Salvador puts on brave face during record-breaking national humiliation

It was raining on Tuesday morning in Salvador but that did not put a ­dampener on Brazilian spirits as they anticipated their country's semifinal clash with Germany.
Source: Global Times | 2014-7-9 19:13:01

Man of the day

Klose is now the World Cup all-time record scorer with 16 goals, eclipsing former Brazilian star striker Ronaldo.
Source: AFP | 2014-7-9 19:13:01

Brazilian tragedy

Brazil's World Cup dream was smashed into oblivion Tuesday as Germany ran riot to win an extraordinary semifinal 7-1, sending the hosts crashing to the worst defeat in their 100-year soccer history.
Source: AFP | 2014-7-9 19:08:01

Germany reopens Brazil's Maracanazo wounds

For Brazilians, this was not part of the script. The hosts' 7-1 loss to Germany on Tuesday did more than extinguish hopes of a sixth World Cup trophy.
Source: Xinhua | 2014-7-9 11:33:31

Scolari: Neymar absence not to blame

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari refused to blame the absence of Neymar for his team's 7-1 defeat to Germany in their World Cup semifinal in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.
Source: Xinhua | 2014-7-9 11:32:13

Loew urges humility after Brazil rout

Germany coach Joachim Loew has urged his players to show modesty and humility following their 7-1 World Cup semifinal defeat of Brazil on Tuesday.
Source: Xinhua | 2014-7-9 11:31:07

Fred: We will be scarred for life

Brazil striker Fred said Tuesday the team's 7-1 World Cup semifinal loss to Germany would leave a permanent scare on the Selecao's players.
Source: Xinhua | 2014-7-9 11:30:07

All-time World Cup leading scorers

Following are the leading World Cup career scorers (tabulated under placing, name, team, years, number of goals):
Source: Xinhua | 2014-7-9 11:20:16

Sabella: Perez likely to start for Argentina

Reaching the World Cup semifinals for the first time in 24 years, Argentina will meet the Netherlands in Sao Paulo on Wednesday to vie for a berth in the final. Coach Alejandro Sabella revealed Benfica midfielder Enzo Perez is likely to replaced injured Angel di Maria for the Albiceleste.
Source: Xinhua | 2014-7-9 11:16:15

Van Gaal ready to face Messi challenge

Dutch boss Louis Van Gaal expects a big challenge from Argentina's talisman Lionel Messi ahead of Wednesday's semifinal duel and he also stressed that the Netherlands had a plan to stop Argentina instead of only Messi as an individual.
Source: Xinhua | 2014-7-9 10:49:03

Netherlands could be without Van Persie in semifinal against Argentina

The Netherlands could be without their captain and star striker Robin van Persie in Wednesday's semifinal clash against Argentina due to a stomach problem.
Source: Xinhua | 2014-7-9 10:48:02

Germany crush Brazil to advance to World Cup final

Rampant Germany advanced to the World Cup final by crushing Brazil 7-1 in their semifinal in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.
Source: Xinhua | 2014-7-9 10:18:17

No action against Zuniga for Neymar tackle, says FIFA

Colombia defender Juan Camilo Zuniga will not be punished for the tackle on Neymar that left the Brazil striker with a broken bone in his back and forced him out of the rest of the World Cup.
Source: Reuters-Global Times | 2014-7-8 22:48:02

Beer flows at Brazil arenas

It has been a common sight at World Cup games: huge lines of fans buying beer inside stadiums before returning home with stacks of empty souvenir cups in their hands.
Source: AFP-Global Times | 2014-7-8 22:48:01

Vanishing spray inventor not letting his ideals disappear

One of the great World Cup success stories has been the "magic spray" used by referees to keep a defensive wall 10 yards (9.15 meters) from the ball at free kicks but its inventor says he is more concerned with the good of the game than making millions of dollars.
Source: Reuters | 2014-7-8 20:23:01

Brazil’s lack of strikers laid bare for world to see

Brazil has always been famed for its attacking talent and Neymar is a fitting heir to the stars that have lit up World Cups past. However, with his tournament over the lack of goal threat elsewhere up front has been brought into sharp focus.
Source: Global Times | 2014-7-8 20:23:01

Argentina take on Netherlands in semi

Argentina take on Holland in São Paulo on Wednesday afternoon with the winner taking a berth in the final at Rio's ­famous Maracana on Sunday. Both teams are in the semifinal on merit and both have scores to settle at this year's World Cup.
Source: Global Times | 2014-7-8 20:13:01

Majority of Chinese soccer fans predict Argentina will win the World Cup

A survey conducted last week by China Youth Daily shows that a majority of respondents (24.0%) predict that Argentina will win the World Cup in Brazil. Argentina was followed by Brazil (21.7%), Germany (19.6%), Netherlands (4%) and France (2.1%). Almost 40,000 people responded to the survey.
Source: People's Daily Online | 2014-7-8 14:52:13