Sports

Holders Spain open their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on Friday in a repeat of the 2010 final with the Dutch out for revenge. Andres Iniesta's strike four minutes from the end of extra-time in the Johannesburg final crowned...

Sepp Blatter has indicated he wants to seek a fifth term as Fifa president and called Uefa "disrespectful" following calls for his resignation. He has been widely criticised over the damage corruption allegations have caused football's governing body. But the 78-year-old...

Soldiers in a Nigerian state at the heart of an Islamist revolt have shut down all venues preparing to screen live World Cup matches, hoping to stave off the kind of attacks that have killed more than 20 people...

Calls for Wayne Rooney to be dropped by England at the World Cup have turned into a "witch-hunt", according to his Manchester United coach Phil Neville. The 28-year-old striker's place in Roy Hodgson's side has been questioned ahead of Saturday's...

Striker Luis Suarez is working overtime to be fit for the World Cup as he recovers from knee surgery, says Uruguay team-mate Cristian Rodriguez. Uruguay open their Group D campaign against Costa Rica on Saturday, but coach Oscar Tabarez does...

Galatasaray have announced the departure of manager Roberto Mancini after just nine months in the job. The former Manchester City boss has left the Turkish side by mutual consent, the club said. "We wholeheartedly thank Mancini for his success and achievements...

Cristiano Ronaldo made a successful return from injury as he helped Portugal warm up for the World Cup with a big win over the Republic of Ireland. Ronaldo, 29, had missed Portugal's previous two friendlies with knee and thigh problems,...

Former South African referee of the Year, Daniel Bennett’s 2014 Fifa World Cup dream has been shattered after he was ruled out through injury. Bennett was selected as support referee for the world football spectacle taking place in Brazil from...

David Beckham says striker Wayne Rooney is essential to England's chances at the World Cup because he "scares" opposition teams. Doubts have been raised about the the 28-year-old as he is yet to score in eight previous World Cup appearances. "If...

Brazil legend Pele says England "have the same chance" as his country of winning the 2014 World Cup. But the 73-year-old is hoping the hosts end up facing Uruguay in the final so they can make amends for their 1950...