#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Germany Vs Algeria

Three-time World Cup winners Germany have never failed to reach the last eight when they have participated in the tournament and can do so once more if they beat Algeria on Monday evening.

Joachim Low's team advanced to the last 16 by coming top of Group G on seven points and will be heavily fancied to overcome surprise side Algeria, who reached the knockout stages for the first time in their history by finishing second behind Belgium in Group H.

Some have said that Monday's meeting in Porto Alegre is a grudge match for Algeria after Germany's suspect 1-0 win over Austria in 1982 ensured that they could not progress in Spain.

Low, however, doesn't feel that Germany's current generation of players should be brought into the debate.

After starting in Germany's final group match against USA, Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski will be missing from tomorrow's game because of a thigh injury.

He is expected to be replaced in the side by Mario Gotze, with Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil also in attack.

Algeria are ready to welcome back Madjid Bougherra in the heart of defence after he sat out against Russia to avoid being suspended for the first knockout game.

The two nations have met twice previously, with Algeria winning both encounters. Whoever triumphs will take on the victor of the France-Nigeria tie, also on Monday, in the quarter-finals.

Recent form

Germany: WDWWDD

Algeria: DWLWWW

Possible starting lineups
Germany: Neuer; Boateng, Mertesacker, Hummels, Howedes; Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Kroos; Ozil, Muller, Gotze

Algeria: Mbolhi; Mandi, Bougherra, Halliche, Mesbah; Medjani, Bentaleb; Feghouli, Brahimi, Djabou; Slimani

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: France Vs Nigeria

France and Nigeria will meet for just the second time when they face off in the World Cup round of 16 in Brasilia on Monday afternoon.

Didier Deschamps's unbeaten France side advanced to the last 16 by topping Group E, scoring eight goals and conceding two, while Nigeria came second in Group F behind Argentina.

The pair's one and only meeting came in a Saint-Etienne friendly five years ago, with Nigeria winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from Joseph Akpala.

This time around Les Bleus are heavy favourites, but Deschamps does have injury worries, especially in defence.

Both Mamadou Sakho and Laurent Koscielny are struggling to get fit in time, meaning that Eliaquim Mangala could get the nod to start alongside Raphael Varane.

Nigeria, meanwhile, will be without midfielder Michael Babatunde after he broke his arm in a freak incident against Argentina on Wednesday.

Victor Moses could take Babatunde's place in midfield, but the Chelsea man has also been hampered by a muscular problem.

The winner will take on either Germany or Algeria in Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium on Friday for a place in the semi-finals.

Recent form

France: DWWWDW

Nigeria: LWDLDD

Possible starting lineups

France: Lloris; Debuchy, Varane, Sakho, Evra; Cabaye, Pogba, Matuidi; Valbuena, Benzema, Griezmann

Nigeria: Enyeama; Ambrose, Yobo, Omeruo, Oshaniwa; Mikel, Onazi; Musa, Moses, Odemwingie; Emenike

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: Costa Rica Defeats Greece 5 - 3 In Penalty Shootout

Costa Rica have progressed into the quarter-finals of the World Cup after beating Greece 5-3 in a thrilling penalty shootout in Recife tonight.

It was the Central Americans who managed to get away the first shot of the night, with Bryan Ruiz sliding a pass out to Christian Bolanos whose effort from a tight angle flew over the bar on eight minutes.

Shortly after, Lazaros Christodoulopoulos beat two men as he cut inside from the left flank, before dragging his long-range attempt wide of the target.

Greece started to enjoy more of the ball as the half progressed, and Giorgos Karagounis came close to opening the scoring when he struck the ball from 25-yards out which Keylor Navas did well to handle just short of the half-hour mark.

Navas was called into action once more before the interval, this time to deny Dimitris Salpingidis's first-time finish at the back post with a superb stop to ensure that the scores remained level at the break.

The breakthrough came seven minutes after the restart when Ruiz steered a low pass into the bottom corner of the net with Orestis Karnezis left rooted to the spot, to give La Sele a 1-0 lead with their first real attack of the second half.

With over 20 minutes still left to play, Costa Rica defender Oscar Duarte was shown a second yellow card of the night to give Greece real hope of staging a comeback.

Following a couple of half-chances, the Ethniki turned the screw further as Lazaros pounced on a loose cross which he could only send wide.

Some fine play on the left by Lazaros created an opening for substitute Kostas Mitroglou, but the striker was unable to convert the chance.

Then, as the game entered injury time, centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos levelled the contest as he tapped home after Theofanis Gekas's shot on the turn was pushed into his path by Navas.

Greece could have won it with seconds remaining, but Navas pulled off another superb save to deny Mitroglou to send the game into extra time.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, it was Costa Rica who came closest to breaking the deadlock during extra time as second-half substitute Randall Brenes volleyed narrowly wide of the mark minutes after the restart.

The Greeks could have then nicked it at the death but Navas, just as he did at the end of normal time, denied Mitroglou and it soon transpired that penalties were needed to separate both teams.

Seven perfectly executed penalties from both sides saw Costa Rica hold a slender 4-3 lead, but Navas's save from Gekas handed Michael Umana the opportunity to win it once and for all - and the 31-year-old duly obliged, stroking home the winning penalty to seal their progression and book a last-eight clash with the Netherlands.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: Netherlands 2 - 1 Mexico

Netherlands dramatically scored twice in the final moments to come from behind and beat Mexico in their World Cup last-16 clash in Fortaleza this afternoon.

The Dutch lost holding midfielder Nigel de Jong to injury inside the first 10 minutes and Mexico soon had a dominant spell.

Hector Herrera dragged a shot wide before he appeared to be denied the ball in the penalty area by high foots from both Ron Vlaar and Stefan de Vrij. Mexico appealed for a penalty, but Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca didn't agree.

The hot and humid conditions in Fortaleza meant that one cooling break was allowed per half to allow the players to take on fluids.

Three minutes before the interval Giovani dos Santos was presented with a shooting opportunity from a tight angle but couldn't get the better of Jasper Cillessen.

Netherlands then wanted a penalty of their own when Arjen Robben seemed to be taken out by a combination of Rafael Marquez and Hector Moreno in the area, but once again Proenca opted against pointing to the spot.

Mexico broke the deadlock just three minutes after the resumption when Dos Santos rifled a bouncing ball low into the corner from 25 yards.

The Dutch came within of inches of an equaliser just before the hour mark when De Vrij volleyed at goal from inside the six-yard box but was somehow denied by the strong hands of Guillermo Ochoa, who managed to palm the ball agains the inside of the post.

Moments later it was Wesley Sneijder to go close. The Galatasaray man was fed by Robben but had his shot deflected up and inches over the crossbar.

With 15 minutes on the clock, Robben had his clearest sight of goal when he glided into the box but couldn't beat Ochoa from a tight angle.

It looked like the Dutch would go out in the first knockout stage after winning every single group game until Sneijder struck with two minutes of normal time remaining.

A loose ball fell his way from a corner and he kept his cool to slam a volley low into the corner.

Oranje then sent Mexico home with an injury-time penalty from substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar after Robben had been brought down in the box by Marquez.

Louis van Gaal's side will next face the winner of tonight's match between Costa Rica and Greece in the quarter-finals on Saturday afternoon.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Costa Rica Vs Greece

Costa Rica have caused one of the surprises of the World Cup by topping a group that included Uruguay, Italy and England.

However, Jorge Luis Pinto's side are fully deserving of a place in the last 16, and they will fancy their chances against a Greece side that only qualified for the second round in the final minute of their match with Ivory Coast.

Pinto is likely to keep changes to a minimum as he looks to maintain his team's momentum in the tournament.

Greece looked down and out against Ivory Coast on Tuesday evening before Georgios Samaras struck from the penalty spot in added-on time to help his team reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history.

However, the win came at a price as goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis and midfielder Panagiotis Kone both picked up injuries during the game, which leaves them as huge doubts for the showdown in Recife.

Recent form

Costa Rica: WLDWW

Greece: DWLDW

Possible starting lineups

Costa Rica: Navas, Gamboa, Diaz Campbell, Miller, Gonzalez, Duarte, Ruiz, Borges, Campbell, Tejeda Valverde, Brenes

Greece: Glykos, Torosidis, Holebas, Karagounis, Manolas, Papastathopoulos, Salpingidis, Maniatis, Samaras, Samaris, Christodoulopoulos

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Netherlands Vs Mexico

Netherlands go into their last-16 fixture with Mexico having emerged from the group stages as one of four teams who hold a 100% record.

Louis van Gaal's team opened the tournament with a 5-1 success over reigning champions Spain before registering victories over Australia and Chile.

Robin van Persie will return to the starting lineup after missing the Chile game through suspension, but Bruno Martins Indi remains a doubt after suffering concussion earlier in the competition.

Mexico qualified for the knockout stages after scoring three second-half goals to earn a 3-1 victory over Croatia on Monday evening.

That triumph over Croatia was El Tricolor's second win of the tournament, and after keeping a clean sheet against Brazil in their other fixture, Mexico are regarded as an outside tip to reach the semi-finals.

Coach Miguel Herrera will be without Jose Juan Vasquez, who is missing through suspension, so former Fulham man Carlos Salcido could deputise in his place.

Recent form
Netherlands: DWWWWW

Mexico: WLLWDW

Possible starting lineups
Netherlands: Cillessen; Janmaat, Blind, Vlaar, De Vrij; De Guzman, De Jong, Sneijder; Van Persie, Robben, Lens

Mexico: Ochoa; Aguilar, Layun, Marquez, Rodriguez; Moreno, Herrera, Salcido; Dos Santos, Guardado, Peralta

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: Colombia 2 - 0 Uruguay

Two goals from James Rodriguez have fired Colombia into a quarter-final encounter with World Cup hosts Brazil, after Jose Pekerman's side earned a comfortable 2-0 victory over Uruguay at the Estadio Maracana this evening.

Colombia were the first to threaten in a tame first half, with Juan Zuniga making use of Jackson Martinez's through-ball, only to smash his effort straight at the keeper from distance.

With both sides defending resolutely, chances were hard to come by in the opening period, however Rodriguez made his mark in the 28th minute as he took the ball down on his chest before dispatching a left-footed volley into the top corner of goal.

Edinson Cavani looked to make use of one of Uruguay's few opportunities in the first half when he cannoned in a free kick from the edge of the area, though it was just a little too high as it went whistling over the crossbar.

Uruguay might have equalised just before the interval but for David Ospina, who pulled off a strong save to keep out Alvaro Gonzalez's acute volley.

Things were to get even worse for Oscar Tabarez's men after the break when first-half hero Rodriguez capped off some fine team play to convert past a helpless Fernando Muslera.

The second goal injected a little bit of urgency into Uruguay as Cristian Rodriguez marauded forward, however Ospina was on hand to make another good stop to his left.

The Colombian keeper was in form yet again in the closing stages to keep out Cavani, who sought out a mere consolation with a stinging first-time effort towards the bottom corner, leaving the final score at 2-0

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: Brazil Win Chile 3 - 2 On Penalties

Hosts Brazil have progressed to the quarter-finals of the World Cup by edging out Chile in an enthralling penalty shootout at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte.

Brazil players celebrate their penalty shootout victory over Chile in the World Cup round of 16 in Belo Horizonte on June 28, 2014

After a feisty start to the game, early efforts from Marcelo and Marcelo Diaz at either end flew wide before Brazil appealed wildly for a penalty in the 13th minute.

Hulk tumbled under the challenge of Mauricio Isla, but English referee Howard Webb didn't feel that there was enough contact to warrant the fall.

Brazil took the lead in the 18th minute when Neymar's corner was flicked goalwards by Thiago Silva and bundled home at the back post by centre-back partner David Luiz - his first goal for his country.

Replays indicated that it may have been an own goal by Gonzalo Jara, but Luiz was credited with the goal as it was unclear who diverted the ball into the net.

The men in yellow were only ahead for a quarter of an hour before Alexis Sanchez levelled the scores with his second goal of the tournament.

Hulk gave away possession cheaply in the corner and Sanchez was found by Eduardo Vargas before coolly rolling the ball past Julio Cesar into the corner.

Brazil had several chances to go back in front before half time, but Neymar headed wide, Fred shot over and Dani Alves was denied by an acrobatic Claudio Bravo save.

Ten minutes after the break Hulk thought that he had restored Brazil's lead, but his finish was ruled out as he appeared to control the ball with his right bicep before finding the bottom corner.

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Manchester United Confirm Alexander Buttner Departure

Manchester United have confirmed Alexander Buttner's departure to Dynamo Moscow for an undisclosed fee.

The Russian club revealed on Tuesday that they had agreed a deal with United for the transfer of the 25-year-old left-back.

It is understood that Moscow have paid around £4.4m for the Dutchman's services.

"Everybody at Old Trafford would like to thank Alex for his service and wish him well for his new career in Russia," read a statement on the club's official website.

Buttner moved to Old Trafford from Vitesse in 2012 before going on to make 28 appearances for the Red Devils.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Colombia Vs Uruguay

South American rivals Colombia and Uruguay will face off for a place in the quarter-finals when they play in the round of 16 on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro.

Colombia have not lost a match since they were beaten by their opponents during qualifying for this tournament last year.

Jose Pekerman rested many of his starters in their final group game against Japan, but James Rodriguez, Mario Yepes and Carlos Carbonero are all in line for a return at the weekend.

Yepes was carrying a hamstring problem earlier in the week, but it is expected that resting the other night will have helped him recover.

Jackson Martinez may hold onto his spot in the starting lineup after netting a brace during the 4-1 win over Japan.

Meanwhile, Uruguay will be without star striker Luis Suarez following his ban for a bite on Italy's Giorgio Chiellini earlier this week.

His absence could see a recall for Diego Forlan, who featured in the team's opening match of the tournament against Costa Rica while Suarez was recovering from knee surgery.

Uruguay otherwise have no fresh injury concerns or suspensions for the match.

Recent form

Colombia: DDWWWW

Uruguay: DWWLWW

Possible starting lineups

Colombia: Ospina, Zuniga, Armero, Sanchez, Zapata, Yepes, Cuadrado, Aguilar, Gutierrez, Rodriguez, Ibarbo

Uruguay: Muslera, Caceres, Lugano, Godin, Pereira, Gargano, Arevalo, Rodriguez, Forlan, Stuani, Cavani

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: Brazil Vs Chile

Brazil will be hoping to reach the quarter-finals at their home World Cup when they take on Chile in Belo Horizonte on Saturday.

The host nation came through Group A unbeaten, although were held to a draw by Mexico, and have no players suspended for the knockout stage.

Luiz Felipe Scolari has reported no new injuries for the round of 16, but has insisted that the side will have to improve to beat their South American rivals.

Brazil currently boast the tournament's joint top scorer, with Neymar having found the back of the net four times so far, leaving him level with Argentina's Lionel Messi.

Meanwhile, Chile proved the surprise package in Group B, progressing as runners-up behind the Netherlands in place of defending champions Spain, who finished third.

Like their opponents, Chile kept a clean disciplinary record during their group games to ensure that they have the full squad available to face Brazil.

No leading goalscorer has emerged for Chile yet, with Jean Beausejour, Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Valdivia among those on the scoresheet so far.

Recent form

Brazil: WWWWDW

Chile: LWWWWL

Possible starting lineups

Brazil: Cesar, Alves, Silva, Luiz, Marcelo, Paulinho, Ramires, Gustavo, Oscar, Fred, Neymar

Chile: Bravo, Jara, Silva, Medel, Mena, Aranguiz, Diaz, Isla, Vidal, Vargas, Sanchez

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Diego Maradona Slams Luis Suarez's Four-month FIFA Ban For Biting

Argentina legend Diego Maradona has given his backing to Liverpool striker Luis Suarez after he was handed a four-month ban by FIFA for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini.

The 27-year-old will be unable to take part in any football activity for four months, as well as nine international matches, which signalled his exit from the World Cup in Brazil.

Suarez, who has been punished before for two previous biting incidents, sunk his teeth into the shoulder of Chiellini during Uruguay's 1-0 win in Natal on Tuesday.

The Uruguayan FA plan to appeal the sanction, and Maradona is the latest figure to give his backing to the controversial frontman by wearing a T-shirt with the message 'Luisito Estamos Con Vos' emblazoned on the front, which translates as 'Luis we are with you', while appearing on TV show De Zurda in Rio.

Maradona is quoted as saying: "Why? Who is killed? This is football, this is friction."

The 53-year-old also joked: "Why not send him to Guantanamo?"

Meanwhile, Liverpool have reportedly denied claims that they will meet with Suarez's lawyer and agent in Barcelona today to discuss the forward's situation.

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Manchester United Confirm Luke Shaw Arrival On Four-year Deal

Manchester United have announced the signing of Southampton left-back Luke Shaw for a reported fee in the region of £30m.

The England international, who returned from the World Cup in Brazil just two days ago, is said to have attracted a bid from United on the final day of last season.

Southampton maintained that they would not allow their stars to leave the club until former manager Mauricio Pochettino's replacement was appointed.

Following on from Ronald Koeman's arrival at St Mary's, Shaw's switch to Old Trafford has been given the green light.

The 18-year-old, who is now the most expensive teenager in football, has penned a four-year contract, which has the option of a further year.

"I am thrilled and excited to be joining Manchester United," Shaw told the club's official website. "I have been at Southampton since I was eight years old and I would like to thank them and the fans for everything they have done for me.

"I want to continue to progress my career and joining United is the ideal place for me to do that. I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life and also looking forward to learning from the world-class players and management at the club."

Shaw made 67 appearances for Southampton following his debut in 2012.

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'Luis Suarez's Four-month Ban For Biting Is Excessive' - Giorgio Chiellini

Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini has expressed empathy towards Luis Suarez after he was handed a four-month ban by FIFA for biting.

Chiellini was at the centre of the controversy when Suarez sunk his teeth into the shoulder of the Italian centre-back during Uruguay's 1-0 victory in Natal at the World Cup on Tuesday.

The Juventus player accused Suarez, who has also been banned for nine international matches, for biting, but has now claimed that he no longer holds fury over the incident but is more unhappy with Italy's exit from the tournament in Brazil.

In a statement on his official website, Chiellini said: "Now inside me there's no feelings of joy, revenge or anger against Suarez for an incident that happened on the pitch and that's done. There only remain the anger and the disappointment about the match.

"At the moment my only thought is for Luis and his family, because they will face a very difficult period. I have always considered unequivocal the disciplinary interventions by the competent bodies, but at the same time I believe that the proposed formula is excessive.

"I sincerely hope that he will be allowed, at least, to stay close to his team mates during the games because such a ban is really alienating for a player."

The Uruguayan FA has decided to stand by the striker after it confirmed that it will appeal against the sanction

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: South Korea 0 - 1 Belgium

Belgium have defeated South Korea 1-0 in today's World Cup Group H game in Sao Paulo, ensuring that the Red Devils would qualify with a 100% record, while sending the Taeguk Warriors out of the competition with a solitary point and bottom of the group.

Hong Myung-Bo's side were quick off the starting blocks, as only a heavy win would give them a chance of progressing to the next round, and they showed their attacking intent, powering forward as early as the third minute, but the referee halted the move due to offside.

Belgium, somewhat rattled in the early stages, were threatened once again in the 12th minute when Kim Young-Gwon blasted his effort high and wide.

The Red Devils, however, upped their tempo as the game went on, and Kim had to thwart a last-minute Anthony vanden Borre surge into the box. The Belgian players appealed for a penalty, but this wasn't given.

Just four minutes later, Kevin Mirallas succeeded in getting the ball into the opposition net, but this was disallowed due to offside, while in the 25th minute, Dries Mertens wasted a good chance from just 10 yards.

Just after the half-hour mark, however, the Taeguk Warriors caused panic in the Belgium box when Ki Sung-Yeung's effort forced Thibaut Courtois into a save, just moments before a chaotic goal-line clearance.

Towards the end of the first half, Steven Defour went in studs-first on Kim Shin-Wook, and the referee produced a straight red card for the Mechelen-born midfielder, leaving the Red Devils a man down.

Buoyed by the man advantage, South Korea picked up from where they left off at the start of the second period, as substitute Lee Keun-Ho's long-range effort drew another skilful save from Courtois before heading over from the resulting corner.

Son Heung-Min then caused more panic on the hour mark as he lashed a curling cross that bounced off the Belgium crossbar.

The Red Devils, however, kicked into gear towards the midway point of the second half, when Divock Origi blasted his header into an opposition player and into touch, but a goal kick was awarded.

South Korean hearts were well and truly broken just a few minutes later when Origi's problematic low drive was spilt by Kim Seung-Gyu, which allowed Jan Vertonghen to strike the ball into the empty net.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP: Algeria 1 - 1 Russia

Algeria have secured their passage to the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time in their history after securing a 1-1 draw against Russia in Curitiba, which sent Fabio Capello's side home in the process.

After a scrappy opening period, Russia drew first blood as early as the sixth minute. A cross was whipped into the box from Dmitri Kombarov, which was met by the head of Alexander Kokorin from 12 yards, and Rais M'Bolhi remained stationary as the ball flew into the net.

The Desert Foxes offered little in the opening stages of the first half, with Russia's defenders having to do little, while at the other end, Kokorin was allowed time and space in the box to meet Alexander Samedov's cross in the 21st minute, but failed to hit the target.

Algeria upped the tempo has the game went on, however, and both teams found themselves playing attacking, end-to-end football.

Midway through the first half, Oleg Shatov blasted an effort from long range wide, while just two minutes later, Djamel Mesbah was given a great opportunity to open the scoring, but his attempt was weak and easily stopped.

Russia came out with the intent to put the game to bed in the second half, Samedov forcing a fine save from M'Bolhi following a one-two with Kokorin.

Controversy then struck as Algeria equalised on the hour mark, when a free kick was misjudged by Igor Akinfeev, allowing Islam Slimani to head the ball into an empty net.

However, a laser from the crowd was pointed on the Russian goalkeeper prior to the goal, which may or may not have affected his judgment.

Midway through the second half, Aleksandr Kerzhakov was able to maraud into the Algeria penalty area and forced a smart save from Akinfeev with a low drive.

Russia desperately tried to drive forward in the closing stages, in a bid to score the decisive winning goal, but the Desert Foxes held on for the draw, much to the delight of the Algerian contingent, who could celebrate making the second round of the competition for the first time in their history.

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#2014FIFAWORLDCUP PREVIEW: South Korea Vs Belgium

South Korea still have slim hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages but will need to beat Group H leaders Belgium in Sao Paulo on Thursday night.

The Asian side have only earned one point so far in the tournament but will qualify for the last 16 if they beat Marc Wilmots's side by more goals than Russia, if they see off Algeria.

Hong Myung-Bo's side will also progress if they beat Belgium by three goals and Algeria and Russia share a draw.

Despite already guaranteeing a place in the last 16, Belgium are not sure to finish top of the group. If they are beaten and Algeria overcome Russia, then the African side will finish in first place.

Wilmots is likely to start Divock Origi ahead of Romelu Lukaku up front after his late winner against Russia on Sunday.

Thomas Vermaelen is also struggling with injury and may have to sit out.
The last time these two sides met was in a friendly 15 years ago when Sandy Martens scored twice for Belgium in a 2-1 win.

Recent form

South Korea: LDLLWL
Belgium: WWWWWD

Possible starting lineups
South Korea: Jung S-R, Yun S-Y, Kim Y-G, Son H-M, Park C-Y, Lee Y, Koo J-C, Han K-Y, Ki S-Y, Lee C-Y, Hong J-H
Belgium: Courtois; Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany, Vertonghen; Witsel, Fellaini, De Bruyne; Mertens, Mirallas, Origi

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