Davor Suker won the golden boot with six goals at France '98, but the sweetest was among the three that stunned ten-man Germany in the quarter-finals.

Meet the coach: Niko Kovac: Promoted from Under 21 coach after Croatia only just sneaked into the play-offs, the 42-year-old won 83 caps but has no previous management experience.
Meet the captain: Darijo Srna. Legend of Ukrainian football after a ten-year career and more than 400 games at Shakhtar Donetsk, he’s got 110 caps. Right back who takes set pieces.
Star man: Luka Modric. Real Madrid midfielder needs no introduction after four dazzling years at Spurs, will drift between the lines and thread incisive passes.
Watch out for: Mateo Kovacic: Creative teenage midfielder was just 16 when he made his debut in Russian football for Dinamo Zagreb. Moved to Inter Milan last summer for £14million.

Having a Party: Darijo Srna (left), Mario Mandzukic (centre) and Nikica Jelavic celebrate reaching Brazil

Vital statistic Croatia were the only team of the eight that featured in the play offs to have kept clean sheets in both matches.
Coral odds to win: 100/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5

Talking tactics: A tough holding midfield man in his playing days, Kovac likes his teams to take no prisoners and like Slaven Bilic before him, isn’t afraid to use a good old-fashioned 4-4-2.
Most likely to: Get the most red and yellow cards in the tournament.

Ecuador

Population: 15.5 million
National dish: Ceviche – raw fish marinated in citrus juices
National anthem: Salve oh Patria
Best World Cup finish: Round of 16, 2006
Premier League pedigree: Antonio Valencia (Man Utd)

Key man: Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia is a hero in Ecuadorian football folklore

MAGIC MOMENT

Agustin Delgado caps a man of the match display at Hamburg in 2006 with a goal in the 3-0 win over Costa Rica which took them to the knockout stages in a finals for the first time.

Meet the coach: Reinaldo Rueda. Colombian trained as a PE teacher then became a University professor, only played amateur football – but this will be the second country he has led to a World Cup finals after previous success with Honduras.
Meet the captain: Antonio Valencia. Winger started life playing barefoot on a field near his house in the Amazon rain forest, and ended up a Manchester United star. Eight goals in 69 caps for his country.
Star man: Edison Mendez. Vastly experienced free kick specialist, the 34-year-old won his first cap in 2000. Attacking midfielder known for pace, accurate passing, and long range shooting.
Watch out for: Felipe Caicedo: Burly Lokomotiv Moscow striker didn’t make much impact at Manchester City, but moving to Russia has improved him and he will spearhead the attack.

Forgotten man: Former Manchester City forward Felipe Caicedo celebrates after scoring against Chile

Vital statistic Ecuador claimed just one win in their last six qualification matches (D2 L3).
Coral odds to win: 150/1
Draw danger rating: 2/5

Talking tactics: Like to get the ball out side with Valencia and his opposite winger encouraged to hug the touchline and get crosses in for Caicedo.
Most likely to: Dedicate any success to the memory of striker Christian Benitez who tragically died from a heart attack aged just 27.

England

Population: 53.01 million
National dish: Roast beef... or is it curry nowadays?
National anthem: God Save The Queen
Best World Cup finish: Winners, 1966
Premier League pedigree: The whole squad.

Talisman: Keeping star striker Wayne Rooney fit will be paramount to any England World Cup success

Making his point: Liverpool star Steven Gerrard will be at the heart of the England midfield as captain

MAGIC MOMENT

'Some people on the pitch, they think it’s all over . . . it is now!'

Meet the coach: Roy Hodgson: Rich coaching experience at both club and international level, at 66 it is now or never to be an England hero or just a nearly man.
Meet the captain: Steven Gerrard: Having one of his best seasons for Liverpool so far, but will be 34 in Brazil and must stay fit.
Star man: Wayne Rooney: Has always had injury or other issues at major tournaments, but he’s settled again at Old Trafford under David Moyes and England hope for big things this time.
Watch out for: Ross Barkley: Everton youngster has been compared to the young Paul Gascoigne – could he take a tournament by storm like Gazza did in 1990?

England expects: But can Roy Hodgson shake off his critics and deliver a memorable campaign?

Safe hands? Joe Hart has been dropped by Manchester City, but is still England's No 1

Vital statistic England had 12 different goal-scorers during qualification.
Coral odds to win: 25/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5

Talking tactics: Hodgson was always a solid 4-4-2 man, but has found an adventurous spirit in his last couple of qualifying games. Will he be brave enough to take that to Brazil?
Most likely to: Get knocked out on penalties...

France

Population: 65.7 million
National dish: Cassoulet – simmered white beans and meat
National anthem: The Marseillaise
Best World Cup finish: Winners 1998
Premier League pedigree: Hugo Lloris, Etienne Capoue (Spurs), Mathieu Debuchy, Yohan Cabaye, Moussa Sissoko, Loic Remy, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa(Newcastle), Patrice Evra (Man Utd), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Gael Clichy, Samir Nasri (Man City), Bacary Sagna, Laurent Koscielny, Olivier Giroud (Arsenal).

Wing wizard: In Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery, France have one of the planet's most exciting players
World Cup 2014: Zidane says a difficult draw is good for France

You Bleu-tie: Paul Pogba, Karim Benzema and Blaise Matuidi (L-R) celebrate qualification against Ukraine

MAGIC MOMENT

Emmanuel Petit’s late goal crowning a 3-0 win over Brazil in front of 75,000 in the Stade de France in the 1998 final – two days before Bastille Day.

Meet the coach: Didier Deschamps. France’s 1998 World Cup winning captain, as a club boss he won a League title in charge of Marseille and took Monaco to the Champions League final.
Meet the captain: Hugo Lloris. Tottenham keeper has worn the armband since previous manager Laurent Blanc gave it to him before Euro 2012.
Star man: Franck Ribery. Contender for the Ballon d’Or alongside Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, his glittering wing play has helped Bayern Munich win the Champions League and three Bundesliga titles. UEFA’s Player of the year in 2012-13.
Watch out for: Paul Pogba: The boy who walked out on Manchester United because he wanted more game time is now blossoming at Juventus. Aged 20 he brings composure on the ball beyond his years.

Brothers in arms: Manchester United's Patrice Evra (left) embraces France manager Didier Deschamps

Leader: Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris is France skipper and set to be one of the tournament's top keepers

Vital statistic Franck Ribéry attempted more dribbles (107) than any other player in European qualification.
Coral odds to win: 20/1

Draw danger rating: 4/5

Talking tactics: Deschamps has been a cautious manager with a heavy emphasis on defence – until he suddenly inspired a brilliant play-off victory when he found his side 2-0 down. Will he follow the new path in Brazil, or go back to what he knows best?
Most likely to: Fall out with each other and all go on strike after a bad first game.

Germany

Population: 81.9 million
National dish: Sauerbraten – a pot roast of mainly beef but other meats can be used
National anthem: Das Deutschlandlied
Best World Cup finish: Winners 1954, 1974, 1990

Technique: Arsenal's record signing Mesut Ozil is also an integral part of Germany's playmaking power

Stalwart: Germany's Philipp Lahm could be named in the World Cup Dream Team for the third time

MAGIC MOMENT

Franz Beckenbauer, captain of the 1974 winning team, lifting the trophy as manager after triumph in Italy in 1990

Premier League pedigree: Per Mertesacker, Mesut Ozil, Lukas Podolski (Arsenal), Andre Schurrle (Chelsea),
Meet the coach: Joachim Low. Appointed assistant by Jurgen Klinsmann after Euro 2004, he stepped into the top job two years later and has produced a vibrant side that’s true to the traditions of a proud country.

Meet the captain: Philipp Lahm. Long-serving Bayern Munich full back with 104 caps was named in the Team of the Tournament by FIFA after both the last two World Cups.
Star man: Mesut Ozil. Brilliant eye for a killer pass, the man who became Arsenal’s record buy this summer made more assists than any player in Europe in his time at Real Madrid.
Watch out for: Toni Kroos. Bayern Munich midfielder already has more than 40 caps at the age of 23 and looks like he’s maturing just in time to take a World Cup by storm.

Guardian: Manuel Neuer is a fantastic No 1 for both Bayern Munich and the German national side

Tipped: This could be Toni Kroos' (left) big chance, eluding England's Jordan Henderson

Vital statistic No side attempted more passes than Germany during the European qualifiers (7588).
Coral odds to win: 5/1
Draw danger rating: 5/5

Talking tactics: It’s a 4-2-3-1 system with the emphasis on keeping the ball on the floor, attacking with pace, and picking off the right pass to create chances in the 18 yard box.
Most likely to: Win a penalty shoot out

Ghana

Population: 25.37 million
National dish: Fufu - yam mashed into a pulp served with peanut soup and meat
National anthem: God Bless Our Homeland Ghana
Best World Cup finish: Quarter finals, 2010

Star striker: Asamoah Gyan of Ghana (left) makes his way past Sunzu Stoppila of Zambia

MAGIC MOMENT

Asamoah Gyan smashing the winning goal in extra time against USA to set up a meeting with Uruguay, memorable for Luis Suarez’s handball that stopped what would have been the winner.

Premier League pedigree: Michael Essien (Chelsea), Derek Boateng (Fulham), Emmanuel Frimpong (Arsenal).
Meet the coach: James Kwesi Appiah. Stepped up last November after five years as assistant to first Claude Le Roy then Milovan Rajevac and Goran Stevanovic, the 53-year-old is the first black African to manage a side to qualification.
Meet the captain: Asamoah Gyan. Big striker left Sunderland to earn a fortune in the UAE with Al Ain, the 28-year-old wants to bury the memory of his penalty miss against Uruguay in 2010.
Star man: Kevin-Prince Boateng. Former Spurs and Portsmouth midfielder retired from international football but was convinced to come back last year and was key to qualification.

In action: Ghana's Derek Boateng (left) storms past Burkina Faso's Charles Kabored in qualifying

Vital statistic Ghana failed to score in just one of their eight qualification games for Brazil 2014.
Coral odds to win: 100/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5

Watch out for: Frank Acheampong: Anderlecht bought the 20-yeaar-old for a record fee from Thai Premier League side Buriram United. Just 5ft 7ins, great skill and devastating change of pace.
Talking tactics: Appiah has a family home in London and is a huge admirer of Arsenal’s style, so expect the ball to stay on the ground.
Most likely to: Spend the most time practising penalties after losing their 2010 shoot-out.

Big name: Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien (left) is still one of Ghana's top players

Continued......

Ladybbird · 23-12-13, 21:33

Conclusion.....

Greece

Population: 11.28 million
National dish: Moussaka
National anthem: Hymn to Liberty
Best World Cup finish: First round - 1994 and 2010.
Premier League pedigree: Giorgos Karagounis (Fulham)

Leading by example: Fulham veteran Giorgos Karagounis will be a steady head for Greece

MAGIC MOMENT

Dimitrios Salpingidis and Vasilis Torosidis help them recover from a goal down to beat Nigeria in 2010

Meet the coach: Fernando Santos. Portuguese 59-year-old has twice bossed AEK Athens, and reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2012.
Meet the captain: Giorgos Karagounis. With 131 caps, Fulham man who was the midfield star of Greece’s greatest moment when they won Euro 2004 is still going strong even though he will be 37 by the time of this tournament.
Star man: Dimitrios Salpingidis. Like Karagounis a veteran at 32 with 72 caps, his speed up front is essential for creating chances for a defensive minded team.
Watch out for: Konstantinos Mitroglou: Five goals in qualifying underline the finishing ability of the 25-year-old Olympiacos star who has been watched by both Liverpool and Arsenal.

One to watch: Kostas Mitroglou has been catching the eye with his displays for club and country

Vital statistic No side claimed more home wins during qualification than Greece (5, including play offs).
Coral odds to win: 125/1
Draw danger rating: 2/5

Talking tactics: The old Arsenal side would approve – five of their eight qualifying victories were secured with a 1-0 scoreline.
Most likely to: Insist they are in Brazil to win and not to entertain.

Focal point: Greece's Dimitris Salpingidis (left) and Germany's Jerome Boateng battle for the ball

Honduras

Population: 7.9 million
National dish: Carneada – it’s a pork sausage
National anthem: Himno Nacional de Honduras
Best World Cup finish: First round, 1982 and 2010.
Premier League pedigree: Maynor Figueroa (Hull), Wilson Palacios (Stoke)

Listen up: Honduras hitman Carlo Costly will be one of the minnows' main stars in Brazil

MAGIC MOMENT

Hector Zelaya stunned hosts Spain with a goal after just eight minutes in their opening match and a side brilliantly managed by Jose De La Paz held on for a 1-1 draw in 1982.

Meet the coach: Luis Fernando Suarez: Not to be confused with the Liverpool striker, this one is 53 and from Colombia. He led Ecuador to the second round in 2006 where they lost to a David Beckham free kick.
Meet the captain: Noel Valladares. Veteran goalkeeper, 36, made his debut in 2000 and has won 118 caps since. Not the tallest at 5ft 10ins but brilliant reactions.
Star man: Carlo Costly: Giant striker – he’s 6ft 4ins – brings vast experience at 31. Now playing in the Chinese League, he had a brief spell at Birmingham in 2009.

Between the sticks: Agile keeper Noel Valladares has won 118 caps in goal for Honduras

Vital statistic In the final round of qualification from the CONCACAF nations, Honduras claimed the final automatic spot – finishing third.
Coral odds to win: 1500/1
Draw danger rating: 1/5

Watch out for: Jerry Bengtson: Lanky striker plays for New England Revolution in the MLS – he made an impact during the London Olympics, and top scored in qualifying with nine goals.
Talking tactics: Well organised and compact, their home form was key to qualification. Temperament can be suspect on their travels.
Most likely to: Insist that Costly was never given a fair chance in his short time in England.

Holland

Population: 16.7 million
National dish: Stampot – vegetables and meat, usually sausage, cooked in one pan
National anthem: Het Wilhelmus
Best World Cup finish: Runners up 1974, 1978 and 2010.

Hitman: Manchester United's star striker Robin van Persie leads his Holland side from the front

View from the touchline: Holland coach Louis van Gaal gives instructions to his players

MAGIC MOMENT

Forget any goals, matches, wins or defeats, it has to be the Cruyff turn, unveiled for the first time in a 1974 match with Sweden. Pure genius by one of the game’s greats.

Premier League pedigree: Tim Krul (Newcastle), Maarten Stekelenburg (Fulham) Michel Vorm, (Swansea), Ron Vlaar (Asston Villa), Leroy Fer, Ricky Van Wolfswinkel (Norwich), Marco Van Ginkel (Chelsea), Robin Van Persie (Man Utd).
Meet the coach: Louis Van Gaal. Great disciple of the Dutch traditions of Total Football, at 62 he’s in his second spell as Dutch managerwith a 28-year coaching career at clubs like Ajax and Barcelona behind him.
Meet the captain: Robin van Persie. Time for Manchester United’s Premier League golden boot winner to hit the heights on the world stage with a side who have been brilliant in qualifying.
Star man: Arjen Robben. Bayern Munich winger has won League titles in England, Spain and Germany with a Champions League and World Cup runner-up medal thrown in. Great turn of pace and accurate crossing.

Curler: Holland always pose a threat with attacking quality like Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben (centre)

Still got it: Holland will be aided by the talents of Wesley Sneijder (left), flying past Konstantin Vassiljev

Vital statistic Netherlands qualified for the 2014 World Cup with ease, having won nine points (28) more than the next best side (Romania – 19) in Group D.
Coral odds to win: 20/1
Draw danger rating: 4/5

Watch out for: Stefan de Vrij. Captain of Feyenoord at the tender age of 21, the 6ft 2ins centre half is cool on the ball as well as a powerful defender
Talking tactics: Free flowing midfield, with players who rotate positions and Robben likely to pop up to torment defenders on either right or left wing. Easy on the eye.
Most likely to: Have wives, girlfriends and children in their camp for a month long party.

Iran

Population: 76.42 million
National dish: Cheloe kabab - steamed saffroned basmati rice normally with lamb fillet kebab
National anthem: Sorud-e Melli-ye Jonhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran
Best World Cup finish: First round - 1978, 1972, 1976.

Encouragement: Former Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz is in charge of Iran

MAGIC MOMENT

Beating USA in France in 1998. It was designated the peace game to defuse the political issues, but huge celebrations greeted goals by Estili and Mahdavikia that brought a 2-1 win.

Premier League pedigree: Ashkan Dejagah (Fulham)
Meet the coach: Carlos Queiroz: Twice Sir Alex Ferguson’s number two at Manchester United, and ex boss of both Real Madrid and Fulham, the 60-year-old has been in charge since 2011.
Meet the captain: Javad Nekounam: Central midfielder with a powerful shot, at 33 he’s moved back to play in the Iranian League after a long career with Osasuna in Spain.
Star man: Masoud Shojae: Tall, creative midfielder has a ready made partnership with Nekounam as both were at Osasuna. Is still in Spain at Las Palmas.

Central role: Fulham star Ashkan Dejagah is one of Iran's hopes of springing a shock

Vital statistic Iran lost just two of their 16 qualifiers (W10 D4).
Coral odds to win: 1500/1
Draw danger rating: 1/5

Watch out for: Reza Ghoochannejhad: Lean forward with Dutch and Iranian parents who has emerged in Belgian football and is impressing with Standard Liege this season.
Talking tactics: A solid base in midfield and a sound defence are the building blocks, but the adventurous spirit of sides he coached at Old Trafford and in Madrid is never far away.
Most likely to: Let their manager attract all the media attention while they get on and play.

Composure: Experienced midfielder Javad Nekounam will be vital for Iran as they look to spring a surprise

Italy

Population: 60.92 million
National dish: Spaghetti Bolognese – or Pizza
National anthem: Il Canto degli Italiani
Best World Cup finish: Winners - 1934, 1938, 1982, 2006
Premier League pedigree: Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland), Pablo Osvaldo (Southampton), Davide Santon (Newcastle)

Livewire: But Mario Balotelli, challenging Tomas Sivok (right), is one of the most dangerous strikers around

Safe hands: Veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon (right) will lead Italy from between the posts in Brazil

MAGIC MOMENT

Marco Tardelli’s ecstatic scream of celebration scoring as he ran to the bench after scoring the second goal in the 1982 final win over West Germany.

Meet the coach: Cesare Prandelli: The man who restored Italy’s reputation after the shambles of the 2010 World Cup exit, the 56-year-old spent six years in charge of Fiorentina – a lifetime in Italian football – before taking charge of his country.
Meet the captain: Gianluigi Buffon. Giant Juventus goalkeeper with 138 caps has four Serie A titles and a 2006 World Cup winners medal in his collection of honours. Still at the peak of his game aged 35.
Star man: Mario Balotelli. Brilliant, unpredictable, maverick striker that you can’t take your eyes off. Prandelli’s great achievement of Euro 2012 was to keep the former Manchester City man on the straight and narrow, and if he can do it again he could be a Golden Boot contender.

Stylish: And Andrea Pirlo's impeccable dead balls will be one of the Italians' main threats in Brazil

Next generation: Italian fans are pinning hopes for the future on PSG midfielder Marco Verratti

Vital statistic The Italians remained unbeaten throughout qualifying, winning six and drawing four.
Coral odds to win: 18/1
Draw danger rating: 4/5

Watch out for: Marco Verratti: Pocket sized 21-year-old Paris St Germain midfield star has been billed as the natural successor to Andrea Pirlo.
Talking tactics: Prandelli consigned ‘Catenaccio’ to the history books when he took over saying ‘it is now obvious you cannot get results without attractive football’. Happy to indulge Balotelli’s individual talent.
Most likely to: Be seen out trying Rio’s night spots with Balotelli leading the dancing.

Ivory Coast

Population: 19.8 million
National dish: Alloco - fried plantain often served with chilli pepper and onions
National anthem: 'L'Abidjanaise' (Song of Abidjan)
Best World Cup finish: First round, 2006, 2010
Premier League pedigree: Yaya Toure (Man City), Kolo Toure (Liverpool), Cheick Tiote (Newcastle), Arouna Kone (Everton), Wilfried Bony (Swansea).

Icon: Chelsea legend Didier Drogba will be leading the Ivory Coast in the World Cup for the final time at 35

MAGIC MOMENT

Coming from two down to beat Serbia and Montenegro in their final game of the 2006 tournament.

Meet the coach: Sabri Lamouchi. Stellar playing career in France and Italy, but the 42-year-old had never managed before taking his current job in May 2012.
Meet the captain: Didier Drogba. Now 35 but the former Chelsea star proved in clinching qualification for the finals that he’s still the inspiration for his country.
Star man: Yaya Toure. Manuel Pellegrini has made him the rock of Manchester City’s midfield and he’ll be just as important for his country
Watch out for: Serge Aurier. The 20-year-old Toulouse right back posted a picture of himself in an Arsenal shirt – a good World Cup could make the move happen.

City slicker: Ivory Coast's midfield giant Yaya Toure (left) battles past Senegal's Cheikhou Kouyate

Vital statistic Salomon Kalou (5) was their top scorer in qualifying, just ahead of Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba (4).

Coral odds to win: 125/1
Draw danger rating: 4/5

Talking tactics: The 'Golden Generation' of Ivory Coast’s individual stars have never quite lived up to their individual talents (sound familiar?) Lamouchi has encouraged them to work as hard off the ball as they do on it.
Most likely to: Have Drogba take over doing the team talks if things aren’t going their way.

Hot pursuit: Ivory Coast's Serge Aurier (right) looks to continue his promising form at the World Cup

Japan

Population: 127.6 million
National dish: Sushi – sliced raw seafish
National anthem: Kimigayo
Best World Cup finish: Round of 16, 2002, 2010.
Premier League pedigree: Maya Yoshida (Southampton), Shinji Kagawa (Man Utd)

United they stand: Old Trafford midfielder Shinji Kagawa will dictate much of Japan's play in Brazil

MAGIC MOMENT

The 2-0 win over Tunisia – after they’d beaten Russia – taking them through to the knock-out stages in front of their own fans in 2002.

Meet the coach: Alberto Zaccheroni. He’s bossed all the big Italian clubs in a 30-year management career since having to quit playing through injury. Aged 60, has already won the Asian Cup in his first go as an international boss.
Meet the captain: Makoto Hasebe. With 70 caps behind him, the 29-year-old defensive midfielder has been a star in the Bundesliga since 2008 with first Wolfsburg then current club FC Nurnburg.
Star man: Shinji Kagawa. Man Utd fans have yet to see the best of him, but 16 goals in 52 caps from midfield tell their own story of his creative vision and attacking potential.

Tough tackler: Japan skipper Makoto Hasebe (right) fights for the ball with Kevin Mirallas of Belgium

Vital statistic Japanese striker Shinji Okazaki (8) was the top scorer in the whole of the AFC qualification process for World Cup 2014.
Coral odds to win: 80/1
Draw danger rating: 2/5

Watch out for: Keisuke Honda: Forgive the pun, but the driving force of CSKA Moscow’s attack is a target for AC Milan. Creative passing, and brilliant free kick taker.
Talking tactics: Japan were always more of a freewheeling side but under Zaccheroni they’ve developed an Italian defensive mentality. After a difficult start the change has worked and they are tough to beat.
Most likely to: Have hordes of their fans outside the team hotel all night waiting for pictures.

Saintly performance: Southampton star Maya Yoshida is a crucial presence for Japan

Korea Republic

Population: 50 million
National dish: Kimchee – pickled or fermented vegetables
National anthem: Aegukga, or 'Patriotic Song'
Best World Cup finish: Fourth place in 2002.
Premier League pedigree: Ki Sung-Yueng, Ji Dong-Won (both Sunderland); Kim Bo-Kyung (Cardiff); Park Chu-Young (Arsenal).

Star man: Korea and Bolton's tricky winger Lee Chung-Yong glides past Croatia's Darijo Srna (right)

MAGIC MOMENT

Lee Woon-Jae’s save against Joaquin that knocked out Spain on penalties in 2002 to take Guus Hiddink’s side into the semi-finals in front of their own fans.

Meet the coach: Hong Myung-Bo. Won 136 caps and played in four World Cups – nominated by Pele in his list of the 125 greatest players of world football. Age just 44, he’s worked through the Korean FA structure before taking over the top job in June this year.
Meet the captain: Lee Chung-Yong. English fans will know the silky skilled winger from his time at Bolton. Now fully recovered from serious injuries that have hampered his progress there.
Star man: Kim Shin-Wook. South Korea’s answer to Peter Crouch, the 6ft 6ins striker is an effective target man for the smaller, nippier forwards to work round.
Watch out for: Son Heung-Min: Just 21, he’s made a big impact in the Bundesliga for Bayer Leverkusen since a £9million club record move from Hamburg. Six feet tall, quick, and a shot in both feet.

Key player: Son Heung-Min has made a big impact for Bayer Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga

Vital statistic South Korea won their third stage group, before qualifying in second place behind Iran in stage four.
Coral odds to win: 250/1
Draw danger rating: 2/5

Talking tactics: Mix the game up, playing short stuff in midfield and using wingers but then not afraid to go long to Kim Shin-Wook at times too.
Most likely to: Get upset if the stadium PA plays the North Korean anthem by mistake.

High five: Shinwook Kim of South Korea celebrates with his coach Myung Bo Hong

Mexico

Population: 120.8 million
National dish: Mole Poblano de Guajalote – turkey with sauce
National anthem: Himno Nacional Mexicano
Best World Cup finish: Quarter-finals - 1970 and 1986
Premier League pedigree: Javier Hernandez (Man Utd)

Group hug: Oribe Peralta celebrates after scoring with Javier Hernandez (left) and Javier Aquino (right)

MAGIC MOMENT

So near but so far – holding Germany to a 0-0 draw in a thrilling 1986 quarter-final in front of 41,000 passionate home fans in Monterrey, only for the Germans to win on penalties (no surprise there!)

Meet the coach: Miguel Herrera. A 45-year-old with a good record in Mexican club football, he bossed the 2012 Olympics side and then was parachuted in for the senior team’s qualifying play-off after Jose Manuel de la Torre was sacked. Shocked the country by selecting only home based players, but the policy was proved right.
Meet the captain: Rafael Marquez Alvarez. Former Barcelona defender is 34 and has slipped out of top flight club football after a brief spell at New York Red Bulls. Experience from 116 caps will guide him through Brazil, though.
Star man: Javier Hernandez. The Manchester United striker gets less quality of service from his national side but his instinctive finishing skills remain crucial.

Old head: Mexico's skipper Rafael Marquez brings a wealth of knowledge from 116 caps

Vital statistic They collected just 11 points and two wins from their 10 games in the fourth round stage and only qualified for the playoff against New Zealand on the final day of CONCACAF qualification.
Coral odds to win: 100/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5

Watch out for: Raul Jimenez: Giant striker was one of the stars of London 2012 and Herrera is keen to use his height as a focal point for the senior team.
Talking tactics: Quick passing style, but not afraid to vary it and go long to Jimenez from time to time. Good at set pieces.
Most likely to: Bring huge support to Brazil from passionate fans.

Thumbs up: Mexico's head coach Miguel Herrera will be hoping his side spring a shock in Brazil

Nigeria

Population: 168.8 million
National dish: Pounded Yam and Egusi soup - Egusi are the seeds from melon and squash plants
National anthem: Arise, O Compatriots
Best World Cup finish: Round of 16 - 1994 and 1998
Premier League pedigree: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea), Victor Moses (Liverpool), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle)

Premier star: Chelsea's John Obi Mikel takes on a more attacking role for Nigeria than at Stamford Bridge

MAGIC MOMENT

Emmanuel Amuneke’s goal to take the lead against Italy in 1994 – Nigeria were two minutes from the quarter-finals then Roberto Baggio equalised.

Meet the coach: Stephen Keshi. In charge since 2011, the 51-year-old former defender is one of only two people to have won the African Cup of Nations as both player and coach.
Meet the captain: Vincent Enyeama. First choice goalkeeper since he made his debut in 2002, the 31-year-old survived a serious car crash in 2004.
Star man: Victor Obinna. Deep lying front man has an eye for a pass – at 26 he is much improved since 2010 on loan at West Ham, and will win his 50th cap in Brazil.

Wing wonder: Liverpool's loan star Victor Moses is a regular for the 'Super Eagles'

Vital statistic They did not lose a single one of their eight qualifiers (W5 D3) overall.
Coral odds to win: 200/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5

Watch out for: Ahmed Musa. Pocket sized midfielder, 21, has been a creative sensation for CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.
Talking tactics: The side is based around a philosophy of keeping the ball and then hitting from deep positions at speed. Pace of Victor Moses is critical to the plan.
Most likely to: Turn on coach Keshi if they don’t do well. Big expectations as current African champions.

Singing a Toon: Newcastle stalwart Shola Ameobi has been a surprise addition to Nigeria's side

Portugal

Population: 10.53 million
National dish: Bacalhau – salted fish normally served with potatoes
National anthem: A Portuguesa
Best World Cup finish: Third place, 1966.
Premier League pedigree: Nani (Man Utd).

World star: With Cristiano Ronaldo at the helm, don't write off Portugal achieving big at the World Cup

Don't count me out: Manchester United winger Nani also brings flair to Portugal's attack

MAGIC MOMENT

The brilliant Eusebio scoring four goals to overturn North Korea’s 3-0 lead in the quarter-final at Goodison Park in 1966.

Meet the coach: Paulo Bento. Midfield hard man in his playing days, the 44-year-old stepped up from player to manager at Sporting Lisbon before taking the national job in 2010. Led the team to the Euro 2012 semi-final.
Meet the captain: Cristiano Ronaldo. Not so much meet the captain as meet the whole side – the brilliant Real Madrid forward dragged his country to Brazil almost single-handed.
Star man: Bruno Alves. Okay, Ronaldo’s the only true star – but 70- cap veteran former Porto defender Alves, now playing in Turkey with Fenerbahce, is the rock around which the defence is built.

Last of the Mohicans: Ex-Chelsea nad Liverpool star Raul Meireles (left) skips past Sweden's Sebastian Larsson

Rock-solid: Portugal's defence is built around the formidable presence of Bruno Alves

Vital statistic Cristiano Ronaldo scored (8) or assisted (2) 10 of Portugal’s 24 goals in qualification.
Coral odds to win: 25/1

Draw danger rating: 3/5

Watch out for: William Carvalho: High hopes that the tough tackling Angola born midfielder, at 21, is the leader of a new generation. Porto ace won his first senior cap in the play-offs after appearing at every youth level.
Talking tactics: It’s a pure 4-3-3, with the proviso that Ronaldo can roam off his theoretical left wing position to go where he wants. He’ll attract double or triple marking, so the plan is to keep the others in their shape so they automatically find space.
Most likely to: Make sure Ronaldo has everything he wants.

Russia

Population: 143.5 million
National dish: Shchi or Borsch– cabbage or beetroot soup
National anthem: Gosudarstvenny Gimn Rossiyskoy Federatsii
Best World Cup finish: First round 1994, 2002.
Premier League pedigree: None.

You look familiar: Former England boss Fabio Capello will hope for better luck with Russia

MAGIC MOMENT

Finished fourth in 1966 as the Soviet Union – since then it’s been a struggle. A 2-0 win over Tunisia in 2002 is as good as it gets – losing their next game to Japan caused riots in Moscow.

Meet the coach: Fabio Capello. Haven’t we met somewhere before? Former England boss has bitter memories of how it all went wrong for him and us at the 2010 World Cup and at 67 is still hungry to prove he can translate his astonishing club success to the international stage.
Meet the captain: Igor Denisov: Hard man midfielder spent 11 years leading home city club Zenit St Petersburg before chasing a payday when Anzhi were giving out the big bucks. Has since moved on to Dynamo Moscow.
Star man: Aleksander Kerzhakov. Russia’s answer to Alan Shearer, the 31-year-old has just smashed the domestic scoring record with his 208th career goal. Top scorer with five in qualifying, if Capello can keep him fit to play every game he’ll be a danger man.

Skipper: Russia's captain Igor Denisov (right) chases Northern Ireland's Jamie Ward

Vital statistic Only three sides (Spain 3, England 4 & Belgium 4) conceded fewer goals than Russia (5) in the UEFA qualifiers.
Coral odds to win: 80/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5

Watch out for: Denis Cheryshev: The only member of the squad not playing his club football in Russia, the 22-year-old silky skilled winger grew up in Spain where his dad Dmitri played for Sporting Gijon. Now on Real Madrid’s books and turning in star performances on loan at Seville.
Talking tactics: Capello kept the 4-3-3 system used by predecessor Guus Hiddink, but has made it more defensive – they let in just five goals in the qualifying campaign. Rigid tactics, you go with his plan or you go out.
Most likely to: Read a lot of books because they aren’t allowed to leave the hotel.

Hitman: Aleksandr Kerzhakov has scored 208 goals in the Russian League - he's their main threat

Spain

Population: 47.27 million
National dish: Paella
National anthem: The Marcha Real
Best World Cup finish: Winners 2010.
Premier League pedigree: Nacho Monreal, Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Fernando Torres, Juan Mata, Cesar Azpilicueata (Chelsea), Jesus Navas Alvaro Negredo, David Silva, Javi Garcia(Man City), David De Gea (Man Utd), Roberto Soldado (Spurs), Michu (Swansea

Pass master: The relentless tiki-taka style of Spanish players like Andres Iniesta makes them a joy to watch

Breathtaking: Xavi will link up with club team-mate Iniesta to produce one of the most formidable midfields

MAGIC MOMENT

Andres Iniesta’s extra time winning goal in the South Africa 2010 final ended years of underachievement by Spain – and meant the beautiful game triumphed over Holland’s attempts to kick them off the park.

Meet the coach: Vicente del Bosque. The 62-year-old genius who found a way to end the traditional feuds between players from Barcelona and Real Madrid and get all the talents pulling in the same direction. Only man to win three major tournaments in a row.
Meet the captain: Iker Casillas. Now has an incredible 152 caps but still aged only 32 so could go on to get 200. Real Madrid’s goalkeeper has been his country’s first choice for nearly 14 years.
Star man: Andres Iniesta. Pass, pass, and pass again. Barcelona’s midfield man will torment any side making them chase all day for possession – and then chase some more.
Watch out for: Cristian Tello. Latest forward off the Barcelona youth production line, the 22-year-old could get his chance if Fernando Torres keeps struggling for form.

Starlet: Keep an eye on Christian Tello, who may be one of Spain's unsung heroes

Familiar sight: Real Madrid icon Iker Casillas will be between the sticks for Spain yet again in Brazil

Vital statistic Spain averaged the highest possession figure of any European nation in qualifying (74.3%) and also had the highest passes per game average (849 per game).
Coral odds to win: 6/1
Draw danger rating: 5/5

Talking tactics: Just keep the ball. Del Bosque’s great achievement has been to get the rest of the team to buy into the Barcelona way of Tiki-taka.
Most likely to: Be top of all the Opta stats for number of completed passes.

Switzerland

Population: 7.9 million
National dish: Cervelas – a smoked sausage made of beef or pork
National anthem: The Swiss Psalm
Best World Cup finish: Quarter finals - 1934, 1938, 1954.
Premier League pedigree: Philippe Senderos, Patjim Kasami (Fulham)

Young gun: Midfielder Granit Xhaka has lit up the Bundesliga and will want to do the same for Switzerland

MAGIC MOMENT

Opening the 2010 tournament with a 1-0 win over European champions and eventual World Cup winners Spain. Sadly that was as good as it got as they finished their group third.

Meet the coach: Ottmar Hitzfeld. Prolific striker in his playing days, and two times a European Cup winner as a club manager in Germany, the 64-year-old has been in charge of the Swiss side since 2008.
Meet the captain: Gokhan Inler. Napoli paid Udinese £11.5million in 2011 for the elegant midfield man, now aged 29, who was born in Switzerland from a Turkish family.
Star man: Diego Benaglio. Wolfsburg’s towering goalkeeper – he’s 6ft 4ins – has 52 caps. Agile for his size and a good shot stopper, his main strength is using his giant frame to dominate his area
Watch out for: Granit Xhaka. Family escaped from Kosovo when he was young, Hitzfeld has dubbed the 21-year-old Borussia Moenchengladbach striker the ‘young Schweinsteiger’.

Stalwart: Ottmar Hitzfeld will lend his experienced hand to attempting to cause an upset in Brazil

Vital statistic Their goals per game average of 1.70 goals per game was the lowest of all sides to top a UEFA qualification group.
Coral odds to win: 125/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5

Talking tactics: Hitzfeld has a maths degree and likes to work the numbers – he uses a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the wide midfield men encouraged to help out defending, to flood midfield and get possession of the ball.
Most likely to: Spring a surprise in the opening game but then get knocked out – like they did in 2010.

Uruguay

Population: 3.4 million
National dish: Chivito – a sandwich of steak, mozzarella, bacon, olives and a fried egg.
National anthem: Orientales, la Patria o la Tumba
Best World Cup finish: Winners - 1930 and 1950
Premier League pedigree: Luis Suarez, Sebastian Coates(Liverpool), Gaston Ramirez (Southampton), Diego Lugano (WBA)

Kop idol: And controversial striker Luis Suarez is just as crucial to Uruguay's success as he is to Liverpool's

MAGIC MOMENT

Alcides Ghiggia hitting the winning goal 11 minutes from the end of the 1950 final to complete a comeback from a goal down against hosts Brazil in the Maracana. Still considered one of the greatest shock results in World Cup history.

Meet the coach: Oscar Tabarez: Modest playing career in Argentina and Mexico, but the 66-year-old is known as El Maestro for his management career. Been in charge of Uruguay since 2006, finishing fourth in South Africa and winning the 2011 Copa America.
Meet the captain: Diego Lugano. Not much playing time for West Brom since he moved there from PSG in the summer, but the 33-yeaar-old centre back has 91 caps and is a legend in Turkey after a brilliant spell with Fenerbahce
Star man: Luis Suarez: Who else? The talisman for his county in exactly the same way as for his club, was the leading scorer in the South American qualifiers with 11 goals.
Watch out for: Abel Hernandez: Overcame heart problems that needed surgery as a teenager, the Palermo striker, 23, has been scouted by all Europe’s top clubs. Scored four goals in one game during the 2013 Confederations Cup.

Making a point: Diego Lugano is the rock-solid defender who will lead his Uruguay team-mates

Vital statistic Luis Suárez was top-scorer in CONMEBOL qualification having scored 11 goals from 14 appearances (excluding play-offs).
Coral odds to win: 28/1
Draw danger rating: 4/5

Talking tactics: Tabarez has tamed the brutal side of his country’s tough tackling without compromising their aggression. Flexible coach who likes a 4-4-2 but is just as likely to go with three defenders if it is right for the opposition.
Most likely to: Say: ‘Definitely there was some contact before Suarez went over.’

On strike: Diego Forlan will hope to roll back the years and contribute to Uruguay's success

USA

Population: 313.9 million
National dish: Big Mac and Fries
National anthem: The Star Spangled Banner
Best World Cup finish: Third place in 1930.
Premier League pedigree: Tim Howard (Everton), Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Geoff Cameron, Brek Shea, Maurice Edu (Stoke), Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Cody Cropper (Southampton)

Wheeling away: Former Fulham and Spurs star Clint Dempsey is still at the heart of the USA side

MAGIC MOMENT

Bert Patenaude is credited by FIFA with scoring all three goals in the 1930 win over Paraguay, thus making him the first player to score a hat-trick at a World Cup finals.

Meet the coach: Jurgen Klinsmann. Brilliant German who got 38 goals in 80 internationals commuted from his home in California when he led his own country’ s 2006 World Cup team. Has been in charge of the States since 2011 he’s rebuilt an exciting, attacking team.
Meet the captain: Clint Dempsey. Attacking midfielder never quite settled at Spurs, but at previous club Fulham he’s remembered fondly for scoring 50 goals in a five year career there. Now playing for Seattle Sounders.

Star man: Michael Bradley. Son of former USA coach Bob, the 26-year-old midfielder has blossomed since a £3.5million move to Roma. Creative passer with 82 caps.

Midfield general: Michael Bradley, son of former boss Bob, will be integral to the United States side

Vital statistic Clint Dempsey was their top scoring in qualifying, netting eight goals.
Coral odds to win: 125/1
Draw danger rating: 3/5

Watch out for: John Brooks. Towering defender is the son of an American serviceman based in Germany and at 20 has made a huge impression for Hertha Berlin.
Talking tactics: Klinsmann brings the flair that marked his playing days to his coaching philosophy, changing tactics to suit the opposition but always looking to be positive.
Most likely to: Be the group of players who sing their national anthem the loudest.

The gaffer: Spurs and Germany legend Jurgen Klinsmann is at the helm for the USA

Ladybbird · 12-01-14, 21:04

Final Draw Reveals Intriguing Groups

(FIFA.com)

Spain, the Netherlands, Chile and Australia being grouped together at the 20th FIFA World Cup™ caught many headlines with the South Africa 2010 finalists paired, while Uruguay, Italy, England and Costa Rica will comprise another intriguing pool.

Germany, Ghana, USA and Portugal will make up Group G, while hosts Brazil have Croatia Mexico and Cameroon for company in Group A,

Colombia, Greece, Côte d'Ivoire and Japan, along with Switzerland, Ecuador, Honduras and France, appear to be in wide-open sections.

The Final Draw took place at the luxurious Costa do Sauípe in Salvador. It was conducted by FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke, assisted by Cafu, Fabio Cannavaro, Alcides Ghiggia, Fernando Hierro, Sir Geoff Hurst, Mario Kempes, Lothar Matthaus and Zinedine Zidane, who were representing the eight World Cup winners.

Brazil and Croatia will participate in the opening match at the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo on 12 June 2014. Germany, meanwhile, will become the first team to reach 100 World Cup matches when they face Portugal five days later.

The Final will unfold at the cathedral of Brazilian football, the iconic Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, on 13 July.

TEAMS

Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Belgium
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Brazil
Cameroon
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Côte d'Ivoire
Croatia
Ecuador
England
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Honduras
Iran
Italy
Japan
Korea Republic
Mexico
Netherlands
Nigeria
Portugal
Russia
Spain
Switzerland
Uruguay
USA

GROUPS

Quote:

Group A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon

Group B: Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia

Group C: Colombia, Greece, Côte d’Ivoire, Japan

Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy

Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras

Group F: Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran, Nigeria

Group G: Germany, Portugal, Ghana, USA

Group H: Belgium, Algeria, Russia, Korea Republic

Ladybbird · 20-02-14, 22:51

World Cup 2014

20 February 2014

World Cup 2014: Curitiba stadium earns Fifa reprieve

Brazilian city Curitiba will remain a venue for this year's World Cup but world governing body Fifa said progress must continue at the "highest pace".
The Arena da Baixada in the south of the country was one of six venues to miss an initial 31 December deadline

Organisers brought in hundreds of extra workers to meet building requirements and avoid being the first ground to be dropped from a World Cup.
The 40,000 stadium will stage four group matches at the tournament.

World Cup matches in Curitiba

16 June: Iran v Nigeria, Group F
20 June: Honduras v Ecuador, Group E
23 June: Australia v Spain, Group B
26 June: Algeria v Russia, Group H

Last month Fifa warned that Curitiba could be excluded unless work speeded up, with secretary-general Jerome Valcke commenting that operations were seriously behind schedule.
However, after financial guarantees for the improvement works were provided, the home of Brazilian top-flight club Atletico Paranaense was cleared to continue.
Valcke said: "It is essential that the works are maintained at the required levels and that a collective effort by all the stakeholders involved in Curitiba continues.
"It is a race against a very tight timeline and will require regular monitoring, but we are counting on the commitment made by Atletico Paranaense, the city and the state of Curitiba."

At least 1,500 workers are now expected on site, and is it hoped the stadium will be completed by mid-May.
Ricardo Trade, chief executive of the local organising committee, said: "There is still a lot to be done but we have always been confident that Curitiba will deliver.
"The necessary measures to finish the stadium in time for proper testing are implemented, but close monitoring is key because we have no time to lose.
"Soon it will be time to look forward and plan for the test events and finish operational details for the competition."

Ladybbird · 20-02-14, 23:14

2014 Fifa World Cup: Draw and Group-by-Group Fixtures

The opening game of the 2014 Fifa World Cup will see hosts Brazil play Croatia on 12 June, 2014.

Group A

Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon

Group B

Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia

Group C

Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan

Group D

Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy

Group E

Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras

Group F

Argentina, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Iran, Nigeria

Group G

Germany, Portugal, Ghana, United States

Group H

Belgium, Algeria, Russia, South Korea

Fixtures

(All kick-off times are British Summer Time)

Group A

12 June 2014
Brazil v Croatia, Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 21:00 (ITV)

13 June 2014
Mexico v Cameroon, Arena das Dunas, Natal, 17:00 (ITV)

17 June 2014
Brazil v Mexico, Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, 20:00 (BBC)

18 June 2014
Cameroon v Croatia, Arena Amazonia, Manaus, 23:00 (ITV)

23 June 2014
Cameroon v Brazil, Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, 21:00 (ITV)

23 June 2014
Croatia v Mexico, Arena Pernambuco, Recife, 21:00 (ITV)

Group B

13 June 2014
Spain v Netherlands, Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 20:00 (BBC)

13 June 2014
Chile v Australia, Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba, 23:00 (ITV)

18 June 2014
Spain v Chile, Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 20:00 (BBC)

18 June 2014
Australia v Netherlands, Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, 17:00 (ITV)

23 June 2014
Australia v Spain, Arena da Baixada, Curitiba, 17:00 (ITV)

23 June 2014
Netherlands v Chile, Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 17:00 (ITV)

Group C

14 June 2014
Colombia v Greece, Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, 17:00 (BBC)

15 June 2014
Ivory Coast v Japan, Arena Pernambuco, Recife, 02:00 (ITV)

19 June 2014
Colombia v Ivory Coast, Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, 17:00 (BBC)

19 June 2014
Japan v Greece, Arena das Dunas, Natal, 23:00 (BBC)

24 June 2014
Japan v Colombia, Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba, 21:00 (BBC)

24 June 2014
Greece v Ivory Coast, Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, 21:00 (BBC)

Group D

14 June 2014
Uruguay v Costa Rica, Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, 20:00 (ITV)

14 June 2014
England v Italy, Arena Amazonia, Manaus, 23:00 (BBC)

19 June 2014
Uruguay v England , Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 20:00 (ITV)

20 June 2014
Italy v Costa Rica, Arena Pernambuco, Recife, 17:00 (BBC)

24 June 2014
Italy v Uruguay, Arena das Dunas, Natal, 17:00 (ITV)

24 June 2014
Costa Rica v England, Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, 17:00 (ITV)

Group E

15 June 2014
Switzerland v Ecuador, Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, 17:00 (ITV)

15 June 2014
France v Honduras, Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, 20:00 (BBC)

20 June 2014
Switzerland v France, Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 20:00 (ITV)

20 June 2014
Honduras v Ecuador, Arena da Baixada, Curitiba, 23:00 (ITV)

25 June 2014
Honduras v Switzerland, Arena Amazonia, Manaus, 21:00 (BBC)

25 June 2014
Ecuador v France, Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 21:00 (BBC)

Group F

15 June 2014
Argentina v Bosnia-Hercegovina, Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 23:00 (BBC)

16 June 2014
Iran v Nigeria, Arena da Baixada, Curitiba, 20:00 (BBC)

21 June 2014
Argentina v Iran, Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, 17:00 (ITV)

21 June 2014
Nigeria v Bosnia-Hercegovina, Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba, 23:00 (BBC)

25 June 2014
Nigeria v Argentina, Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, 17:00 (ITV)

25 June 2014
Bosnia-Hercegovina v Iran, Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 17:00 (ITV)

Group G

16 June 2014
Germany v Portugal, Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 17:00 (ITV)

16 June 2014
Ghana v United States, Arena das Dunas, Natal, 23:00 (BBC)

21 June 2014
Germany v Ghana, Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, 20:00 (BBC)

22 June 2014
United States v Portugal, Arena Amazonia, Manaus, 23:00 (BBC)

26 June 2014
United States v Germany, Arena Pernambuco, Recife, 17:00 (BBC)

26 June 2014
Portugal v Ghana, Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, 17:00 (BBC)

Group H

17 June 2014
Belgium v Algeria, Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, 17:00 (ITV)

17 June 2014
Russia v South Korea, Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba, 23:00 (BBC)

22 June 2014
Belgium v Russia, Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 17:00 (BBC)

22 June 2014
South Korea v Algeria, Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, 20:00 (ITV)

26 June 2014
South Korea v Belgium, Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 21:00 (ITV)

26 June 2014
Algeria v Russia, Arena da Baixada, Curitiba, 21:00 (ITV)

Second Round

28 June 2014
Second-round 1:
Winner Group A v Runner-up Group B, Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, 17:00

28 June 2014
Second-round 2:
Winner Group C v Runner-up Group D, Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 21:00

29 June 2014
Second-round 3:
Winner Group B v Runner-up Group A, Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, 17:00

29 June 2014
Second-round 4:
Winner Group D v Runner-up Group C, Arena Pernambuco, Recife, 21:00
30 June 2014

Second-round 5:
Winner Group E v Runner-up Group F, Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, 17:00
30 June 2014

Second-round 6:
Winner Group G v Runner-up Group H, Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, 21:00
1 July 2014

Second-round 7:
Winner Group F v Runner-up Group E, Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 17:00
1 July 2014

Second-round 8:
Winner Group H v Runner-up Group G, Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 21:00

Quarter-Finals

4 July 2014
Quarter-Final 1:
Winner Second-round 1 v Winner Second-round 2, Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, 21:00

4 July 2014
Quarter-Final 2:
Winner Second-round 5 v Winner Second-round 6, Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 17:00

5 July 2014
Quarter-Final 3:
Winner Second-round 3 v Winner Second-round 4, Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 21:00

5 July 2014
Quarter-Final 4:
Winner Second-round 7 v Winner Second-round 8, Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, 17:00

Semi-Finals

8 July 2014
Semi-Final 1:
Winner Quarter-final 1 v Winner Quarter-final 2, Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, 21:00

9 July 2014
Semi-Final 2:
Winner Quarter-final 3 v Winner Quarter-final 4, Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 21:00

Third-Place Match

12 July 2014
Loser semi-final 1 v Loser semi-final 2, Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, 21:00

World Cup Final

13 July 2014
Winner semi-final 1 v Winner semi-final 2, Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 20:00

Ladybbird · 28-02-14, 00:24

Santos Fan Beaten to Death Ahead of 2014 World Cup

Santos fan Marcio Barreto de Toledo was killed after his side's Brazilian league encounter with Sao Paulo, the club has confirmed.

Globo television announced the 34-year-old's name after he was set upon at a local bus stop. It is said 15 presumed Sao Paulo fans surrounded the Santos supporter and inflicted damage using metal bars, as reported by Sky News.

Although two other fans managed to escape, de Toledo's injuries proved fatal. He leaves behind a marriage and five-month-old baby.

"I think they only stopped hitting him when they got tired of doing so, not because somebody showed up," Globo television quoted Samanta Ferreira dos Santos, the deceased's wife, as saying, per The Sydney Morning Herald.

Ferdinand Ostrop/Associated Press

Santos fan Marcio Barreto de Toledo was killed after his side's Brazilian league encounter with Sao Paulo, the club has confirmed.
Globo television announced the 34-year-old's name after he was set upon at a local bus stop. It is said 15 presumed Sao Paulo fans surrounded the Santos supporter and inflicted damage using metal bars, as reported by Sky
Although two other fans managed to escape, de Toledo's injuries proved fatal. He leaves behind a marriage and five-month-old baby.

"I think they only stopped hitting him when they got tired of doing so, not because somebody showed up," Globo television quoted Samanta Ferreira dos Santos, the deceased's wife, as saying

Buda Mendes/Getty Images
FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

The incident casts further doubt over this year's World Cup, the preparation for which has been riddled with consistently negative headlines. Sao Paulo is set to host the opening match of this summer's festivities, an encounter that pits Brazil against Croatia, but the tournament approaches with a darkening cloud continuing to linger.
Santos responded to the reported murder with a full statement. The Sydney Morning Herald paraphrased this release, which states the club does not condone "acts of violence which, sadly, result in victims, one of them fatal" in the latest case.
De Toledo's death follows a string of violent happenings around the nation's football grounds in recent times.

Andre Penner/Associated Press

As reported by Jonathan Watts of The Guardian, a group of 100 Corinthians fans broke into a World Cup training centre to attack their own players and staff at the beginning of February. Striker Paolo Guerrero was "throttled," while the fans also threatened to break former AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato's legs, according to Sky News' report.
In December 2013, fans of Vasco da Gama and Atletico Paranaense rioted in the stands, per the Metro. Vasco director Antonio Peralta suggested major injuries and even a possible death had occurred, saying, "We have one fan in a coma, and a supporter of the other side is dead. Or so I've heard."
Prior to this, former Brazilian footballer Joao Rodrigo Silva Santos was beheaded by suspected drug traffickers in Rio de Janeiro, who later left the victim's head on his wife's doorstep

Andre Penner/Associated Press

Last week, FIFA unveiled a plan that would see 170,000 security personnel utilised at the World Cup. This includes 20,000 "private professionals," as noted in Sky News' article. President Dilma Rousseff also confirmed the army will be brought in if needed, noted by The Sydney Morning Herald.

With stadium problems and local protests also continuing to wreck Brazil's preparation for the World Cup, it's clear the nation needs to ensure huge progress is made across the board before the major tournament kicks off.
De Toledo's death mustn't be treated lightly. If it is passed over without punishment, little deterrent is provided to the perpetrators just a handful of months before the world converges on Brazil for the World Cup.

Ladybbird · 21-03-14, 21:10

Is this England's New Kit for the World Cup?...
First Rumoured Pictures of England's all White and Red Kits 'Leaked' online

Daily Mirror, 21 March 2014

Uruguayan website Todos Sobre Camisetas claim to have revealed the strips, which show the Three Lions have ditched their traditional blue shorts

Kitted out: The new strips are said to be plain colours

New pictures have been leaked claiming to show England's plain new strips for the Brazil 2014 World Cup.

The pictures suggest Roy Hodgson's side have ditched their traditional blue shorts for white ones to comply with FIFA regulations, as MirrorFootball revealed last month.

Bosses demand each participating nation now uses "one predominantly dark and one predominately light [strip]."

Uruguayan website Todos Sobre Camisetas published new images of the kit they claim Steven Gerrard and co will wear this summer.

The home kit is plain white with a blue Nike tick and the red strip has a white tick, both have the traditional Three Lions badge with a star above it, representing the 1966 World Cup win.

Getting shorty: FIFA have told England to ditch their traditional blue shorts

But while FIFA allies and official World Cup suppliers Adidas have ditched Spain's classic blue shorts and Argentina's traditional black to conform to the rule change, rivals Nike were expected to take a different tack.

Three Lions kit suppliers Nike also supply matchwear for hosts Brazil, and were willing to bend FIFA Rule 2, Section 35 by softening the blue shorts so that the Canarinha could retain their iconic ensemble.

PHOTOS of KITs of Other Countries Participating in FIFA World Cup 2014

Greece World Cup Home Kit

Greece World Cup Away Kit

Belgium home

Belgium away

Ivory Coast-Away-kit

Ivory Coast-Home-kit

Cameron home kit

Cameroon World Cup Kit

Ghana-Home-Kit

Ghana-Away-Kit

Algeria Home Kit

Algeria Away Kit

Uruguay Home World Cup Kit

Uruguay Away World Cup Kit

Honduras Home

Honduras Away

Nigeria Home

South Korea Home

South Korea Away

Iran Home

Iran Away

Croatia Home World Cup kit

Croatia Away World Cup kit

Japan Home

Japan Away

Spain Home

Spain Away

Argentina Home

Argentina Away

Australia

Colombia Home

Colombia Away

France

Brazil Home

Brazil World Cup Kits (Hosting Country)

Brazil Away World Cup kit

Russia

Germany Home

Germany Away

Mexico

Italy

Italy Home

Italy Away

Switzerland Home

Switzerland Away World Cup Kit

USA

Holland

Chile Home

Chile Away

***Any Exceptions/Errors posted above of photos for Home/or Away Kits, for any country, are the fault of the providing site. NOT DreamteamDownloads!

Ladybbird · 26-03-14, 20:23

Porto Alegre Mayor Issues World Cup Funding Warning

SAO PAULO Mar 26, 2014

Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff (C) signs a soccer ball as she poses for a picture with FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke (3rd L), former Brazilian soccer player and member of the 2014 World Cup local organizing committee Ronaldo (3rd R), Porto Alegre's Mayor Jose Fortunati (center R) and Brazil's Internacional soccer club players during the opening ceremony of the Beira-Rio stadium, which will be one of the stadiums hosting the 2014 World Cup soccer matches, in Porto Alegre.
Credit: Reuters/Edison Vara

(Reuters) - The mayor of Porto Alegre has warned the city may drop out of the World Cup unless it makes a crucial decision this week on financing for temporary structures at the Beira Rio stadium.
Jose Fortunati encouraged the city council to pass a law giving tax breaks to companies that would finance the structures needed during the tournament.
Some council members have expressed opposition to the measure but Fortunati warned if they do not vote on Tuesday as planned, the city will run out of options.
Internacional's Beira Rio stadium was modernised for the finals and is due to host five matches, including fixtures featuring France, Holland and Argentina.

"If the (project) isn't voted then there won't be a World Cup in Porto Alegre," Fortunati told the local Radio Gaucha.
"We don't have a way to get that funding. There's no Plan B, no Plan C, no Plan D. This is the only option."

The World Cup starts in 84 days and some cities have not yet decided how to finance temporary structures such as sponsors' tents, areas for security personnel and media centres.
Local authorities said they will not use taxpayers' money.

The issue underlines Brazil's troubled preparations for the month-long tournament.

Three of the 12 stadiums are still not ready and many public transportation projects have been scaled back or abandoned.
Reporting by Andrew Downie

Ladybbird · 01-04-14, 05:18

Armed Police in Tanks with Overhead Helicopter Guards Storm Notorious Rio Slum in Controversial 'Clean-up' Ahead of World Cup

1,400 armed police and marines have stormed one of Brazil's biggest slums in bulletproof trucks
Helicopters circle as scores of military point guns at residents as they walk through the streets in which they live
Operation to rid Complexo da Mare, home to more than 130,000 residents, of violence and drug gangs started today
Since 2011, government has cracked down on slums within the city ahead of World Cup which begins in June
Brazilian police have attracted widespread criticism following use of violence and 'covered-up' murders

By Daily Mail UK, 31 March 2014

The Brazilian government has deployed forces to one of Rio de Janeiro's largest slums - in a clean-up operation which aims to reduce crime in the city ahead of the World Cup.

Federal forces are here pictured entering the violence-plagued Complexo da Mare - one of Brazil's biggest slums - 'favelas' in Portuguese.

These pictures show troops storming the favela bearing guns in bullet-proof vehicles while a helicopter circles above.

The faces of the 130,000 residents who live on the Mare complex have also been pictured. Mare is formed of 16 separate communities and has been riddled with drugs and dominated by gangs and militias.

It is close to Rio's international airport, which means that visitors must drive past it on their way into the city.

Senior officials have denied that the Mare clean-up is related to the World Cup - claiming that they aim to improve the lives of Rio favela residents.

Scroll down for Video

Today, daily life in one of Rio de Janerio's biggest shanty towns was disrupted by
military personnel in an attempted to clean up the city before the World Cup

Residents looked on bemusedly as armed federal officers in
bullet-proof vests strode through the run-down streets in a bid to crack down on crime

This emaciated horse eating from a bin is not an uncommon sight in
the violence-plagued Complexo da Mare, which is controlled by gangs and militias

Tanks were even rolled out into the complex early Sunday morning to carry more
than 1,000 police and further military personnel on an impromptu patrol

Helicopters circle the Mare slum complex in Rio de Janeiro.
The slum - 'favela' in Portuguese - is home to some 130,000 residents

Residents walk through the slum as dozens of police officers, in camouflaged
uniform, hold machine guns from behind heavy-duty navy trucks

Residents are seen walking out of the favela as armed troops in bullet-proof vests storm in

Locals carried on with daily life as police officers and marines in uniform filed through the narrow streets. No shots have been fired so far

Police in the city have attracted widespread criticism for their heavy-handed approach to controlling drug crime in the city

Last year, police were charged after bricklayer Amarildo de Souza, who lived in the city's biggest shanty town Roncinha, was tortured and murdered. Police were then charged with hiding his body

A special operations officer is pictured here in front of a graffiti drawing of Rio's symbolic statue: Christ the Redeemer. Troops have stormed the favela to rid it of drug gangs and clamp down on violence

In the coming days, army soldiers will begin patrolling the virtually treeless, flat area of about two square miles in northern Rio that hugs the main road to the airport and is home to about 130,000 people

A navy tank drives behind a police van carrying scores of police officers holding machine guns

One soldier hides behind a wall as he point his gun towards the street. It was dusk in Rio when troops entered the favela

Navy tanks roll through the favela. The police community pacification unit, known as the UPP, will step in once federal forces have left the area. The UPP will then remain in the shanty town in order to keep peace and control any uprising

A couple walks along as a navy tank storms into the place where they live. The army presence in
favelas across Rio has sparked rage across the city. Last week, protestors set fire to a police office in the city

A policeman stands next to a piece of graffiti bearing the words: 'Politicians and the UPP' will die.
The UPP is a special community officer group which steps in to keep peace in the favela once government troops have left

One police officer is pictured here holding a man up against a wall while he searches him.
Troops took over the favela this afternoon - six weeks before the World Cup

Brazil will host the World Cup from June 14 and has been named host of the 2016 Olympics.
The clean-up is an attempt to make Rio a safer place for tourists attending the events

Police wait outside an unknown house in the slum. Security forces will eventually set up permanent posts in Mare as part of the 'pacification' programme that began in 2008 and is meant to secure Rio ahead of the World Cup and also the 2016 summer Olympics

Early evening today the troops stormed the favela. It is unknown how long the operation will last.
Once troops leave a 'pacification' force will be introduced into Mare

The BOPE paramilitary police unit have been patrolling streets since dusk. Once they leave a more long-term patrol force will be established in the favela. Police have installed 37 such posts in recent years in an area covering 1.5 million people

REAL TRUTH = POVERTY/CRUELTY IN BRAZIL

Little Jessica prepares to carry water from the one pipe with running water - available to dozens of residents in the impoverished area.
Mare favela is located near to Rio's international airport

Mother Quiva stands with her son Joao Vitor in the impoverished favela. The Mare complex has more than 13,000 residents

VIDEO:
Armed Forces Occupy Rio in 'Clean Up' ahead of World Cup

ENJOY YOUR FOOTBALL GUYS !

.

Ladybbird · 17-04-14, 01:10

...........

UPDATES - Cllck the "Secured" Live Links on each Headers Below, for the Fuller Reports from Bleachers Report:

Gago Absence Leaves Hole in Argentina's Midfield
Ever since he took over from Sergio Batista in the wake of the 2011 Copa America failure, Alejandro Sabella has had one overriding priority as Argentina coach...

Big Names to Miss Holland World Cup Squad
Having earned a reputation at clubs like Ajax , Barcelona and Bayern Munich, current Holland manager Louis van Gaal is known for his firm belief in free-flowing, attacking football...

WC Stadium Handed Over Unfinished
Preparations for this summer’s FIFA World Cup have hit another setback as the venue for Brazil’s curtain-raiser was handed over to the owners incomplete...

Liverpool Stars Key to England's World Cup Run

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil is less than 60 days away, and England fans should be buoyed by the form of Liverpool heading into the end of the Premier League season...

MORE Updates to Come...

FreaknDavid · 05-05-14, 13:22

A Brazilian football fan was killed on Friday after being struck in the head by a toilet bowl that was thrown from stadium stands by upset supporters during a match in eastern Brazil, according to Reuters.

Per Globoesporte (via Reuters), the incident occurred outside of Arruda Stadium in Recife on Friday after a 1-1 draw between Santa Cruz and Parana. According to police captain Wilson Queiroz, "In front of Gate 6 there was a big fight that resulted in the death of the fan. The toilet was thrown from the stands and hit him full on."

The victim, identified as Paulo Ricardo Gomes da Silva by The Associated Press (via Fox Sports), was said to have been killed instantly. He was 26.

Although there are still plenty of details to emerge and many questions still to be answered, there's no doubt this incident reflects poorly on Brazil's passionate football fans, especially with the nation set to host the 2014 World Cup in less than two months.

With four 2014 World Cup matches scheduled to be played in Recife (Arena Pernambuco) this summer, the disturbing incident no doubt raises concerns and questions regarding both player and fan safety.

But with a tremendous number of spectators and reporters set to enter the country, and fans from every corner of the globe tuning in for the 2014 World Cup, there's sure to be an added security presence in Brazil this summer.

It remains to be seen what will ultimately come of this tragic story, but the hope is that those responsible will be punished and precautionary measures will be put in place to prevent a similar situation down the road.

Ladybbird · 11-05-14, 21:03

MORE DELAYS as Another Worker Dies at Brazil World Cup Site

By AP, May 2014

SAO PAULO (AP) —

A worker at a World Cup stadium in Brazil died Thursday in an electrical accident, temporarily interrupting construction at one of the most-delayed venues only five weeks before the soccer tournament.

Rosenil Moraes, head of emergency services in the western state of Mato Grosso, said the construction worker received an electric shock at the site of Arena Pantanal in the wetlands city of Cuiaba. He died more than half an hour later of a cardiorespiratory arrest. Officials were not clear on what caused the accident.

It is the latest accident to tarnish World Cup preparations, marking the eighth death from injuries while building stadiums for the world's biggest soccer tournament. His death comes at a worrisome time as organizers rush to finish the last three stadiums ahead of the opening match on June 12.

A worker at the World Cup stadium died Thursday, May 8, 2014 in an electrical accident, temporarily interrupting construction at Arena Pantanal, one of the most-delayed venues before the soccer tournament.

Moraes said paramedics unsuccessfully tried to revive 32-year-old Muhammad Ali Maciel Afonso at the stadium, which is still missing seats because of delivery delays.

"Our workers followed all the protocols and tried to revive him for more than 40 minutes. But he didn't survive," said Moraes.

Afonso was working for a company called Etel Engineering that is setting up the information and communication networks at the stadium. The firm has not issued a statement, saying it needed to gather more information first.
Local World Cup organizers said Mato Grosso state police are at the scene investigating what could have sparked the electric shock around the stadium's skybox. They say that so far it looks like an isolated incident.

World Cup organizers in Cuiaba offered their "solidarity to Afonso's family" in a news statement and said they "will wait for the police investigation into the causes of the accident."

Police officers sealed off the area where Afonso died, temporarily halting the networks installation at Arena Pantanal. But officials say the construction continues in the rest of the stadium to make sure it will meet the World Cup deadline.

Emergency services' Moraes said the company is also carrying out an investigation into what went wrong. Officials said the worker appeared to be using safety equipment when he suffered the electric shock.
The accident happened only hours before President Dilma Rouseff toured another stadium still under construction in Sao Paulo in an attempt to soothe fears over delays that could interfere with the matches.

In 2012, a worker died at the construction site of the stadium in the nation's capital, Brasilia. Three workers have died at Sao Paulo's Itaquerao venue in two separate accidents, and three have been killed from injuries suffered at the Arena da Amazonia in the jungle city of Manaus. One of them was a 55-year-old Portuguese man who was trying to disassemble a crane when part of the machine struck his head.
.

Ladybbird · 15-05-14, 00:02

Brazil Coach Under Criminal Investigation

AP, 14 May 2014

Portuguese authorities are investigating Brazil's national football coach Luiz Felipe Scolari for tax fraud, media reports said on less than a month before the start of the World Cup.

Scolari has strongly denied any wrongdoing as he prepares Brazil to host the tournament which starts June 12.

Prosecution sources quoted by Portugal's Lusa news agency said Scolari was suspected of failing to declare 7 million euros ($11 million NZD) in income when he was Portugal's coach between 2003 and 2008.

Scolari coached Brazil to their World Cup triumph in 2002 and has returned to the national side for the campaign they are hosting when they are again huge favourites.
Portugal reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2006 when Scolari was in charge.

The inquiry is being carried out by the Central Department for Criminal Investigations and Prosecutions.

The Dutch newspaper Financieele Dagblad said that Scolari received money from two Netherlands-based companies, Chaterella Investors Limited and Flamboyants Sports.

Portugal has asked the US authorities for assistance in the inquiry as the money was believed to have been transferred to the United States, the Dutch daily added.

Financieele Dagblad said that Scolari transferred money through companies based in the Bahamas and other tax havens.

Quote:

"I made all my income tax declarations correctly," Scolari said in a statement.
"I always declared my earnings in all the countries I worked in," he insisted.
"I am absolutely convinced of the correctness of my declarations.
"If there is something wrong it is not of my doing," said Scolari, who invited the authorities to look into "all the facts."

Ladybbird · 02-06-14, 16:56

Brazil World Cup 2014 Warning: Security Experts Fear Terrorism, Hooliganism, Violent Protests and Muggings During Tournament

Brazilian authorities expect 600,000 foreign nationals during tournament
Will boost security forces from 100,000 to 170,000 across the 12 host cities
Likely to be a repeat of violent mass public protests of last few months
Olympics in Atlanta 1996 and Munich 1972 targeted by terrorists
Widespread epidemic of muggings in the nation's largest cities
Argentine gangs may target England fans due to Falkland Islands dispute
A six-man armed officer team is being sent from England

'Expect the unexpected': that is the advice security experts have handed out to the Brazilian authorities ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

The tournament begins on June 12 and the South American nation is bracing itself to deal with the threat of terrorism, hooliganism, violent protests and muggings.

An estimated 600,000 foreign nationals are expected to arrive between June and July for the month-long football extravaganza, and that has provided a raft of extra concerns to security forces.

Threat: There are serious terrorist fears in World Cup stadia, like the Arena Amazonia in Manaus (pictured)

Terrorism: Palestinian insurgents (top) tarnished the 1972 Munich Olympics, leading to armed guards

Disaster: Security forces fear a repeat of the bombings that struck the 1996 Atlanta Olympics in Brazil

The first and perhaps most important issue is that of the threat of terrorism.

World Cups in the past have escaped being the target of terrorist attacks but the Olympic Games - at Atlanta 1996 and Munich 1972 - have shown that major sporting tournaments are susceptible to this threat.

Foreign visitors will also need to be protected from the widely publicised epidemic of muggings that has been sweeping through Brazilian cities.

It will take just one high-profile serious crime for the whole tournament to be tarnished.

Theft: Favelas in Brazil, like this one in Sao Paulo, are notorious for muggings and visitors could be susceptible

Security services are already expecting a repeat of last year's public protests which targeted the Confederations Cup - but this time they will likely be on a much larger and more embarrassing scale.
Add to that the violent clashes that have occurred in recent months between police and gangs in the favelas, and Brazil's police and army will have to show total restraint.
The eyes of the world will be watching them for any evidence of over-reaction or brutality.

Danger: Stars like Brazilian Neymar (top) and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo will need protecting from terrorism

Finally, the so-called 'Disease' of hooliganism is a very real threat.
Experts believe organised hooligan gangs from Argentina may travel to Brazil and clash with local fans, who have something of a reputation themselves.
There have even been warnings that Argentinian gangs may target English supporters due to ill feeling over the Falkland islands.

From England, a team of six uniformed officers will travel to Brazil to give advice and be present at matches.

Brazilian authorities will also make 2,377 England fans with football banning orders surrender their passports.

Protest: Violent clashes have taken place in Brasilia (above) and other Brazilian cities just before the World Cup

Discontent: FIFA's decision to host the tournament in a nation with huge poverty has caused resentment

RELATED: With stadiums soon to be obsolete, vast expense, social unrest and allegations of corruption - will Brazil be carnival or chaos during the World Cup?.....

Click -Brazil World Cup could be chaos as social unrest threatens to overshadow the football

Police presence: Armed security forces will be at the World Cup, like they have been in Brasilia during protests

Brazil announced in February it would boost the number of security officers from 100,000 to 170,000, across the 12 host cities, with the armed forces also on standby. Of these, 20,000 will be stewards trained to work inside the 12 stadiums.
The United States has been heavily involved in planning to deal with the terrorism threat, with input from the FBI and the CIA.

There will be counter-terrorism units stationed near each venue while two unmanned drones, bought from Israel, will patrol the skies.
Dr Peter Tarlow, a security expert specialising in the impact of crime and terrorism on the tourism industry, said on www.elsevier.com: 'Brazil has traditionally never been a place of terrorism.
'With the coming of the World Cup, however, international problems now land on Brazil's doorstep.
'This means that Brazil has not only to deal with a high crime rate but also the potential for an act of terrorism.'

MORE:
Brazil's Star Footballer, Pele's Son Edinho, Sentenced to 33 Years in Prison for Laundering Money Raised by Drug Trafficking

Edinho has served time before for drug offences before
Brazil legend's son played for Santos in the 1990s
Incident comes as a PR disaster ahead of this month's World Cup

By Daily Mail UK, 2 June 2014

The son of Pele has been sentenced to 33 years behind bars for laundering drug money.

Edinho – who played for Santos two decades ago - was found to have raised the cash from drug trafficking, reports the BBC.

The news represents a huge PR disaster for Brazil with under a fortnight to go until the World Cup starts.

Jail: The son of Pele. (Edinho, top) has been sentenced to 33 years behind bars for laundering drug money

Embarrassment: The news represents a PR disaster for Brazil ahead of the World Cup starting this month

Pele’s son admits to being a drug addict but protests his innocence surrounding any other charges.

The 43-year-old – who has served time in jail for drug trafficking before – is a goalkeeping coach at Santos.

He is expected to appeal the ruling according to Brazilian media.

Pele labelled his country a 'disgrace' last month for their poor planning ahead of the biggest show on earth.

Quote:

There have been a number of delays to the completion of some stadiums as well as widespread theft and corruption in the build-up to the tournament.
'There has been significant time to get the stadiums finished. The situation is unacceptable – it is a disgrace. The political situation is difficult,' he said.
‘Our team has nothing to do with the ongoing corruption that has delayed construction of the stadiums.

‘It is not the problem of the players but the situation worries me a great deal. The evil people who have stolen all the money are to blame. Protests against corruption are understandable – but not the use of the force.’

Concerns: Pele has been critical of the preparations in Brazil for the World Cup

Continued - Delays on Stadiums......

.

Ladybbird · 02-06-14, 17:26

FIFA Secretary Jerome Valcke Expresses Concern about Three World Cup Venues During Final Inspection in Brazil

FIFA Secretary Jerome Valcke visited the 12 World Cup stadiums
Valcke sent warnings to organizers in Sao Paulo, Natal and Porto Alegre
World Cup begins on June 12 at the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo

By Daily Mail UK, 2 June 2014

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke expressed his concern about three of the 12 World Cup stadiums during his final inspection of host cities.

During a two-week trip that ended on Thursday, Valcke sent warnings to organizers in Natal, Porto Alegre and Sao Paulo, which will host the World Cup's opening match in two weeks.

He said it was a 'race against the clock' in Natal and there was a lot "yet to be done" in Porto Alegre. In Sao Paulo, FIFA requested a second test event at the delayed Itaquerao Stadium that will host the Brazil-Croatia opener on June 12.

Sparkling: The Maracana Stadium in Rio is one of the few that is completely ready to host World Cup

Valcke said he was pleased with the work underway in the other nine host cities, including Curitiba, which earlier this year was nearly excluded from the tournament because of chronic delays.

Valcke's final stop on Thursday was in the northeastern city of Salvador, where he said there was "no time to waste" but praised the commitment of local organizers to make sure everything will be ready in time.

The game in Salvador on June 13 will be a much-anticipated rematch of the 2010 final, when Spain beat the Netherlands for the title in South Africa.

'All must be perfect that day,' Valcke said on Twitter. 'Pleased with Salvador's commitment to work with our on-site team to finalize remaining works for fans, media & teams.'

Overlooking: FIFA secretary Jerome Valcke has expressed concern at the readiness of some of the stadia

Is that meant to be coming off? Valcke inspecting the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, Brazil

Also Thursday, Salvador officials announced they reached a deal guaranteeing the organization of its fanfest, the FIFA-required event that allows fans to watch matches on large screens for free in public areas.

Salvador had been among the cities yet to announce its plans for the event. Another was Recife, which Valcke also visited on Thursday. Organizers there said they were still looking for private partners to promote the event without having to spend public money.

Valcke said he was pleased with the work at Recife's Arena Pernambuco, saying it was "on track for hosting" matches.

'Installations are taking shape really well here,' he said.

The Arena Pernambuco was one the six stadiums built for last year's Confederations Cup, the World Cup warm-up tournament. FIFA wanted the other six venues completed by the end of 2013, but none met the deadline.

One of the stadiums that wasn't ready in time was the Arena das Dunas in Natal, which Valcke visited on Wednesday.

Brazil Stadiums for the 2014 World Cup

'Still lots to be done for World Cup fans & media,' he said. 'We need full commitment from all parties in Natal to ensure all will be in place & tested.'

Last week, he posted: 'we cannot waste a single minute' in Porto Alegre 'otherwise the quality for fans & broadcasters will be jeopardized during the World Cup.'

In Sao Paulo, Valcke warned that it was 'vital' another test event was scheduled to help ensure problems can be avoided during the high-profile opening match.

VIDEO: FIFA World Cup 2014 Brazil - All Stadiums + Schedule (HD)

NOW Compare them to the ones in Qatar for World Cup 2022, most of them there are already well planned and preparations started.....

...:

Ladybbird · 05-06-14, 18:02

World Cup Hosts up to Third Position

(FIFA.com) Thursday 5 June 2014

There has been some movement in the last edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking before the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™:

Although the leading duo of Spain and Germany remain unchanged, Brazil will start the tournament in third place, having leapfrogged Portugal, while Argentina (5th, up 2) and Switzerland (6th, up 2) have each climbed two places and England (10th, up 1) have returned to the top ten at the expense of Greece (12th, down 2).

A glance at the respective strengths of the World Cup groups makes for interesting reading: taking the average ranks and points totals of each set of four teams into account, Group D (Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy) and Group G (Germany, Portugal, Ghana, USA) are the strongest groups. Group D is the only one containing three top-ten teams, while Group H (Belgium, Algeria, Russia, Korea Republic) has no such team.

Special mention must be made of Palestine (94th, up 71), whose four wins and one draw secured them the AFC Challenge Cup together with participation in a continental final competition for the first time, the AFC Asian Cup, due to be held in Australia next January. As a result, Palestine have achieved their highest-ever position in the ranking, as have Aruba (120th, up 35), Azerbaijan (83rd, up 2), Montserrat (166th, up 22) and South Sudan (185th, up 16).

The results of 112 “A” international matches have been taken into account for the current edition of the ranking, with 67 friendly matches plus continental qualifiers in CAF (26 matches), the AFC (16) and CONCACAF (3) being played up to 30 May.
(12th, down 2).
.

Quote:

WORLD RANKINGS

Rk.Team.Pts.+/-.Position

1 Spain 1485 0 Equal
2 Germany 1300 0 Equal
3 Brazil 1242 1 Up
4 Portugal 1189 -1 Down
5 Argentina 1175 2 Up
6 Switzerland 1149 2 Up
7 Uruguay 1147 -1 Down
8 Colombia 1137 -3 Down
9 Italy 1104 0 Equal
10 England 1090 1 Up
11 Belgium 1074 1 Up
12 Greece 1064 -2 Down
13 USA 1035 1 Up
14 Chile 1026 -1 Down
15 Netherlands 981 0 Equal
16 Ukraine 915 1 Up
17 France 913 -1 Down
18 Croatia 903 2 Up
19 Russia 893 -1 Down
20 Mexico 882 -1 Down
21 Bosnia and Herzegovina 873 4 Up
22 Algeria 858 3 Up
23 Denmark 809 0 Equal
23 Côte d'Ivoire 809 -2 Down
25 Slovenia 800 4 Up
26 Ecuador 791 2 Up
27 Scotland 786 -5 Down
28 Costa Rica 762 6 Up
29 Romania 761 3 Up
30 Serbia 745 0

.

Ladybbird · 27-06-14, 17:56

ATTENTION PLEASE - DUE TO SERVER DOWNTIME, MANY POSTS ON THIS THREAD HAVE BEEN LOST- APOLOGIES FOR THIS -RESULTS SHOWING TO DATE ARE BELOW

Up to Today' - RESULTS

Ladybbird · 27-06-14, 18:50

ATTENTION PLEASE - DUE TO SERVER DOWNTIME, MANY POSTS ON THIS THREAD HAVE BEEN LOST- APOLOGIES FOR THIS -RESULTS SHOWING TO DATE ARE BELOW

Up to Today's - RESULTS

Ladybbird · 27-06-14, 18:55

FUTURE FIXTURES (ALL TIMES showing are US.ET)

Ladybbird · 27-06-14, 19:40

Re: Brazil 2014 World Cup Results/Fixtures/News
KICKED OUT of World Cup. BANNED for 13 Liverpool Matches. BANISHED from Anfield.
BARRED from Training with Team-Mates.
FIFA get Tough with Suarez...But Barca and Real can Still Buy Him

Daily Mail UK, 27 June 2014

Luis Suarez banned for four months from ALL football for bite on Giorgio Chiellini

Suarez will not play for Liverpool in the Premier League in November
Uruguay striker also banned for nine international matches and fined £65,000
Uruguayan FA confirm they will lodge an appeal
Sponsors adidas holding emergency talks over their position
Suarez's various bans for biting now tally 39 games
Uruguay FA president Wilmar Valdez said there will be no boycott
News was announced over tube screens on London Underground

LUIS SUAREZ: THE FULL STORY

Luis Suarez found himself an outcast from world football on Thursday after being handed a four-month ban from the game.
The Liverpool and Uruguay striker, who bit Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini on the shoulder during his country’s World Cup victory on Tuesday, flew back to Montevideo in disgrace last night after being told his World Cup was over following an unprecedented FIFA punishment.
Suarez was evicted from Uruguay’s team hotel on Thursday as part of his immediate four-month ban, which will see him miss the opening 13 games for Liverpool next season as well as the next nine competitive Uruguayan internationals.

Goodbyes: Luis Suarez is seen embracing a member of the coaching staff on a balcony at the team hotel

Homeward bound: Suarez will return to Motevideo, capital of Uruguay, and play no further part in the World Cup

Gesture: Suarez gives a thumbs-up from a balcony of the Uruguay team hotel in Natal

Chin up: Suarez is comforted by some of the coaching staff after receiving his lengthy ban
Disgraced Suarez shares emotional embrace at Uruguay hotel

Under the cosh: Luis Suarez, pictured in the hours before FIFA's ruling, has been banned for four months

Down and out: Luis Suarez has been banned from all football activity for four months

Head down: It is the third time Suarez has been banned for biting an opposition player

FIFA issue Luis Suarez nine-game and four-month ban for bite:

Security: Uruguay's team hotel in Natal has been surrounded by armed guards in response to the incident

Quote:
LIVERPOOL GAMES SUAREZ MISSES

Aug 16: Liverpool v Southampton
Aug 23: Manchester City v Liverpool
Aug 30: Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool
Sep 13: Liverpool v Aston Villa
Sep 16: Champions League matchday 1
Sep 20: West Ham United v Liverpool
Sep 27: Liverpool v Everton
Sep 30: Champions League matchday 2
Oct 4: Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion
Oct 18: Queens Park Rangers v Liverpool
Oct 21: Champions League matchday 3
Oct 25: Liverpool v Hull City

The Uruguayan Football Association are preparing an appeal against the severity of the sentence, which also includes a £64,000 fine. But there is no chance of Suarez appearing at Brazil 2014 again and his future at Liverpool is also plunged into uncertainty through the length of the suspension.
FIFA’s strict regulations barring him from any involvement in football mean he cannot even watch Liverpool or Uruguay in action — he is banned from football stadiums and must train alone away from Liverpool’s Melwood training ground.

Suarez can be sold during his spell in football exile — a strong possibility — but cannot personally join in negotiations in mooted moves to Barcelona or Real Madrid.

Liverpool are taking specialist legal advice before deciding what to do about Suarez — a world-class footballer who comes with more baggage than any other elite star. Given the length of his ban, Liverpool, who have not been contacted by FIFA or the Uruguay FA, feel aggrieved to be punished for something in which they had no part. The news was greeted with dismay by the club’s owners in Boston.

Ouch: Chiellini attempts to show the bite marks to referee Marco Rodriguez

Bite night! Chiellini writhes on the floor after the clash with Suarez

Not fooling anyone: Suarez holds his teeth after appearing to sink them into the shoulder of the Italian

Uruguay FA president Wilmar Valdez said: ‘We are preparing our appeal to present to FIFA in the next few hours. It’s an extremely excessive punishment, there was not enough evidence and I have seen more aggressive incidents. It feels like Uruguay have been thrown out of the World Cup. We all know what Suarez means to Uruguay and to football around the world. Luis will travel home to recover with his family.’

Following this third, high-profile biting incident, it is no surprise that Suarez’s major sponsor adidas are thinking of ditching him. He has already been punished for racially abusing Patrice Evra and biting Branislav Ivanovic.

A statement said: ‘Adidas does not condone Luis Suarez’s recent behaviour and we will again be reminding him of the high standards we expect from our players. We have no plan to use Suarez for any additional marketing activities during the World Cup. We will discuss all aspects of our future partnership directly with Suarez and his team after the tournament.’

Another of Suarez’s backers, 888poker, are likely to drop him, with a spokesman saying: ‘888poker is seriously reviewing its relationship with the player as we will not tolerate unsporting behaviour.’

On message: Tube commuters found out about the lengthy ban given to Suarez on the digital screen

Snappy: The digital boards are rarely used for news announcements

Jaws: A USA fan pretends Suarez is biting him as he poses for a photograph next to an advert

The independent FIFA disciplinary committee, chaired by Claudio Sulser of Switzerland, reached the decision to hand Suarez a World Cup record ban after 10 hours of talks spread over Wednesday night and Thursday morning before it was announced at FIFA’s daily briefing at the Maracana. The player and the Uruguay FA had been informed minutes beforehand. The suspension starts with immediate effect.

The committee took into account that this was the third time Suarez had bitten an opponent. His first victim was PSV Eindhoven’s Otman Bakkal in 2010, for which he received a seven-match ban, and then Chelsea’s Ivanovic in 2013, which brought a 10-game ban.

Sulser said: ‘Such behaviour cannot be tolerated and in particular not at a World Cup when the eyes of millions are on the stars on the field. The disciplinary committee took into account all the factors of the case and the degree of Mr Suarez’s guilt in accordance with the relevant provisions of the code.’

The Uruguayan media claimed that Sulser’s committee had come under pressure from South American football chiefs, including the English-hating Argentinian football president Julio Grondona, not to punish Suarez too severely.

Kop that! Suarez will not be able to play for Liverpool until the end of October

Decision maker: Claudio Sulser said the incident 'could not be tolerated on any football pitch'

Chomping at the bit: Luis Suarez appears bites Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay's 1-0 win

But FIFA insisted that there was no interference at all in the process. The world body’s president Sepp Blatter had been in Manaus watching Switzerland beat Honduras and flew back to Rio while the Suarez hearing was going on. Meanwhile, the Football Writers’ Association, who made Suarez their player of the year last season, decided not to strip the Liverpool star of his title.

Uruguay face Colombia in the last 16 on Saturday Central defender Jose Maria Gimenez said the team were ‘more united than ever’, while the country’s sports minister Liliam Kechichian commented:

‘We are hurt by this excessive sanction. Now let’s see how we can help this human being and whether the group can show its class and its love for La Celeste.’

Britain’s FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce said: ‘The punishment is fully justified. Hopefully he will realise now that behaviour of this type will not be tolerated.’

Quote:
MORE THAN A FULL SEASON...

Luis Suarez's bans for various bites now total 39 games.
Ajax – 7 matches for bite on PSV’s Otman Bakkal

(Ajax score first)
Nov 28, 2010: VVV Venlo (a) 2-0
Dec 4, 2010: NEC Nijmegen (h) 1-1
Dec 12, 2010: Vitesse Arnhem (a) 1-0
Jan 19, 2010: Feyenoord (h) 2-0
Jan 23, 2011: FC Utrecht (a) 0-3
Jan 30, 2011: NAC Breda (a) 3-0
4 Feb, 2011: De Graafschap (h) 2-0

Liverpool – 10 matches for bite on Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic

(Liverpool score first)
Apr 27, 2013: Newcastle (a) 6-0
May 5, 2013: Everton (h) 0-0
May 12, 2013: Fulham (a) 3-1
May 19, 2013: QPR (h) 1-0
Aug 17, 2013: Stoke (h) 1-0
Aug 24, 2013: Aston Villa (a) 1-0
Aug 27, 2013: Notts County (h) 4-2 – League Cup
Sep 1, 2013: Man Utd (h) 1-0
Sep 16, 2013: Swansea (a) 2-2
Sep 21, 2013: Southampton (h) 0-1

Liverpool – Four months (13 matches) for bite on Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini

Aug 16: Liverpool v Southampton
Aug 23: Manchester City v Liverpool
Aug 30: Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool
Sep 13: Liverpool v Aston Villa
Sep 16: Champions League matchday 1
Sep 20: West Ham United v Liverpool
Sep 23: Capital One Cup Third Round
Sep 27: Liverpool v Everton
Sep 30: Champions League matchday 2
Oct 4: Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion
Oct 18: Queens Park Rangers v Liverpool
Oct 21: Champions League matchday 3
Oct 25: Liverpool v Hull City

Uruguay – Next nine fixtures for bite on Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini

Crying foul: Chiellini reacts after allegedly being bitten by Suarez in the 80th minute

Stage 2: The Liverpool striker moves his head close to Chiellini's shoulder as he prepares to attack

Stage 3: Suarez appears to clamp his jaws down and bite Chiellini's shoulder

Hot water: Suarez clutches his teeth after appearing to sink them into Chiellini's shoulder

Bite marks: Chiellini shows his wounds to the ref after a clash with Suarez

VIDEO:

More...

Giorgio Chiellini posts picture of hotel maid biting him like Luis Suarez

Uruguay President says Luis Suarez should not face further action and that 'you should just obey the referee' despite striker's bite incident going unnoticed by officials

Luis Suarez quits... no, not that one! Honduras coach Luis Fernando Suarez steps down after World Cup whitewash

Neymar and Lionel Messi are dragging Brazil and Argentina through the World Cup alone... Can either of them emulate Diego Maradona and lift the trophy on July 13?

Luis Suarez banned for nine matches and banned from all football for four months - read FIFA's statement here

Ladybbird · 29-06-14, 01:40

The Tension and Drama of the Knockout Stages is Here!

Brazil 1 Chile 1

Daily Mail UK, 28 June 2014

Quote:

MATCH FACTS:

Brazil: Julio Cesar, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, Luiz, Marcelo, Fernandinho, Gustavo, Hulk, Oscar, Neymar, Fred.
Subs: Jefferson, Paulinho, Dante, Maxwell, Henrique, Ramires, Hernanes, Willian, Bernard, Jo, Maicon, Victor.
Chile: Bravo, Mena, Isla, Silva, Alexis, Vidal, Vargas, Medel, Jara, Aranguiz, Diaz.
Subs: Toselli, Albornoz, Carmona, Pinilla, Valdivia, Rojas, Orellana, Beausejour, Gutierrez, Fuenzalida, Paredes, Herrera.
Referee: Howard Webb (England)

MATCH PLAY REPORT:

Hail Cesar! Brazil scrape through on penalties as QPR reject saves the day to hand hosts ticket into quarter-finals ...

BRAZIL 1-1 CHILE (3-2 ON PENS) - ROB DRAPER IN BELO HORIZONTE: An unthinkable exit loomed but Chile fell apart, scoring just two of their five penalties with Julio Cesar saving from Pinalla and Alexis Sanchez.

......
A pulsating first half. It was end-to-end throughout and was something you would see on a video game.
Brazil have perhaps been the better team but it's level at the break in a game which is being played with high passion from both sides.
Even Fred and Gary Medel were having a few choice words at half-time, and it wasn't about going for a friendly pint after this game judging by their snarls at each other.

From Sportsmail's Matt Lawton in Belo Horizonte
'Another huge mistake, this time by Luiz Gustavo. They get away with it this time but Brazil are living dangerously here.

HALF-TIME: Brazil 1-1 Chil

Headache: Neymar of Brazil receives treatment as head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari of Brazil reacts on the touchline

45+1min: Two added minutes and Chile from out of nowhere nearly equalise! Sanchez this time is creator as he plays a short pass to the near post, but from there Aranguiz is denied from an acute angle before Brazil scramble clear.

43min: It's shoot on sight stuff from Brazil now - and it so nearly pays off. Dani Alves hits a vicious dipping effort from 25 yards out that Bravo has to tip over the crossbar. Had that been either side of the Chile keeper, it looked certain to be a goal.

40min: Here come the yellow cards as Silva is now booked for persistent fouling. Like Mena before him, he would now be suspended for the quarter-final if Chile make it.

38min: You can't take your eyes off this game! A long crossfield ball is superbly controlled by Neymar who gets into a dangerous position inside the box.
The forward eventually squares to Fred who somehow from eight yards out lifts a finish over the bar with a whole goal to aim at. He was under pressure from Bravo and Chile defenders but he must do better.

35min: What are Chile playing at in defence?! Neymar's header takes a slight deflection as it sails wide across goal but Claudio Bravo goes on an adventure from the set-piece.
The corner flown in results in the Chile keeper defending the edge of the box (!) before La Roja eventually clear.

From Sportsmail's Rob Draper in Belo Horizonte
'Or maybe not a long 72 minutes! Incredible self destruction by Brazil. Nerves clearly getting to them.'

From Sportsmail's Matt Lawton in Belo Horizonte:
'All down to Hulk that. Had given the ball away in a dangerous position moments earlier and then does that. Very poor indeed.'

GOAL! Brazil 1-1 CHILE
32min: Meltdown in the Brazil defence! Chile intercept the most casual of throw ins through Vargas, and a short cut-back into the penalty box finds Alexis Sanchez who with calming ease tucks home a tidy finish across goal and into the bottom corner. Game on!

Agony and ecstasy: Chile's Alexis Sanchez celebrates after scoring an equaliser

30min: Howard Webb should be a poker player as he certainly is keeping his cards close to his chest.
Arturo Vidal is over zealous with a swing at Neymar, who has to take evasive action by flipping over the Chile star's leg.
Again he is down receiving treatment, but he will be okay to continue. Howard Webb is happy to check Neymar is okay before having a word with Vidal.

27min: In fact, Chile have a big problem in that Neymar is constantly getting a run on Francisco Silva during a counter attack.
On this occasion he escapes to reach the penalty box only to make poor contact with his low drive across goal which bobbles well wide (that's more like Diego Costa.)

Pounce: David Luiz (left) of Brazil shoots and scores his team's first goal past goalkeeper Claudio Bravo of Chile

24min: There is a debate over whether it's an own goal, but it doesn't change the fact that Chile need to somehow get involved in this game.
They look a shadow of the side which did a job over Spain, but then Neymar has proven a different test to face instead of the incredibly disappointing Diego Costa.

From Sportsmail's Matt Lawton in Belo Horizonte
'I think my eardrums have just gone.'

From Sportsmail's Rob Draper in Belo Horizonte:
'A frenzy of noise as you can imagine. Mineirao Stadium almost shaking with the level of volume. Very sloppy goal to concede and the Chileans looked somewhat cowed now. It could be a long 72 minutes for them.'

Breakthrough: Brazil's players celebrate after taking the lead against Chile

GOAL! BRAZIL 1-0 Chile
18min: Blimey, I'm surprised the roof hasn't come off in Belo Horizonte! A corner is flicked towards the back post by Thiago Silva, where David Luiz is there to pounce from close range to score his first goal for his country. The crowd has gone absolutely berserk.

17min: First booking for Chile as Eugenio Mena sees yellow for a deliberate handball.

From former World Cup referee and Sportsmail's Graham Poll

'Ref Howard Webb under huge and unfair pressure to control this tough game without many cards. The competition has been refereed leniently. Neymar getting injured won't help him.
'Webb certainly not a "homer" as he turns down a credible penalty appeal as Hulk is tripped inside the penalty area.'

Going down: Brazil's Neymar is fouled by Chile's Gary Medel (second left)

Early struggles: Neymar of Brazil picked up a knee problem in the opening few minutes but managed to run it off

14min: And the Brazil fans are booing heavily again! This time it's because Hulk fails to win a spot-kick after being pushed to ground by Mauricio Isla. That one looked more convincing but play is waved on.

11min: Should this be a penalty for Chile? It will be a brave ref to give a debatable one against the hosts.
Alexis Sanchez delivers a dangerous low pass into the six-yard box, but Eduardo Vargas isn't there to meet it after appearing to be tripped by David Luiz.
Chile appeal but Brazil fans boo heavily - I would n

9min: Some early concerns for Brazil as Neymar is limping around the pitch. He appears to be having problems with his knee as he has already had some small treatment applied at pitch side.
It's worth keeping an eye on but it looks like he will try and run this one off

6min: That's better - back to the football! Chile clear a Brazil corner, but only as far as Marcelo 25 yards out.
The full-back dummies his shoulder to beat a defender before firing low and narrowly wide with a teasing drive.

Early collision: Charles Aranguiz was caught by a late Fernandinho challenge

3min: I hope that doesn't set the tone for this game. Charles Aranguiz looks in huge trouble as he goes down in agony following a late tackle from Fernandinho, but replays show there was hardly anything in it.
The midfielder is soon back to his feet once he realises Howard Webb will not be handing out any early yellow cards.

Atmopshere building: Chilean and Brazilian players listen to their national anthems before the start of the last 16 tie

Ready to go: The Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte was mainly full of Brazil fans supporting the host nation

.

Ladybbird · 29-06-14, 18:07

Rodriguez Wonder Volley Fires Colombia...
Rising Star is the Anti-Suarez, The Smiling Assassin who Destroyed Uruguay's Dream

Colombia 2-0 Uruguay:
James Rodriguez is the anti-Luis Suarez as his brilliant brace sets up quarter-final with hosts Brazil

James Rodriguez scores wonder volley to send Colombia through
Midfielder now has five goals in the World Cup and leads the race for the Golden Boot
Uruguay struggle without suspended striker Luis Suarez

Daily Mail UK, 29 June 2014

MARTIN SAMUEL - CHIEF SPORTS WRITER AT THE MARACANA: Dark horses 2, dark forces 0. Uruguay can now join Luis Suarez in watching the World Cup from home, banished not by FIFA, but a young man who has proved it is possible to play football from the heavens, without simultaneously dragging the game into the gutter.

Golden goal: James Rodriguez scores a stunning volley in the first half to put Colombia ahead

Dark horses two, dark forces nil. Uruguay can now join Luis Suarez in watching the World Cup from home, banished not by FIFA or a dastardly European conspiracy, but a young man who has proved it is possible to play football from the heavens, without simultaneously dragging the game into the gutter.
James Rodriguez, now the tournament top scorer, made it five goals in four World Cup games for Colombia, including what may prove to be the highlight of this World Cup. It is human nature to hope that we have not seen the best already, but it is also possible that tonight we did.

Any contender for goal of the tournament will have to go some to top the strike that put daylight between these teams after 28 minutes of stalemate. Before Uruguay had a chance to respond after regrouping in the dressing-room, James – known throughout Colombia by his first name – followed it with a beautifully-worked second four minutes after half-time, and the contest was over.

Sweet strike: Rodriguez lines up his volley which gave Fernando Muslera no chance in the Uruguay goal

No stopping that one: Uruguay's goalkeeper Fernando Muslera has no chance in stopping Rodriguez's shot

Cloud nine: Colombia fans celebrate knocking Uruguay out of the World Cup

RACE FOR THE GOLDEN BOOT

James Rodriguez was a 100-1 outsider to win the Golden Boot behind more well-known players such as Lionel Messi and Neymar.
But the Colombian midfielder struck twice in the last 16 clash with Uruguay and now has five goals in the tournament and leads the race to be the top goal scorer.
Rodriguez is now as short as 2-1 to end the World Cup with the Golden Boot

It was a match of karmic delight. Colombia got what they deserved: a quarter-final date with Brazil that will leave the hosts more than a little apprehensive; Uruguay got what they deserved: nothing and the bum’s rush to the airport. They were confirmed as a one-man team, their shameful indulgence of Suarez’s worst excesses exposed as nothing more than a shield to cover their own inadequacies. Uruguay must tolerate Suarez, for without him they offer so little.

They have played 22 World Cup matches with him since 2010 and have lost five. They have played five without him in that time, and lost four. Once he was gone it was a matter of time before they followed.

How fitting that the architect of their downfall was the player of the tournament so far, 22, but looking younger, an anti-Suarez, playing with a smile not a snarl.

Face in the crowd: Uruguay's fans hold up cardboard cut outs of suspended Luis Suarez

The joke's on you: Uruguay fans wear fake fangs and a dog mask to mock Suarez's bite against Italy

Already a £37.5m player after moving from Porto to Monaco, he may well yet be one of the stellar transfers in Europe this summer, on the back of this campaign. A goalscorer, a match-winner, a classic number ten but with the heart and energy required of the modern game, he has looked a cut above many of the more famous names on display in Brazil and has now scored in Colombia’s last six matches. Who could afford him – and, of those that could, who wouldn’t want him?
Out here, in the international game, Brazil would love him, so too Spain or Germany and Italy have nothing like him, either. England? Well, we’d find a way of ruining him obviously, but that’s not the point. James has been a thing of beauty at this World Cup and Brazil will not enjoy dealing with his invention in Fortaleza next Friday.

Ladybbird · 29-06-14, 18:56

Holland 2-1 Mexico:
Sneijder and Huntelaar Save Dutch in Dying Minutes to put Van Gaal's Side into World Cup Quarter-Finals

Daily Mail UK, 29 June 2014

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored a dramatic last minute penalty to put Holland through to the 2014 World Cup quarter-finals. Giovani dos Santos scored in the 48th minute to give Mexico the lead before Wesley Sneijder levelled the score.

Quote:

Match facts

Holland: Cillessen, Vlaar, De Vrij, Verhaegh (Depay 52'), Kuyt, Wijnaldum, De Jong (Martins Indi 9'), Blind, Sneijder, Robben, Van Persie (Huntelaar 75').

Subs not used: Vorm, Janmaat, de Guzman, Veltman, Kongolo, Clasie, Lens, Fer, Krul.
Bookings:
Goals: Sneijder 87', Huntelaar 90'
Mexico: Ochoa, Aguilar, Rodriguez, Marquez, Moreno (Reyes 45'), Layun, Salcido, Herrera, Guardado, Giovani (Aquino 61'), Peralta (Hernandez 74').

Subs not used: Corona, Fabian, Jimenez, Pulido, Ponce, Brizuela, Pena, Talavera.
Bookings: Aguilar
Goals: Dos Santos 48'

Referee: Pedro Proenca
Att: 58, 817

Holland 2-1 Mexico: Match Zone

They were almost preparing the manager’s office at Manchester United for Louis van Gaal.

With Holland wilting in the stifling heat of north-east Brazil on Sunday afternoon, it appeared as though Van Gaal’s journey through this World Cup was about to be derailed.

Only three minutes of normal time remained here and the Dutch were still behind.

It looked as though Giovanni Dos Santo’s early second half stunner was going to enough to see off a Holland team that didn’t start to play until they fell behind.
But after heroic Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa had repelled all of Holland’s best attempts to equalise – including a stunning save from Stefan de Vrij - the 2010 finalists struck twice at the death to leave the central Americans on their knees.

Class: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar gives the corner flag a karate kick after his winning goal

Huntelaar celebrates scoring the dramatic late goal for the Dutch

Level: Wesley Sneijder scored in the 88th minute to drag Holland bag into the game

Drama: Sneijder pulled the Dutch back into the game with this strike in the 88th minute

Jubilant: Giovani dos Santos celebrates giving Mexico a 1-0 lead after 48 minutes

Talent: Dos Santos fired his side into the lead with a brilliant left-footed strike

Gap: Daley Blind (left) and Georginio Wijnaldum fail to stop the shot from Dos Santos

Mexican madness: Mexico's head coach Miguel Herrera celebrates after his side take a deserved lead

First Wesley Sneijder – so ineffectual all afternoon – drove the equaliser in from the edge of the penalty area after an 87th minute corner had been headed down to him.

Then – early in the six minutes of time added for a FIFA water break - Arjen Robben went to ground under a challenge in the area. In truth it looked like a dive and if it was then it wasn’t his first of the game.

But Robben had been denied a clear spot-kick late in a first half that Mexico had dominated and he may feel he was owed something.

Whatever the case, substitute Klaas Jan Huntelaar – on for a disappointing Robin van Persie – waited patiently for the penalty and when he drove the ball low to Ochoa’s right an incredibly dramatic comeback was complete.
With the temperatures hovering around the 30 degree mark by 9.30am local time, it must have been closer to 40 by kick-off.

A taste, perhaps of what Qatar will be like if the World Cup does indeed take place there in 2022.

Van Gaal had asked for a drinks time out to be factored in to the game and that was agreed to by FIFA. In the stands of the Estadio Castelao, however, the sun was just too strong for many supporters, forced to stand in shade at the back of the seating areas.

Dip: Robin van Persie (centre) and Arjen Robben (right) react after Mexico's first goal

Dangerous: Dos Santos goes close with another strike in the second half

Finish: Giovani dos Santos gave Mexico the lead in the 48th minute with a brilliant strike

On the pitch, Holland lined up as defensively as everybody expected and it was clearly going to be up to Mexico to break them down.
In many ways, the Dutch were very ordinary indeed. Fielding a back five, when Mexico had the ball holding players Nigel de Jong and Georginio Wijnaldum dropped back in to the line, effectively meaning that the central Americans were facing a defensive line of seven players whenever they advanced.
It didn’t make for an open first half. Robben and Robin van Persie were so isolated for the Dutch that most of their counters broke down. As for Mexico, they found it difficult to pierce the Holland rearguard clinically enough and when their half chances came they couldn’t take them.
A couple of shots from distance from the impressive Miguel Layan served as a marker early on before the Mexican wing-back eased past Paul Verhaegh on the Dutch left and delivered a ball across goal that nobody could apply a touch to.
Soon after, though, Mexico spurned their best chance of the first period. A cross to the far post found the Dutch all at sea and when the ball was nodded back across goal it seemed as though Hector Herrara only had to shoot first time to score.

Listen: Louis van Gaal (right) gives some instructions to Bruno Martins Indi

Foul? Holland could have been given a penalty after this Moreno tackle of Robben

Battle: Carlos Salcido challenges Van Persie for the ball during the first 45 minutes

Injury: Hector Moreno is helped by the Mexican medical staff during the first half

Inexplicably the midfielder paused, though, and when he right foot shot eventually arrived it was weakly struck and passed a foot the wrong side of the post.

That was certainly a let-off for Holland but they didn’t improve. With Nigel de Jong limping off after only ten minutes, they had to reshuffle and that didn’t help them.

A break from deep by Oribe Peralta was halted only by a combination of Ron Vlaar and Stefan de Vrij before Giovani do Santos show low from distance and Carlos Salcido forced Jasper Cillessen to save with a strike from 20 yards.

It was not relentless pressure from Mexico but they were the better side at this stage. How peculiar it would have been, then, had the Dutch reached the interval a goal ahead.

Ouch: Hector Herrera (centre) is kicked in the head by Aston Villa's Ron Vlaar (right)

Brave: Herrera managed to come away from this challenge without a serious injury

Hot: Mexico take on fluids during a cooling break with the temperature close to 40 degrees

It could have happened, too, as first Van Persie failed to control a chipped pass from Verhaegh that would have set him clear and then Robben was denied a clear penalty after being fouled both by Rafael Marquez and Hector Moreno in the 44th minute.

Perhaps Robben reputation for theatrics worked against him. Whatever the case, it was a poor call from the Portuguese referee and within five minutes of the second half starting Mexico benefited to take the lead.

Some goal it was, too, as Dos Santos – who has had a good World Cup – ran on to a dinked pass to volley expertly in to the corner with his left foot from 22 yards. Just another super goal to keep this remarkable World Cup rolling forwards.

Now the Dutch had something to chase and to their credit they gathered impetus immediately and should have equalised just before the hour. The Dutch set pieces hadn’t been the best but a corner from the right found Stefan de Vrij unmarled four yards out.

Needle: Dos Santos (left) and Bruno Martins Indi argue after a tackle from the Dutchman

Duel: Andres Guardado (left) and Georginio Wijnaldum battle for the ball in the heat of Fortaleza

Down: Arjen Robben is tackled by Hector Moreno during the first half at the Estadio Castelao

Ladybbird · 29-06-14, 23:12

Costa Rica 1-1 Greece World Cup 2014 LIVE: Sokratis Equalises for European Side against Los Ticos' 10 Men to Force Extra Time

Sokratis scores injury time equaliser for Greece
Costa Rica's Oscar Duarte given red card for second bookable offence
Bryan Ruiz slots home from edge of the box to give Costa Rica second half lead
Greece XI: Karnezis, Maniatis, Manolas, Samaras, Karagounis, Salpingidis, Torosidis, Lazaros, Sokratis, Cholevas, Samaris
Costa Rica XI: Navas, Gonzalez, Umana, Borges, Duarte, Bolanos, Campbell, Ruiz, Diaz, Gamboa, Tejeda
Costa Rica already matched best finals following last 16 appearance in 1990
Central American side caused shock by topping group featuring Uruguay, Italy and England
Greece through to last 16 for first time in their history at third attempt
Two sides clash in Recife at Arena Pernambuco with winner to face Holland in quarter-finals

Daily Mail UK, 29 June 2014

Costa Rica 1-1 Greece (9pm) (Extra time played)

Quote:

Costa Rica: Navas, Gamboa (Acosta 77), Duarte, Gonzalez, Umana, Diaz, Ruiz, Borges, Tejeda (Cubero 66), Bolanos (Brenes 83), Campbell.
Subs: Pemberton, Myrie, Barrantes, Francis, Granados, Miller, Calvo, Urena, Cambronero.
Booked: Duarte, Tejeda, Granados, Ruiz, Navas.
Sent off: Duarte.
Goal: Ruiz 52.
Greece: Karnezis, Torosidis, Manolas, Papastathopoulos, Holebas, Karagounis, Salpingidis (Gekas 69), Maniatis (Katsouranis 78), Christodoulopoulos, Samaris (Mitroglou 58), Samaras. Subs: Glykos, Tzavelas, Moras, Tziolis, Kone, Mitroglou, Vyntra, Fetfatzidis, Tachtsidis, Kapino.
Booked: Samaris, Maonlas.
Goal: Sokrats 90+1min.
Referee: Benjamin Williams (Australia)

They really should have won it inside 90 minutes, but after surviving a battering from Greece, Costa Rica do eventually hold out to win on penalties and reach their first ever World Cup quarter-final.
It was of course Navas who proved the hero in the shootout, with the keeper keeping out the spot-kick from Gekas.

FULL-TIME: Costa Rica 1-1 Greece (AET) Costa Rica win 5-3 on penalties

Costa Rica 5-3 Greece
Michael Umana scores

Costa Rica 4-3 Greece
Theofanis Gekas misses

Costa Rica 4-3 Greece
Joel Campbell scores

Costa Rica 3-3 Greece
Jose Holebas scores

Costa Rica 3-2 Greece
Giancarlo Gonzalez scores

Costa Rica 2-2 Greece
Lazaros Christodoulopoulos scores

Costa Rica 2-1 Greece
Bryan Ruiz scores

Costa Rica 1-1 Greece
Kostas Mitroglou scores

Costa Rica 1-0 Greece
Celso Borges

Costa Rica to go first as the penalties are about to begin

SENT TO THE STANDS: Fernando Santos (Greece manager)
Already Greece are given a minor set-back, as manager Fernando Santos has been sent to the stands after arguing with the match officials over which end to take the penalties.

Going against the grain of a standard football match, it turns out that extra-time proved to be the most entertaining aspect of the match as we now go to penalties. The good news is that means the drama is set to continue!

FULL-TIME: Costa Rica 1-1 Greece (AET) Penalty shootout to be contested

Rise again: Costa Rica's forward Joel Campbell heads the ball next to Greece's midfielder Giorgos Karagounis

120+2min: Mitroglou with the winner!? No! The striker runs onto a flick on inside the box, but one-on-one with Navas, his shot is deflected wide. What a superb and crucial stop!

120+1min: As we tick over two hours, we will have two added minutes to find a winner.

120min: I'm convinced more than ever now this is going to penalties as Mitroglou shows neat footwork with a step over to beat his man on the edge of the Costa Rica box, only to horribly blast wide from 20 yards.

117min: I still back Greece as the likely winners but they haven't worked Navas as much as I thought they would in this extra 30 minutes. They really haven't taken advantage of the extra man in this period.

114min: Massive opportunity wasted by Greece! Costa Rica throw too many men forward for a corner and it allows the European side to hit them with a five-on-two counter.
The ball is played into Christodoulopoulos inside the box, but his low drive across goal is beaten away by Navas.

112min: I can only admire the way Costa Rica are approaching this. They look finished but still they attack as Cubero slides to cut the ball back from the byline, only for Campbell to miss the ball with an attempted Danny Welbeck-esque flick at the near post before Greece clear.

Talking tactics: Greece players take a time to rest during extra time

109min: Oh and Navas also still has his legs! The keeper advances off his line to cut out a through ball intended for Gekas, but the Greece forward leaves a naughty foot in the challenge, requiring the keeper to chuck the ball out so he can receive treatment.

106min: The only man who can perhaps run for Costa Rica is Brenes, and the substitute nearly fires Los Ticos back into the lead!
Straight from kick-off he advances forward, before his rising drive from 23 yards curls just wide of Karnezis's near post.

Costa Rica restart the second half following the short break

HALF-TIME: Costa Rica 1-1 Greece

One hand on the trophy: Greek supporters hold a replica World Cup trophy inside the Arena Pernambuco

100min: It's getting desperate for Costa Rica! A free-kick bounces around in the box before falling for Katsouranis, whose low drive across goal is superbly blocked behind by a sliding block from Giancarlo Gonzalez.

Taking charge: Greece's forward Kostas Mitroglou (left) vies with Costa Rica's defender Michael Umana

99min: So far Greece are giving as good as they have got. It's one way traffic with Costa Rica having no outlet for attack once they hoof the ball clear.

From Sportsmail's Matt Barlow in Recife
'Costa Rica have gone into a 4-4-1 formation as they attempt to hang on. Greece have so many strikers on the pitch that Samaras has dropped in at No.10 in a 4-2-3-1 shape.'

93min: That may sound like I'm backing Greece to win, but Costa Rica look totally spent.
They don't even look like they have the legs to launch a counter attack. Joel Campbell would probably struggle walking to the penalty spot to take a penalty should a shoot-out come about.
I'm going to put a kiss of death on it, but only Greece look like scoring in the next 30 minutes, as Mitroglou just misses out on connecting with a cross as Navas collects.

EXTRA-TIME: Off we go again - can Greece find a winner?

Cooling off: Sokratis of Greece refreshes during the break before extra-time

From Sportsmail's Matt Barlow in Recife
'Ancient Greek Georgios Karagounis is slipping on a new pair of bright yellow boots. Not what a 37-year-old man should be wearing but he had been brilliant tonight and they might freshen him up. Greece look like they fancy this against 10 men.'

They did it against Ivory Coast, and Greece have done it again! It's another late show and Costa Rica looked a bit of a shambles in the final 10 minutes as the pressure of holding out for a quarter-final spot eventually got to them.
From here, you would back Greece in extra time, Costa Rica would probably deal on penalties now - they look absolutely knackered.

From Sportsmail's Matt Barlow in Recife
'Samaras and Borges getting involved after the equaliser. Samaras patted him on the head in patronising way. Borges reacted. They had to be cooled down. But this will simmer through extra time.'

FULL-TIME: Costa Rica 1-1 Greece (Extra time to be played)

Last gasp: Sokratis (left) blasts home an injury time equaliser for Greece

Mobbed: Sokratis Greece is mobbed by team-mates after saving his side's World Cup hopes

90+3min: A chance to win it for Greece, but Mitroglou's header is superbly tipped over by Navas.

GOAL! Costa Rica 1-1 GREECE
90+1min: Greece applied the pressure and for the second match running they net a crucial goal in injury time! Gekas' shot is parried by Navas, but straight into the path of Sokratis who slots home the rebound high into the net.
Moments before Navas was booked for time wasting - as such there will be five added minutes.

89min: Chance for Greece! Christodoulopoulos skins his marker on the right before advancing along the byline, but his low cross is snapped up by Navas at the feet of Mitroglou.
At the other end, Acosta whips a cross into the Greece only for there to be not one player from either team inside the box (apart from Karnezis in the Greece goal, obviously.) Costa Rica have gone ultra defensive now.

87min: Superb play from Ruiz, who holds the ball up well in the Greece box before heading to the corner flag where he wins a free-kick following a desperate looking foul from Karagounis. Time is running out fast for Greece and they know it.

Costa Rica substitution
84min: it's all down to the players on the pitch now as Costa Rica make their last change. Randall Brenes replaces Bolanos.

81min: Karagounis hasn't had his shooting boots on today and with a free-kick 25 yards out the midfielder blasts way over - prompting boos from the crowd.
It's all Greece now though, and I would think they have a few more chances to equalise yet.

Greece substitution
78min: Final switch for Greece with Konstantinos Katsouranis replaces Giannis Maniatis.

Error: Greece's defender Jose Holebas (left) is fouled by Costa Rica's defender Oscar Duarte who was sent off

Off you go: Referee Benjamin Williams gives a dejected looking Oscar Duarte a red card

Costa Rica substitution
77min: Second change for Costa Rica as Gamboa is replaced by Johnny Acosta, who will hope to plug a gap on the right side which Greece are starting to exploit.

73min: It's getting rather scrappy this, even Greece can't stay out the referee's notebook now as Kostas Manolas slides in ridiculously late on Campbell to pick up a booking.

Greece substitution
70min: Greece scent blood and send on Theofanis Gekas for Salpingidis, while Bryan Ruiz is booked for a late challenge. Nervous times for Los Ticos who are losing their discipline.

RED CARD: Oscar Duarte (Costa Rica)
67min: Madness from Oscar Duarte, who makes a reckless challenge to bring down Cholevas, picking up a second yellow card and a sending off. Needless pressure now on Costa Rica.

Costa Rica substitution
66min: Jose Cubero replaces Tejeda for Costa Rica.

61min: Half-an-hour left but we will have to see Greece come out of their comfortable defensive shell now as they will have to throw the sink at Costa Rica at some point.
On the other side of the coin, do the Central Americans have it in them to hold out?

Handled: Vasilis Torosidis handled the ball inside the Greece box

Booked on the bench: Australian referee Benjamin Williams shows a yellow card to Costa Rica's midfielder Oscar Esteban Granados

Greece substitution
58min: First change for Greece as Fulham flop Kostas Mitroglou replaces Samaris.

55min: It's all action now! Vasilis Torosidis somehow survives a handball appeal against him inside the Greece box to deny Costa Rica a certain penalty.
But the Central Americans are in trouble following it as sub Esteban Granados is booked for dissent on the Costa Rica bench.

Slots home: Bryan Ruiz of Costa Rica scores his team's opening goal

Off to celebrate: Bryan Ruiz of Costa Rica celebrates scoring his team's first goal

GOAL! COSTA RICA 1-0 Greece
52min: The unthinkable has happened - we have a goal! Bolanos cuts a pass back to the edge of the box where Bryan Ruiz opens his body out to slot a low finish across goal and into the bottom corner.
It's superbly taken and Costa Rica's first shot on target. Clinical if nothing else!

From Sportsmail's Matt Barlow in Recife
'Sepp Blatter booed as he appeared on the big screen. You can always rely on that. He seemed a little glazed, like the rest of those inside the stadium.'

49min: Credit to Greece, they have came out and had a go in this half as Yeltsin Tejeda is booked for chopping down Karagounis.

47min: Half-chance for Greece but only because Costa Rica made it so, as Georgos Samaras is marked by three defenders as he headers a free-kick straight at Navas.

SECOND-HALF: Away we go again, no changes from either side

Leaping in: Greece's defender Jose Cholevas jumps in on with Costa Rica's midfielder Yeltsin Tejeda

Match stats from the first half

Forty five minutes and one chance - it's not looking good is it. Those of you who went for a penalty shootout bet mentioned before kick-off should be about the only people feeling happy following that first half. I'm losing the will to live and this is a last 16 match at the World Cup!

From Sportsmail's Matt Barlow in Recife
'Jeers and whistles from an unimpressed crowd in Recife. It is not full by any means but they made their feelings known.
'Joel Campbell and his Olympiakos team-mate Jose Cholevas swap shirts on the way off at half-time. It’s never great to see, but somehow more palatable when they’re mates, and neither falls into the superstar bracket.'

HALF-TIME: Costa Rica 0-0 Greece

Flash point: Costa Rica's goalkeeper Keylor Navas (left) made a superb stop to deny Dimitrios Salpingidis

45min: The referee has enforced another 120 seconds of added time to the first half. Why Benjamin Williams, why?!

44min: I should have known better II.
Karagounis looks like he is going to shoot on goal, but instead he chips the ball into the box to allow Navas to collect the easiest of catches. Sighs go all round the stadium and from the man typing these words.

43min: Free-kick in a promising position for Greece though as Oscar Durate is booked for a desperate foul to bring down Christodoulopoulos on the left side of the box.

41min: I should have known better, but I was hoping that the Salpingidis chance would kick this game into life.
We seem to be meandering towards a goalless first half. I'm thinking about penalties already.

38min: What a save from Navas! Greece whip in a super cross to the back post, and there Dimitrios Salpingidis looks certain to score on the volley, only for the Costa Rica keeper to block the shot wide of the target. By FAR the best moment of the half.

Seeing yellow: Andreas Samaris of Greece is shown a yellow card by referee Benjamin Williams after a challenge on Joel Campbell

37min: There's our first booking as once the Greek defence is breached, Andreas Samaris hauls down Campbell to pick up a yellow card.

34min: We've seen Costa Rica get down and play the ball well in this tournament, but they are lacking the quality to break down a stubborn Greek defence.
The Central American team opt for the long pass as the ball is pumped 60 yards into the box, but the Greek centere-backs are too much for Campbell as he is crowded out before Karnezis collects.

31min: Right, another set-piece coming up - can Costa Rica threaten from a corner though?
Erm...well..no. A corner swung towards the goal is straight at Karnezis who catches with ease.

Captain's brief: Greece midfielder and captain Giorgos Karagounis (left) argues with Australian referee Benjamin Williams

28min: BREAKING NEWS: We've had a shot on target! It's not a great one but it keeps the stats ticking over as Karagounis' 25-yard strike just has enough power to reach Keylor Navas in the Costa Rica goal, who puts his newspaper down neatly before making the save.

25min: Brief worry for Greece as Karagounis goes down looking resigned and pointing at his knee after a late challenge, but within seconds he is back to his feet to carry on playing. Strange that.
I doubt the crowd saw it, they are too busy starting a Mexican Wave - I'm surprised it's taken them this long.

On the line: Greece's midfielder Giorgos Karagounis fouls Costa Rica's forward Joel Campbell just outside the Greece penalty box

23min: Penalty? No says the referee and it's a good decision as Karagounis' mad dash across the box to bring down Campbell was JUST outside the box on the right hand side.
Greece survive the free-kick whipped into the box.

20min: There are still touches of class on the pitch, as Ruiz's clever flick releases Gamboa, whose byline cross is blocked behind for a corner. I have to admit I'm clutching at straws here for action.

17min: Another set-piece opportunity for Greece, which this time Karagounis gives justice as he floats a lovely cross towards the penalty spot.
There, Sokratis manages to nod towards goal, but under pressure glances the ball wide of the target.

Sliding in: Greece's Giorgos Karagounis (left) attempts a tackle on Costa Rica's Bryan Ruiz

14min: The action on the pitch resembles that of a typical England friendly at the moment with precious little going on.
The same could go for the stands too with a brass band starting to go up around the ground. It's not 'Great Escape' being played but it certainly had to make me double check I wasn't watching a typical Three Lions scrap.

11min: It's perhaps expected, but we haven't seen too much of Greece in the attacking third.
Credit where it's due though. Christodoulopoulos cuts in from the left flank, and all on his own beats two defenders before firing low and narrowly wide.

Under pressure: ichael Umana (left) of Costa Rica challenges Giorgos Karagounis of Greece for the ball

8min: And here is Exhibit B. Costa Rica break dangerously through the centre before the ball is fed to Christian Bolanos on the left side of the box.
The forward rifles a rising effort towards the target, but Orestis Karnezis is again untested in the Greek goal as it sails over the bar.

On all fours: Bryan Ruiz of Costa Rica competes for the ball with Jose Cholevas of Greece

6min: Costa Rica's pace looks like it could cause Greece problems...their finishing not so much.
Cristian Gamboa is the most alert to a loose ball breaking on the right but despite charging dangerously towards the box, his low shot across goal is dragged well low and wide.

3min: I have a feeling set-pieces could play a major role this evening, and Greece take just 60 seconds to win their first one.
Georgios Karagounis' free-kick is lofted into the Costa Rica box but despite clearing, Lazaros Christodoulopoulos (loads of fun to type) fires a long range effort over from 25 yards.

Top brass: FIFA president Sepp Blatter attended the Costa Rica vs Greece match

KICK-OFF: We are underway in Recife

From Sportsmail's Matt Barlow in Recife
'The locals stir to confirm their allegiance to Costa Rica. Two Fulham No.10s lead out the teams.'
Bryan Ruiz and Georgios Karagounis for the record...

Heads up: Costa Rica's Junior Diaz (Left) and Michael Umana warm up inside the Arena Pernambuco

Out come the teams in Recife. Unlike the earlier game, a blazing hot sun won't be a problem for these players with the evening already setting in.
I just wonder if either side will throw something in attack to get the job done in 90 minutes. Costa Rica would be my bet, it's where their strengths are.

From Sportsmail's Matt Barlow in Recife
'Twenty mins to KO and little here in Recife to repel the idea that this is a last-16 which is not firing the imagination.
'The Arena Pernambuco is less than half full. Most of those present in yellow Brazil shirts, kicking back and enjoying the cooler evening air.
'There’s a very noisy knot of Greeks, maybe about 20 strong, behind one goal and a few Costa Rica flags. The eight seats to my left in the Press Box are empty. The bloke to my right has a terrible cough.'

Looking ahead to the last eight? A Greek fan waits for the start of her side's clash with Costa Rica

PLAYER WATCH: Andreas Samaris (Greece)
Little did Andreas Samaris know he would help drag Greece towards the last 16 when he started as a sub against Ivory Coast last time out.
But after coming on in the 12th minute, the midfielder scored his team's first goal of the tournament before playing a starring role in their march towards the knock-out stages for the first time.
Here's his heat map from the match, where he appeared to feature across the midfield.

Of course the winner out of Greece and Costa Rica will go through to the quarter-finals for a tricky looking fixture against Holland.
Louis van Gaal's team had already marked themselves out as a team to watch before this game, but a superb comeback to score two late goals helped them snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in a 2-1 win against Mexico.
So Oranje are resilient as well as brilliant then?

Quote:

Full line-ups from the Arena Pernambuco
Costa Rica: Navas, Gamboa, Duarte, Gonzalez, Umana, Diaz, Ruiz, Borges, Tejeda, Bolanos, Campbell.
Subs: Pemberton, Acosta, Myrie, Barrantes, Francis, Granados, Brenes, Miller, Calvo, Urena, Cubero, Cambronero.
Greece: Karnezis, Torosidis, Manolas, Papastathopoulos, Holebas, Karagounis, Salpingidis, Maniatis, Christodoulopoulos, Samaris, Samaras.
Subs: Glykos, Tzavelas, Moras, Tziolis, Kone, Mitroglou, Vyntra, Gekas, Fetfatzidis, Katsouranis, Tachtsidis, Kapino.
Referee: Benjamin Williams (Australia)

In the shade: The Arena Pernambuco was fully shaded from the sun before kick-off

Super support: A Costa Rican soccer fan dresses up as Superman inside the Arena Pernambuco

Team news from Recife...
Just the one change for Greece who sneaked into the last 16 thanks to a last-gasp winner in a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast.
Panagiotis Kone was an early injury casualty in that game and he is replaced in the line-up by the man who came on for him and scored against the African side, Andreas Samaris.
Costa Rica make two changes to the side which drew 0-0 with England, Michael Umana and Christian Bolanos come in for Randall Brenes and Roy Miller.

Hitting the big time: A fan arrives to attend the Greece vs Costa Rica match with a large comb and glasses

Costa Rica starting XI
Navas, Gonzalez, Umana, Borges, Duarte, Bolanos, Campbell, Ruiz, Diaz, Gamboa, Tejeda.

Greece starting XI
Karnezis, Maniatis, Manolas, Samaras, Karagounis, Salpingidis, Torosidis, Lazaros, Sokratis, Cholevas, Samaris.

Hands up, who thought these two teams would line up in the last 16?
Not me that's for sure. I was hoping it would be England going through as Group D winners, but it was Costa Rica who stole the show to stun the Three Lions, Italy and Uruguay who have ALL since been knocked out.
But can they get past a Greek side who are starting to make a habit of grinding out important victories? Team news up next.

Heading for the last eight? Costa Rica supporters cheer in Recife before their side take on Greece

Costa Rica and Greece collide looking to reach a first ever quarter-final in Recife.Costa Rica have already matched their best performance at a World Cup to reach the last 16 after achieving the feat in 1990, and will target a last eight spot having impressively topped a group containing Uruguay, Italy and England.

The finals in Brazil marks the first time Greece have ever progressed from the group stage following failures in 1994 and 2010, and despite scoring only two goals in the group stage they will be confident of progressing further in the tournament.

Ladybbird · 30-06-14, 18:11

France 2-0 Nigeria:

France targeting to reach quarter-finals after cruising through as Group E winners
Nigeria in last 16 for first time time since 1998 after finishing as Group F runners-up
Two sides clash at the Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia

Daily Mail UK, 30 June 2014

Quote:

MATCH INFO

France: Lloris, Debuchy, Varane, Koscielny, Evra, Pogba, Cabaye, Matuidi, Valbuena, Giroud, Benzema.
Subs: Ruffier, Landreau, Sakho, Cabella, Griezmann, Mavuba, Mangala, Sagna, Digne, Sissoko, Remy, Schneiderlin.
Nigeria: Enyeama, Ambrose, Yobo, Oshaniwa, Omeruo, Musa, Onazi, Mikel, Moses, Odemwingie, Emenike.
Subs: Ejide, Agbim, Uzoenyi, Gabriel, Egwuekwe, Odunlami, Oboabona, Azeez, Nwofor, Uchebo, Ameobi.
Referee: Mark Geiger (USA)

GOAL! FRANCE 2-0 Nigeria

90+2min: And there's the 147th. A near post cross looks like it's turned home by Griezmann, whose surely played his way back into the team ahead of the quarter-final.
But the ball in fact comes off Joseph Yobo, who diverts the ball past Enyeama for an own goal.

90min: As five added minutes are put up, it's worth noting Pogba's strike is the 146th of this World Cup, exceeding the entire total scored at South Africa 2010.

Nigeria substitution
89min: Uche Nwofor replaces Moses for Nigeria with just a minute to go. This again all seems a bit late from Nigeria.

87min: Nigeria haven't really had a sniff or Lloris goal since falling behind. If anything France will score again as Griezmann sees his rising drive from inside the box well tipped over by Enyeama.

82min: It's a big ask for Nigeria to come back from this. They look a beaten side and that's because France are in top gear having resorted to a line-up which worked so well for them in the group stage. Les Bleus are looking confident to see this out.

Head boy: Paul Pogba of France scores his team's first goal on a header

Agony and ecstasy: France's players celebrate after scoring as Nigeria keeper Vincent Enyeama looks on

GOAL! FRANCE 1-0 Nigeria
79min: Breakthrough! For France it's been coming but this is cruel on Enyeama who has been fantastic in this tournament.
It's the Nigeria keeper at fault though as he flaps hopelessly at a corner, allowing Paul Pogba to cushion a soft header at the far post into an empty net.

78min: Another France chance! This time it's Enyeama to the rescue as Valbuena's free-kick is powered towards goal by the head of Benzema with the keeper tipping over.

75min: France are swarming all over Nigeria now. The Super Eagles fail to deal with a Valbuena corner, which results in Yohan Cabaye unleashing a thunderbolt across goal from 20 yards which clatters off the underside of the bar and out to safety.

72min: Ambrose is now back on for Nigeria but France look a better prospect in attack now Griezmann and Benzema can link up. Those sorts of passes were simply not happening with Giroud on the field.

Not close enough: Karim Benzema pokes the ball past Nigeria keeper Vincent Enyeama but saw his shot cleared off the line

69min: It's all going off now! Now Griezmann is on, France are flying! The sub plays a one-two with Benzema, resulting in the latter poking the ball past Enyeama inside the box.
The ball was set to creep over the line but Victor Moses of all people chased back to hack the ball away a yard off the line.
Meanwhile, Ambrose is the latest Nigeria player in the wars after a collision with Griezmann.

66min: Nigeria have arguably been the better team in this second half and create by far the best opening of the second period.
Odemwingie spots the smallest of gaps 25 yards out, but his low strike is well beaten away by an alert Lloris.

Switch: France's forward Olivier Giroud walks off the pitch past France's boss Didier Deschamps after being substituted

France substitution
62min: Plan A has failed for France. Giroud has been hooked off for Les Bleus as Antoine Griezmann replaces him. Benzema should now move into a more central role.

From Sportsmail's Rob Draper in Brasilia
'This game has really slowed down after a great opening half hour. It’s not too hot here – around 28 degrees – but it looks as though the conditions are playing a part, taking the pace out of the game.'

Nigeria substitution
59min: Finally on comes Gabriel for Onazi in Nigeria's first change.

58min: What are Nigeria playing at? They are down to 10 men at the moment but they are really making a hash of getting a replacement on for the stricken Onazi.
Reuben Gabriel looks like he will come on but this has taken far too long to get done.

55min: Our first booking of the day and it comes to little surprise as Matuidi's stupid lunge catches Onazi on the ankle who, not for the first time today, looks like he will be carried off on a stretcher. This time though I don't think he is returning.

52min: Good play from Nigeria. Victor Moses collects a chipped pass from Efe Ambrose before losing the ball deep inside the box.
But play soon returns to Ambrose whose dangerous delivery into the centre catches Raphael Varane on the temple before going out of play.
Goal kick is given though as Varane receives treatment inside the Nigeria goal following his defensive intervention.

50min: That might be a little sore in the morning. There's a clash of knees as Debuchy's sliding tackle sees him clash with Juwon Oshaniwa, leaving the latter coming off worse as he requires treatment on the field. After a spell off the pitch, he will be okay to continue.

48min: Nigeria win a corner as Victor Moses's low cross is turned behind, but can they improve their otherwise poor set-pieces so far.
Well...No. Odemwingie now takes a corner but it's easily cleared at the near post by a France defender.

SECOND-HALF: France restart with no changes for either side

Don't judge by the scoreline, that was a decent half of football. I won't make outrageous claims like it's the best 0-0 you will ever see but it's been entertaining.
Just as good to see is that Nigeria have matched France. It makes this game far more interesting and it sets up for a cracking second half.
France's concern must sit in the final third. It seems like Benzema and Giroud just cannot work in the same side - it's Les Bleus' version of 'can Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard play together?'
So far the answer is no. Benzema looks fed up on the left side of the attack.

HALF-TIME: France 0-0 Nigeria

Keeper's ball: France's goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris (right) makes a save in front of Odemwingie

45min: There will be two added minutes, just as Giroud destroys a France counter by heading a pass straight to Enyeama. The Arsenal striker really hasn't gelled with Benzema.

43min: We haven't seen too many shots on target but Emenike certainly gets the best of Lloris, as his rising strike towards goal from the edge of the box is too hot to handle for the France keeper who can only parry in front of him. Victor Moses collects the loose ball but does so with his hand, conceding a free-kick.

40min: What France would have had for Benzema to be behind this. Debuchy blasts a first time strike wide from 20 yards as the full-back wastes a decent chance to at least test Enyeama.

Claimed: Nigeria's Peter Odemwingie (left) and France's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris challenge for the ball

37min: I know corners have turned into wrestling matches inside the box, but Nigeria really should have a penalty. From a set-piece, Patrice Evra has his arms wrapped round Odemwingie clearly infringing the striker - but nothing is given.
The only excuse I can find for Evra is that he was trying to stop Odemwingie from nearly kicking Lloris' head off again.

34min: The sun's gone in and the game quality seems to have followed it. It seems to be a rotation of which midfielder is going to make the next mistake at the moment. Passes are simply not sticking.

31min: If there is one area Nigeria can improve, it's set pieces. The corners from the Super Eagles have been terrible so far as Lloris again claims the ball at the second attempt, naturally just avoiding being kicked in the head by Odemwingie in doing so.

Recovery: Ogenyi Onazi of Nigeria lies injured while teammate Vincent Enyeama calls for medical staff, but the midfielder was soon able to continue

28min: Right, bring on the fast tempo stuff. Some clouds have come over at the Garrincha Stadium which should encourage more attacking play.
In truth though this has been a decent clash so far. It's been a very even first half.

25min: Who would be a goalkeeper? Hugo Lloris really does put his body on the line at times.
The France keeper jumps to catch a loose ball in the box, despite Peter Odemwingie also challenging with a hazardous looking scissors kick. The Spurs keeper claims the ball though and as an added bonus still has his head on his shoulders.

Disallowed: Emmanuel Emenike of Nigeria poked the ball home but saw his effort ruled out

Let off: France's goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris fails to save Emenike's strike, but the goal was ruled out for offside

22min: Brilliant football all round! France counter down the right through Mathieu Valbuena, whose cross is well struck towards goal by a Paul Pogba volley. I thought it was going in, but superb reflexes from Vincent Enyeama see him dive to his left to somehow keep the ball out.

From Sportsmail's Rob Draper in Brasilia
'Right decision but Nigeria have France rattled right now. Playing some real incisive, quick football. And Odemwingie is one of the best of them.'

19min: Cheers go up around the ground as Emenike does eventually find the net, but after pouncing at the near post to turn home a Ahmed Musa cross, the offside flag is quickly raised.
The margins are tight but it's the correct call and France's defensive line is vindicated.

Congestion: France's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris prepares to defend his goal from a Nigeria cross

18min: After all that build up. A pointless tap of the free-kick a yard to the side (why do teams still do this?) results in Emmanuel Emenike blasting a strike way off target.

16min: Triple dosage of good news for Nigeria. Firstly, Onazi is back on. Secondly Olivier Giroud doesn't look like he has his shooting boots on after blazing over the bar from 20 yards.
Thirdly, they win a free-kick 25 yards out after Matuidi rugby tackles Peter Odemwingie to ground.

14min: Nigeria win a free-kick to the left of the France penalty box, but Nigeria have injury problems as Ogenyi Onazi's tangle of legs with Paul Pogba on the edge of their own box has resulted in the midfielder having to be taken off on a stretcher.
He lpoks like he has picked up a knee problem and it's unclear whether he can continue.

Knees to faces: France's midfielder Mathieu Valbuena (left) is challenged by Nigeria's forward Ahmed Musa

11min: That all seemed 'very England' from Nigera. After a couple of minutes spent casually passing the ball around the defence, John Obi Mikel lumps the ball forward into the France penalty box, only for Laurent Koscielny to head clear for Les Bleus.

From Sportsmail's Rob Draper in Brasilia
'Noticeable that many of the most-expensive seats here – centre circle, bottom tier – are empty, presumably un-sold.'

7min: An even enough start to the game - both defences are holding firm at this stage with both sides looking bright going forward. A slow burner you may call it, but this will come to life I'm sure of it.

4min: It's France threatening though. Blaise Matuidi attempts to cut a low cross back from the byline, but Joseph Yobo sticks out his leg to make a crucial interception and poke behind for a corner which Nigeria survive.

Dive in: France's defender Mathieu Debuchy (left) is challenged by Nigeria's Ahmed Musa

3min: It's 29 degrees inside the ground, and with half the pitch bathed in sun, Nigeria will perhaps be more favourable to these warm first half conditions.
It's certainly a contest I expect France to grow into rather than come out fighting, but can Ahemd Musa produce another stunning couple of goals for Nigeria like he did against Argentina in the previous game.

KICK-OFF: Nigeria get us going in Brasilia

Out come the teams inside the Garrincha Stadium
A good reception for both teams as they make their way out on to the pitch. The local Brazil fans seem to be backing Nigeria as chants for the African side go up.
If I had my slightly cynical hat on, I'd suggest it's because Les Bleus would provide a far greater threat to the host nation at a later stage of this tournament.

Backing the Super Eagles: Brazil fans cheer for Nigeria inside the Garrincha Stadium

Backing Les Bleus: French supporters cheer from inside the Garrincha Stadium

Here are more stars from France's tournament...
...it is of course their WAGS!

Strike a pose: Ludivine Sagna, wife of France's defender Bacary Sagna, poses with a fan inside the Garrincha Stadium

Support: Ludivine Sagna looks on as the players warm up in Brasilia

Capture the moment: Elodie Mavuba, wife of France's midfielder Rio Mavuba, was also in attendance for the last 16 clash

It's the last 16 that just keeps delivering...
Brazil, Colombia, Holland, even Costa Rica have thoroughly entertained us on their way to the quarter-finals - and why should the drama stop now?
After all, France are in action and Les Bleus have been free scoring in the group stage. They face a stern test against an ever improving Nigeria side today so it should be a cracker in Brasilia. Bring it on!

Fly the flag: A France fan shows her support inside the Garrincha Stadium

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Ladybbird · 03-07-14, 11:35

Latest RESULTS + FIXTURES (ALL TIMES showing are US.ET)

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Ladybbird · 04-07-14, 18:49

Quarter Finals

France 0 Germany 1:
Mats Hummels Header Seals Fourth Consecutive Semi-Final for Low's Side

Andre Schurrle misses a sitter for Germany that could come back to haunt them
France will need to raise the tempo and pace of this game for the second half
Mats Hummels scores a fantastic header to give his side the lead
Miroslav Klose starts for the Germans
France advanced from last 16 after defeating Nigeria 2-0
Germany set up Maracana clash after seeing off Algeria 2-1 in extra time
European rivals meet in Rio looking for semi-final spot

Daily Mail UK, 4 July 2014

Germany became the first team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup as Mats Hummels' first half header gave them a hard-fought 1-0 win against France at the Maracana.
The Borussia Dortmund defender held off the challenge of Raphael Varane to loop home Toni Kroos' free-kick with his head in the 13th minute.
Mathieu Valbuena and Antoine Griezmann forced Manuel Neuer into fine saves but Les Bleus could not find an equaliser to force extra-time.
Joachim Low's side will now face the winner of Brazil vs Colombia for a place in the final on July 13.

Quote:

Match Zone
France: Lloris, Debuchy, Varane, Sakho (Koscielny 72), Evra, Valbuena (Giroud 85), Pogba, Cabaye (Remy 73), Matuidi, Griezmann, Benzema.
Subs: Ruffier, Landreau, Cabella, Mavuba, Mangala, Sagna, Digne, Sissoko, Schneiderlin.
Germany: Neuer, Lahm, Hummels, Boateng, Howedes, Ozil (Gotze 83), Kroos (Kramer 90+2), Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Muller, Klose (Schurrle 69).
Subs: Zieler, Weidenfeller, Grosskreutz, Ginter, Podolski, Draxler, Durm, Mertesacker.
Booked: Khedira, Schweinsteiger.
Goal: Hummels 13.
Referee: Nestor Pitana (Argentina)

Diving in: Mathieu Debuchy of France and Mario Goetze of Germany compete for the ball

90+4min: It does come for France! But a chance that falls for Benzema on the left results in him firing straight at Neuer from a tight angle who parries clear.

90+4min: We are into the final minute and France have hardly even seen the Germany penalty box. Their World cup hopes will surely be gone in 60 seconds.

Germany substitution
90+2min: None so far, and Germany are going to eat up a few more seconds now as Toni Kroos makes the slow walk off the pitch to be replaced by Christoph Kramer.

90min: There will be four additional minutes inside the Maracana. Plenty of time for France to create at least once chance...surely?

88min: You really wouldn't think this was a World Cup quarter-final France were playing in. They are on the brink of going out and have hardly shown any urgency to get back into this game.
In fact it's Germany who nearly score again, with a cut-back finding Schurrle inside the box, who again sees his shot blocked clear. Come on France, at least give it a go!

From Sportsmail's Joe Callaghan in Rio
'With little sign of a French onslaught, quite a few of the Brazilians in the crowd are rushing for the exits. They've got another quarter-final on their mind with kick-off in Fortaleza just two hours away.'

France substitution
85min: France have five minutes to save their World Cup hopes, and Didier Deschamps has made his final change by sending on Olivier Giroud for Valbuena.

Firing wide: Germany's forward Thomas Mueller (left) shoots past France's defender Mamadou Sakho

Germany substitution
83min: Second change for Germany as Ozil departs in favour of Mario Gotze.

82min: HUGE moment in this quarter-final. Germany break from a France corner, but despite Ozil running into acres of space on the left, his low cross somehow avoids Muller before finding an unmarked Schurrle at the back post.
The Chelsea forward has a whole goal to aim at but can only fire straight at Lloris who blocks clear. France are still in this... but only just.

79min: Griezmann's shooting has been poor but he is still a creative force for France as he draws a deliberate foul from Schweinsetiger, who is booked for what looks like an inverted mule kick (one without the power.)

From Sportsmail's Joe Callaghan in Rio
'A bizarre first substitution that from Deschamps unless Sakho picked up an injury. Loic Remy's introduction, however, makes a lot more sense. It's gone eerily quiet here for a quarter-final that's still on the line.'

lack of impact: Miroslav Klose of Germany shakes hands with Joachim Low as he walks off the pitch

76min: Finally this game may get the finale we've been hoping for! Griezmann has realised he can't shoot so instead chips a pass into the box which falls for Benzema. The striker neatly turns Lahm, but sees his low shot across goal superbly blocked by the last gasp tackle from Hummels.
Moments later Neuer saves well at his near post from Blaise Matuidi.

France substitution
73min: That's a more encouraging change for France! Deschamps goes attacking as he sends Loic Remy on for Yohan Cabaye, and he could be needed too after Griezmann's latest effort from the edge of the box flies horribly wide.

France substitution
72min: Muller drags a low shot wide via a deflection off Sakho (despite a goal kick being given) and it's the Liverpool defender's last course of action as he is replaced by Laurent Koscielny.

Running battle: France's Mathieu Valbuena reacts after taking a knock from Bastian Schweinsteiger

Germany substitution
69min: Didier Deschamps is keeping his cards close to his chest as Germany make the first change in withdrawing the ineffective Klose in place of Andre Schurrle.

67min: Boos from the Brazil crowd. The last 10 minutes at least have been a bit of a washout with very little action happening.
We've seen Schweiensteiger continue his battle with Valbuena by barging the forward to ground challenging for a header - and given the size difference he looked like a playground school bully doing it too.

From Sportsmail's Joe Callaghan in Rio
'Miroslav Klose, all 36 years of him, showing little signs of fatigue as he picked the ball up on the edge of his own box before going the length of the field on the attack. The second-half hasn't quite caught fire yet though.'

61min: France are at least asking questions of Neuer now, but the Germany keeper hasn't had to make one outstanding save yet in this half as the keeper comfortably collects a Varane header.

Halted: France's Antoine Griezmann (left) is fouled by Germany's Sami Khedira

Seeing yellow: Germany's Sami Khedira picked up the day's first yellow card

58min: So when will France up the tempo here? They've kept pace with Germany throughout this game, and the second half remains even.
But there are just 30 minutes left to play - will Didier Deschamps make a change soon?

55min: Griezmann soon makes up for it here though. After nutmegging Khedira to start a counter attack, the forward charges through the centre only for thw recovering (and slightly embarrassed) Germany midfielder to pull back his shirt and concede a free-kick on the halfway line.
Khedira's taken one for the team there and picks up a yellow card for his troubles.

Talking point: Argentine referee Nestor Pitana speaks to France's Patrice Evra

53min: If only... France could be left thinking what might have been here. A long ball falls over the shoulder of Griezmann inside the box, but in trying to control the ball can he only allow the ball to bounce off his knee and into Neuers's arms.

50min: Moments later, Schweinsteiger applies slightly less pressure with a similar challenge on Valbuena - but this time concedes a free-kick.
It nearly proves costly though, as a free-kick lofted into the box just evades the head of the unmarked Sakho as Neuer collects. The Liverpool defender was well offside but the flag had stayed down.

Standing tall: Germany's defender Mats Hummels (front) is beaten to a cross by France defender Raphael Varane

47min: Bit of a clumsy start from Bastian Schweinsteiger. The Germany midfield first fails to clear from a low cross, but follows up his first error with a rather pointless challenge into the back of Valbuena's legs inside the box
The France forward didn't make much of it though, so play is waved on but that was rather unconvincing from the Bayern Munich star.

SECOND-HALF: France restart - no changes for either side

Standing in the way: Karim Benzema (centre) had three shots blocked by Germany in the first half

PLAYER WATCH: Karim Benzema (France)
Has Karim Benzema turned into a goal hanger?
The France striker has only had three touches outside the box (one to take kick-off) but has been far more active inside the box.
His finishing hasn't quite been up to standard, but so far Germany have been quick to close him down when he gets the ball.
Will that remain the case as the sun continues to sap the energy out the players deep in the second half? Here's Benzema's heat map from the first period.

Can Les Bleus bounce back in the second-half?

The potential classic hasn't quite developed, but it's been a decent enough game in the Maracana and one Germany just about deserve their 1-0 lead in.
France still have positives to take out that first period. Griezmann and Valbuena have shown already they can stretch the German defence given the opportunity.

HALF-TIME: France 0-1 Germany

Reflex: Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (right) parries a shot towards France's Karim Benzema, whose rebound was deflected off target

From former World Cup referee and Sportsmail's Graham Poll
'A terrible header from Benzema who has the temerity to ask for a penalty. Argentinian referee Pitana (sporting super sweep over)waves appeals away. He’s not had much to do but hasn’t put a foot wrong yet.'

45min: France have left it late in the first half, but they are showing they are far from out of ammo. Benzema collects the ball on the left of the box, before dangerously beating two defenders as he cuts inside, only to fire straight at Neuer. One minute will be added on.

42min: Now it's France appealing for a penalty as Benzema's header at the back post cannons off Hummels' arm.
It would have been harsh to award it though, the Germany defender had his arms down and innocently placed.

Keeper's ball: France keeper Hugo lloris claims the ball in front of team-mate Patrice Evra and Germany's Thomas Muller

From Sportsmail's Joe Callaghan in Rio
'Still a long way to go but the German realignment really has paid off so far. Lahm is so comfortable in returning to the backline and it's given Bastian Schweinsteiger a new lease too as he's the one pulling the strings again.'

37min: There's a been a few Germany players going down inside the France penalty box, but Sami Khedira has a valid excuse here as he needs minor treatment after seeing a Debuchy clearance cannon off his face.
After regaining his thoughts off the pitch, the majority of the outfield players head off to the touchline for an unofficial drinks break.
Meanwhile, the referee looks like he is asking Thomas Muller where play went out (it seems his assistant didn't no either) which is quite extraordinary as play restarts with a sporting pass back to Lloris.

34min: Put those beach towels away! Griezmann leads a France counter on the right, before snapping a far post cross for Valbuena.
The forward's shot across goal is parried into the centre by Neuer but Benzema's rebound deflects over for a corner. That's about the first time France have even got near Germany's box for the last 15 minutes.

getting shirty: Mathieu Debuchy of France grabs the shirt of Miroslav Klose of Germany who tumbled to ground appealing for a penalty

31min: Even Lloris is starting to look uncertain from set-pieces as he comes to punch clear a corner only for his team-mate Varane to beat him to it. Les Bleus look a little lost at this stage.
You sense Germany may be getting ready to get the beach towels for a lie down in the afternoon sun if continues like this - they look very comfortable.

30min: Some concerns for France as Germany begin to wrestle control of the midfield and dominate. Joachim Low's team win a free-kick on the right of the box after Klose this time is fouled by Evra.

From former World Cup referee and Sportsmail's Graham Poll
'That’s a dive from Klose and yet again no yellow card from the referee. He’s free to dive again.'

Off his line: Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (left) of Germany clears the ball in front of France's Karim Benzema

24min: Penalty for Germany? A certain no for me on a first look as Miroslav Klose looks like he takes a purposeful dive inside the box under pressure from Mathieu Debuchy, but replays show that the Newcastle defender did have a good hold of his shirt.

Advantage: Germany's Mats Hummels (centre) scores the opening goal for Germany after beating Raphael Varane to the ball

22min: France haven't lost their cool (in a thinking sense at least - it's still 30 degrees out there) as they opt against trying to launch a quick response.
Bit of a shame for us entertainment junkies, as this game has just started to meander along with no real flow.

19min: The goal did come slightly against the run of play, with Valbuena, Griezmann and Benzema all starting to give the Germany defence major headaches beforehand.
Since falling behind, France have been the better team too. On a side note that brings an end to a run which saw the last seven World Cup goals scored in extra time.

heading in: Mats Hummels of Germany scores his team's first goal past Hugo Lloris of France

From Sportsmail's Joe Callaghan in Rio
'Joachim Low brought Hummels back in at the expense of Per Mertesacker. Didier Deschamps brought Raphael Varane in at the expense of Laurent Koscielny. Those switches look to have worked out better for the Germans now.'

GOAL! France 0-1 GERMANY

13min: We've seen some cracking goals at this World Cup, but even the bread and butter stuff has been magnificent.
Bastian Schweinsteiger lofts a free-kick towards the back post where Mats Hummels uses his strength to shrug off Raphael Varane, before nodding the ball into the top corner with a glancing header. Excellent set-piece goal.

head boy: Germany's defender Mats Hummels celebrates after scoring the opening goal

11min: I hope the alarm bells are ringing for Germany, because what Valbuena lacks in height he gains in attacking threat. The forward is picked out by Benzema inside the box, but his low central cross for Antonine Griezmann is cut out by the German defence.
Moments later Griezmann's low cross is again cut out with Benzema waiting in the box.

8min: That's about the first we have seen from France in an attacking sense - and it produces our first chance.
Mathieu Valbuena's bag of tricks sees him chip a ball back to Karim Benzema from the byline, with the France striker side-footing a 18-yard volley wide of Hugo Lloris's near post.
Good effort but the Spurs keeper had it covered.

Blast from the past: France's forward Karim Benzema (left) greets Germany's Mesut Ozil - the duo were former team-mates at Real Madrid

From Sportsmail's Joe Callaghan in Rio
'Germany took an absolute age to settle against Algeria last time out but have begun very steadily here. Already they look to have a better balance about them, but that's easy when France stand off this much.'

5min: France haven't going going here. Mamadou Sakho looks a little vulnerable at the back as Patrice Evra lazily trips Thomas Muller to concede a free-kick.

2min: 90 seconds - that's how long it takes for boos to go up in the crowd as Germany take the game to a defensive France side with a style of passing which isn't too probing or penetrating.
Bit harsh to boo at this stage but it's hardly the most barnstorming of openers.

Heat is on: The teams line up prior to the World Cup quarter-final in the Maracana

Sending out a message: Both teams poses with an ant-racism banner before the game

KICK-OFF: Germany get us going in the Rio sun

As usual we will have both anthems before the game (although I seem to recall France bizarrely failed to hear one of theirs earlier in the tournament) but we have just had both team captains read out anti-discrimination messages before the game - both well applauded by the crowd.

Best of enemies: Supporters of Germany and France pose prior to the quarter-final

Out come the teams in Rio...
There isn't a cloud in the sky as Hugo lloris and Philipp Lahm lead their respective countries out. It's one of the hottest days in Rio (30 degrees) at this World Cup - I hope that doesn't have an impact on the entertainment. This has the potential to be a classic.

Staying near the goal today, Manuel?
Manuel Neuer was more busy outside his box than in it against Algeria, as the Germany keeper played a very adventurous role as a sweeper keeper.
This may be the closest we see him to his own goal mouth today, but it's worth noting his opposite number Hugo Lloris also likes to go for walkies outside his penalty area.

Stretching it: Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer of Germany warms up before the game

From Sportsmail's Joe Callaghan in Rio
'While not quite at Fortaleza levels, the heat really has ratcheted up in Rio over the past couple of hours. Germany had all three group matches in the hotter north-east venues. It might stand to them here.'

Looking confident: A German fan poses before the quarter-final clash in the Maracana

Strike a pose: Supporters pose for cameras inside the Maracana

Backing the Germans: England supporters hold a placard as they cheer ahead of the quarter-final between Germany and France

Under the sun: France's footballers warm up before the quarter-final match

So...who fancies a Merkel mask?
It's the World Cup which keeps delivering on the pitch, but fans are also taking me by surprise on a daily basis...

We all want a team of Merkels: Germany fans wear masks bearing the image of German Chancellor Angela Merkel

Better than sun cream: Germany fans enjoy the atmosphere with faces painted showing the colours of the national flag

Fly the flag: A France fan waves her national flag as she cheers from inside the Maracana

ON THIS DAY: Germany won their first ever World Cup (1954)
Okay, okay, it was 'West' Germany which triumphed technically, but back in the 1950s their 3-2 victory over Hungary was a huge shock.
The Hungarians had the likes of the great Ferenc Puskas in their side and were huge favourites to lift the trophy in Switzerland - considering as they had already beaten West Germany 8-3 in the group stage...

Shock: West Germany's Helmut Rahn (centre) with arms raised, celebrates after equalising from a corner

28-09-12, 19:35	#1
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,544 Thanks: 27,621 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	Brazil 2014-GERMANY Wins World Cup+Closing Ceremony ........... FIFA -Brazil Unveil World Cup Kick-off Times September 27, 2012 By ESPN.com news services ZURICH -- FIFA has selected kick-off times for 2014 World Cup group games, with several matches scheduled in early afternoon in tropical climates. FIFA says the northeast coastal cities of Natal, Recife and Salvador each have two of their four group-stage matches starting at 1 p.m. local time. Manaus, in the western Amazon rainforest, hosts two matches at 3 p.m., plus the 9 p.m. match on the opening Saturday, June 14. FIFA said that the tournament's opening match will take place in Sao Paulo on June 12, with a local kick-off time of 5 p.m (4 p.m. ET). FIFA says it took into account rest periods for players, local temperatures, global broadcast schedules and fans' travel plans. FIFA's executive committee scheduled the 32-team finals tournament draw for Dec. 6, 2013, at the Costa do Sauipe in Bahia. The 2014 World Cup will be held June 12-July 13. Information from Press Association and The Associated Press was used in this report. More info & the FIFA Official Website can be found here; FIFA Official Website This should be very exciting....cant wait... __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

16-10-12, 17:01	#2
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,544 Thanks: 27,621 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: Brazil 2014-GERMANY Wins World Cup+Closing Ceremony The World Cup Qualifying Matches start today, Tuesday 16th October 2012 World Cup qualifying: Excitement rising for crucial Canada-Honduras soccer game Toronto Star SAN PEDRO SULA, HONDURAS—There’s no mistaking it’s game day here. Not only has a national holiday been extended through Tuesday, the media is non-stop in its coverage of this afternoon’s World Cup qualifying match at Estadio Olimpico between Canada and Honduras. With the match set to kick off at 2 p.m. local time (4 p.m. ET, Sportsnet), at least two morning TV news programs began broadcasting live from the stadium shortly after 7 a.m. On another channel, a man, dressed in a replica of the white jersey Honduras will wear in the match, was taking phone calls from viewers and discussing the game. Hondurans must win to advance to the final round of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. The Canadians only need to earn a draw to reach that stage for the first time since the playdowns for spots in the 1998 World Cup in France. On the front page of the tabloid newspaper Golazo, four of the Honduran players posed with a team flag. At the bottom of the page, it said that 38,000 fans in the stadium and the entire country’s population of eight million will be united in their cry of: “Honduras, Honduras, Honduras.” Another tabloid newspaper, La Prensa, featured a front page picture of the Hondurans training Monday and devoted an entire 12-page special section to the match. On its cover, a cartoon depicts a petrified Canadian player being tossed into a pot labelled “Olimpico” which is on a burning fire. Loosely translated, the headline said, “You’re toast.” At the stadium, upwards of 400 police officers are expected inside the stadium with another 50 stationed outside. Four members of the Canadian media, including the Star, have been told to arrive four hours before the match to secure seats in the press box, which is actually not a box at all but rather a row of chairs and a table located amidst the fans. There have been assurances that visiting reporters will have security during the match and be escorted down to the Canadian locker room for player interviews after the match. Canadian officials were told at the pre-match meeting Monday that none of the fans will be allowed to bring guns into the stadium. San Pedro Sula is deemed the most dangerous city in the world, with more than 1,100 murders last year. END GO Canada __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

29-03-13, 01:17	#14
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,544 Thanks: 27,621 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: Brazil 2014-GERMANY Wins World Cup+Closing Ceremony FIFA World Cup 2014 Qualifiers: Round-Up Thursday,28 March 2013 Tuesday night saw a host of FIFA World Cup qualifiers played throughout Europe. Thanks to the results, we now have a better view of who we can expect to see in Brazil next year. Here is a round up of the results. GROUP A Serbia 2-0 Scotland Belgium 1-0 Macedonia Wales 1-2 Croatia Former Arsenal man Eduardo Da Silva scored a late winner as Croatia came from behind to beat Wales in an entertaining game at the Liberty Stadium. Gareth Bale had earlier given the hosts the lead on 21 minutes from the penalty spot. It was Bale’s fifth goal in his last six internationals. The goal spurred the home team on and they finished the half the better side with Bale being denied by Croatian keeper Stipe Pletikosa a few times. The visitors stepped up their game in the second period and their efforts were rewarded when Dejan Lovren’s header pulled them level with 13 minutes to go. Having gotten back into the game, the Croats went for the kill and Eduardo’s low shot guaranteed all three points for Croatia. The late show in Swansea meant Belgium had to win their game to keep pace at the top. Win they did and Eden Hazard was once again on the score-sheet as his goal gave Belgium a narrow 1-0 win over Macedonia. The win keeps them top ahead of Croatia only on goal difference with both teams on 16 points. Scotland became the first European nation to be eliminated from World Cup qualification after their 2-0 loss in Serbia. The defeat was Scotland’s fourth in a row in competitive matches and means that they have no chance of overhauling either Belgium or Croatia at the top of the group. Filip Djuricic scored both of the home side’s goals within a span of five minutes in the second half. GROUP B Malta 0-2 Italy Denmark 1-1 Bulgaria Armenia 0-3 Czech Republic Mario Balotelli continued his hot streak and was the star man for Italy scoring both goals in a less than convincing 2-0 win away at tiny island nation Malta. Balotelli scored an 8th minute penalty to hand the visitors an early advantage. Gianluigi Buffon then gave away a penalty after Claudio Marchisio’s horror back pass sold him short. But, he redeemed himself by saving the penalty and Malta were denied a way back into the game. On the stroke of half-time Balotelli’s cool finish put the Italians in total control and the ‘Azzuri’ were on cruise control for the rest of the game. The Czechs rebounded from their loss to Denmark with a victory by an identical score line. An excellent counter-attacking display away at Armenia saw the Czechs move above Denmark in the group and lie third two points behind Bulgaria. Denmark were held by Bulgaria to a 1-1 draw. Danish skipper Daniel Agger scored from the spot to equalize after Sergiy Manolev had given the Bulgarians the lead on 51 minutes. The result means that both sides are still in the hunt for the second spot, which would give them a playoff berth. The result was favourable for the Italians as it pretty much assures them of automatic qualification holding a 3 point lead over Bulgaria with a game in hand. GROUP C Germany 4-1 Kazakhstan Republic of Ireland 2-2 Austria Joachim Loew’s German team put in a virtuoso first half performance as they dismantled minnows Kazakhstan in the return fixture at home after a 3-0 win away on Friday. Marko Reus opened the scoring in the 23rd minute and 10 minutes later Germany were up 3-0 with Mario Gotze and Ilkay Gundogan adding to the tally. The Kazakhs pulled one back just after half-time but it was no more than a consolation as Reus rounded things off in style with his second on 90 minutes. David Alaba’s superb strike deep into injury time with virtually the last kick of the game denied Giovanni Trapattoni’s boys in green a home victory. Ireland had to settle for a share of the spoils and will once again rue a missed opportunity that jeopardizes their hopes of qualification. Ireland were very impressive and got back into the game brilliantly after Martin Harnik put the Austrians ahead on 11 minutes. West Brom striker Shane Long in particular had a stellar outing as the Irish fought back to turn the game in their favour with two goals from Jonathan Walters, the first of which was a penalty on 25 minutes. They went into the break ahead 2-1 and the Austrians came out battling in the second period as they laid siege to the Irish goal. They were rewarded ultimately when Alaba was given space just outside the box as he unleashed a left footed drive that looked to have taken a slight deflection on its way to goal. GROUP D Netherlands 4-0 Romania Turkey 1-1 Hungary Estonia 2-0 Andorra Robin van Persie scored a brace as the Dutch continued their impressive form registering their sixth successive win of the campaign to maintain their perfect record. The victory also means that the Netherlands have won their last 16 qualifying games, both Euros and World Cup put together. Van Persie passed Dutch legend Johann Cruyff in the goal scoring charts with his double strike at the Amsterdam Arena. He now has 17 qualifier goals (again, both Euros and World Cup) and is level with Denis Bergkamp. Rafael Van der Vaart also scored for the second game running with Jermaine Lens adding one in the 90th minute. Turkey and Hungary played out a 1-1 draw in Istanbul. Burak Yilmaz has been a goal machine this season and he gave the Turks the lead yet again. Hungary though found the equalizer on 73 minutes to earn a point. The Hungarians will see it as a point gained as it moves them ahead of Romania to second place in the group. GROUP E (no Group E games scheduled for midweek) GROUP F Azerbaijan 0-2 Portugal Northern Ireland 0-2 Israel Portugal got back to winning ways with a comfortable win over Azerbaijan. Bruno Alves once again was on the score-sheet for the Portuguese for whom the win was a much-needed one after they only managed a 3-3 draw on Friday against Israel. Israel also won by the same margin beating Northern Ireland at Belfast with goals from Lior Rafaelov and Eden Ben Basat. GROUP G (no games played in GROUP G) GROUP E Montenegro 1-1 England Poland 5-0 San Marino Ukraine 2-1 Moldova In a game of two halves, England surrendered the early initiative to return home from Podgorica with a 1-1 draw. England were superb in the first half and dismal in the second. Slick passing with excellent ball movement saw the English assert their dominance in the first period and Wayne Rooney on his return to Montenegro got the opening goal. But, in the second half, England wilted under the constant pressure of the home side and in the end were lucky to emerge with a point as they withstood a battering from the Montenegrins in the second half. Dejan Damjanovic scored the equalizer for the hosts. The draw means England stay two points behind Montenegro and if they finish second would have to go through the playoffs to secure a place in Brazil next year. Poland hammered whipping boys San Marino for five as Robert Lewandowski bagged a brace and his Borussia Dortmund colleague Tomasz Piszczek also scored. Ukraine beat Moldova 2-1 to keep up with the leading pack. They are level on points with Poland, 4 points behind England, but both sides have played a game less and can cut the gap to one. GROUP I France 0-1 Spain World and European champions Spain got back to the top of Group I with a 1-0 victory at the Stade de France courtesy of a Pedro Rodrigues goal. In a game with chances for both sides, France had their opportunities , but they lacked the cutting edge up front as Karim Benzema continued his barren run in front of goal which is now in excess of 1000 minutes of football after yesterday’s game. In the only game on the night in Group I, Pedro’s strike helped lift the Spaniards over France in the standings. The first half saw both teams go close with Andres Iniesta and Franck Ribery missing gilt-edged chances. The two keepers, Hugo Lloris for France and Victor Valdes for Spain, were also in top form as they kept their sides in the game. Pedro then broke the deadlock in the second half after latching on to a lovely cut back from Nacho Monreal who was deputising for the injured Jordi Alba at left-back. France’s attempts to get back in the game got that much harder when they were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of midfielder Paul Pogba. The young French midfielder earned two quick yellows in less than 60 seconds for a couple of dangerous tackles that brought his participation to an early end. This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeFootball Writing Academy __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

01-07-13, 00:18	#15
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,544 Thanks: 27,621 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: Brazil 2014-GERMANY Wins World Cup+Closing Ceremony Brazil are the Champions of the Confederations Cup 2013 (Warm Up to The World Cup), played in Brazil today: FINAL-FULL TIME: Brazil 3 Spain 0 For Full Report on That, Click Here: Confederations Cup 2013 . __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

10-07-13, 22:54	#17
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,544 Thanks: 27,621 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: Brazil 2014-GERMANY Wins World Cup+Closing Ceremony FIFA World Rankings 2013: Complete Breakdown Following Confederations Cup Michael Regan/Getty Images The Confederations Cup Movers: Going Up Michael Regan/Getty Images The host nation of this year's Confederations Cup and next year's FIFA World Cup, Brazil, made the biggest splash in the latest rankings. Brazil won all five of their matches in the tournament, giving them a big boost in the new list. Prior to their Confederations Cup victory, Brazil had slumped outside of the top 10, but their success this summer meant they surged 13 places back up the rankings, into ninth position. Spain, the beaten finalists in the tournament, were already the No. 1 ranked side in the world and remain so after four Confederations Cup victories prior to their defeat to Brazil. Italy moved up two spots into sixth, thanks to their third-place finish at the Confederations Cup, which came about after a penalty shoot-out win over Uruguay in a third-place match between the losing semifinalists. Uruguay themselves moved up seven places, into 12th. The 2011 Copa America winners need to take this improved form into the remainder of their qualifiers if they want to be back in Brazil in a year's time for the World Cup. The Confederations Cup Movers: Going Down Clive Mason/Getty Images It wasn't all good news as far as rankings are concerned for the Confederations Cup participants. Nigeria lost four spots in the latest rankings after a fairly abject performance this summer. They beat Tahiti, but lost to Uruguay and Spain, exiting at the group stage. That meant they fell to 35th overall, which places them fifth amongst African nations. Japan likewise took a tumble after failing to win any of their three group games in the tournament, losing the opening game to Brazil and then taking spirited but narrow defeats to Italy and Mexico. Japan fell five places to 37th, in a tie with Albania. They remain the highest-ranked side from Asia. Mexico were the third Confederations side to drop in the rankings, dropping just three places to 20th. They won one of their group stage games but it wasn't enough to progress to the semifinals. Finally, Tahiti made huge strides for their country just by qualifying for the tournament, but they were soundly beaten in every game. 6-1, 10-0 and 8-0 were their three results. They dropped a massive 16 places, down to 154th in the world, but this will be the least of their concerns having put on a great spectacle for the watching public and having scored their first ever major competition finals goal. Movers in the Top 10 Bryn Lennon/Getty Images Brazil and Italy weren't the only teams to rise in the top 10. Colombia's two big results in World Cup qualifying—a draw in Argentina and a home win over Peru—lifted them four places, up to the third-best ranked side in the world, and the highest-ranked South American nation. They are now in second place in the CONMEBOL qualifiers and look like a sure bet to be playing at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. With Italy also moving up inside the top six, three teams suffered downward movements as a result: Argentina dropped from third to fourth, Portugal dropped one place to seventh, and Croatia fell four places to eighth. There was also a new entrant into the top 10. Belgium continue to show they have spawned a new golden age of talent with a real chance of having an impact at next year's World Cup. They rose two places into 10th. Biggest Climbers and Fallers Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images Other than Brazil, there were several nations who managed to earn enough positive results to climb significantly up the rankings. Fellow South American nation Peru rose 11 places into 19th, while Ukraine did the same, rising to 28th in the world. Three African nations, Cape Verde Islands (up to 49th), Guinea (61st) and Senegal (74th), rose more than 20 places in the rankings, while European trio Scotland (50th), Austria (54th) and Armenia (66th) did the same. At the other end of the scale there were dramatic drops for Bolivia (down 15 to 68th), Jamaica (down 28 to 77th) and Central African Republic (down 30 to 89th) after all three suffered damaging defeats. Way down at he bottom of the rankings, Cambodia dropped nine places to 198th. The Cook Islands, South Sudan and Somalia all rose slightly in their bid to move away from their titles of being amongst the worst footballing nations. Bhutan, San Marino and Turks-Caicos Islands remain ranked dead-last, in joint-207th with no ranking points. Latest World FIFA Rankings: Top 25 in Full Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Despite Spain's final defeat to Brazil, they remain the top-ranked nation by some distance. Plenty more nations will get the chance to challenge their dominance next year in Brazil for the World Cup finals, and the FIFA rankings at the time of the group draws will determine who the seeds are for the group stages, so competition to move up the rankings ladder is both intense and tangible at this time. Here are the latest top-25 nations covering all qualification zones, as per the July edition of the FIFA World Rankings Rank Nation FIFA Zone 1 Spain UEFA 2 Germany UEFA 3 Colombia CONMEBOL 4 Argentina CONMEBOL 5 Netherlands UEFA 6 Italy UEFA 7 Portugal UEFA 8 Croatia UEFA 9 Brazil CONMEBOL 10 Belgium UEFA 11 Greece UEFA 12 Uruguay CONMEBOL 13 Ivory Coast AFC 14 Bosnia-Herzegovina UEFA 15 England UEFA 16 Switzerland UEFA 17 Russia UEFA 18 Ecuador CONMEBOL 19 Peru CONMEBOL 20 Mexico CONCACAF 21 Chile CONMEBOL 22 USA CONCACAF 23 France UEFA 24 Ghana AFC 25 Norway UEFA __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

15-10-13, 22:47	#19
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,544 Thanks: 27,621 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: Brazil 2014-GERMANY Wins World Cup+Closing Ceremony All the Final World Cup Group Stage Qualifying Action from around Europe as Spain and Russia Close in on Brazil 2014 2014 World Cup Qualifying 31 nations will be vying to join hosts Brazil in the 2014 World Cup final stages. Qualifiers will be broken down and played amongst the member countries of the 6 confederations. In Europe, UEFA World Cup qualifying will offer 13 places. Group phase European World Cup qualifiers are scheduled to kick off on 7th September 2012 and will run until October 2013. The knockout phase will be played in November 2013. Africa will provide 5 qualifiers from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The second round group phase in Africa gets underway in June 2012 and will be completed in early September 2013. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has been allocated 4 places with a further opportunity to qualify through a play-off. The first and second round qualifying draw was made in Kuala Lumpur on 30th March 2011. Third round qualifying begins in Asia on 2nd September and will be completed at the end of February. *All the qualifying fixtures in Asia can be found here* In South America, CONMEBOL will add 4 teams to hosts Brazil to make a representation of 5. One extra place is available through a play-off meaning South America could provide a total of 6 places. South American qualifiers begin on 7th October 2011 and run until 15th October 2013. North and Central America and the Caribbean will have 3 available spots plus a further one available through a play-off. The first round qualifying draw was made on 26th April 2011. The second round in the CONCACAF region will run from early September 2011 through to mid November. Qualifying fixtures can be found here The top team in Oceania must play a play-off to determine if the Oceania Football Confederation will be represented in the tournament. The first round will take place between 21st and 26th November. The second round is scheduled for 1st to 12th June 2012 as part of the 2012 OFC Nations Cup. The qualifying draw took place in Rio de Janeiro on the 30th July 2011. All qualifying dates and fixture timetables will appear here as soon as the draw is made. Group A Fixture Schedule Date/Venue Result 12th June Brazil v A2 Sao Paolo 13th June A3 v A4 Natal 17th June Brazil v A3 Fortaleza 18th June A2 v A4 Manaus 23rd June Brazil v A4 Brasilia 23rd June A2 v A3 Recife Group B Fixture Schedule Date/Venue Result 13th June B1 v B2 Salvador 13th June B3 v B4 Cuiaba 18th June B1 v B3 Rio de Janeiro 18th June B2 v B4 Porto Alegre 23rd June B1 v B4 Curitiba 23rd June B2 v B3 Sao Paolo Group C Fixture Schedule Date/Venue Result 14th June C1 v C2 Belo Horizonte 14th June C3 v C4 Recife 19th June C1 v C3 Brasilia 19th June C2 v C4 Natal 24th June C1 v C4 Cuiaba 24th June C2 v C3 Fortaleza Group D Fixture Schedule Date/Venue Result 14th June D1 v D2 Fortaleza 14th June D3 v D4 Manaus 19th June D1 v D3 Sao Paolo 20th June D2 v D4 Recife 24th June D1 v D4 Natal 24th June D2 v D3 Belo Horizonte Group E Fixture Schedule Date/Venue Result 15th June E1 v E2 Brasilia 15th June E3 v E4 Porto Alegre 20th June E1 v E3 Salvador 20th June E2 v E4 Curitiba 25th June E1 v E4 Manaus 25th June E2 v E3 Rio de Janeiro Group F Fixture Schedule Date/Venue Result 15th June F1 v F2 Rio de Janeiro 16th June F3 v F4 Curitiba 21st June F1 v F3 Belo Horizonte 21st June F2 v F4 Cuiaba 25th June F1 v F4 Porto Alegre 25th June F2 v F3 Salvador Group G Fixture Schedule Date/Venue Result 16th June G1 v G2 Salvador 16th June G3 v G4 Natal 21st June G1 v G3 Fortaleza 22nd June G2 v G4 Manaus 26th June G1 v G4 Recife 26th June G2 v G3 Brasilia Group H Fixture Schedule Date/Venue Result 17th June H1 v H2 Belo Horizonte 17th June H3 v H4 Cuiaba 22nd June H1 v H3 Rio de Janeiro 22nd June H2 v H4 Porto Alegre 26th June H1 v H4 Sao Paolo 26th June H2 v H3 Curitiba The World Cup draw will take place in Bahia on 6th December 2013. Fixtures; 2014 World Cup Brazil - Final Stages Timetable/Fixture Schedule : Date/Venue 12th June Brazil v A2 Sao Paolo 13th June A3 v A4 Natal 13th June B1 v B2 Salvador 13th June B3 v B4 Cuiaba 14th June C1 v C2 Belo Horizonte 14th June C3 v C4 Recife 14th June D1 v D2 Fortaleza 14th June D3 v D4 Manaus 15th June E1 v E2 Brasilia 15th June E3 v E4 Porto Alegre 15th June F1 v F2 Rio de Janeiro 16th June F3 v F4 Curitiba 16th June G1 v G2 Salvador 16th June G3 v G4 Natal 17th June Brazil v A3 Fortaleza 17th June H1 v H2 Belo Horizonte 17th June H3 v H4 Cuiaba 18th June A2 v A4 Manaus 18th June B1 v B3 Rio de Janeiro 18th June B2 v B4 Porto Alegre 19th June C1 v C3 Brasilia 19th June C2 v C4 Natal 19th June D1 v D3 Sao Paolo 20th June D2 v D4 Recife 20th June E1 v E3 Salvador 20th June E2 v E4 Curitiba 21st June F1 v F3 Belo Horizonte 21st June F2 v F4 Cuiaba 21st June G1 v G3 Fortaleza 22nd June G2 v G4 Manaus 22nd June H1 v H3 Rio de Janeiro 22nd June H2 v H4 Porto Alegre 23rd June Brazil v A4 Brasilia 23rd June A2 v A3 Recife 23rd June B1 v B4 Curitiba 23rd June B2 v B3 Sao Paolo 24th June C1 v C4 Cuiaba 24th June C2 v C3 Fortaleza 24th June D1 v D4 Natal 24th June D2 v D3 Belo Horizonte 25th June E1 v E4 Manaus 25th June E2 v E3 Rio de Janeiro 25th June F1 v F4 Porto Alegre 25th June F2 v F3 Salvador 26th June G1 v G4 Recife 26th June G2 v G3 Brasilia 26th June H1 v H4 Sao Paolo 26th June H2 v H3 Curitiba Knockout Phase - Round 2 28th June Winner Group A v Runner up Group B Belo Horizonte Match 1 28th June Winner Group C v Runner up Group D Rio de Janeiro Match 2 29th June Winner Group B v Runner up Group A Fortaleza Match 3 29th June Winner Group D v Runner up Group C Recife Match 4 30th June Winner Group E v Runner up Group F Brasilia Match 5 30th June Winner Group G v Runner up Group H Porto Alegre Match 6 1st July Winner Group F v Runner up Group E Sao Paolo Match 7 1st July Winner Group H v Runner up Group G Salvador Match 8 Quarter Finals 4th July Winner Match 1 v Winner Match 2 Porto Alegre Match 9 4th July Winner Match 5 v Winner Match 6 Rio de Janeiro Match 10 5th July Winner Match 3 v Winner Match 4 Salvador Match 11 5th July Winner Match 7 v Winner Match 8 Brasilia Match 12 Semi Finals 8th July Winner Match 9 v Winner Match 10 Belo Horizonte 9th July Winner Match 11 v Winner Match 12 Sao Paolo Third Place Match 12th July Brasilia Final 13th July Rio de Janeiro Qualifiers 2014 -15/10/2013 - Some Full Match Replays __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

23-12-13, 18:58	#20
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,544 Thanks: 27,621 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: Brazil 2014-GERMANY Wins World Cup+Closing Ceremony Adidas Brazuca: Official Ball of the FIFA 2014 World Cup Unveiled By BReport Adidas Here it is. The Adidas "Brazuca," official ball of the FIFA 2014 World Cup. __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

23-12-13, 19:10	#21
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,544 Thanks: 27,621 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: Brazil 2014-GERMANY Wins World Cup+Closing Ceremony Brazilian beauty forced to cover up for Ballon d'Or awards after complaints from Iran over revealing World Cup draw dress By Daily Mail UK, 22 December 2013 Football fans across the world have suffered a blow after Brazilian model Fernanda Lima says she will cover up for the FIFA Ballon d'Or gala in January. The stunning 36-year-old garnered worldwide fame after hosting the draw for the 2014 World Cup Finals in Costo do Sauipe. But she has been forced to change her dress style for the awards ceremony in Zurich on January 13 following thousands of complaints from Iranians after TV directors in the Islamic Republic cut the draw broadcast because her appearance was too sexy. Scroll down to see stunning Fernanda posing for a magazine photoshoot in Brazil Stealing the show: Brazilian actress Fernanda Lima caused quite a stir after hosting the World Cup draw Ms Lima said: 'I am sorry for what happened. It was never my intention to offend any country, culture or people, or cause controversy. 'I have learned from this experience and will therefore be very careful in choosing my dress for the Ballon d'Or Gala so all can watch.' Lionel Messi, Franck Ribery and Cristiano Ronaldo are the three candidates for the prestigous award. World Cup Draw presenter in racy magazine photoshoot Stunning: Ms Lima certainly brought a bit of glamour to the event alongside FIFA President Sepp Blatter Glamorous assistant: Ms Lima helps FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke (right) conduct the draw Distraction: Ms Lima's dress forced Iranian television directors to cut the World Cup draw broadcast __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

23-12-13, 19:13	#22
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,544 Thanks: 27,621 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: Brazil 2014-GERMANY Wins World Cup+Closing Ceremony *Click here for the ultimate interactive guide to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil* Use your mouse to hover over each group, team, day or stadium in our brilliant interactive guide to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Every team, every group, every fixture is covered. *Enjoy* __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

23-12-13, 19:19	#23
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,544 Thanks: 27,621 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: Brazil 2014-GERMANY Wins World Cup+Closing Ceremony *Click Here to Download the brilliant wallchart and fill in every result from next summer* *Sportsmail has produced your essential 2014 World Cup wallchart where you can plot the path of every team next summer.* __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

20-02-14, 22:51	#27
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,544 Thanks: 27,621 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: Brazil 2014-GERMANY Wins World Cup+Closing Ceremony World Cup 2014 20 February 2014 World Cup 2014: Curitiba stadium earns Fifa reprieve Brazilian city Curitiba will remain a venue for this year's World Cup but world governing body Fifa said progress must continue at the "highest pace". The Arena da Baixada in the south of the country was one of six venues to miss an initial 31 December deadline Organisers brought in hundreds of extra workers to meet building requirements and avoid being the first ground to be dropped from a World Cup. The 40,000 stadium will stage four group matches at the tournament. World Cup matches in Curitiba 16 June: Iran v Nigeria, Group F 20 June: Honduras v Ecuador, Group E 23 June: Australia v Spain, Group B 26 June: Algeria v Russia, Group H Last month Fifa warned that Curitiba could be excluded unless work speeded up, with secretary-general Jerome Valcke commenting that operations were seriously behind schedule. However, after financial guarantees for the improvement works were provided, the home of Brazilian top-flight club Atletico Paranaense was cleared to continue. Valcke said: "It is essential that the works are maintained at the required levels and that a collective effort by all the stakeholders involved in Curitiba continues. "It is a race against a very tight timeline and will require regular monitoring, but we are counting on the commitment made by Atletico Paranaense, the city and the state of Curitiba." At least 1,500 workers are now expected on site, and is it hoped the stadium will be completed by mid-May. Ricardo Trade, chief executive of the local organising committee, said: "There is still a lot to be done but we have always been confident that Curitiba will deliver. "The necessary measures to finish the stadium in time for proper testing are implemented, but close monitoring is key because we have no time to lose. "Soon it will be time to look forward and plan for the test events and finish operational details for the competition." __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

20-02-14, 23:14	#28
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,544 Thanks: 27,621 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: Brazil 2014-GERMANY Wins World Cup+Closing Ceremony 2014 Fifa World Cup: Draw and Group-by-Group Fixtures The opening game of the 2014 Fifa World Cup will see hosts Brazil play Croatia on 12 June, 2014. Group A Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon Group B Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia Group C Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan Group D Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy Group E Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras Group F Argentina, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Iran, Nigeria Group G Germany, Portugal, Ghana, United States Group H Belgium, Algeria, Russia, South Korea Fixtures (All kick-off times are British Summer Time) Group A 12 June 2014 Brazil v Croatia, Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 21:00 (ITV) 13 June 2014 Mexico v Cameroon, Arena das Dunas, Natal, 17:00 (ITV) 17 June 2014 Brazil v Mexico, Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, 20:00 (BBC) 18 June 2014 Cameroon v Croatia, Arena Amazonia, Manaus, 23:00 (ITV) 23 June 2014 Cameroon v Brazil, Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, 21:00 (ITV) 23 June 2014 Croatia v Mexico, Arena Pernambuco, Recife, 21:00 (ITV) Group B 13 June 2014 Spain v Netherlands, Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 20:00 (BBC) 13 June 2014 Chile v Australia, Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba, 23:00 (ITV) 18 June 2014 Spain v Chile, Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 20:00 (BBC) 18 June 2014 Australia v Netherlands, Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, 17:00 (ITV) 23 June 2014 Australia v Spain, Arena da Baixada, Curitiba, 17:00 (ITV) 23 June 2014 Netherlands v Chile, Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 17:00 (ITV) Group C 14 June 2014 Colombia v Greece, Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, 17:00 (BBC) 15 June 2014 Ivory Coast v Japan, Arena Pernambuco, Recife, 02:00 (ITV) 19 June 2014 Colombia v Ivory Coast, Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, 17:00 (BBC) 19 June 2014 Japan v Greece, Arena das Dunas, Natal, 23:00 (BBC) 24 June 2014 Japan v Colombia, Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba, 21:00 (BBC) 24 June 2014 Greece v Ivory Coast, Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, 21:00 (BBC) Group D 14 June 2014 Uruguay v Costa Rica, Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, 20:00 (ITV) 14 June 2014 England v Italy, Arena Amazonia, Manaus, 23:00 (BBC) 19 June 2014 Uruguay v England , Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 20:00 (ITV) 20 June 2014 Italy v Costa Rica, Arena Pernambuco, Recife, 17:00 (BBC) 24 June 2014 Italy v Uruguay, Arena das Dunas, Natal, 17:00 (ITV) 24 June 2014 Costa Rica v England, Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, 17:00 (ITV) Group E 15 June 2014 Switzerland v Ecuador, Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, 17:00 (ITV) 15 June 2014 France v Honduras, Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, 20:00 (BBC) 20 June 2014 Switzerland v France, Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 20:00 (ITV) 20 June 2014 Honduras v Ecuador, Arena da Baixada, Curitiba, 23:00 (ITV) 25 June 2014 Honduras v Switzerland, Arena Amazonia, Manaus, 21:00 (BBC) 25 June 2014 Ecuador v France, Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 21:00 (BBC) Group F 15 June 2014 Argentina v Bosnia-Hercegovina, Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 23:00 (BBC) 16 June 2014 Iran v Nigeria, Arena da Baixada, Curitiba, 20:00 (BBC) 21 June 2014 Argentina v Iran, Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, 17:00 (ITV) 21 June 2014 Nigeria v Bosnia-Hercegovina, Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba, 23:00 (BBC) 25 June 2014 Nigeria v Argentina, Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, 17:00 (ITV) 25 June 2014 Bosnia-Hercegovina v Iran, Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 17:00 (ITV) Group G 16 June 2014 Germany v Portugal, Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 17:00 (ITV) 16 June 2014 Ghana v United States, Arena das Dunas, Natal, 23:00 (BBC) 21 June 2014 Germany v Ghana, Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, 20:00 (BBC) 22 June 2014 United States v Portugal, Arena Amazonia, Manaus, 23:00 (BBC) 26 June 2014 United States v Germany, Arena Pernambuco, Recife, 17:00 (BBC) 26 June 2014 Portugal v Ghana, Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, 17:00 (BBC) Group H 17 June 2014 Belgium v Algeria, Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, 17:00 (ITV) 17 June 2014 Russia v South Korea, Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba, 23:00 (BBC) 22 June 2014 Belgium v Russia, Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 17:00 (BBC) 22 June 2014 South Korea v Algeria, Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, 20:00 (ITV) 26 June 2014 South Korea v Belgium, Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 21:00 (ITV) 26 June 2014 Algeria v Russia, Arena da Baixada, Curitiba, 21:00 (ITV) Second Round 28 June 2014 Second-round 1: Winner Group A v Runner-up Group B, Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, 17:00 28 June 2014 Second-round 2: Winner Group C v Runner-up Group D, Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 21:00 29 June 2014 Second-round 3: Winner Group B v Runner-up Group A, Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, 17:00 29 June 2014 Second-round 4: Winner Group D v Runner-up Group C, Arena Pernambuco, Recife, 21:00 30 June 2014 Second-round 5: Winner Group E v Runner-up Group F, Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, 17:00 30 June 2014 Second-round 6: Winner Group G v Runner-up Group H, Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, 21:00 1 July 2014 Second-round 7: Winner Group F v Runner-up Group E, Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 17:00 1 July 2014 Second-round 8: Winner Group H v Runner-up Group G, Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 21:00 Quarter-Finals 4 July 2014 Quarter-Final 1: Winner Second-round 1 v Winner Second-round 2, Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, 21:00 4 July 2014 Quarter-Final 2: Winner Second-round 5 v Winner Second-round 6, Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 17:00 5 July 2014 Quarter-Final 3: Winner Second-round 3 v Winner Second-round 4, Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 21:00 5 July 2014 Quarter-Final 4: Winner Second-round 7 v Winner Second-round 8, Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, 17:00 Semi-Finals 8 July 2014 Semi-Final 1: Winner Quarter-final 1 v Winner Quarter-final 2, Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, 21:00 9 July 2014 Semi-Final 2: Winner Quarter-final 3 v Winner Quarter-final 4, Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 21:00 Third-Place Match 12 July 2014 Loser semi-final 1 v Loser semi-final 2, Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, 21:00 World Cup Final 13 July 2014 Winner semi-final 1 v Winner semi-final 2, Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 20:00 __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

28-02-14, 00:24	#29
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,544 Thanks: 27,621 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: Brazil 2014-GERMANY Wins World Cup+Closing Ceremony Santos Fan Beaten to Death Ahead of 2014 World Cup Santos fan Marcio Barreto de Toledo was killed after his side's Brazilian league encounter with Sao Paulo, the club has confirmed. Globo television announced the 34-year-old's name after he was set upon at a local bus stop. It is said 15 presumed Sao Paulo fans surrounded the Santos supporter and inflicted damage using metal bars, as reported by Sky News. Although two other fans managed to escape, de Toledo's injuries proved fatal. He leaves behind a marriage and five-month-old baby. "I think they only stopped hitting him when they got tired of doing so, not because somebody showed up," Globo television quoted Samanta Ferreira dos Santos, the deceased's wife, as saying, per The Sydney Morning Herald. Ferdinand Ostrop/Associated Press Santos fan Marcio Barreto de Toledo was killed after his side's Brazilian league encounter with Sao Paulo, the club has confirmed. Globo television announced the 34-year-old's name after he was set upon at a local bus stop. It is said 15 presumed Sao Paulo fans surrounded the Santos supporter and inflicted damage using metal bars, as reported by Sky Although two other fans managed to escape, de Toledo's injuries proved fatal. He leaves behind a marriage and five-month-old baby. "I think they only stopped hitting him when they got tired of doing so, not because somebody showed up," Globo television quoted Samanta Ferreira dos Santos, the deceased's wife, as saying Buda Mendes/Getty Images FIFA president Sepp Blatter. The incident casts further doubt over this year's World Cup, the preparation for which has been riddled with consistently negative headlines. Sao Paulo is set to host the opening match of this summer's festivities, an encounter that pits Brazil against Croatia, but the tournament approaches with a darkening cloud continuing to linger. Santos responded to the reported murder with a full statement. The Sydney Morning Herald paraphrased this release, which states the club does not condone "acts of violence which, sadly, result in victims, one of them fatal" in the latest case. De Toledo's death follows a string of violent happenings around the nation's football grounds in recent times. Andre Penner/Associated Press As reported by Jonathan Watts of The Guardian, a group of 100 Corinthians fans broke into a World Cup training centre to attack their own players and staff at the beginning of February. Striker Paolo Guerrero was "throttled," while the fans also threatened to break former AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato's legs, according to Sky News' report. In December 2013, fans of Vasco da Gama and Atletico Paranaense rioted in the stands, per the Metro. Vasco director Antonio Peralta suggested major injuries and even a possible death had occurred, saying, "We have one fan in a coma, and a supporter of the other side is dead. Or so I've heard." Prior to this, former Brazilian footballer Joao Rodrigo Silva Santos was beheaded by suspected drug traffickers in Rio de Janeiro, who later left the victim's head on his wife's doorstep Andre Penner/Associated Press Last week, FIFA unveiled a plan that would see 170,000 security personnel utilised at the World Cup. This includes 20,000 "private professionals," as noted in Sky News' article. President Dilma Rousseff also confirmed the army will be brought in if needed, noted by The Sydney Morning Herald. With stadium problems and local protests also continuing to wreck Brazil's preparation for the World Cup, it's clear the nation needs to ensure huge progress is made across the board before the major tournament kicks off. De Toledo's death mustn't be treated lightly. If it is passed over without punishment, little deterrent is provided to the perpetrators just a handful of months before the world converges on Brazil for the World Cup. __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

21-03-14, 21:10	#30
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,544 Thanks: 27,621 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	PhOtOs-New Kits For World Cup Leaked? ....... Is this England's New Kit for the World Cup?... First Rumoured Pictures of England's all White and Red Kits 'Leaked' online Daily Mirror, 21 March 2014 Uruguayan website Todos Sobre Camisetas claim to have revealed the strips, which show the Three Lions have ditched their traditional blue shorts Kitted out: The new strips are said to be plain colours New pictures have been leaked claiming to show England's plain new strips for the Brazil 2014 World Cup. The pictures suggest Roy Hodgson's side have ditched their traditional blue shorts for white ones to comply with FIFA regulations, as MirrorFootball revealed last month. Bosses demand each participating nation now uses "one predominantly dark and one predominately light [strip]." Uruguayan website Todos Sobre Camisetas published new images of the kit they claim Steven Gerrard and co will wear this summer. The home kit is plain white with a blue Nike tick and the red strip has a white tick, both have the traditional Three Lions badge with a star above it, representing the 1966 World Cup win. Getting shorty: FIFA have told England to ditch their traditional blue shorts But while FIFA allies and official World Cup suppliers Adidas have ditched Spain's classic blue shorts and Argentina's traditional black to conform to the rule change, rivals Nike were expected to take a different tack. Three Lions kit suppliers Nike also supply matchwear for hosts Brazil, and were willing to bend FIFA Rule 2, Section 35 by softening the blue shorts so that the Canarinha could retain their iconic ensemble. PHOTOS of KITs of Other Countries Participating in FIFA World Cup 2014 Greece World Cup Home Kit Greece World Cup Away Kit Belgium home Belgium away Ivory Coast-Away-kit Ivory Coast-Home-kit Cameron home kit Cameroon World Cup Kit Ghana-Home-Kit Ghana-Away-Kit Algeria Home Kit Algeria Away Kit Uruguay Home World Cup Kit Uruguay Away World Cup Kit Honduras Home Honduras Away Nigeria Home South Korea Home South Korea Away Iran Home Iran Away Croatia Home World Cup kit Croatia Away World Cup kit Japan Home Japan Away Spain Home Spain Away Argentina Home Argentina Away Australia Colombia Home Colombia Away France Brazil Home Brazil World Cup Kits (Hosting Country) Brazil Away World Cup kit Russia Germany Home Germany Away Mexico Italy Italy Home Italy Away Switzerland Home Switzerland Away World Cup Kit USA Holland Chile Home Chile Away *Any Exceptions/Errors posted above of photos for Home/or Away Kits, for any country, are the fault of the providing site. NOT DreamteamDownloads!**

26-03-14, 20:23	#31
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,544 Thanks: 27,621 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: Brazil 2014-GERMANY Wins World Cup+Closing Ceremony Porto Alegre Mayor Issues World Cup Funding Warning SAO PAULO Mar 26, 2014 Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff (C) signs a soccer ball as she poses for a picture with FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke (3rd L), former Brazilian soccer player and member of the 2014 World Cup local organizing committee Ronaldo (3rd R), Porto Alegre's Mayor Jose Fortunati (center R) and Brazil's Internacional soccer club players during the opening ceremony of the Beira-Rio stadium, which will be one of the stadiums hosting the 2014 World Cup soccer matches, in Porto Alegre. Credit: Reuters/Edison Vara (Reuters) - The mayor of Porto Alegre has warned the city may drop out of the World Cup unless it makes a crucial decision this week on financing for temporary structures at the Beira Rio stadium. Jose Fortunati encouraged the city council to pass a law giving tax breaks to companies that would finance the structures needed during the tournament. Some council members have expressed opposition to the measure but Fortunati warned if they do not vote on Tuesday as planned, the city will run out of options. Internacional's Beira Rio stadium was modernised for the finals and is due to host five matches, including fixtures featuring France, Holland and Argentina. "If the (project) isn't voted then there won't be a World Cup in Porto Alegre," Fortunati told the local Radio Gaucha. "We don't have a way to get that funding. There's no Plan B, no Plan C, no Plan D. This is the only option." The World Cup starts in 84 days and some cities have not yet decided how to finance temporary structures such as sponsors' tents, areas for security personnel and media centres. Local authorities said they will not use taxpayers' money. The issue underlines Brazil's troubled preparations for the month-long tournament. Three of the 12 stadiums are still not ready and many public transportation projects have been scaled back or abandoned. Reporting by Andrew Downie __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

01-04-14, 05:18	#32
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,544 Thanks: 27,621 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: Brazil 2014-GERMANY Wins World Cup+Closing Ceremony Armed Police in Tanks with Overhead Helicopter Guards Storm Notorious Rio Slum in Controversial 'Clean-up' Ahead of World Cup 1,400 armed police and marines have stormed one of Brazil's biggest slums in bulletproof trucks Helicopters circle as scores of military point guns at residents as they walk through the streets in which they live Operation to rid Complexo da Mare, home to more than 130,000 residents, of violence and drug gangs started today Since 2011, government has cracked down on slums within the city ahead of World Cup which begins in June Brazilian police have attracted widespread criticism following use of violence and 'covered-up' murders By Daily Mail UK, 31 March 2014 The Brazilian government has deployed forces to one of Rio de Janeiro's largest slums - in a clean-up operation which aims to reduce crime in the city ahead of the World Cup. Federal forces are here pictured entering the violence-plagued Complexo da Mare - one of Brazil's biggest slums - 'favelas' in Portuguese. These pictures show troops storming the favela bearing guns in bullet-proof vehicles while a helicopter circles above. The faces of the 130,000 residents who live on the Mare complex have also been pictured. Mare is formed of 16 separate communities and has been riddled with drugs and dominated by gangs and militias. It is close to Rio's international airport, which means that visitors must drive past it on their way into the city. Senior officials have denied that the Mare clean-up is related to the World Cup - claiming that they aim to improve the lives of Rio favela residents. *Scroll down for Video* Today, daily life in one of Rio de Janerio's biggest shanty towns was disrupted by military personnel in an attempted to clean up the city before the World Cup Residents looked on bemusedly as armed federal officers in bullet-proof vests strode through the run-down streets in a bid to crack down on crime This emaciated horse eating from a bin is not an uncommon sight in the violence-plagued Complexo da Mare, which is controlled by gangs and militias Tanks were even rolled out into the complex early Sunday morning to carry more than 1,000 police and further military personnel on an impromptu patrol Helicopters circle the Mare slum complex in Rio de Janeiro. The slum - 'favela' in Portuguese - is home to some 130,000 residents Residents walk through the slum as dozens of police officers, in camouflaged uniform, hold machine guns from behind heavy-duty navy trucks Residents are seen walking out of the favela as armed troops in bullet-proof vests storm in Locals carried on with daily life as police officers and marines in uniform filed through the narrow streets. No shots have been fired so far Police in the city have attracted widespread criticism for their heavy-handed approach to controlling drug crime in the city Last year, police were charged after bricklayer Amarildo de Souza, who lived in the city's biggest shanty town Roncinha, was tortured and murdered. Police were then charged with hiding his body A special operations officer is pictured here in front of a graffiti drawing of Rio's symbolic statue: Christ the Redeemer. Troops have stormed the favela to rid it of drug gangs and clamp down on violence In the coming days, army soldiers will begin patrolling the virtually treeless, flat area of about two square miles in northern Rio that hugs the main road to the airport and is home to about 130,000 people A navy tank drives behind a police van carrying scores of police officers holding machine guns One soldier hides behind a wall as he point his gun towards the street. It was dusk in Rio when troops entered the favela Navy tanks roll through the favela. The police community pacification unit, known as the UPP, will step in once federal forces have left the area. The UPP will then remain in the shanty town in order to keep peace and control any uprising A couple walks along as a navy tank storms into the place where they live. The army presence in favelas across Rio has sparked rage across the city. Last week, protestors set fire to a police office in the city A policeman stands next to a piece of graffiti bearing the words: 'Politicians and the UPP' will die. The UPP is a special community officer group which steps in to keep peace in the favela once government troops have left One police officer is pictured here holding a man up against a wall while he searches him. Troops took over the favela this afternoon - six weeks before the World Cup Brazil will host the World Cup from June 14 and has been named host of the 2016 Olympics. The clean-up is an attempt to make Rio a safer place for tourists attending the events Police wait outside an unknown house in the slum. Security forces will eventually set up permanent posts in Mare as part of the 'pacification' programme that began in 2008 and is meant to secure Rio ahead of the World Cup and also the 2016 summer Olympics Early evening today the troops stormed the favela. It is unknown how long the operation will last. Once troops leave a 'pacification' force will be introduced into Mare The BOPE paramilitary police unit have been patrolling streets since dusk. Once they leave a more long-term patrol force will be established in the favela. Police have installed 37 such posts in recent years in an area covering 1.5 million people REAL TRUTH = POVERTY/CRUELTY IN BRAZIL Little Jessica prepares to carry water from the one pipe with running water - available to dozens of residents in the impoverished area. Mare favela is located near to Rio's international airport Mother Quiva stands with her son Joao Vitor in the impoverished favela. The Mare complex has more than 13,000 residents VIDEO: Armed Forces Occupy Rio in 'Clean Up' ahead of World Cup ENJOY YOUR FOOTBALL GUYS ! .

17-04-14, 01:10	#33
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,544 Thanks: 27,621 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: Brazil 2014-GERMANY Wins World Cup+Closing Ceremony ........... UPDATES - Cllck the "Secured" Live Links on each Headers Below, for the Fuller Reports from Bleachers Report: Gago Absence Leaves Hole in Argentina's Midfield Ever since he took over from Sergio Batista in the wake of the 2011 Copa America failure, Alejandro Sabella has had one overriding priority as Argentina coach... Big Names to Miss Holland World Cup Squad Having earned a reputation at clubs like Ajax , Barcelona and Bayern Munich, current Holland manager Louis van Gaal is known for his firm belief in free-flowing, attacking football... WC Stadium Handed Over Unfinished *Preparations for this summer’s FIFA World Cup have hit another setback as the venue for Brazil’s curtain-raiser was handed over to the owners incomplete...* Liverpool Stars Key to England's World Cup Run The 2014 World Cup in Brazil is less than 60 days away, and England fans should be buoyed by the form of Liverpool heading into the end of the Premier League season... MORE Updates to Come... __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

05-05-14, 13:22	#34
FreaknDavid Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: In The Hills of Tennessee Posts: 6,631 Thanks: 7,332 Thanked 7,261 Times in 4,751 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 5	Brazilian Fan Killed by Thrown Toilet in World Cup Host City A Brazilian football fan was killed on Friday after being struck in the head by a toilet bowl that was thrown from stadium stands by upset supporters during a match in eastern Brazil, according to Reuters. Per Globoesporte (via Reuters), the incident occurred outside of Arruda Stadium in Recife on Friday after a 1-1 draw between Santa Cruz and Parana. According to police captain Wilson Queiroz, "In front of Gate 6 there was a big fight that resulted in the death of the fan. The toilet was thrown from the stands and hit him full on." The victim, identified as Paulo Ricardo Gomes da Silva by The Associated Press (via Fox Sports), was said to have been killed instantly. He was 26. Although there are still plenty of details to emerge and many questions still to be answered, there's no doubt this incident reflects poorly on Brazil's passionate football fans, especially with the nation set to host the 2014 World Cup in less than two months. With four 2014 World Cup matches scheduled to be played in Recife (Arena Pernambuco) this summer, the disturbing incident no doubt raises concerns and questions regarding both player and fan safety. But with a tremendous number of spectators and reporters set to enter the country, and fans from every corner of the globe tuning in for the 2014 World Cup, there's sure to be an added security presence in Brazil this summer. It remains to be seen what will ultimately come of this tragic story, but the hope is that those responsible will be punished and precautionary measures will be put in place to prevent a similar situation down the road. __________________ Rock Out With DreamTeamDownloads1-The Best Place To Be For Downloads. You Can Help the site If You Donate, Please Click Here: DONATE Thank You For Your Support & Membership To DTD1.

11-05-14, 21:03	#35
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,544 Thanks: 27,621 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: Brazil 2014-GERMANY Wins World Cup+Closing Ceremony MORE DELAYS as Another Worker Dies at Brazil World Cup Site By AP, May 2014 SAO PAULO (AP) — A worker at a World Cup stadium in Brazil died Thursday in an electrical accident, temporarily interrupting construction at one of the most-delayed venues only five weeks before the soccer tournament. Rosenil Moraes, head of emergency services in the western state of Mato Grosso, said the construction worker received an electric shock at the site of Arena Pantanal in the wetlands city of Cuiaba. He died more than half an hour later of a cardiorespiratory arrest. Officials were not clear on what caused the accident. It is the latest accident to tarnish World Cup preparations, marking the eighth death from injuries while building stadiums for the world's biggest soccer tournament. His death comes at a worrisome time as organizers rush to finish the last three stadiums ahead of the opening match on June 12. A worker at the World Cup stadium died Thursday, May 8, 2014 in an electrical accident, temporarily interrupting construction at Arena Pantanal, one of the most-delayed venues before the soccer tournament. Moraes said paramedics unsuccessfully tried to revive 32-year-old Muhammad Ali Maciel Afonso at the stadium, which is still missing seats because of delivery delays. "Our workers followed all the protocols and tried to revive him for more than 40 minutes. But he didn't survive," said Moraes. Afonso was working for a company called Etel Engineering that is setting up the information and communication networks at the stadium. The firm has not issued a statement, saying it needed to gather more information first. Local World Cup organizers said Mato Grosso state police are at the scene investigating what could have sparked the electric shock around the stadium's skybox. They say that so far it looks like an isolated incident. World Cup organizers in Cuiaba offered their "solidarity to Afonso's family" in a news statement and said they "will wait for the police investigation into the causes of the accident." Police officers sealed off the area where Afonso died, temporarily halting the networks installation at Arena Pantanal. But officials say the construction continues in the rest of the stadium to make sure it will meet the World Cup deadline. Emergency services' Moraes said the company is also carrying out an investigation into what went wrong. Officials said the worker appeared to be using safety equipment when he suffered the electric shock. The accident happened only hours before President Dilma Rouseff toured another stadium still under construction in Sao Paulo in an attempt to soothe fears over delays that could interfere with the matches. In 2012, a worker died at the construction site of the stadium in the nation's capital, Brasilia. Three workers have died at Sao Paulo's Itaquerao venue in two separate accidents, and three have been killed from injuries suffered at the Arena da Amazonia in the jungle city of Manaus. One of them was a 55-year-old Portuguese man who was trying to disassemble a crane when part of the machine struck his head. . __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

02-06-14, 17:26	#38
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,544 Thanks: 27,621 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: Brazil 2014-GERMANY Wins World Cup+Closing Ceremony FIFA Secretary Jerome Valcke Expresses Concern about Three World Cup Venues During Final Inspection in Brazil FIFA Secretary Jerome Valcke visited the 12 World Cup stadiums Valcke sent warnings to organizers in Sao Paulo, Natal and Porto Alegre World Cup begins on June 12 at the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo By Daily Mail UK, 2 June 2014 FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke expressed his concern about three of the 12 World Cup stadiums during his final inspection of host cities. During a two-week trip that ended on Thursday, Valcke sent warnings to organizers in Natal, Porto Alegre and Sao Paulo, which will host the World Cup's opening match in two weeks. He said it was a 'race against the clock' in Natal and there was a lot "yet to be done" in Porto Alegre. In Sao Paulo, FIFA requested a second test event at the delayed Itaquerao Stadium that will host the Brazil-Croatia opener on June 12. Sparkling: The Maracana Stadium in Rio is one of the few that is completely ready to host World Cup Valcke said he was pleased with the work underway in the other nine host cities, including Curitiba, which earlier this year was nearly excluded from the tournament because of chronic delays. Valcke's final stop on Thursday was in the northeastern city of Salvador, where he said there was "no time to waste" but praised the commitment of local organizers to make sure everything will be ready in time. The game in Salvador on June 13 will be a much-anticipated rematch of the 2010 final, when Spain beat the Netherlands for the title in South Africa. 'All must be perfect that day,' Valcke said on Twitter. 'Pleased with Salvador's commitment to work with our on-site team to finalize remaining works for fans, media & teams.' Overlooking: FIFA secretary Jerome Valcke has expressed concern at the readiness of some of the stadia Is that meant to be coming off? Valcke inspecting the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, Brazil Also Thursday, Salvador officials announced they reached a deal guaranteeing the organization of its fanfest, the FIFA-required event that allows fans to watch matches on large screens for free in public areas. Salvador had been among the cities yet to announce its plans for the event. Another was Recife, which Valcke also visited on Thursday. Organizers there said they were still looking for private partners to promote the event without having to spend public money. Valcke said he was pleased with the work at Recife's Arena Pernambuco, saying it was "on track for hosting" matches. 'Installations are taking shape really well here,' he said. The Arena Pernambuco was one the six stadiums built for last year's Confederations Cup, the World Cup warm-up tournament. FIFA wanted the other six venues completed by the end of 2013, but none met the deadline. One of the stadiums that wasn't ready in time was the Arena das Dunas in Natal, which Valcke visited on Wednesday. Brazil Stadiums for the 2014 World Cup 'Still lots to be done for World Cup fans & media,' he said. 'We need full commitment from all parties in Natal to ensure all will be in place & tested.' Last week, he posted: 'we cannot waste a single minute' in Porto Alegre 'otherwise the quality for fans & broadcasters will be jeopardized during the World Cup.' In Sao Paulo, Valcke warned that it was 'vital' another test event was scheduled to help ensure problems can be avoided during the high-profile opening match. VIDEO: FIFA World Cup 2014 Brazil - All Stadiums + Schedule (HD) NOW Compare them to the ones in Qatar for World Cup 2022, most of them there are already well planned and preparations started........: __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

27-06-14, 19:40	#43
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,544 Thanks: 27,621 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: Brazil 2014-GERMANY Wins World Cup+Closing Ceremony Re: Brazil 2014 World Cup Results/Fixtures/News KICKED OUT of World Cup. BANNED for 13 Liverpool Matches. BANISHED from Anfield. BARRED from Training with Team-Mates. FIFA get Tough with Suarez...But Barca and Real can Still Buy Him Daily Mail UK, 27 June 2014 Luis Suarez banned for four months from ALL football for bite on Giorgio Chiellini Suarez will not play for Liverpool in the Premier League in November Uruguay striker also banned for nine international matches and fined £65,000 Uruguayan FA confirm they will lodge an appeal Sponsors adidas holding emergency talks over their position Suarez's various bans for biting now tally 39 games Uruguay FA president Wilmar Valdez said there will be no boycott News was announced over tube screens on London Underground LUIS SUAREZ: THE FULL STORY Luis Suarez found himself an outcast from world football on Thursday after being handed a four-month ban from the game. The Liverpool and Uruguay striker, who bit Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini on the shoulder during his country’s World Cup victory on Tuesday, flew back to Montevideo in disgrace last night after being told his World Cup was over following an unprecedented FIFA punishment. Suarez was evicted from Uruguay’s team hotel on Thursday as part of his immediate four-month ban, which will see him miss the opening 13 games for Liverpool next season as well as the next nine competitive Uruguayan internationals. Goodbyes: Luis Suarez is seen embracing a member of the coaching staff on a balcony at the team hotel Homeward bound: Suarez will return to Motevideo, capital of Uruguay, and play no further part in the World Cup Gesture: Suarez gives a thumbs-up from a balcony of the Uruguay team hotel in Natal Chin up: Suarez is comforted by some of the coaching staff after receiving his lengthy ban Disgraced Suarez shares emotional embrace at Uruguay hotel Under the cosh: Luis Suarez, pictured in the hours before FIFA's ruling, has been banned for four months Down and out: Luis Suarez has been banned from all football activity for four months Head down: It is the third time Suarez has been banned for biting an opposition player FIFA issue Luis Suarez nine-game and four-month ban for bite: Security: Uruguay's team hotel in Natal has been surrounded by armed guards in response to the incident Quote: LIVERPOOL GAMES SUAREZ MISSES Aug 16: Liverpool v Southampton Aug 23: Manchester City v Liverpool Aug 30: Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool Sep 13: Liverpool v Aston Villa Sep 16: Champions League matchday 1 Sep 20: West Ham United v Liverpool Sep 27: Liverpool v Everton Sep 30: Champions League matchday 2 Oct 4: Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion Oct 18: Queens Park Rangers v Liverpool Oct 21: Champions League matchday 3 Oct 25: Liverpool v Hull City The Uruguayan Football Association are preparing an appeal against the severity of the sentence, which also includes a £64,000 fine. But there is no chance of Suarez appearing at Brazil 2014 again and his future at Liverpool is also plunged into uncertainty through the length of the suspension. FIFA’s strict regulations barring him from any involvement in football mean he cannot even watch Liverpool or Uruguay in action — he is banned from football stadiums and must train alone away from Liverpool’s Melwood training ground. Suarez can be sold during his spell in football exile — a strong possibility — but cannot personally join in negotiations in mooted moves to Barcelona or Real Madrid. Liverpool are taking specialist legal advice before deciding what to do about Suarez — a world-class footballer who comes with more baggage than any other elite star. Given the length of his ban, Liverpool, who have not been contacted by FIFA or the Uruguay FA, feel aggrieved to be punished for something in which they had no part. The news was greeted with dismay by the club’s owners in Boston. Ouch: Chiellini attempts to show the bite marks to referee Marco Rodriguez Bite night! Chiellini writhes on the floor after the clash with Suarez Not fooling anyone: Suarez holds his teeth after appearing to sink them into the shoulder of the Italian Uruguay FA president Wilmar Valdez said: ‘We are preparing our appeal to present to FIFA in the next few hours. It’s an extremely excessive punishment, there was not enough evidence and I have seen more aggressive incidents. It feels like Uruguay have been thrown out of the World Cup. We all know what Suarez means to Uruguay and to football around the world. Luis will travel home to recover with his family.’ Following this third, high-profile biting incident, it is no surprise that Suarez’s major sponsor adidas are thinking of ditching him. He has already been punished for racially abusing Patrice Evra and biting Branislav Ivanovic. A statement said: ‘Adidas does not condone Luis Suarez’s recent behaviour and we will again be reminding him of the high standards we expect from our players. We have no plan to use Suarez for any additional marketing activities during the World Cup. We will discuss all aspects of our future partnership directly with Suarez and his team after the tournament.’ Another of Suarez’s backers, 888poker, are likely to drop him, with a spokesman saying: ‘888poker is seriously reviewing its relationship with the player as we will not tolerate unsporting behaviour.’ On message: Tube commuters found out about the lengthy ban given to Suarez on the digital screen Snappy: The digital boards are rarely used for news announcements Jaws: A USA fan pretends Suarez is biting him as he poses for a photograph next to an advert The independent FIFA disciplinary committee, chaired by Claudio Sulser of Switzerland, reached the decision to hand Suarez a World Cup record ban after 10 hours of talks spread over Wednesday night and Thursday morning before it was announced at FIFA’s daily briefing at the Maracana. The player and the Uruguay FA had been informed minutes beforehand. The suspension starts with immediate effect. The committee took into account that this was the third time Suarez had bitten an opponent. His first victim was PSV Eindhoven’s Otman Bakkal in 2010, for which he received a seven-match ban, and then Chelsea’s Ivanovic in 2013, which brought a 10-game ban. Sulser said: ‘Such behaviour cannot be tolerated and in particular not at a World Cup when the eyes of millions are on the stars on the field. The disciplinary committee took into account all the factors of the case and the degree of Mr Suarez’s guilt in accordance with the relevant provisions of the code.’ The Uruguayan media claimed that Sulser’s committee had come under pressure from South American football chiefs, including the English-hating Argentinian football president Julio Grondona, not to punish Suarez too severely. Kop that! Suarez will not be able to play for Liverpool until the end of October Decision maker: Claudio Sulser said the incident 'could not be tolerated on any football pitch' Chomping at the bit: Luis Suarez appears bites Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay's 1-0 win But FIFA insisted that there was no interference at all in the process. The world body’s president Sepp Blatter had been in Manaus watching Switzerland beat Honduras and flew back to Rio while the Suarez hearing was going on. Meanwhile, the Football Writers’ Association, who made Suarez their player of the year last season, decided not to strip the Liverpool star of his title. Uruguay face Colombia in the last 16 on Saturday Central defender Jose Maria Gimenez said the team were ‘more united than ever’, while the country’s sports minister Liliam Kechichian commented: ‘We are hurt by this excessive sanction. Now let’s see how we can help this human being and whether the group can show its class and its love for La Celeste.’ Britain’s FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce said: ‘The punishment is fully justified. Hopefully he will realise now that behaviour of this type will not be tolerated.’ Quote: MORE THAN A FULL SEASON... Luis Suarez's bans for various bites now total 39 games. Ajax – 7 matches for bite on PSV’s Otman Bakkal (Ajax score first) Nov 28, 2010: VVV Venlo (a) 2-0 Dec 4, 2010: NEC Nijmegen (h) 1-1 Dec 12, 2010: Vitesse Arnhem (a) 1-0 Jan 19, 2010: Feyenoord (h) 2-0 Jan 23, 2011: FC Utrecht (a) 0-3 Jan 30, 2011: NAC Breda (a) 3-0 4 Feb, 2011: De Graafschap (h) 2-0 Liverpool – 10 matches for bite on Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic (Liverpool score first) Apr 27, 2013: Newcastle (a) 6-0 May 5, 2013: Everton (h) 0-0 May 12, 2013: Fulham (a) 3-1 May 19, 2013: QPR (h) 1-0 Aug 17, 2013: Stoke (h) 1-0 Aug 24, 2013: Aston Villa (a) 1-0 Aug 27, 2013: Notts County (h) 4-2 – League Cup Sep 1, 2013: Man Utd (h) 1-0 Sep 16, 2013: Swansea (a) 2-2 Sep 21, 2013: Southampton (h) 0-1 Liverpool – Four months (13 matches) for bite on Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini Aug 16: Liverpool v Southampton Aug 23: Manchester City v Liverpool Aug 30: Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool Sep 13: Liverpool v Aston Villa Sep 16: Champions League matchday 1 Sep 20: West Ham United v Liverpool Sep 23: Capital One Cup Third Round Sep 27: Liverpool v Everton Sep 30: Champions League matchday 2 Oct 4: Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion Oct 18: Queens Park Rangers v Liverpool Oct 21: Champions League matchday 3 Oct 25: Liverpool v Hull City Uruguay – Next nine fixtures for bite on Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini Crying foul: Chiellini reacts after allegedly being bitten by Suarez in the 80th minute Stage 2: The Liverpool striker moves his head close to Chiellini's shoulder as he prepares to attack Stage 3: Suarez appears to clamp his jaws down and bite Chiellini's shoulder Hot water: Suarez clutches his teeth after appearing to sink them into Chiellini's shoulder Bite marks: Chiellini shows his wounds to the ref after a clash with Suarez VIDEO: *More...* Giorgio Chiellini posts picture of hotel maid biting him like Luis Suarez Uruguay President says Luis Suarez should not face further action and that 'you should just obey the referee' despite striker's bite incident going unnoticed by officials Luis Suarez quits... no, not that one! Honduras coach Luis Fernando Suarez steps down after World Cup whitewash Neymar and Lionel Messi are dragging Brazil and Argentina through the World Cup alone... Can either of them emulate Diego Maradona and lift the trophy on July 13? Luis Suarez banned for nine matches and banned from all football for four months - read FIFA's statement here __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

29-06-14, 18:07	#45
Ladybbird Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 47,544 Thanks: 27,621 Thanked 14,458 Times in 10,262 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	re: Brazil 2014-GERMANY Wins World Cup+Closing Ceremony Rodriguez Wonder Volley Fires Colombia... Rising Star is the Anti-Suarez, The Smiling Assassin who Destroyed Uruguay's Dream Colombia 2-0 Uruguay: James Rodriguez is the anti-Luis Suarez as his brilliant brace sets up quarter-final with hosts Brazil James Rodriguez scores wonder volley to send Colombia through Midfielder now has five goals in the World Cup and leads the race for the Golden Boot Uruguay struggle without suspended striker Luis Suarez Daily Mail UK, 29 June 2014 MARTIN SAMUEL - CHIEF SPORTS WRITER AT THE MARACANA: Dark horses 2, dark forces 0. Uruguay can now join Luis Suarez in watching the World Cup from home, banished not by FIFA, but a young man who has proved it is possible to play football from the heavens, without simultaneously dragging the game into the gutter. Golden goal: James Rodriguez scores a stunning volley in the first half to put Colombia ahead Dark horses two, dark forces nil. Uruguay can now join Luis Suarez in watching the World Cup from home, banished not by FIFA or a dastardly European conspiracy, but a young man who has proved it is possible to play football from the heavens, without simultaneously dragging the game into the gutter. James Rodriguez, now the tournament top scorer, made it five goals in four World Cup games for Colombia, including what may prove to be the highlight of this World Cup. It is human nature to hope that we have not seen the best already, but it is also possible that tonight we did. Any contender for goal of the tournament will have to go some to top the strike that put daylight between these teams after 28 minutes of stalemate. Before Uruguay had a chance to respond after regrouping in the dressing-room, James – known throughout Colombia by his first name – followed it with a beautifully-worked second four minutes after half-time, and the contest was over. Sweet strike: Rodriguez lines up his volley which gave Fernando Muslera no chance in the Uruguay goal No stopping that one: Uruguay's goalkeeper Fernando Muslera has no chance in stopping Rodriguez's shot Cloud nine: Colombia fans celebrate knocking Uruguay out of the World Cup RACE FOR THE GOLDEN BOOT James Rodriguez was a 100-1 outsider to win the Golden Boot behind more well-known players such as Lionel Messi and Neymar. But the Colombian midfielder struck twice in the last 16 clash with Uruguay and now has five goals in the tournament and leads the race to be the top goal scorer. Rodriguez is now as short as 2-1 to end the World Cup with the Golden Boot It was a match of karmic delight. Colombia got what they deserved: a quarter-final date with Brazil that will leave the hosts more than a little apprehensive; Uruguay got what they deserved: nothing and the bum’s rush to the airport. They were confirmed as a one-man team, their shameful indulgence of Suarez’s worst excesses exposed as nothing more than a shield to cover their own inadequacies. Uruguay must tolerate Suarez, for without him they offer so little. They have played 22 World Cup matches with him since 2010 and have lost five. They have played five without him in that time, and lost four. Once he was gone it was a matter of time before they followed. How fitting that the architect of their downfall was the player of the tournament so far, 22, but looking younger, an anti-Suarez, playing with a smile not a snarl. Face in the crowd: Uruguay's fans hold up cardboard cut outs of suspended Luis Suarez The joke's on you: Uruguay fans wear fake fangs and a dog mask to mock Suarez's bite against Italy Already a £37.5m player after moving from Porto to Monaco, he may well yet be one of the stellar transfers in Europe this summer, on the back of this campaign. A goalscorer, a match-winner, a classic number ten but with the heart and energy required of the modern game, he has looked a cut above many of the more famous names on display in Brazil and has now scored in Colombia’s last six matches. Who could afford him – and, of those that could, who wouldn’t want him? Out here, in the international game, Brazil would love him, so too Spain or Germany and Italy have nothing like him, either. England? Well, we’d find a way of ruining him obviously, but that’s not the point. James has been a thing of beauty at this World Cup and Brazil will not enjoy dealing with his invention in Fortaleza next Friday. __________________ PUTIN TRUMP & Netanyahu Will Meet in HELL ..................*SHARKS are Closing in on TRUMP*.......................... *TRUMP WARNS; 'There'll Be a Bloodbath* If I Don't Get Elected'..MAGA - MyAssGotArrested...IT's COMING** PLEASE HELP THIS SITE..Click DONATE & Thanks to ALL Members of ... 1.. THIS SITE IS MORE THAN JUST WAREZ...& TO STOP SPAM-IF YOU WANT TO POST, YOUR FIRST POST MUST BE IN WELCOMES

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