Football

Argentina and Germany have appeared collectively in nine previous World Cup finals and two against each other.

Germany's assistant coach Hansi Flick said that there is a 'special plan' to cope with the four-time Ballon d'Or winner but refused to give details.

After deep initial scepticism, Dutch coach Gaal goes into third place play-off determined to down hosts Brazil and end it on a high note.

No fee was disclosed but Arsenal are believed to have paid in the region of 35 million pounds ($59.56 million) for the 25-year-old Chile international.

FIFA says it has rejected Luis Suarez's appeal against his four-month ban from all football for biting an opponent in a World Cup match.

"Life goes on, we need to look forward to our next goal, and our next goal is to win the match for third place," Scolari said.

Loew says his team's clinical response to Brazilian emotion laid the foundation of their stunning 7-1 victory.

The nation whose attacking soccer has thrilled the world for generations was left heart-broken Brazil's humiliating loss to Germany.

Chile goalkeeper Bravo passed a medical examination here and signed a contract with FC Barcelona for the next four seasons.

Giggs will be in charge for United's pre-season training on Monday as newly appointed manager Van Gaal is still at the FIFA World Cup with the Netherlands.

Luiz Felipe Scolari hinted in training that midfielder Willian is his first option to replace Neymar in Brazil's World Cup semi-final against Germany.

Brazil launched a desperate appeal to have Thiago Silva's ban for the semi-final overturned but Argentine hopes of seeing Angel Di Maria in action were ended by injury.

The ongoing World Cup has turned out to be an edge-of-the-seat thriller where picking a favourite is as difficult as guessing the climax of an Agatha Christie masterpiece.

Announcing the lineup, FIFA also said Brazilian singer-songwriter Ivete Sangalo "will bring a distinctive local flavor to the show".

Argentina are playing far below their best, are over-reliant on Lionel Messi and must improve if they are to beat Belgium in quarters, Maradona said.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter praised Uruguay striker Luis Suarez on Wednesday after he apologised for biting an Italian defender during the World Cup.