Saturday 28 June 2014
Journalist's bra showed the Chilean flag
Colombia face Brazil in quarter-finals
Tim Cahill - Goal of the tournament?
Thursday 26 June 2014
Bacary backlash
France right-back Bacary Sagna has
dismissed suggestions that his recent move from Arsenal to Manchester
City was motivated by greed, insisting it was only to do with personal
ambition.
Sagna, 31, left Arsenal on a free transfer
at the end of last season after seven years at the club and promptly
signed for the Premier League champions on a three-year contract.
"I'm going to clear everything out, because I
keep reading (claims) I left for money, I'm greedy, whatever," he said
after France's 0-0 draw against Ecuador.
"All I want to say is I stayed in Arsenal
with the same contract since 2008. I never asked for (more) money, so
people who think that it's for money, it's not. I just wanted to change
and boost my career, and I think it was about time."
France can do it against Nigeria in the round of 16
Midfielder Paul Pogba says France
are still confident of being a force in the knockout stages despite
being held to a draw by Ecuador in their final group match.
The South Americans held on for 0-0 despite having Antonio Valencia sent off.
Juventus star Pogba said: "We played well
and put in the performance that was expected of us, but we didn't get
the result we deserved. All we lacked was a bit of a break in front of
goal, that's all.
"I don't think this match will have any kind
of negative effect on our confidence. We drew, we didn't lose. That's
an important distinction. We can be satisfied with how we did overall
and with our qualification for the knockout stages."
Cristiano Ronaldo with a new hair cut after zig-zag style
Cristiano Ronaldo sports new mop haircut after zig-zag style went viral Earlier haircut was thought to be in tribute to 10-month-old Erik Ortiz Cruz, who Ronaldo paid £50,000 for to have brain surgery.
Portugal face Ghana in Group G on Thursday in crucial World Cup game.
Manchester City confirm Fernando deal
Manchester City have confirmed the arrival of Fernando from Porto.
The defensive midfielder told the club's official webiste: “I am so happy to finally be joining Manchester City.
“I know there was talk of me possibly signing last January so I am delighted that the deal has now been done and that I am a City player.
“I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates and helping City to defend the title. It is a very exciting time to be part of this football club and I cannot wait to play in the Premier League."
2014 World Cup: Football or Soccer ask Americans?
Football in the United States. Not always been a big deal, right?
But things are changing. The 2-1 victory
over Ghana attracted the biggest US television audience for a football
match - 16m people.
The draw with Portugal smashed that record with an
average of 24.7m viewers.
"Soccer is finally beginning to gain genuine
ground on America's three heartland sports of American football,
basketball and baseball," writes Ben Smith.
Suarez's latest biting controversy extremely popular on internet
But this latest offering may well be the best yet.
The now-infamous "Charlie bit my finger" viral video is one of the most famous clips in web history netting a staggering 700 MILLION views online.
And it has now been given a makeover following the Uruguayan's latest controversy.
While not reaching the sky-high numbers of the original just yet it's still proving extremely popular with over 200,000 clicks thus far.
http://youtu.be/WxU-cQvmi-k
Why always me? Striker Mario Balotelli responded
Striker Mario Balotelli has refused to be a scapegoat for Italy's World Cup exit after being deemed "not really Italian" by some fans.
The 23-year-old, who was adopted after being born to Ghanaian immigrant parents, responded angrily to those who have questioned his nationality.
The former Manchester City player wrote on Instagram: "I am proud to have given everything for my country."
Wednesday 25 June 2014
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez - The 2014 World cup Vampire
Danger from the deep: Uruguay international and Liverpool striker Luis Suarez became the subject of many joke images and videos on the internet after Tuesday's incident. He has been widely depicted as a shark.
The Uruguay striker was also
pictured as Dracula and even as the shark from the Hollywood film Jaws –
the theme of a headline employed by the Mail yesterday.
Suarez’s sponsors, who include Adidas, do not see the player’s third biting outrage as a laughing matter however.
The sportswear firm’s executives met in Rio de Janeiro yesterday to discuss the incident.
A spokesman said: ‘Adidas is aware of the issue involving Luis Suarez. We await Fifa’s full investigation into this matter and will respond accordingly.’
Adidas took the unusual step of issuing a statement condemning Suarez’s ‘unacceptable’ actions when he bit Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during a Premier League game last year.
Poker brand 888, which also has a deal with the player, said it would not tolerate unsporting behaviour and was seriously reviewing its relationship with the star.
Monster: Luis Suarez is portrayed as Jaws on a poster from the 1975
thriller after the Uruguay striker's extraordinary attack on Giorgio
Chiellini during his team's World Cup match against Italy
Suarez’s sponsors, who include Adidas, do not see the player’s third biting outrage as a laughing matter however.
The sportswear firm’s executives met in Rio de Janeiro yesterday to discuss the incident.
A spokesman said: ‘Adidas is aware of the issue involving Luis Suarez. We await Fifa’s full investigation into this matter and will respond accordingly.’
Adidas took the unusual step of issuing a statement condemning Suarez’s ‘unacceptable’ actions when he bit Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during a Premier League game last year.
Poker brand 888, which also has a deal with the player, said it would not tolerate unsporting behaviour and was seriously reviewing its relationship with the star.
Ones for the album: Online jokers have turned
Luis Suarez into Hannibal Lecter, the cannibal criminal from the Silence
of the Lambs, pictured left, and a vampire, pictured right
Suarez has been mocked up as Dracula from the
silent era - but his sponsors do not see his third biting incident as a
laughing matter
Under control: One mock-up proving popular is
Suarez as a dog in a neck cone, while the footballer has also been
depicted as a novelty bottle opener
Tuesday 24 June 2014
Côte d'Ivoire coach resigned a minutes after a 2-1 loss to Greece
"My contract comes to an end at this World Cup and there will be no epilogue and you can understand well as to why," said the 42-year-old Frenchman. "It is logical as we did not do well at last year's Africa Cup of Nations or at the World Cup finals."
The former France international, whose side started with a 2-1 win over Japan before losing by that scoreline to Group C winners Colombia, said a lot of hard work had gone into securing the Ivorians' first-ever appearance in the knockout phase.
"I have put a lot of time and effort into the past two years, but unfortunately my story with Côte d'Ivoire ends this evening," he said. "The outcome is a cruel one but the Greeks did not steal this victory.
"I am very disappointed and sad, and also for the players and the Ivorian people. However, my career carries on and there will be other defeats, though I would have liked this adventure to finish in a different fashion."
Photo: Neymar found time to joke and console Barca team-mate Alex Song
Neymar and Alex Song swap shirts after Brazil's win over Cameroon in Group A.
Song was suspended for the match after elbowing Mario Mandzukic.
Brazil defeated Cameroon 4-1 to top Group A at the World Cup
Neymar scored twice to lead the race for the Golden Boot
Brazil will face fellow South Americans Chile in the round of 16
Getting shirty: Barcelona team-mates Alex Song and Neymar swap their respective strips after the match
All smiles: Song playfully shoves the Brazilian superstar in the face in the tunnel after their Group A clash
Before and after: Neymar jokes with Alex Song before the game (L) and consoles him afterwards
Sexy support for Brazil by Izabel Goulart in picture
Sexy support: Izabel Goulart was
not able to make the actual game, but the stunner showed her support on
Instagram wearing green and gold Brazilian bikini bottoms and a cropped
version of the team jersey
David Villa's Unceremonial End to Spain Career
"I have always had a lot of love for the national team and it has always been what I dreamed about," said the 32-year-old.
"I would play until I am 55 but that is impossible and I have to be realistic."
Villa ended his club career in European football as a champion with Atletico Madrid as they became the first side outside Real Madrid and Barcelona to win La Liga for 10 years.
Yet, having taken the decision to move to New York City in Major League Soccer after a brief stint with Melbourne City in the coming months, Villa knows the move also ends his chances of competing at the top level with Spain.
"I have taken a decision to go to the MLS and, therefore, I will not be playing for a few months which makes things difficult."
He was annoyed when he came off because he wanted to play until the last minute.
Yaya Toure slams Man City over his brother's death
Ivory Coast midfielder accused Man City for not allowing him to spend more time with his brother Ibrahim before he died last week in Manchester.
Now Yaya Toure has discussed his grief with France Football, and he has painted out the Citizens are a cold hearted group of people. Yaya Toure said:
I confess that I am still very sad. I’m suffering because I feel I have done nothing useful for him the last few weeks.
At the end of the season, I wanted to stay for four or five days with my brother before I flew to prepare for the World Cup with Ivory Coast.
Except that City did not want to give me a few days.
I went to celebrate the title championship in Abu Dhabi while my brother was in his sickbed. By fortune, Kolo was at his bedside.
After that I blame myself for not insisting and for not leading them to respect me.
However, club officials knew that I had been suffering for a few months seeing the health of my brother decline.
This is the reason I had several injuries at the end of the season. Because my head had taken control of my body.
These last four months have probably been the hardest in my life.
I have had sporting success, except that when you get home and you find yourself facing the distress of someone you love, but you do not know how you can help, it’s not good.
Liverpool fans threaten to kill themselves if Suarez is sold
The Reds faithful are desperate to see their star man, who netted 31 Premier League goals this season, stay at Anfield.
Liverpool hitman Luis Suarez has always dreamed of playing for Barcelona, according to his former Ajax team-mate Gabri.
Luis Suarez to Barcelona would kill me. Please no.
— Omar (@Collabrone) June 23, 2014
Hola @luis16suarez if u leave Liverpool I'll kill myself I hope you understand lol
— عبدالله هشام العمران (@alomranofficial) June 24, 2014
If you sell Luis Suarez I'm going to kill myself @John_W_Henry . Just so you know, mate.
— Arturo Bandini (@The0therBond) June 23, 2014
Monday 23 June 2014
How does Germany pay homage to Ghana? By being racist in Blackface of course!
Football fans took to Twitter to show their anger towards the fans who decided to paint their faces black.
One tweeted: 'World Cup Officials cannot allow blatant racism like this Blackface BS happen at the games. German fans at Ghana game,' while another said: 'How does Germany pay homage to Ghana? By being racist in Blackface of course!'
In a second incident, a man ran onto the pitch in the second half of the 2-2 draw.
Caught out: Two fans who appeared to be blacked up pose ahead of Germany's game with Ghana
Under investigation: FIFA are looking into reports that Germany fans wore black face makeup
Watching on: the two supporters were spotted during Germany's 2-2 draw with Ghana on Saturday
Who has Qualified for the last 16?
Another World Cup day, another boat load of goals. The World Cup dreams of two more nations - Brazil and Mexico - are alive and kicking as they reached the last-16 tonight. But who else will join them?
We already know England won't (as if you need
reminding). And, with surprise package Costa Rica already through, it is
up to Italy and Uruguay to slug it out for the other Group D place.
Weird And Wonderful Haircuts of 2014 World Cup in Pictures
THE MOST WEIRD AND WONDERFUL HAIRCUTS OF BRAZIL 2014
Strange: Ghana's John Boye almost looks as if he has a burnt cake on top of his head here in training
Three lions, three lines: Raheem Sterling may have been impressed for England but his hair was not
Ahead of the rest: Ronaldo's international team-mate Raul Meireles has long been known for his odd style
Elephant's trunk: Ivory Coast star Die Serey is seen here sporting a thin blond line on an otherwise normal cut
Ronaldo's inspiration? Like the Portuguese forward, Sergio Aguero is sporting shaved lines on his head
Swish: France and Newcastle's Mathieu Debuchy shows off his cut against Honduras
Odd: Ghana's Asamoah Gyan is sporting a '3' on the side of his head - his squad number for his country
Cameroon goalkeeper Charles Itandje
Cameroon goalkeeper Charles Itandje, thanks largely
to his Mohawk haircut, bears a striking resemblance to Mr T from the
1980s US hit TV series 'The A Team'.
Sadly he and the 'Indomitable Lions' have
played more like a B team. His haircut is where Itandje's similarities
to Mr T seem to end and not just because he isn't weighed down by heavy
gold jewellery.
When left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto tried to
headbutt team-mate Benjamin Moukandjo towards the end of the 4-0 defeat
by Croatia, Itandje was nowhere to be seen. Whereas Mr T intervened to
prevent his buddies Hannibal, Faceman and Murdoch from coming to blows
on regular occasions.
Neymar - The Difference Maker
Neymar has scored seven goals in his last six Brazil appearances. Red hot.
You think about the great players, they have had a World Cup when they
have done it for their country. Neymar has stepped up with big goals and
you would like for one of Neymar or Messi to say this is the World Cup
they put themselves in the bracket of a Ronaldo, Zidane or Maradona.
So often in life and in football a success story needs a little bit of failure - that is the case with Neymar.
So often in life and in football a success story needs a little bit of failure - that is the case with Neymar.
"I vividly remember the first time I saw
him, he came on for Santos for the last seven minutes when his side was
2-1 up in the Maracana. We had heard about him, that he was a tricky
dribbler, but the first thing he did was to ping a 45-yard diagonal ball
that opened up the opposition defence and led to a goal.
"In the remaining five minutes he had an
opposing player sent off and had shot parried out and turned in for 4-1.
But then he went to the U17 World Cup and he was an absolute flop.
Brazil were eliminated in the group stage and he was twice taken off.
"Neymar now has confidence in his own
ability. He has got himself up to a level now where he believes he can
turn it on in the big occasions and believes he can make the difference
in big matches."
Goals Galour at 2014 World Cup
There have been a whopping 108 goals in just 36 matches - which a quick bit of mental arithmetic tells us is almost three per game. Long may that continue.
FIFA’s World Cup scoring in on a tear,
with many soccer fans explaining the huge production in goals is because
of the Brazuca, the new style of ball used in this year’s World Cup.
While the goals are still pouring in, so far there have been more goals
scored in 2014 than in any other World Cup tournament since 1970.
Sunday 22 June 2014
Toure gives shirt to delighted fan at 2014 World Cup
Is this Arsenal new home kit?
Arsenal fans have been waiting patiently to see what their new home shirt will look like - could this be it?
Cameroon's Indomitable - A shadow of Old Lions
This has been a World Cup to forget with tensions in the squad sky-high. After almost refusing to board their plane to Brazil over financial disputes, the nation is still coming to terms with star midfielder Alex Song being sent off for throwing a ridiculous elbow at Mario Mandzukic. Things got worse in their last outing when Tottenham Hotspur left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto headbutted his own teammate Benjamin Moukandjo.
Portugal rescues 2-2 draw vs US at World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo swung in a cross from the right and Varela thumped a header into the net to keep Portugal alive in the tournament.
Clint Dempsey had given the U.S. the lead when he used his stomach to direct the ball into the net from a cross by Graham Zusi in the 81st minute.
Jermaine Jones had equalized for the Americans earlier in the second half, after Nani gave Portugal an early lead.
A win would have put the U.S. into the second round, but it can still advance with at least a draw against Germany in the next game.
Varela keeps Portugal in World Cup
This is how close Portugal came to going out -
and how close the USA came to celebrating a place in the last 16. But
Group G will now go down to the wire, with Germany facing USA in Recife
at the same time as Portugal take on Ghana in Brasilia on 26 June.
Portugal's chances of going through still
look bleak. They require a six-goal swing to make the knockout stages.
Who said the group stages were boring?
Saturday 21 June 2014
Watch Awesome Ghana team celebration dance
Messi scores in injury time to send Argentina through to last 16
Two-time world champions Argentina were frustrated for long periods, while Sergio Aguero was thwarted by a great Alireza Haghighi save.
Battling Iran could have even have won it but for a brilliant Sergio Romero save from Ashkan Dejagah's header.
But Messi sent Argentina through with a fabulous late strike.
I'm
exhausted. On the edge of my seat. What a performance from Iran against
a world class team. It's taken the best player on the planet to
separate the teams. Magnificent and enthralling to watch.
It's just that little half a yard and he gets the whip, the bend and the power. A spectacular piece of individual brilliance.
