Football

African champions Nigeria blamed impatience for their failure to break down outsiders Iran in a 0-0 draw on Monday.

Mueller had scored the first of his three goals in the 4-0 rout of the team they feared most in Group G.

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso said the defending champions should not be considered "finished" after their 1-5 loss to Netherlands.

Franz Beckenbauer has told FIFA he will answer the questions put to him as part of a corruption investigation by June 27.

With Germany and Portugal in their group, anything less than the full three points could be fatal to Ghana and USA's hopes.

Fred went down in the penalty area in the 71st minute, allowing Neymar to convert a spot kick that gave Brazil a 2-1 lead against Croatia in the World Cup opener.

Only eight countries have ever won the World Cup, and in Brazil three of them face Group D underdog Costa Rica.

Ezequiel Lavezzi and Gonzalo Higuain are competing for a place in Argentina's three-man attack in the team's World Cup opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Argentina were welcomed with jeers and whistles in their first open practice session on Wednesday.

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.

World's biggest sporting spectacle is just a day away and fans all around the world are gearing up to see their favourite teams in action.

Motorcycled police with the stars and stripes sticking out of their wheels preceded the bus, and a helicopter hovered.

Soccer's governing body said Lopez cannot perform at Thursday's event as earlier planned because of unspecified "production issues."

The Spain striker is confident that his country can continue their incredible winning run in major tournaments when the World Cup kicks off June 12.

England and Honduras drew 0-0 in a fiery and physical final World Cup warmup match that saw Honduras defender Brayan Beckeles sent off at Sun Life Stadium.

Argentina easily beat Slovenia 2-0 in their last World Cup warmup with goals from Ricardo Alvarez and Lionel Messi on Saturday.