[World Cup] The fantastic four

The Dutch team celebrates after beating Costa Rica at the World Cup on Saturday. (AP-Yonhap)SALVADOR, Brazil (AP) ― Tim Krul came on as a substitute in the final minute of extra time and then saved two penalties in a 4-3 shootout victory over Costa Rica on Saturday, giving the Netherlands a spot in the World Cup semifinals.Krul saved spot kicks from Costa Rica captain Bryan Ruiz and Michael Umana after the match had finished 0-0.“We had a lot of chances but it didn’t go in,” Krul said on Dutch t

SoccerJuly 6, 2014

[World Cup] Neymar: World Cup dream still alive

Brazil star Neymar says his World Cup may be over because of a fractured vertebra but his World Cup dream of celebrating the title with his teammates at the Maracana Stadium next Sunday is still alive.In a video released by the Brazilian football confederation on Saturday, Neymar thanked fans and everyone else for the support in this “very difficult moment.” “I don't have words to describe what has been going through my head and my heart,” said Neymar, trying to stay upbeat but still sporting a

SoccerJuly 6, 2014

[World Cup] Netherlands beats Costa Rica in penalty shootout

Tim Krul came on as a substitute in the final minute of extra time and then saved two penalties in a 4-3 shootout victory over Costa Rica on Saturday, giving the Netherlands a spot in the World Cup semifinals.Krul saved spot kicks from Costa Rica captain Bryan Ruiz and Michael Umana after the match had finished 0-0.“We had a lot of chances but it didn't go in,” Krul said on Dutch television. “Then I come in, stop two penalties and here we are.”In another stroke of tactical genius at this year's

SoccerJuly 6, 2014

[World Cup] Argentina reaches World Cup semis with Belgium win

Gonzalo Higuain's first goal of this World Cup sent Argentina into the semifinals on Saturday with a 1-0 win over a disappointing Belgium.Argentina, which hadn't advanced past the World Cup quarterfinals since 1990, controlled the match after Higuain's eighth minute goal, more due to disciplined defending than sparkling attack.The Napoli striker fired home Angel Di Maria's deflected pass just inside the area, beating Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with a low shot to the far corner of the go

SoccerJuly 6, 2014

[World Cup] Neymar injury bombshell rocks Brazil

FORTALEZA, Brazil, (AFP) - Brazil striker Neymar was ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup on Friday, dealing the hosts a crushing blow just hours after they battled through to a semi-final showdown with Germany.A pulsating opening day of quarter-final action saw Brazil advance to the last four with a 2-1 victory over Colombia after Germany defeated old rivals France 1-0 at the Maracana Stadium. Neymar  (Yonhap)But Brazil's bruising win over Colombia was immediately overshadowed by news th

SoccerJuly 5, 2014

[World Cup] Messi, Robben aim to put down World Cup underdogs

RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) – Lionel Messi's Argentina is to take on Belgium in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday again aiming to prove that they are a not a one man team.The match in Salvador starting at 2000 GMT and Netherlands' quarter final against Costa Rica in Brasilia at 1600 GMT could see the end of the World Cup's dark horses and underdogs.Messi's side went out in the quarter finals at the 2006 and 2010 tournaments and the four time world player of the year is desperate to get the only

SoccerJuly 5, 2014

[World Cup] One-man wrecking crew

MOGI DAS CRUZES, Brazil (AP) ― So far none of Argentina’s opponents has been able to stop Lionel Messi.Perhaps Belgium has what it takes. But even if doesn’t, the Red Devils present a fresh challenge for Argentina at this World Cup.For the first time in Brazil, Argentina faces an opponent with attacking potential that rivals its own.“We will have to adapt, but what really interests me is to see how they will adapt to us,” Belgium coach Marc Wilmots said.Argentina has struggled on its road to the

SoccerJuly 4, 2014

[World Cup] France, Germany set to clash in quarters

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) ― A European presence in the World Cup semifinals is assured as Germany and France meet at the Maracana on Friday, looking to shrug off stumbling wins in the second round that exposed frailties in both teams.Contesting a quarterfinal for the ninth straight World Cup, the Germans will start as slight favorites because of their vast experience in major tournaments but with doubts surrounding a slow, porous defense that was breached repeatedly in the 2-1 extra-time victory over

SoccerJuly 3, 2014

[World Cup] In for the long haul

South Korea’s soccer governing body announced Thursday it has rejected a resignation offer by men’s national team head coach Hong Myung-bo in the wake of the country’s winless FIFA World Cup in Brazil.At a press conference, Huh Jung-moo, vice president of the Korea Football Association, also said the beleaguered bench boss will stay on board for at least the remainder of his contract, which runs through the Asian Cup tournament in January 2015.South Korea had one draw and two losses in Group H i

SoccerJuly 3, 2014

[World Cup] Neymar says Brazil ready for Colombia

FORTALEZA, Brazil (AP) ― Neymar is tired of all this talk about the pressure of playing the World Cup at home. He guarantees Brazil is emotionally ready for the challenge.Just two days before Brazil plays Colombia in the quarterfinals, Neymar downplayed concerns about the team’s emotional state and said “all players are prepared.”The hosts showed their nerves when Brazil narrowly avoided elimination in a difficult match against Chile in the second round ― many of them crying after a penalty shoo

SoccerJuly 3, 2014

[World Cup] Belgium, Argentina surge through

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) ― The World Cup still has Lionel Messi. Tim Howard is heading home despite a heroic display of goalkeeping.A moment of Messi inspiration helped lift an unconvincing Argentina to a 1-0 win over Switzerland after extra time in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, creating the goal scored by Angel Di Maria in the 118th minute.Howard’s stunning shot-stopping performance could not stop the Americans falling to a 2-1 extra-time loss against favored Belgium that had a pulsating finale.The ve

More SportsJuly 2, 2014

[World Cup] Brazil could revert to formation from 2002

TERESOPOLIS, Brazil (AP) ― Luiz Felipe Scolari is contemplating adding another central defender to Brazil’s lineup against Colombia in the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday, going back to the formation that earned his team the 2002 title.The Brazil coach has to make at least one change because midfielder Luiz Gustavo is suspended, and says he has a couple of options to replace him.“I have two options, either playing the same way we have been playing, just adding another player in the same sector

SoccerJuly 2, 2014

[World Cup] Lukaku rises to occasion

Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates his goal on Tuesday. (AFP-Yonhap)SALVADOR, Brazil (AP) ― Romelu Lukaku had a point to prove at the World Cup. After Belgium missed countless chances during the 90 minutes of regulation time in the match against the U.S. on Tuesday, the striker came off the bench and soon set up the opening goal for Kevin De Bruyne.As the U.S. pressed for an equalizer, De Bruyne swiftly returned the favor to Lukaku, who made it 2-0. Despite scoring key goals in cup qualifying, L

SoccerJuly 2, 2014

[World Cup] Di Maria steps into WC spotlight

Argentina’s Angel di Maria celebrates his goal against Switzerland at the World Cup on Tuesday. (EPA-Yonhap)SAO PAULO (AP) ― Angel di Maria’s first goal of this World Cup couldn’t have come at a better time for Argentina, or for himself.Overshadowed by the efforts of captain Lionel Messi, the winger showed his importance to the team on Tuesday and came through when Argentina really needed him.He scored two minutes before the end of extra time to avoid penalties and secure a 1-0 win over Switzerl

SoccerJuly 2, 2014