World Cup Brazilian players win heart of Italian girls

Italy's premature exit from the World Cup has not cancelled Italian girls' interest in their most beloved players, who often have the unmistakable traits of Brazilian nationals, Xinhua has recently learnt from the opinions of several teenagers.
Source: Xinhua | 2014-6-28 11:01:56

A bridge too far for Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo's subdued performances for Portugal at the World Cup after his scintillating form for Real Madrid last season suggest the tournament was a bridge too far for the Ballon d'Or holder.
Source: Reuters | 2014-6-27 22:13:01

First round leaves Europe all at sea

Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Andrea Pirlo and Xavi have left Brazil with their tails between their legs highlighting the hard times for Europe at the World Cup.
Source: AFP-Global Times | 2014-6-27 21:48:01

Chile face nemesis Brazil in World Cup

World Cup favorites Brazil have rediscovered their swagger and boast a superb past record against Chile but go into Saturday’s do-or-die game knowing their rivals have enough attacking prowess to wreck the hosts’ party.
Source: Reuters - Global Times | 2014-6-26 23:48:01

Stalemate raises new doubts about French strength in depth

France coach Didier Deschamps gave players who missed their opening two games the chance to shine on Wednesday, but they failed to live up to expectations in a 0-0 draw against Ecuador.
Source: Reuters | 2014-6-26 20:08:02

Tired Iran fail to rise to the occasion

Iran had a chance to progress to the knockout stage of the World Cup on Wednesday but after an initial burst of aggressive energy reverted back to type and saw the opportunity pass them by in a 3-1 defeat by Bosnia.
Source: Reuters | 2014-6-26 20:08:01

Man of the day

Switzerland’s midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri controls the ball during the match against Honduras at the Amazonia Arena in Manaus on Wednesday.
Source: AFP | 2014-6-26 20:03:01

Argentina march on

Argentina's Lionel Messi continued his World Cup dual with Neymar by scoring twice in a 3-2 win over Nigeria while Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri got in on the act with a magnificent hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Honduras on Wednesday.
Source: Reuters - AFP | 2014-6-26 19:58:01

Chinese firm looking to score at World Cup

China may not have qualified for this summer's World Cup in Brazil, but Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. is flying the flag with advertising logos at all 12 stadiums.
Source: Xinhua | 2014-6-26 13:02:23

News Analysis: Germany vs USA - The battle of two masterminds

When Joachim Loew and Germany meet Juergen Klinsmann and Team USA in the final group match on Thursday, it will in no way be just another World Cup match. It's even more than a battle for three points.
Source: Xinhua | 2014-6-26 11:12:52

World Cup Group F final standigns

Following are the final standings of the World Cup Group F after the two matches on Wednesday (tabulated under games played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, against, points):
Source: Xinhua | 2014-6-26 11:11:23

Cote d’Ivoire choke again

A contentious refereeing decision eliminated Cote d'Ivoire from the World Cup on Tuesday, extending a ­calamitous record at tournaments for a golden generation of players who must now feel permanently jinxed.
Source: Reuters | 2014-6-25 20:33:01

Toothless Italy wilt in heat, problems revealed

Italy's World Cup campaign ended in sadly familiar style on Wednesday with bickering and recriminations against the referee, yet it was a general lack of quality,­ especially­ in attack, which ultimately caused their downfall.
Source: Reuters | 2014-6-25 20:33:01

Man of the day

Colombia’s forward Jackson Martinez (right) vies with Japan’s defender Atsuto Uchida at the Pantanal Arena in Cuiaba during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil on Tuesday.
Source: AFP | 2014-6-25 20:23:01

FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Suarez

Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez­ faces expulsion from the World Cup for biting­ another­ player as FIFA confirmed it had opened disciplinary­ proceedings­ against him on Wednesday.
Source: AFP - Reuters | 2014-6-25 20:18:01

Brazil World Cup far from the disaster feared

As the second week of the 2014 Brazil World Cup comes to an end, the fear that the competition would turn into a disaster of gigantic proportions fades into a distant memory.
Source: Xinhua | 2014-6-25 10:13:55

Binge drinking, fake ‘sickies’ as World Cup brings global trail of carnage

The hangover goes around the globe like a Mexican wave – a trail of destructive and sometimes deadly celebration is left after every win and the World Cup “sickie” has become an epidemic.
Source: AFP - Global Times | 2014-6-24 23:28:01

Dutch chances not over without RVP

Missing talismanic striker Robin van Persie, the Netherlands looked a pale imitation of the side that stuck five goals past Spain in their Group B opener, but Monday's 2-0 win over Chile proved they can grind out victories without him.
Source: Reuters | 2014-6-24 21:23:01