Sports

Technically, Mexico doesn't even have to score against Croatia to advance to the knockout round. A scoreless draw would do.

"You look at teams who have won the tournament over previous years and you can see that nastiness in them," said Rooney.

Miroslav Klose etched his Polish name into immortality on Saturday when he scored his 15th World Cup goal in the match against Ghana.

France are now virtually assured of qualification after a superb attacking display at the Fonte Nova arena against Switzerland.

The federation wants coach del Bosque to remain in charge despite the titleholders' stunning elimination from the World Cup after just two matches.

It's only the second meeting between Italy and Costa Rica, with the Azzurri having won a friendly 1-0 before the 1994 World Cup.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said there would be "consequences", including potentially for himself, after the holders' shock elimination from the World Cup.

Oscar Tabarez said Suarez could struggle to recapture his free-scoring form from last season with Liverpool at the World Cup as he recovers from injury.

Koke praised his team-mates' reactions after the heavy 1-5 defeat they suffered against the Netherlands in their World Cup opener.

Luis Suarez said he is fully fit and ready to play against England in their FIFA World Cup Group D clash on Thursday.

Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to lead Portugal against Germany in one of the biggest games of the first week at the World Cup.

Karim Benzema scored twice and created a third that was confirmed by goal-line technology as France beat Honduras 3-0.

With less than 30 seconds to play, Haris Seferovic came up with a brilliant winner to take Switzerland home.

Oxlade-Chamberlain's recovery from a knee injury is exceeding expectations after staying in England's 23-man squad in Brazil.

Spain striker Torres played down his side's humiliating 1-5 loss to the Netherlands, saying that the team's unity is the solution.

When Iran, Nigeria meet on Monday at the Arena da Baixada, both teams will be bidding to win their first match in the World Cup finals since France 1998.