Football

England have fretted about playing in Manaus since the World Cup draw six months ago.

Since leaving AC Milan in 2011, Pirlo has inspired Juventus to three successive Serie A titles and his performance has been rewarded with an extended contract.

Ronaldo enjoys a net worth of $230 million in the list that has most representation from England players.

"The Indomitable Lions" had their first training session in Brazil on Tuesday, following reports of problems in the camp due to payment of bonuses.

Aguero, Higuain and Di Maria join Messi up front in a gameplan that is based on outscoring the opposition with the back line seen as Argentina's weakness.

Facebook users will be able to keep track of their favorite teams and players throughout the tournament in a special World Cup section, called "Trending World Cup".

Even without prolific striker Radamel Falcao, Colombia start as favourites to qualify from World Cup Group C after finishing second in the South American qualifiers.

Franck Ribery's injury means coach Didier Deschamps is finding a way to accommodate them both by shifting Benzema onto the left flank.

France head to Brazil with their confidence high after rounding off their World Cup warm-up matches by thrashing Jamaica 8-0.

Over the years, the World Cup has seen its fair share of shock results in the opener.

Messi is inevitably compared with Diego Maradona, who inspired the nation to victory at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

Luiz Felipe Scolari has projected that Argentina will be the most likely opponent if the hosts can make it all the way to the World Cup final.

As part of build-up for the September Asian Games in Korea, India's under-23 football team will play two friendlies against Pakistan in Bangalore in the month of August.

Italy were held to a 1-1 draw by Luxembourg on Wednesday in their final World Cup warm-up match before leaving for Brazil, with forward Mario Balotelli looking in impressive form.

Southampton have endured a turbulent week since manager Mauricio Pochettino departed for Tottenham Hotspur.

Lampard and Villa were at Manchester City's Carrington complex on Saturday to complete the internal formalities of their respective moves.