Fifa wc 2014 news,updates and scores

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Five Youngsters to Watch Out for at FIFA World Cup 2014 ​



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Rio de Janeiro: With the FIFA World Cup set to kick off on June 12, here iws a look at the five new stars on the horizon who could ruffle a few feathers:


1.Paul Pogba, France. Age: 21 Pogba, 21, joined Juventus in 2012 after becoming frustrated by the lack of opportunities presented to him at English giants Manchester United and the move proved an immediate success as he won the Scudetto in his first two seasons in Serie A. A central midfielder with considerable range, Pogba is blessed with exceptional technique and has earned a reputation in Italy for scoring spectacular goals from long range. "He manages to ally athletic presence with power and beautiful technique," says France manager Didier Deschamps; himself a former Juventus midfielder. "He has everything you need."

2. Adnan Januzaj, Belgium. Age: 19 After a stunning breakthrough campaign with Manchester United, 19-year-old winger Januzaj was awarded a surprise World Cup call-up by Belgium coach Marc Wilmots. The slight, left-footed player, who hit the headlines with a fine brace of goals in a 2-1 win at Sunderland last October, chose to play for Belgium despite also being eligible to represent Albania, Turkey, Serbia and non-FIFA-affiliated Kosovo. "Adnan is the kind of player who could light up a World Cup, whether that is starting games or off the bench," said one-time United teammate Ryan Giggs, who has just retired. "He floats with the ball effortlessly. He is just one of those players you love watching."

3. Raheem Sterling, England. Age: 19 A dazzling wide player, Sterling emerged as one of the stars of the Premier League season after scoring a number of crucial goals in Liverpool's ultimately futile title bid. Occasionally used in a central role alongside Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge by club manager Brendan Rodgers, 19-year-old Sterling will be looking to capitalise on an injury to Arsenal rival Theo Walcott by making England's right-wing berth his own. "He has balance, pace and can go past players," says England manager Roy Hodgson. "And you can't bully him."

4. William Carvalho, Portugal. Age: 22 Carvalho is the latest promising graduate from Sporting Lisbon's famed youth academy, following in the footsteps of such Portuguese greats as Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo. An imposing holding midfielder, the 22-year-old made his international debut in the second leg of Portugal's qualifying play-off victory over Sweden in November and has been linked with some of Europe's most glamorous clubs. "There's no limit for him," says Sporting teammate Diego Capel. "People will talk about him a lot in the future.

5. Serge Aurier, Ivory Coast. Age: 21 A quick and powerful right-sided wing-back, Toulouse defender Aurier was one of the breakthrough stars of the 2013-14 Ligue 1 season. The 21-year-old, who made his top-flight debut for Lens aged just 16, scored six goals and contributed six assists during the league campaign, earning him a place in the Ligue 1 team of the year. His stock is already rising with teams like Arsenal reportedly vying for his signature. "In terms of right-backs, he's one of the best - if not the best - in Ligue 1," says Toulouse coach Alain Casanova. "He's still got a lot to improve, but his potential is huge."


 
FIFA World Cup: Ball With In-Built Camera to be Used in Brazil​



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New Delhi: Technology will get a new meaning in the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil as the Brazuca balls to be used in the mega event will come with six in-built HD cameras capturing 360 degree view of the on-field action. Encapsulating everything that's Brazil and its passion for the game, the ball has shades of blue, orange and green, and stars on it reflecting the vibrancy and flair associated with the game in the Mecca of football.


Talking about Brazuca, Tushar Goculdas, Brand Director -adidas India said, "The ultimate football tournament comes to the home of football, Brazil - it does not get any bigger than this. We kicked off our World Cup campaign with the launch of an exciting line-up of products. The essence of Brazil is represented through the most iconic symbol of the World Cup, Brazuca - the official match ball."

Brazuca is the 12th ball created by sportswear giants but its last World Cup creation, Jabulani, which was used in the 2010 competition in South Africa, was heavily criticised for its unpredictability in the air due to its lighter weight. Adidas, though, claimed that this time the ball will be much better. It said the football will have vastly improved touch and accuracy.

The technology involves a new structural innovation with a unique symmetry of six identical panels alongside a different surface structure that will provide improved grip, touch, stability and aerodynamics on the pitch.

Brazucam is a customised Brazuca official match ball featuring six HD cameras that capture 360 degree view of the action. The product features custom-made image stabilisation software at the cutting edge of innovation.

It is created by six propeller-shaped polyurethane panels being thermally bonded together. Between the seams the Brazuca also has a different geometry to different balls, which aerodynamics experts believe, will help it remain more stable in the air.

"We do extensive flight path analysis and the results have shown constant and predictable paths with deviations hardly recognisable," Matthias Mecking, Adidas football director, had been quoted as saying by BBC.

Brazuca went through a thorough testing process over a two-and-a-half year period involving more than 600 of the world's top players and 30 teams in 10 countries across three continents, making it the most tested ball ever by adidas and ensuring that it is suited to all conditions.

Around 600 players from across 30 professional and national teams in 10 countries were used during what was a thorough testing process.

The ball weighs 437 grams and has a water absorption rate of 0.2%, meaning it can retain its shape, size and weight even in the rain.

The name Brazuca, meaning the Brazilian way of life, was chosen by over 1 million football fans in September 2012.
 
Argentina squad undergo surprise drug tests






Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi and his fellow Argentinian World Cup squad members were subjected to an unexpected anti-doping test on Tuesday, a day after the squad convened for the start of a training camp in the Buenos Aires suburbs.

According to Argentine sports channel TyC Sports, six FIFA-appointed doctors were sent to the team`s training base in Ezeiza, where players were forced to train inside due to the cold, foggy conditions.

Midfielders Fernando Gago and Ever Banega trained separately from the rest of the squad with the pair still working their way back from injury.

Meanwhile Angel Di Maria, who helped Real Madrid win the Champions League final on Saturday, touched down Tuesday in Buenos Aires before taking a private jet to his hometown Rosario. He is scheduled to join the group at the end of the week.

Two-time world champions Argentina, who haven`t been past the quarter-finals since the 1990 World Cup, will play debutants Bosnia in their Group F opener on June 15.

The South Americans have also been drawn alongside Iran and African Cup of Nations champions Nigeria.




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FIFA World Cup: Rafael van der Vaart Suffers Calf Injury​



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The Hague: There was some bad news for the Dutch football team as Rafael van der Vaart suffered a calf injury on the last day of the national camp in Portugal for the FIFA World Cup.

On Monday Van der Vaart had already missed a training due to a mild fever. The 31-year-old Hamburger SV player will undergo a further medical examination later Tuesday before leaving for home with the team, reports Xinhua.

Van der Vaart's participation at the World Cup is in jeopardy. He seemed battling with Feyenoord midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum for the second playmaker spot in the squad after Wesley Sneijder.

Van der Vaart already struggled with his form and fitness in the second half of the season. He is not the only injury case in the Dutch selection. Right back Paul Verhaegh suffers from an ankle injury, while the other right back Daryl Janmaat just recovered from the ankle injury he sustained in the friendly against Ecuador on May 17 (1-1).

Dutch head coach Louis van Gaal will announce his 23-man World Cup on Saturday ahead of the friendly against Ghana in Rotterdam. The FIFA deadline for naming squads is June 2.

The preliminary squad of Van Gaal consisted of 30 players, of which 26 were in Portugal and four were playing for the Dutch U-21 team.


 

FIFA World Cup: Nigeria vs Scotland Warm-Up Friendly Faces Fixing Probe​



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London: Nigeria's World Cup warm-up friendly against Scotland in London is reported to be the subject of a match-fixing investigation by police.

The National Crime Agency, which investigates serious and organised crime, is reported by the Daily Telegraph to have asked FIFA, world football's governing body, to issue an alert over attempts to fix the game at Fulham's Craven Cottage.

The match is scheduled as a home fixture for Nigeria, who are finalising their preparations ahead of the World Cup in Brazil which starts on June 12.

"We are liaising with the relevant authorities and will prepare for the match as normal," a Scottish FA spokesman said on Tuesday.

A spokesman for the NCA refused to comment, saying: "The NCA will from time to time provide operational detail necessary for public reassurance purposes.

"It does not routinely confirm or deny the existence of specific operations or provide ongoing commentary on operational activity."

The fixture is set to go ahead, with Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi telling Sky Sports News: "We're not part of this. We don't know anything about this. We're here to play."

Nigeria striker Peter Odemwingie, based in England with Premier League side Stoke, added: "This is the first time I'm hearing it. I'm with the players every minute, every day, we don't hear of this."

The NCA are said to have told FIFA they have general information from the Asian betting markets suggesting a fixing plan is underway for the Nigeria friendly and they hope to stop the illegal activities by issuing the alert.

A spokesman for British bookmakers Ladbrokes said: "We are taking bets on the match, and will continue to monitor the situation."

And a spokesman for Coral, another British-based bookmaker, added: "In the context of football betting, turnover on international friendlies is minimal. We are not aware of any unusual betting patterns on this match, and that has been reflected across the industry.

"However we are not complacent about it. We do know that where there is integrity concern over football matches, betting tends to take place far from British shores."

The issue of match-fixing is returning to the spotlight ahead of the World Cup, with pre-tournament warm-up matches said to be prime targets for match fixers acting on behalf of illegal betting syndicates in Asia.

Keshi will use his provisional 30-man World Cup squad, packed with Premier League stars including John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses and Shola Ameobi, for the warm-up against Scotland.

Keshi's team face World Cup group stage fixtures against Argentina, Bosnia and Iran



 
FIFA World Cup: Fernando Torres Glad to be Called up by Vicente Del Bosque​

Although Fernando Torres' position in the final squad of 23 for the FIFA World Cup will not be assured until after Spain play Bolivia on Friday, he looks almost certain to go, especially as his main rivals, Fernando Llorente and Alvaro Negredo have not been included.

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Madrid: Spain international striker Fernando Torres said Tuesday that he was delighted to be called up by Vicente Del Bosque to take part in preparations ahead of next month's FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Although Torres' position in the final squad of 23 will not be assured until after Spain play Bolivia on Friday, he looks almost certain to go, especially as his main rivals, Fernando Llorente and Alvaro Negredo have not been included, reports Xinhua.

It is another chance for Torres, who had not been included in any of Del Bosque's squads for the past year and who looked as if he would miss out after another disappointing campaign with Chelsea.

However, while others doubted, Torres said he had always remained confident.

"I never thought I had played my last game for Spain. I love coming and part of the best things that have happened to be in football have happened here," said Torres, who said he was in excellent physical condition.

One player who is not in excellent condition and whose place is very much in the balance is Diego Costa who will have to rest for the next fortnight as the result of a hamstring injury.

Torres backed the decision taken by the Spanish Football Federation to treat Costa's injury in the hope the forward makes a miracle recovery, but he is also aware that Del Bosque has said that he will only take players who are in peak condition.

"A muscle injury takes weeks to cure if you carry out a good recovery plan, but if the coach has called him up, it is because he is going to be in top form. He is not going to take risks. They will wait for him. We have good doctors with the squad and if he is able to come we will be delighted. If not then someone else will come," said Torres.

One player who suddenly has a chance of going to Brazil is Barca forward, Gerard Deulofeu, who was called up by Del Bosque Sunday, despite not being included in his 30-man preliminary squad.

A muscle problem suffered by Jesus Navas has opened the door for the player who spent last season on loan at Everton.

"I was on holiday when I got a call saying I had a chance, so I started to train in the hope of getting a call up. I was not thinking about Brazil, but in enjoying this week. I am going to learn and then whatever happens will happen," he said.

"This has been a great week. I am going to be with Barca next season and to come home and to be called up by Spain is something I aim to take advantage of," he said.

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FIFA World Cup 2014: Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa Doubtful after Suffering Hamstring Tear​

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Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa's injury opens doors to Chelsea's Fernando Torres

Spain striker Diego Costa is reportedly a big doubt for the 2014 World Cup, after the doctors warned that the Atletico Madrid star will be out of action for almost two weeks following a hamstring injury.

The 25-year-old, who was forced off the pitch just nine minutes into Atletico's clash against Real Madrid in the Champions League final, was reportedly diagnosed with a grade one tear in the femoral biceps of his right leg after undergoing tests at the Clinica Cemtro de Madrid on Monday, according to Fifa.com.

Doctor Pedro Guillen, who examined Costa, said the striker will need to rest for around 15 days, before his injury could be re-evaluated.

"Diego Costa is still carrying the injury, a micro-tear in the hamstring," Guillen told the Spanish press.

This means that Costa, who scored 27 goals from 35 appearances in La Liga this season, will not feature in Spain's pre-World Cup friendly games against Bolivia and El Salvador on 30 May and 7 June respectively.

Though Spain's first World Cup game - against Holland - starts only on 13 June, head coach Vicente del Bosque had stressed that he wants all players to be fit, before he announces the final 23-man squad on 2 June.

Though Spain's first World Cup game - against Holland - starts only on 13 June, head coach Vicente del Bosque had stressed that he wants all players to be fit, before he announces the final 23-man squad on 2 June.

"[Costa] has a muscular injury and we are watching how it develops and will decide at the last moment. We have until June 2 to give the list of 23 so there is no need to rush. I hope he is there, but we also have other good options. We have agreed that Diego Costa will come to recover at the [Spanish FA's] Ciudad Deportiva and we will decide on Friday 30. I said I would like everyone to be in good condition on June 2. I am not saying there could not be an exception, but we would like everyone to be OK by then," ESPN quoted del Bosque.

Meanwhile, Costa's injury seems to have benefitted Chelsea striker Fernando Torres, who has been selected for the friendly against Bolivia.

"I had experience a year without joining up with the team, and I wanted to hear my name. I knew anything could happen. Yesterday, I was just waiting for 1 p.m. to come and to be able to hear my name. I knew I could be in or out, but now I have more chance of going to Brazil. This list is for the game against Bolivia. I am going to take advantage of this week, enjoy myself, and hopefully we can be there in the final list," Torres told ESPN.

FIFA World Cup 2014: Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa Doubtful after Suffering Hamstring Tear
 
FIFA Concerned at Natal World Cup Stadium​


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Rio de Janeiro: Natal is the latest FIFA World Cup venue to draw concern from football's governing body FIFA after it was revealed thousands of seats at Dunas Arena are yet to be installed.

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke posted images on Twitter on Wednesday showing vacant swaths of stands where seats are supposed to be, reports Xinhua.

"Race against the clock. Still lots to be done for World Cup fans and media," Valcke said on the social media network after visiting the stadium.

"We need full commitment from all parties in Natal to ensure all will be in place & tested prior to #MEXCMR on 13/06," he added, referring to the Group A clash between Mexico and Cameroon on June 13.

Dunas Arena is one of four World Cup stadiums yet to be ready, despite guarantees from local authorities that all 12 venues would be complete by last December.

The 42,000-seat stadium will host four World Cup matches.


 
FIFA World Cup: Edwin Valencia Dropped From Colombia Squad​


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Rio de Janeiro: Brazil-based midfielder Edwin Valencia has been cut from Colombia's World Cup squad due to a torn calf muscle.

The 29-year-old suffered the injury in March and has been unable to train with Colombia's squad at their World Cup camp in Buenos Aires this week, reports Xinhua.

"Physically he is not right and there is not enough time for him to recuperate for the World Cup," Colombia's Argentine coach Jose Pekerman said here Wednesday.

"Players have to be at their peak. We are very sorry for Edwin, but unfortunately that's football."

Valencia joins America defender Aquivaldo Mosquera, Mainz midfielder Elkin Soto and Al Shabab midfielder Macnelly Torres as those to have been cut from Pekerman's provisional 30-man squad. Another three players will be trimmed by June 2.

Monaco striker Radamel Falcao, who is recovering from surgery to repair torn cruciate ligaments in his left knee in January, remains in a race against time to be fit for the June 12-July 13 tournament.

"We'll wait for Falcao until the last day, the last minute," Pekerman said. "We have a lot of people to make the final decision. We'll find the most logical reasons with the player and doctors."

Colombia have been draw in the World Cup's Group C alongside Greece, Cote D'Ivoire and Japan.


 
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