Football

Ramires says the five-time World Champions need to be wary of Colombia's key man James Rodriguez during their World Cup quarter-final face-off in Fortaleza on Friday.

Andrea Barzagli will be sidelined for three months after undergoing surgery on his Achilles tendon and ankle.

In a 'bitter-sweet' experience, the South Korean football team that finished last in Group H was pelted with "toffees" on their arrival at Incheon airport.

Nigeria coach Keshi has stepped down from his post after the country's elimination from the World Cup.

Neymar was ineffective during much of Brazil's last-16 win over Chile after he suffered early knocks on the right knee and left thigh.

Belgium have not reached the quarters since 1986 and the US have already exceeded expectations by emerging from a tough opening group.

Uruguay captain Lugano lashed out at the sanction issued by FIFA against teammate Luis Suarez, saying that it violates human rights.

Robin van Persie returns to the Dutch attack to face Mexico in the second round of the World Cup on Sunday.

"This is football, this is contact," the Argentine legend said. "They may as well handcuff him and bring him to Guantanamo directly."

Defender Jan Vertonghen scored from a rebound in the 78th minute to give 10-man Belgium a 1-0 victory over South Korea.

Algeria can make history by qualifying for the second round of the World Cup for the first time in four appearances at the tournament when they face Russia on Thursday.

Uruguay eliminated Italy with a 1-0 win to progress to the Round of 16, while Costa Rica topped Group D after a 0-0 draw with England.

Germany might not yet have qualified for the knockout stages of the FIFA world cup but for former India football captain, Baichung Bhutia it's the strongest contender to win the coveted trophy.

After 12 days of competition, Colombia have already achieved more than they could ever have imagined at the World Cup in Brazil.

Brazil are not eyeing an alternative to centre-forward Fred at the World Cup and are confident the misfiring forward will start hitting the target soon.

Lionel Messi's 90th-minute strike takes Argentina into the last-16 from Group F with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Iran.