Sports

Podolski gears up with his team to open his World Cup Campaign against Portugal in Salvador.

Ivan Franjic has been ruled out of the remainder of Australia's World Cup campaign after injuring his left hamstring in Friday's 3-1 loss to Chile.

In the 2010 World Cup, Spain had also lost their opening match against Switzerland but then went on to lift the trophy.

A defense that helped to win Spain's last three major tournaments was totally ripped to shreds in a 5-1 defeat by the Netherlands.

Bosnia-Herzegovina reached their first World Cup by playing a brazen full-speed-ahead style of football that netted 30 goals in qualifying.

Mattia De Sciglio will miss the match against England in Manaus after picking up a thigh muscle strain in training.

Cristiano Ronaldo cut short a training session, leaving the field with an ice pack over his left knee.

Wire stadium fences are being unfolded, new X-ray security machines are being unpacked at entrances and clouds of dust billow across roads leading to the World Cup venue.

FIFA also said on Thursday that England vs Italy in Manaus will be refereed by Bjorn Kuipers of the Netherlands.

According to a report in 'Independent' many prostitutes learning English to converse with the clients from English

Pope Francis said football teaches three lessons that can promote peace and solidarity around the world.

"Danny will be fine. He'll be ready for Saturday. He just hasn't risked anything. He'll be available for Saturday, I'm sure," Rooney said.

Vidal underwent minor knee surgery to repair a damaged miniscus on May 7 after helping Juventus to seal the Serie A title.

Scolari said that his players cannot afford to trip in the Group A clash at Sao Paulo due to the resultant pressure in later matches.

Hugo Almeida scored two first-half goals and Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the starting lineup as Portugal cruised past Ireland 5-1.

Jese Rodriguez has emerged as the most popular young football star on Google among those who would make their debut in the FIFA World Cup which gets underway in Brazil on Thursday.