June 25, Day 15

Switzerland's midfielder Granit Xhaka receives an Albanian flag from a fan at the end of the Group E football match between Honduras and Switzerland at the Amazonia Arena in Manaus during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. (AFP)

France's defender Mamadou Sakho (bottom) tackles Ecuador's forward Enner Valencia during a Group E football match between Ecuador and France at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. (AFP)

A Chile supporter holds his trumpet outside the Toca da Raposa training site in Belo Horizonte, where Chile are training. (AFP)

Argentina soccer fans, their faces painted to represent their country's national flag, pose for a photo during a live telecast of the World Cup group F match between Nigeria and Argentina, inside the FIFA Fan Fest area on Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP)

Colombia soccer fans, wearing Mohawk-style wigs with their nation's colors, watch a live telecast of their team's World Cup match with Japan inside the FIFA Fan Fest area on Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP)

Uruguay soccer fans celebrate their team's goal against Italy as they watch the World Cup game on a live telecast inside the FIFA Fan Fest area on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP)

June 24, Day 14

Colombia fans blow kisses before the 2014 World Cup Group C soccer match between Japan and Colombia at the Pantanal arena in Cuiaba June 24, 2014. (REUTERS)

Colombian fans celebrate during the fan fest live broadcasting of the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup Group C football match between Colombia and Japan, in Bogota, on June 24, 2014. Colombia won 4-1. (AFP)

Costa Rican fans watch the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup football match against England in a giant screen at Democracy Square in San Jose on June 24, 2014. Costa Rica drew 0-0 with England to top World Cup Group D unbeaten and leave their opponents winless and bottom of the table on Tuesday in Belo Horizonte.  (AFP)

Uruguayan soccer fans react after Uruguay's Diego Godin scores his team's goal against Italy during an open air broadcast of the 2014 World Cup soccer match in Montevideo June 24, 2014.  (REUTERS)

Colombia's fans pose for a photo prior to the Group C football match between Japan and Colombia at the Pantanal Arena in Cuiaba during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil on June 24, 2014.  (AFP)

Costa Rican soccer fans celebrate while watching a large screen broadcast of the 2014 World Cup Group D soccer match between Costa Rica and England, in San Jose June 24, 2014. (REUTERS)

Colombian fan smiles during the fan fest live broadcasting of the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup Group C football match between Colombia and Japan, in Bogota, on June 24, 2014. Colombia won 4-1. (AFP)

A Colombian fan gestures during the fan fest live broadcasting of the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup Group C football match between Colombia and Japan, in Bogota, on June 24, 2014. Colombia won 4-1. (AFP)

Japanese soccer fans watch a live broadcasting of the group C World Cup soccer match between Japan and Colombia at a public viewing venue in Osaka, western Japan early Wednesday, June 25, 2014. For Japan, this World Cup has been a nightmare revisited: The Asian champions seize momentum with waves of dangerous attack, and little payoff. Then their opponent's talismanic player comes on as a second-half substitute - and Japan wilts under pressure. (AP)

Colombia's soccer fans take a selfie before the group C World Cup soccer match between Japan and Colombia at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, Brazil, Tuesday, June 24, 2014. (AP)

Police officers control Japanese soccer fans gathering after the Group C World Cup soccer match between Japan and Colombia at Tokyo's Shibuya shopping district, Wednesday, June 25, 2014. Colombia  won 4-1. (AP)

Uruguay's soccer fans react while watching their team play against Italy in the 2014 World Cup Group D soccer match in Montevideo June 24, 2014.  (REUTERS)

A fan of Ivory Coast cheers before the start of the 2014 World Cup Group C soccer match against Greece at the Castelao arena in Fortaleza June 24, 2014. (REUTERS)

A fan of Japan looks on before the 2014 World Cup Group C soccer match against Colombia at the Pantanal arena in Cuiaba June 24, 2014. (REUTERS)

Japan's fans cheer before the start of their 2014 World Cup Group C soccer match against Colombia at the Pantanal arena in Cuiaba June 24, 2014. (REUTERS)

Greece's fans cheer before a Group C football match between Greece and Ivory Coast at the Castelao Stadium in Fortaleza during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 24, 2014. (AFP)

Japan's fans cheer prior to the Group C football match between Japan and Colombia at the Pantanal Arena in Cuiaba during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil on June 24, 2014.  (AFP)

 

June 23, Day 13

Brazilian supporters celebrate at the Fan Fest in Rio de Janeiro while attending the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 Group A match Cameroon vs Brazil held in Brasilia, on June 23, 2014.  (AFP)

Croatian football fans react  June 23, 2014 in the Croatian capital Zagreb's main square after Croatia lost 1-3 in their 2014 FIFA World Cup group A football match against Mexico.  Several thousand people gathered at Zagreb's main square to watch the match between Mexico and Croatia on a giant screen. (AFP)

Mexican fans celebrate after the Mexico vs Croatia FIFA World Cup football match, in the streets of Mexico City on June 23, 2014. Mexico won by 3-1 and qualified to the knock-out phase. (AFP)

Fans of Croatia react after their team lost a Group A football match between Croatia and Mexico at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 23, 2014. Mexico won 3-1. (AFP)

Mexican fans celebrate after the Mexico vs Croatia FIFA World Cup football match, in the streets of Mexico City on June 23, 2014. Mexico won by 3-1. (AFP)

Croatian football fans react  June 23, 2014 in the Croatian capital Zagreb's main square after Croatia lost 1-3 in their 2014 FIFA World Cup group A football match against Mexico.  Several thousand people gathered at Zagreb's main square to watch the match between Mexico and Croatia on a giant screen. (AFP)

Mexico's fans celebrate after the group A World Cup soccer match between Croatia and Mexico at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil, Monday, June 23, 2014. Mexico won 3-1. (AP)

Young fans pose for a photograph prior to the group A World Cup soccer match between Cameroon and Brazil at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil, Monday, June 23, 2014. (AP)

Mexico fans wait for the start of a group A World Cup soccer match between Croatia and Mexico at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil, Monday, June 23, 2014. (AP)

Soccer fans have their faces painted in the Brazilian colors as they arrive for the group A World Cup soccer match between Cameroon and Brazil at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil, Monday, June 23, 2014. (AP)

Braving afternoon showers, Mexico soccer fans watch their team's 2014 World Cup match with Croatia on giant television screens in Mexico City's main square, the Zocalo, Monday, June 23, 2014. Needing only a tie to advance to the second round of the World Cup for a sixth straight time, Mexico is bound to please its fans. (AP)

Fans of Mexico cheer during their 2014 World Cup Group A soccer match against Croatia  at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife June 23, 2014. (REUTERS)

Brazil fans show their support before the 2014 World Cup Group A soccer match between Cameroon and Brazil at the Brasilia national stadium in Brasilia June 23, 2014.  (REUTERS)

Soccer fans, decked out in orange, the Netherlands' national color, celebrate their side's second goal scored by Memphis Depay, while watching a live broadcast of the group B World Cup match between Chile and Netherlands, inside the FIFA Fan Fest area on Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, June 23, 2014. Netherlands won 2-0, taking the top spot in group B. (AP)

A Dutch soccer fans smiles while watching a live broadcast of the group B World Cup match between Chile and Netherlands, inside the FIFA Fan Fest area on Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, June 23, 2014. Netherlands won 2-0, taking the top spot in group B. (AP)



June 22, Day 12

Dutch fans jump as they take a photo at the entrance of the Oranjecamping site during the 2014 soccer World Cup in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, June 22, 2014. It’s not simple to stand out during the World Cup in Brazilian stadiums carpeted by yellow and green. But along the edges of a dam in the southern part of Sao Paulo, Dutch soccer fans have built a camp for 500 people, creating a spot where orange is the new yellow. (AP)

A Portugal soccer fan, surrounded by USA fans, cheers for Portugal's second goal during the 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match between Portugal and the U.S. at a viewing party in Los Angeles, California June 22, 2014. (REUTERS)

Fans cheer for USA's first goal during the 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match between Portugal and the U.S. at a viewing party in Los Angeles, California June 22, 2014. (REUTERS)

Fans in Grant Park celebrate a goal by the U.S. against Portugal in a Group G World Cup soccer match on June 22, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. Fans were turned away from the free event after a 10,000-person capacity was reached.   Scott (Getty Images/AFP)

Fans cheer for USA's first goal during the 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match between Portugal and the U.S. at a viewing party in Los Angeles, California June 22, 2014. (REUTERS)

Fans of the U.S. cheer before their 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match against Portugal at the Amazonia arena in Manaus June 22, 2014.  (REUTERS)

Fans cheer after USA scored the second goal during the 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match between Portugal and the U.S. at a viewing party in Los Angeles, California June 22, 2014. (REUTERS)




USA soccer fans (L-R) Reid Boutte, 25, McKenzie Anderson, 23, and Andy Shephard, 25, react during the 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match between Portugal and the U.S. at a viewing party in Los Angeles, California June 22, 2014. (REUTERS)

Fans of the U.S. cheer before their 2014 World Cup G soccer match against Portugal at the Amazonia arena in Manaus June 22, 2014. (REUTERS)

Fans of Portugal cheer before their 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match against U.S. at the Amazonia arena in Manaus June 22, 2014.  (REUTERS)

Fans in Grant Park react during a Group G World Cup soccer match between Portugal and the U.S. on June 22, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. Fans were turned away from the free event after a 10,000-person capacity was reached. Portugal tied the score at 2-2 with seconds remaining. (Getty Images/AFP)

Fans leave Grant Park after Portugal scored to tie the U.S. in a Group G World Cup soccer match with seconds left on June 22, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. Fans were turned away from the free event after a 10,000-person capacity was reached. (Getty Images/AFP)

June 21, Day 11

Supporter of Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team cries at a city square in Sarajevo, early on June 22, 2014, during public viewing of live broadcast of Bosnia and Herzegovina versus Nigeria football match on World Championship 2014, in Brasil. Bosnian team lost to Nigeria with 0:1. (AFP)

Supporter of Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team cries at a city square in Sarajevo, early on June 22, 2014, during public viewing of live broadcast of Bosnia and Herzegovina versus Nigeria football match on World Championship 2014, in Brasil. Bosnian team lost to Nigerial with 0:1. (AFP)

Fans take a selfie before the Group F football match between Nigeria and Bosnia-Hercegovina at the Pantanal Arena in Cuiaba during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 21, 2014. (AFP)

Iran's fans celebrate on Vanak Square, in the capital Tehran, on June 21, 2014, despite their national team narrow defeat to Argentine in the FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Iran, with only one win in four appearances at the World Cup, looked to have secured a famous draw before Argentine scored a brilliant injury time winner. (AFP)

Fans cheer in support of the German national football team near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany on June 21, 2014 during the public viewing of the FIFA World Cup 2014 group G football match Germany vs Ghana played in Fortaleza, Brazil. (AFP)

Tears and joy

Youngest supporters of Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team is seen at a city square in Sarajevo, early on June 22, 2014, during public viewing of live broadcast of Bosnia and Herzegovina versus Nigeria football match on World Championship 2014, in Brasil. Bosnian team lost to Nigeria with 0:1. (AFP)

Nigeria's fans cheer before the Group F football match between Nigeria and Bosnia-Hercegovina at the Pantanal Arena in Cuiaba during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 21, 2014. (AFP)

Argentinian fans cher reacting to the photographer as they arrive to attend the group F World Cup soccer match between Argentina and Iran at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Saturday, June 21, 2014. (AP)

German fans watch the 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match against Ghana on an outdoor film projector, as they wait for the Sonnwendfeuer (Midsummer) Festival to begin, at Mt. Kampenwand in Bavarian Alps, Aschau, 100 km (62 miles) south of Munich, June 21, 2014. Picture taken June 21, 2014.  (REUTERS)

June 19, Day 8

Poliecemen control traffic as football fans cross an intersection in the Shibuya shopping district in Tokyo. (AFP)

Japanese football supporters cheer for Japan during their 2014 FIFA World Cup group C match against Greece at a public viewing in Tokyo. (AFP)

Ecuador's players gather during a training session at the Arena Baixada Stadium in Curitiba. (AFP)

Japanese fans cheer during a Group C football match between Japan and Greece at the Dunas Arena in Natal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. (AFP)

Japan's defender Atsuto Uchida in action during a Group C match between Japan and Greece at the Dunas Arena in Natal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. (AFP)

June 18, Day 7

Chilean fans celebrate in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AFP)

Croatia's midfielder Ognjen Vukojevic (L) vies with Cameroon's forward Pierre Achille Webo during a Group A football match between Cameroon and Croatia in the Amazonia Arena in Manaus during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. (AFP)

Greece's players warm up during a training session at the Dunas Arena in Natal. (AFP)

You Brazilians play football on a street in Salvador De Bahia. (AFP)

Fans hold up balloons that read: "FIFA GO HOME" after the Mexico vs. Brazil match, at the FIFA Fan Fest, during the 2014 soccer World Cup in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (AP)

A soccer fan sports a pair of Chilean flag sunglasses and headband, as she watches a live broadcast of the group B World Cup match between Chile and Spain, inside the FIFA Fan Fest area on Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP)

June 17, Day 6

South Korean football fans react during a public screening in Seoul of the South Korea vs Russia football match at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, early on June 18, 2014. Giant television screens were erected around Seoul ahead of the country's first game at the 2014 Brazilian World Cup. South Korea drew with Russia leaving both countries trailing Belgium who head the Group H table after beating Algeria 2-1 earlier. (AFP)

South Korean football fans react during a public screening in Seoul of the South Korea vs Russia football match at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, early on June 18, 2014. Giant television screens were erected around Seoul ahead of the country's first game at the 2014 Brazilian World Cup. South Korea drew with Russia leaving both countries trailing Belgium who head the Group H table after beating Algeria 2-1 earlier. (AFP)

Brazilian fans react as they watch a live broadcast of the 2014 FIFA World Cup group A football match between Brazil and Mexico in Rocinha, the largest favela in Rio de Janeiro, on June 17, 2014.  (AFP)

A masked girl poses for photo surrounded by Mexico soccer fans as they watch their team's World Cup match with Brazil on giant television screens in Mexico City's main square, the Zocalo, Tuesday, June 17, 2014. (AP)

A performer dressed as Elvis Presley dances along Paulista Avenue, where soccer fans gathered to watch on a big screen the 2014 World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Mexico, in Sao Paulo June 17, 2014.  (REUTERS)

Brazilian fans react to a missed goal, as they watch the screening of the match between Brazil and Mexico, before the 2014 World Cup Group H soccer match between Russia and South Korea at the Pantanal arena in Cuiaba June 17, 2014. (REUTERS)

Russian fans pose for photos before the 2014 World Cup Group H soccer match between Russia and South Korea at the Pantanal arena in Cuiaba June 17, 2014. (REUTERS)

Mexican soccer fans throw a man in the air as they celebrate the 0-0 draw between Mexico and Brazil in their 2014 World Cup soccer match, at the Angel of Independence monument, in Mexico City June 17, 2014. (REUTERS)

Brazil fans react as they gather to watch a telecast of the 2014 World Cup Group A soccer match between Brazil and Mexico at a fan fest in Manaus June 17, 2014.  (REUTERS)

Fans watch a live broadcast of the 2014 FIFA World Cup group A football match between Brazil and Mexico near the FanFesta area at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on June 17, 2014.  (AFP)

June 16, Day 5

A group of Ghana fans get in a festive mood at halftime gathered with US fans to follow the action off a big screen from the pier at Hermosa Beach, California on June 16, 2014, as the United States defeated Ghana 2-1 in their first round World Cup match in Brazil. (AFP)

Iranian and American soccer fans pose for the picture holding their national flags during a live broadcast of the World Cup match between Iran and Nigeria, inside the FIFA Fan Fest area on Copacabana beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, June 16, 2014. (AP)

Soccer fans celebrate Germany's victory at the end of a live broadcast of the World Cup match between Portugal and Germany, inside the FIFA Fan Fest area on Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, June 16, 2014. Germany routed Portugal 4-0 in their group G opener on Monday. (AP)

Fans watch the 2014 Brazil World Cup Group G soccer match between Ghana and the U.S. at a viewing party in Hermosa Beach, California June 16, 2014. (REUTERS)

Michelle Lopez, 14, (R) and her brother Erick Lopez, 12, watch the 2014 Brazil World Cup Group G soccer match between Ghana and the U.S. at a viewing party in Hermosa Beach, California June 16, 2014. (REUTERS)

Fans watch the 2014 Brazil World Cup Group G soccer match between Ghana and the U.S. at a viewing party in Hermosa Beach, California June 16, 2014. (REUTERS)

Fans cheer during the 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match between Ghana and the U.S. at a viewing party in Hermosa Beach, California June 16, 2014. (REUTERS)

U.S.A fans wait at half time for the 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match between Ghana and the U.S. at the Dunas arena in Natal June 16, 2014. (REUTERS)

Fans of the U.S. wait for the 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match between Ghana and the U.S. at the Dunas arena in Natal June 16, 2014. (REUTERS)

Soccer fans, many supporting Germany, raise their arms and cheer at the FIFA Fan Fest area on Copacabana beach, after Thomas Mueller scored Germany's fourth goal against Portugal on Monday, June 16, 2014  in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during Germany's World Cup soccer match with Portugal.(AP)

 

June 15, Day 4

Ecuador soccer fans arrive at the national stadium to watch their team play Switzerland in a 2014 World Cup match, in Brasilia June 15, 2014.  (REUTERS)

Fans of Switzerland cheer during the 2014 World Cup Group E soccer match against Ecuador at the Brasilia national stadium in Brasilia, June 15, 2014. (REUTERS)

France fans pose before the 2014 World Cup Group E soccer match between France and Honduras at the Beira Rio stadium in Porto Alegre June 15, 2014. (REUTERS)

Fans take photos as Argentina's national soccer players arrive ahead of their 2014 World Cup Group F soccer match against Bosnia at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro June 15, 2014. (REUTERS)

Fans wait for the 2014 World Cup Group F soccer match between Argentina and Bosnia at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, June 15, 2014. (REUTERS)

Bosnian fans celebrate a goal against Argentina during the 2014 World Cup soccer match against Argentina, at the main square in Sarajevo June 16, 2014. Argentina won 2-1 in their opening Group F match on Sunday at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro. (REUTERS)

The bus carrying the Brazilian team is surrounded by fans outside the Granja Comary training center in Teresopolis Brazil, Sunday, June 15, 2014. Brazil plays in group A of the 2014 soccer World Cup. (AP)

Soccer fans smile as they wait for the start of  the group E World Cup soccer match between Switzerland and Ecuador at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil, Sunday, June 15, 2014. (AP)

Bosnian fans cheer during a Group F football match between Argentina and Bosnia-Hercegovina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 2014. (AFP)

Fans wait for the start of a Group F football match between Argentina and Bosnia Hercegovina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 2014. (AFP)

Argentina's fans cheer before the Group F football match between Argentina and Bosnia-Hercegovina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 2014. (AFP)

Argentina's fans kiss a fake trophy before for the Group F football match between Argentina and Bosnia-Hercegovina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 2014. (AFP)

Argentina's fans cheer before the Group F football match between Argentina and Bosnia-Hercegovina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 2014. (AFP)

Argentine fans cheer for their team before the start of a Group F football match between Argentina and Bosnia Hercegovina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 15, 2014. (AFP)

French fans cheer before the group E World Cup soccer match between France and Honduras at the Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Sunday, June 15, 2014.  (AP)

June 14, Day 3

Costa Rica fans cheer as they watch the 2014 World Cup Group D soccer match between Costa Rica and Uruguay at the Castelao arena in Fortaleza June 14, 2014. (REUTERS)

Italy fans celebrate after Italy won their Group D football match against England at the Amazonia Arena in Manaus during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014. (AFP)

A man driving a Beetle painted with the colors of the Brazilian flag drives by Argentine fans gathering at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday June 14, 2014. (AP)

Italian fans cheer before the group D World Cup soccer match between England and Italy at the Arena da Amazonia in Manaus, Brazil, Saturday, June 14, 2014. (Antonio Calanni)

Fans wait before the 2014 World Cup Group D soccer match between England and Italy at the Amazonia arena in Manaus June 14, 2014. (REUTERS)

Uruguayan soccer fans watch an open air broadcast of the 2014 World Cup Group D soccer match between Costa Rica and Uruguay in Montevideo June 14, 2014. (REUTERS)

Italian national football team fans arrive to the Arena Amazonia in Manaus, Brazil, on June 14, 2014, for the FIFA World Cup 2014 match against England. (AFP)

Japanese football fans pose prior to a Group C football match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014. (AFP)

Japanese fans cover protect themselves from the rain prior to the start of a Group C football match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014. (AFP)

Japanese football fans pose prior to a Group C football match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014. (AFP)

Japan fans cheer prior to the start of a Group C football match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014. (AFP)

Soccer fans pose in front of a giant screen during the World Cup football match Italy vs England in central Rome's Piazza Venezia on June 14, 2014. (AFP)

UPDATE: In a latest development that contradicts an earlier report, the wife of one of the pilots onboard the missing MH370 flight has reportedly confirmed that her husband spoke to her from the cockpit, according to a report in the independent.

The report quotes two New Zealand journalists who claim to have spoken to the wife of the captain.

It was earlier reported that the co-pilot had said the words “good night Malaysia 370” and weeks later, the airline had revealed that they were unsure as to who uttered those words.
 

EARLIER STORIES:

New report revives conspiracy theory

A new Sunday Times reports states that the official police investigation into the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 has reportedly identified the plane's captain as the prime suspect.

According to the report Malaysian cops discovered that married dad of three Shah, 53, appeared to have made no social or work commitments for the future, unlike other members of his crew,.

The report also claims that a probe found that he had programmed a flight simulator with drills practising a flight far out into the southern Indian Ocean and landing on an island with a short runway.

This section of the report will revive the conspiracy theorists favourite explanation: Diego Garcia.

Click to read: Diego Garcia and MH370 conspiracy of a 'lost' island in middle of it all

Search to change direction

The drawn-out search for missing Malaysian Flight MH370 will revert to an area hundreds of kilometres south of the previously suspected crash site following new analysis of the plane's flight path, a report said Friday.

Investigators grappling to solve the mystery of the jet's disappearance are set to scour a zone 1,800 kilometres (1,116 miles) west of Perth - previously subject to an aerial search - when an underwater probe resumes in August, the West Australian said.

Citing unnamed US sources, the newspaper said Australia's Joint Agency Coordination Centre (JACC) would soon announce the hunt will move 800 kilometres southwest from where it was previously focused.

It said these sources had revealed that survey ship Fugro Equator was already operating in this area and would soon be joined by Chinese vessel Zhu Kezhen.

A massive aerial and underwater search for MH370, which had 239 people onboard when it diverted from its Kuala Lumpur to Beijing flight path on March 8, has failed to find any sign of the plane.

Scientists from British company Inmarsat told the BBC earlier this week that the search had yet to target the most likely crash site, or "hotspot", after becoming diverted by pings thought at the time to have originated from the plane's black boxes.

It was not clear from the West Australian report whether the new search area overlaps with the "hotspot".

JACC said Friday that the revised search zone, based on an intensive study of satellite communications from the jet and other data, would be announced by the end of the month.

Australian officials have said repeatedly that the revised search zone will be in the area of the seventh arc, or the final satellite "handshake" from the plane. It is believed to be when the aircraft ran out of fuel and was in descent.

JACC said the Fugro Equator was now working in this zone.

"Located along the seventh arc, that area is consistent with provisional analysis of satellite and other data that is being used to determine the future search area," it said.

Australian officials announced earlier this week that a survey of the sea bed, as yet mostly unmapped and crucial to the success of the underwater search, had resumed.

Two ships - Fugro Equator and Zhu Kezhen - will survey an area up to 6,000 metres deep and covering up to 60,000 square kilometres before an a contractor begins an intensive undersea probe looking for debris.

Previously an intensive undersea search for the plane, in the area in which the acoustic noises were detected, failed to find any sign of the jet.

The source of the noises is unknown.

Revised search zone for Malaysian flight by month's end; Seabed mapping resumes

Australian officials said Wednesday they will announce the new search zone for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 by month's end, as mapping of  the Indian Ocean seabed resumed.

The jet went missing on March 8 flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing and despite a massive aerial and sea search no sign of the aircraft which was carrying 239 people has been found.

An underwater probe of the Indian Ocean seabed where acoustic signals, thought at the time to have come from the jet's black box recorders, were heard also proved fruitless.

Australia's Joint Agency Coordination Centre said analysis of satellite and other data to determine the search area for the next underwater phase would be concluded soon.

"The search area will be confirmed before the end of June, after completion of extensive collaborative analysis by a range of specialists," it said in a statement.

"It is already clear from the provisional results of that analysis that the search zone will move, but still be on the seventh arc (where the aircraft last communicated with satellite)."

The search has been frustrated by a lack of information, with experts modelling the plane's most likely flight path based on signals between it and an Inmarsat satellite.

The seventh arc, or "handshake", is the final signal from the plane and thought to be when the jet ran out of fuel.

Scientists from the British firm have suggested that searchers are yet to target the most likely Indian Ocean crash site because they became distracted by the acoustic signals detected in April.

"It was by no means an unrealistic location but it was further to the northeast than our area of highest probability," Chris Ashton at Inmarsat told the BBC's Horizon programme on Tuesday.

But JACC said the area in which the Australian vessel Ocean Shield used a mini-sub to scour the ocean floor was "based on the best information and analysis available at that time", including from Inmarsat.

"The location was identified by the satellite communications sub-group, which included accident investigation agencies from the USA and the UK along with their technical advisors, including from the aircraft manufacturer, the satellite manufacturer and Inmarsat as operator of the satellite," JACC said Wednesday.

"Based on analysis at the time, it represented the most likely location of the aircraft."

Australia, which is leading the hunt given the plane is likely to have crashed in its search and rescue zone, said the vessel Fugro Equator, which it contracted, had begun its work in mapping the ocean floor.

It will be joined by Chinese PLA-Navy ship Zhu Kezhen in conducting the bathymetric survey crucial to carrying out the deep water search for the plane which is set to begin in August.

"So far, the Zhu Kezhen has surveyed 4,088 square kilometres of the ocean floor," before it was forced back to port for repairs, JACC said.

The survey of a 60,000 square kilometre search zone was expected to take three months.

Dead, alive or lost? How to live for 100 days... A wife's story

Zhang Qian's world has collapsed in the more than 100 days since her husband disappeared along with Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. She quit her job, sleeps rarely and prefers not to go out, except to Buddhist temples, where she has found some solace.

In the more than 100 days since her husband disappeared along with Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, Zhang Qian's world has collapsed. She quit her job, sleeps rarely and prefers not to go out, except to the Buddhist temples where she has found some solace.

"At the temple, I can speak from my heart to my husband," Zhang, 28, said on a recent visit to the Temple of Spiritual Light in the western hills of Beijing. She broke down in sobs before continuing.

"I think he can hear me ... I have so much to tell him, there is so much I have not said. I hope the Buddha will carry those words to him and bring him back."

Much of the world has moved on from the frenzied interest in the mysterious March 8 disappearance of the plane, but relatives of the 239 people missing cannot. Satellite data shows that the plane went down in a remote area of the southern Indian Ocean far from any land, but with no trace of the aircraft recovered, many cling to a flicker of hope — however faint — that their loved ones might still be alive.

"It may be my fantasy, but what if one day he sends some distress signals and he gets saved, and that will be the end of this?" Zhang said.

Her husband was among 153 Chinese on the plane. Chinese culture places an especially heavy emphasis on finding and seeing the remains of people believed dead before true grieving and the process of moving on can begin.

The absence of proof of death has made closure elusive for all relatives, said Lawrence Palinkas, professor of social work at the University of Southern California.

"When there is no physical proof of death, it is easier to remain in (denial) for a much longer period of time," he said. "At this point, those who have not accepted the possibility that the plane crashed and all aboard were lost are relying on extended family and friends to maintain the belief that family members are still alive, or that hope is still viable until the remains are found."

Hotspot hope?

The search for the missing Malaysian Flight MH370 is yet to target the most likely crash site, having been distracted by what is now believed to have been a bogus signal, British company Inmarsat claimed Tuesday.

Inmarsat's scientists told the BBC's Horizon programme that they had calculated the plane's most likely flight path and a "hotspot" in the southern Indian Ocean in which it most likely came down.

The flight lost contact on March 8 en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with total of 239 passengers and crew on board.
Hourly pings sent by the plane were received by Inmarsat's spacecraft, leading scientists to calculate its likely path.

Australian naval vessel Ocean Shield was dispatched to investigate, but before reaching the likely site, began to detect a signal that it believed was coming from the plane's black box, Inmarsat told the BBC programme.

Two months were spent searching 850 sq km of sea bed north west of Perth, but the source of the "pings" was not found and a submersible robot found no evidence of the airliner.

"It was by no means an unrealistic location but it was further to the north east than our area of highest probability," Chris Ashton at Inmarsat told Horizon.
Experts from the satellite firm modelled the most likely flight path using the hourly pings and assuming a speed and heading consistent with the plane being flown by autopilot.

"We can identify a path that matches exactly with all those frequency measurements and with the timing measurements and lands on the final arc at a particular location, which then gives us a sort of a hotspot area on the final arc where we believe the most likely area is," explained Ashton.

After coming under criticism from relatives over the futile search, Malaysia's civil aviation authority and Inmarsat last month decided to release the raw data.

However, its complexity has led to few independent conclusions being drawn about the likely crash site.
Malaysian Selamat Umar, whose son Mohamad Khairul Amri was on the ill-fated jetliner, questioned the motives behind the data release.

"I am not convinced at all by the data," he said. Why are they releasing it now? Before when we asked for it, they did not want to release it. What can we do with it now?
"I think they could have made some changes to the data," Selamat, 60, added.

Book claims truth

Just as the mystery that surrounds the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH 370 was fading into distant memory, a new book is set to enflame passions and arguments that support a conspiracy theory.
The book, authored by a pilot and journalist from New Zealand, claims to show readers that the tragedy was no accident.

According to a report on stuff.co.nz Ewan Wilson, a commercial pilot and journalist Geoff Taylor, said: "For the first time we present a detailed analysis of the flight, the incredible route it took, and who we believe was in charge of the aircraft as it plunged into the Indian Ocean." 

The book, called ‘Good Night Malaysian 370: The Truth behind the loss of Flight 370’ will shock readers, the report said. 

The authors use a process of investigative elimination that removes all possible scenarios, except one.

'Will not rest'

Malaysia's government pledged on Monday that it "will not rest" until missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 is found, as it marked the 100th day since the plane vanished on March 8 with 239 passengers and crew.

"100 days after MH370 went missing, its loss remains a painful void in the hearts of all Malaysians and those around the world. We cannot and will not rest until MH370 is found," Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said.

In a statement, Hishammuddin also promised that Malaysia "cannot and will not abandon" the families of the missing passengers, some of whom have sharply criticised the Malaysian government's handling of the mystery.

The Boeing 777 inexplicably disappeared en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. No trace of it has been found despite an extensive Australian-led search effort deep in the Indian Ocean, where it is believed to have gone down.
Hishammuddin also offered Malaysia's thanks to Australia, China, the United States and fellow Southeast Asian countries for their assistance in the search.

Malaysian Airlines CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya issued a separate statement pledging similar resolve in finding the plane, calling the period since March 8 "the longest and most painful 100 days in Malaysia Airlines' history."

Anguished relatives of MH370 passengers have accused Malaysia's government of a bumbling and chaotic response to the crisis and covering up what happened to the plane.

Malaysia denies it is withholding information but has remained tight-lipped over investigations that it has launched into the mystery and given no timetable for when the findings of those probes will be released.

Promo of 'missing plane' film at Cannes... Click here

The director of a movie based on the Malaysian Airlines plane disappearance says he rushed the trailer of the project so he could bring it to the Cannes Film Festival.

"I was seeing the festival calendars and I could not miss Cannes. And so I told my team to make a trailer immediately," said Rupesh Paul of his planned film, "The Vanishing Act."

It wasn't until he arrived at the festival that he faced questions over the timing of the film's promotion and whether he was being sensitive to the families of the missing passengers.

"These things came in to my thoughts only after I came here," said Paul, also a producer, in an interview on Saturday. "From the very first interview I was only asked about this fact that we did not even think of much when we were pitching this in India. Nobody asked this question in India actually. When we came to Europe this was the only question I faced."

The 35-year-old director says he never thought his actions might upset anyone but insists "that nobody will be hurt (by) this movie."

"Why should I gain out of somebody's pain?" said Paul.

The trailer for "The Vanishing Act" shows two crew members kissing as a third looks at them angrily. It's something the director says will not be included in the main feature.

"This trailer was not even meant to get released on the Internet online," said Paul. "It was meant to show some investors and producers that the movie will be dramatic and thrilling. Somehow it got released, we had to give it to many people, it got out of my hands. And there is no love triangle in this movie at all and there is no romance in this movie."

A handgun is also featured in the movie, but Paul said it isn't what it seems.

"Everyone that has flown once on even a small flight will definitely understand that it is impossible to carry a gun inside, whatever you do," he said. "So it's impossible, but there is a weapon in the story."

The director is keeping tight-lipped about his theory on how the plane disappeared and what will be shown in the film. He said that although he "cannot reveal the climax, it will not be a tragic climax."

The trailer, which also shows commotion and horror on the plane, has garnered more than 300,000 views on YouTube.

Paul is aiming for a September release.

Kim Kardashian revealed he was wearing a wig after fooling her fans into thinking she had dyed her hair. Pic: Instagram

Kim Kardashian showed off her new blonde locks. Pic: Instagram

The 33-year-old posed alongside fashion stylist Carlyne Cerf De Dudzeele. Pic: Instagram

Kim Kardashian attends the Stephane Rolland show as part of Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2014 on January 21, 2014 in Paris, France. (Photo Getty Images)

Kanye West to install in-house hospital

Kanye West is planning to install in hi-tech medical unit in his new home in Los Angeles in a bid to keep his wife and their daughter safe from future health threats.

The 37-year-old rapper is reportedly splashing out £3 million on an in-house hospital to protect his wife Kim, 33, and their 12-month-old daughter North from any potential medical threats.

A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "The special suite will include an X-ray machine, CT scanner, ultrasound and blood-taking facilities. Other celebrities such as Mad­onna have taken similar measures in the past, but not on such a grand and costly scale.

"The facilities will enable the family to monitor their sugar levels, cholesterol and blood pressure. They will also have a team of private doctors around the clock, daily visits from top nurses and a full paediatric team for North."

However, Kim believes her husband is taking things a little too far and isn't convinced installing a high-tech unit filled with medical supplies is such a good idea.

The source explained: "Kim believes it's paranoid and a bit unnecessary. But she figures it can't do any harm, and he might prove to be right one day."

Meanwhile, Kim has been staying at her mother Kris Jenner's house with Kanye and North while they wait for renovations on their new mansion in Los Angeles to be completed.

The couple - who got married last month in Florence, Italy - were hoping to move into their new home at the end of last year but, after a few electrical glitches, their moving date was pushed back.

Kanye West teaching students as punishment

Kanye West is teaching fashion students at various colleges as part of the community service he agreed to undertake in a plea deal for allegedly striking a photographer.

The 'Bound 2' rapper - who struck a plea deal in March over allegations he struck photographer Daniel Ramos in an unprovoked attack last summer - was seen at the L.A. Trade Technical College, where he reportedly spoke to pupils about his personal experiences in the fashion business in a lesson on designers which lasted for three hours.

According to website TMZ, it was Kanye's third visit to the establishment - which specialises in designing apparel - in six weeks and he has been speaking at multiple colleges as part of his 250-hour community service sentence.

Kanye - who has 12-month-old daughter North with wife Kim Kardashian - struck a deal over the case which meant he didn't have to plead guilty to misdemeanour charges of battery against the paparazzo.

Under the agreement, he is able to maintain his innocence legally, under the condition that he remains under probation for two years, undertakes 250 hours of community service and undergoes anger management counselling.

Earlier in the case, Daniel testified saying he felt the 37-year-old rapper should go to jail, claiming his emotional injuries are still prominent and that he believes Kanye used the incident to promote his album 'Yeezus'.

Kim's $300k car crash

Kim Kardashian's assistant has allegedly caused over $20,000 damage to the reality star's Rolls-Royce after she reversed it into a mailbox at the weekend.

The 33-year-old star has been forced to pay out to get the paintwork fixed on her black Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II after her employee accidentally reversed the vehicle into a mailbox over the weekend.

Pic: Bang

The assistant was reportedly trying to manoeuvre the luxury car out of Kim's driveway at the time of the prang, which has left the vehicle with a large dent and a number of scratches on the rear panel.

However, Kim's assistant isn't being held financially responsible for the damage, which could cost over $20,000 to repair, as the brunette beauty has decided to foot the bill herself, according to TMZ.com.

Pic: Getty

Meanwhile, it seems Kim had other things on her mind at the time as she was busy setting up her daughter North's first birthday party.

The 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' star and husband Kanye West, 37, threw a lavish Coachella-inspired bash, Kidchella, on Saturday to celebrate North's recent milestone.

Pic: Getty

The newly-weds organised a number of activities - including face painting, hair-braiding, temporary tattoos and fair ground rides - as well as setting up tepees for guests to chill out in.

There were also small stalls, picnic benches, stages and a bouncy castle at the party, which was held at Kim's sister Kourtney's house in Calabasas, California

Monster Mom Kris vs Kim

In a clip from the upcoming episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Kris Jenner loses it when daughter Kim, 33, tricks her into walking through dog poop.

Pic: Getty

She uses foul language to address Kim and then relentlessly goes after her... all Kardashian-style, of course.

Pic: Getty

Pic: Getty

Pic: Getty

North's bash... Scott Disick missing?

Scott Disick skipped his pregnant girlfriend Kourtney Kardashian's niece North West's star-studded first birthday bash at their home in Los Angeles, in favour of enjoying his own belated birthday celebration in Southampton, New York.

Scott Disick skipped North West's star-studded birthday bash in favour of a wild night out.

Pic: Bang

The 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' star opted to stay in Southampton, New York to enjoy a belated celebration for himself on Saturday, after turning 31 on May 26, instead of flying to Los Angeles with his pregnant girlfriend, Kourtney Kardashian, and their children, Mason, four, and Penelope, 23 months, to host a party for her niece in the backyard of their home in Calabasas, California.

Pic: Bang

Scott reportedly arrived at 1Oak nightclub in his Bentley with a huge entourage in tow shortly after midnight and wasted no time letting his hair down, according to Paul Micheli of DJ Prep.

He told gossip website RadarOnline.com: "He started smoking cigarettes and drinking beer. He seemed pretty wasted."

Pic: Reuters

The reality TV star, who calls himself "Lord Disick," was presented with a crown-shaped cake by the club, as 2 Chainz hit 'Birthday Song' was playing at around 1.15 a.m.

Meanwhile, North and her parents, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, were joined by a number of famous pals, including Ciara and her one-month-old son, Future, and fashion designer Rachel Roy, at a Coachella-inspired "Kidchella" party at Kourtney and Scott's $8.45 million mansion, which they purchased earlier this year.

Kim: Baby Ryan today at North's party Pic: Instagram

The couple spared no expense for the celebration, which took place almost one week after North's actual birthday last Sunday.

Always on honeymoon

Kim Kardashian believes she and Kanye West will always be in the "honeymoon" phase as they're always trying to surprise each other and do the best for one another.

Pic: Bang

Kim Kardashian thinks she and Kanye West will "always be in the honeymoon period".

The 33-year-old reality TV star married the 37-year-old rapper, with whom she has 12-month-old daughter North, in Italy last month, and she insists there's not a day that goes past when they don't speak.

Pic: Instagram

She told the MailOnline: "I feel as though we'll always be in the honeymoon period. We always say we really like to treat each other like it's our birthday. I try to treat him like it's his birthday every single day. I think we'll always be like that.

"We always try to make life as fun and enjoyable as possible.

Pic: Getty

"We do travel, and work really hard, when we're together - and even when we're apart, we're always on the phone 24/7 - just trying to make that time as memorable as possible."

The couple tied the knot at the Forte di Belvedere in Florence on May 25, and the brunette beauty admits Kanye had set up lots of surprises throughout the day to ensure their nuptials were truly unforgettable.

Pic: Instagram

Asked about the biggest surprise of the day, she replied: "Having Andrea Botticelli sing at our wedding as I'm walking down the aisle. I didn't even know it was really him. It was so Kanye to have him there. I should have expected that."

She added: "He [Kanye] seems to be able to get to surprise me and that's hard to do. The fact that he can surprise me is really good."

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian spent 4 days editing wedding photo

Kanye West admits he and his wife spent four days perfecting their first official wedding image after their photographer pulled out of shooting their big day at the last minute.

The 37-year-old rapper admits he and his wife Kim Kardashian, 33, wasted almost half of their honeymoon trying to perfect the first official photograph of their nuptials after top photographer Annie Leibovitz pulled out of shooting their big day at the last minute.

Speaking at the Cannes Lions film Festival in France today), he said: "She [Kim] was exhausted because we worked on the photo so much - because Annie Leibovitz pulled out of the wedding, because I think she was scared of the idea of celebrity."

However, the 'Bound 2' hitmaker still wanted the adorable snap, which sees the newlyweds kissing at the altar in front of a stunning wall of roses, to look like Annie's work.

He explained: "Because Annie pulled out, I was like, 'Okay, I still want my wedding photos to look like Annie Leibovitz'' and we sat there and worked on that photo for, like, four days because the flowers were off-color."

Despite spending a large amount of time perfecting their official photo, which was released on Kim's Instagram account, Kanye believes it was well worth the wait.

He said: "The fact the number one most-liked photo [on Instagram] has a kind of aesthetic was a win for what the mission is, which is raising the palette."

The couple, who have 12-month-old daughter North together, tied the knot in Florence, Italy, on May 25 in front of their family and friends.

Kim Kardashian buys Kanye West board game for birthday

Kim Kardashian bought Kanye West a customised board game for his 37th birthday on June 8.

Pic: Reuters

The 33-year-old reality star bought her husband My Monopoly, which allows buyers to name properties, make their own cards and create game pieces, as a gift for his 37th birthday on June 8.

Kim reportedly put her own sentimental spin on the Hasbro product, which won't be available in stores until August, by placing the Palace of Versailles - where the couple held their wedding rehearsal dinner - and Italy's Fort Belvedere - where their nuptials were held last month - on Kanye's customised board, according to Us Magazine.

Kim, who changed her surname to Kardashian West following her wedding on May 25, also treated her husband to a heartfelt message on Instagram on his birthday, which she accompanied with a stunning black and white photograph of them sharing a kiss.

She wrote at the time: "Happy Birthday to my husband and best friend in the entire world! You have changed my life in more ways than you know! The way you look at life inspires me! I love you so much!!! (sic)."

The brunette beauty, who has 12-month-old daughter North with Kanye, also had a special cake made for the occasion, which spelled out the word 'Yeezus', a reference to the rapper's current tour, in thick grey icing.

Kris Jenner furious with Kanye West

Kris Jenner is said to be annoyed after Kanye West and Kim Kardashian turned down a total of $11 million for their wedding pictures.

Pic: Bang

The 'Bound 2' rapper and his new wife Kim Kardashian - with who he has 12-month-old daughter North - were offered over $11 million to publish pictures of their nuptials in Florence, Italy, last month in publications across the globe, but decided to keep the rights and control of the images themselves, much to the unhappiness of the showbiz matriarch, who, as her daughter's manager, would have gained a percentage of sales for herself.

Pic: Bang

A source told the New York Post newspaper's Page Six column: "Kris was none too happy.

"Kanye is taking a page from Jay Z and Beyonce, who own their photos."

Pic: Bang

Another source admitted Kris had nothing to do with Kim's decision to refuse all offers for the photographs, which she and Kanye have opted to release themselves through their social media accounts.

The source said: "These are Kim's wedding pictures. Kim and Kanye were getting offers for money, and they decided with their teams not to take any."

Pic: Bang

As well as maintaining control, the couple are said to have decided against selling the pictures as they wanted to differentiate their nuptials from Kim's wedding to Kris Humphries in August 2011, for which her mother negotiated a deal which saw People magazine pay a reported $1.5 million for the wedding pictures, plus $300,000 for their engagement.

Kris vs Kim, ultimate showdown

She stole the limelight by wearing an eye-popping cleavage showing dress during daughter Kim Kardashian's wedding and that's not enough for mother Kris Jenner.

Pic: Bang

The 58-year-old matriarch is trying hard to compete with her hot young daughter.

Pic: Bang

And this time it's bikini war.

Pic: Bang

Kim, 33, posted two pictures in white bikini showcasing her washboard sexy tummy during her second honeymoon with husband Kanye West.

Not to be left behind by anyone, mummy Kardashian quickly posted a red hot bikini picture.

Pic: Bang

Kim has been complaining that her mother is “so embarrassing” trying to copy everything she does in the Keeping Up with the Kardashians episodes, and this looks like another example of her mom trying to beat her daughter.

North West's b'day goes south

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have postponed their daughter North West's first birthday bash until next weekend so their families can fly back to Los Angeles for it and the rapper can concentrate on work.

Pic: Instagram

The couple's little girl North is set to turn one on Sunday, but they have decided to wait until next weekend to celebrate, so the rapper can focus on work and both of their families can fly to Los Angeles for the event.

A source told E! News: "They are throwing her a big party next weekend and Kourtney [Kardashian], Khloé Kardashian and kids coming home for it."

Pic: Instagram

Kanye, 37, is also looking forward to spending his second Father's Day with North in New York City this Sunday, after his performance at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Nashville, Tennessee, on Friday night.

The couple have planned a "low-key" celebration to mark the occasions ahead of next weekend's lavish festivities.

Pic: Instagram

The insider said: "North was one day old last year [on Father's Day]. This weekend Kanye is performing at Bonaroo and they will fly to New York City for a low-key Father's Day and birthday party."

The 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' star's sisters Khloé and Kourtney, who is expecting her third child, are currently living in the Hamptons in Long Island, New York, where they are filming their upcoming E! spin-off series with Kourtney's boyfriend Scott Disick and their children, Mason, five, and Penelope, 23 months.

Meanwhile, Kim and Kanye - who are also eager to have more children soon - spent this week enjoying their "second honeymoon" in Mexico, after trips to Ireland and Prague following their wedding in Florence, Italy on May 24.

Beyonce and Jay Z's wedding absence

Kris Jenner has hinted she was surprised Jay Z and Beyoncé chose not to attend her daughter Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's wedding last month in favour of going to the Hamptons because she "assumed they were working."

Pic: Bang

The 58-year-old reality TV star has hinted she was surprised that the duo opted to enjoy a quiet weekend in the Hamptons instead of travelling to Florence, Italy to watch their close friend Kanye West marry Kim Kardashian last month.

Pic: Getty

The 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' star told Australian radio station KIIS 106.5 FM on Wednesday: "[I] just assumed they were working."

The 'Holy Grail' hitmaker, 44, and the 'Pretty Hurts' singer were noticeably absent from Kim and Kanye's lavish nuptials, following rumours the groom had asked Jay to be his best man.

Pic: Getty

But Kris insisted that the high profile couple's decision not to attend didn't affect the celebrations.

She said: "There was so much commotion and excitement, I never really gave that a second thought."

Pic: Instagram

She added: "If you had been there, you would have thought that was the last thing on anyone's mind."

Beyoncé, 32, posted a picture of Kim, 33, Kanye, 37, and their 11-month-old daughter North from their recent Vogue shoot on Instagram shortly after they exchanged vows, with the caption: "Wishing you a lifetime of unconditional love. God bless your beautiful family."

Pic: Getty

Insiders previously suggested that Jay Z and Beyoncé declined their invitation after her sister, Solange Knowles, attacked him in an elevator at a Met Ball after party in New York City on May 5 because he was allegedly flirting with Kim's close pal Rachel Roy, who was among the guests at the wedding.

A source said: "Jay Z and Beyoncé were invited but didn't come, seemingly to avoid drama from Rachel Roy who was going. In the end, the wedding was full of love and super intimate."

Pic: Getty

Kris is also friends with Beyoncé's mother, Tina Knowles, and attended her 60th birthday bash in New Orleans, Louisiana, in January.

Kim and Kanye Mexican honeymoon

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have reportedly embarked on their "official honeymoon" to Mexico after holidaying in Ireland and Prague immediately after their wedding.

Pic: Bang

The couple - who recently wed in a lavish ceremony in Florence, Italy - were believed to have spent their honeymoon in Ireland and Prague, but it has now been revealed they have jetted south of the border to continue their celebrations in Punta Mita.

Mr. and Mrs. West - who are staying at a private residence at the Mexican beachfront village - are also celebrating the 'Yeezus' rapper's 37th birthday during the trip.

Pic: Bang

Earlier this week, the 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' star took to her Instagram account to wish her husband, the father of her 11-month-old daughter North, a special day.

She wrote: "Happy Birthday to my husband and best friend in the entire world! You have changed my life in more ways than you know.

"The way you look at life inspires me! I love you so much!!!!"

Pic: AFP

Meanwhile, it has been suggested the pair may be looking to expand their brood while enjoying their romantic holiday.

A source told Us Weekly: "I think Kim will definitely have another baby soon - she wants to."

Speaking in an interview with Ryan Seacrest earlier this year, the brunette beauty confessed she wanted more kids but said she couldn't "do more than three tops".

Khloé Kardashian worried about leaving Rob Kardashian in charge

Khloé Kardashian is worried about leaving her brother, Rob Kardashian, in charge of the renovations at her new home in Calabasas, California but can't wait to move back in with him.

Pic: Bang

The 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' beauty purchased Justin Bieber's former mansion in Calabasas, California in March and is set to move into the lavish property with her younger brother, 27, once the redecorations are complete.

But the 29-year-old star admitted she is worried about Rob managing things while she is shooting her new spin-off 'Kourtney & Khloé Take The Hamptons' in the exclusive enclave in Long Island, New York.

She wrote on Twitter: "Having my brother oversee my construction at our new house while I'm in NY is a tad scary. I'm way too controlling lol (sic)"

Pic: Bang

Despite her fears, it seems Khloé can't wait to move back in with Rob, who previously lived with her and her now-estranged husband, Lamar Odom, before their split in December.

She tweeted: "I miss my best friend RobKardashian (sic)," and shared a photograph of them together when they were younger.

A source previously revealed that Rob, who is reportedly battling depression and has gained more than 60 pounds, was planning to live with Khloé again, as he thinks she can help him get his life back on track.

The insider said: "Living alone isolated him. Rob needs to be around people who love him."

Meanwhile, Khloé appears to be very happy after returning from safari in South Africa with her new boyfriend, French Montana, and their friends.

She shared a photograph of them in a jeep on Instagram, with the caption: "Such a blessing!!! Great memories with great people @frenchmontana @spifftv @miguelunlimited yes we really went on Safari!!!"

The rapper, 29, also posted a picture of himself with a giraffe on his profile, writing: "Sometimes you don't know how blessed you are #grateful #southafrica (sic)"

Kris Jenner's ex-lover silenced for life

Kris Jenner's former lover was forced to sign a contract to keep silent about the famous family's secrets.

Pic: Getty

The 58-year-old star - who had an affair with former soccer player Todd Waterman during her first marriage to Robert Kardashian - was "upset"

when the animator refused to ink the agreement, especially when he said he didn't want her speaking about him.

Pic: Getty

Speaking to RadarOnline.com his mother, Ilza Waterman, revealed: "He asked her 'why?' And she said, 'Even my mother had to sign one.' I think  she was joking.

"He said, 'Why would I do that?' He told her, 'I'll sign it if you sign something not to talk about me and to not speak about us anymore.' He said he didn't want her using him in books or newspapers and magazines to build up her public persona.

Pic: Getty

"She said 'no.' He said she was getting upset. So he just said, 'If it makes you happy, I'll do it.' "

Although reports emerged that Todd was paid $15,000 to $20,000 to appear on 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians' after his identity was revealed

in 2012, his mother insists he never earned a penny for the show.

She added: "She never paid him for anything.

"When people have a lot of money they never pay for the things that they do. They can always get away with it."

Kim's wedding; Khloe's love; Kourtney's pregnancy

There’s never a lack of drama with the Kardashian-Jenner family, and reality TV’s (Keeping Up With The Kardashians) first family doesn’t disappoint this season.

Pic: Bang

It take off with mommy Kris Jenner's sexy poll dance. E! has released a teaser to give fans a preview of the drama of Season 9.

Khloe Kardashian‘s  failed marriage to Lamar Odom and new boyfriend French Montana will feature heavily this season.

Pic: Bang

Kim Kardashian West's famous wedding with Kanye West will also find special attention. After-all they have to earn back the money they spend on the pompous wedding.

Pic: Getty

Also the big revelation about Kourtney's third pregnancy takes place on season 9.

Pic: Instagram

Kylie banned from seeing Justin Bieber

Kylie Jenner has been banned from seeing Justin Bieber by her father, Bruce Jenner.

Pic: Twitter

The 16-year-old reality star's father, Bruce Jenner, is not happy with her hanging out with the bad boy singer - who has had numerous run-ins with the law this year and was caught up in fresh controversy this week when a video emerged of him using a racial slur - and doesn't want her seeing him again after she accompanied him to the Floyd Mayweather boxing match in Las Vegas on May 3 and to the Rainbow Room bar in Hollywood on May 27.

Pic: Instagram

A source told Sugarscape.com: "Bruce had thought Justin was hanging out with Kendall, his 18-year-old daughter, with Kylie just tagging along and he was fine with that.

Pic: Instagram

"But when he learned that Bieber had taken Kylie to Las Vegas to see the Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight, he hit the roof and immediately called [estranged wife] Kris Jenner, fuming.

"Bruce then phoned Kylie, forbidding her to date Bieber ever again bluntly declaring her doesn't want her influence by his drug use and bad behaviour."

Pic: Twitter

Kris is said to be supportive of Bruce's views and agrees she is too young to be hanging around with the 20-year-old 'Confident' singer.

The source added: "Kylie went crying to Momma, but Kris - who's usually all about the publicity - shocked her by siding with Bruce. She totally agrees Justin's bad news."

Argentina striker Sergio Aguero will miss the upcoming last 16 clash with Switzerland after suffering a muscle injury in his left leg and could be out of the World Cup should they progress.

Aguero's injury in the 3-2 victory over Nigeria on Wednesday is a major blow to the South Americans' campaign to capture a third World Cup.

Team doctor Daniel Martinez told reporters the 26-year-old was undergoing magnetic resonance and other urgent treatments at the team's camp in Belo Horizonte.

"We have available all the resources to progress as quickly as possible," he said. "He won't be ready for the Switzerland game, and from there we'll check his evolution day-by-day."

Other sources close to the team said Aguero would almost certainly also be out for further games assuming Argentina progress.

HAMSTRING

Netherlands midfielder Leroy Fer will miss the World Cup last-16 match against Mexico on Sunday after suffering a hamstring injury in training, team officials said on Wednesday.

Fer, who came on s substitute and scored with his first touch of the tournament as the Dutch beat Chile 2-0 in Sao Paulo to finish top of Group B, limped out of training on Tuesday and underwent an MRI scan on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old could also miss a possible quarter-final match next week if the Dutch win Sunday’s game in Fortaleza.

Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal, who had knee surgery last month and was an injury doubt for Monday's Group B clash against the Netherlands, said he was fit to play if selected.

"After the matches I've played I feel better," Vidal told reporters on Sunday at Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo where the match will be played.

"I have been feeling better this week and our coach will decide whether I am to play or not. But I certainly feel like playing in tomorrow's game."

CONCUSSION

Netherlands defender Bruno Martins Indi will miss their final World Cup Group B match against Chile on Monday after suffering concussion in the win over Australia, coach Louis Van Gaal said.

"Martins Indi is not fit for this match," Van Gaal told reporters on Sunday.

Martins, who spent the night in hospital following the 3-2 victory over Australia in Porto Alegre, said he was taking "baby steps" towards returning to full fitness.

"As I said, I'm taking it step by step," the 22-year-old said at the news conference. "Yesterday I was allowed to jog for a bit, so I will have to see when I can play again."

UNLIKELY

Italy's Daniele De Rossi has a leg injury and is highly unlikely to play in the World Cup Group D showdown against Uruguay on Tuesday, the Azzurri's team doctor said on Saturday.

The 30-year-old midfielder played the full 90 minutes in both of Italy's games in the tournament, a 2-1 victory over England and a 1-0 loss to Costa Rica.

"He has a muscle problem in his leg," Enrico Castellacci told a news conference on Saturday.

"It is highly unlikely that he will be able to play on Tuesday.

"If I was being positive I would say that it is possible the injury to the muscle would improve but it is highly improbable he will play."

De Rossi is likely to be replaced by Brazilian-born Thiago Motta alongside the influential Andrea Pirlo in midfield.

DISCOMFORT

Spain centre back Gerard Pique had to pull out of training on Saturday after feeling discomfort in an adductor muscle, making him a doubt for Monday's final World Cup Group B match against Australia.

"Pique started the session but just after the halfway point he withdrew," the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) said on the team's website (www.sefutbol.com).

"The federation's medical team will assess the extent of the injury," they added.

REHABILITATION

England winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will miss the World Cup Group D match against Uruguay on Thursday as he continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury, manager Roy Hodgson said.

"He's not in contention for tomorrow, but he will take part in the next full training session," Hodgson told reporters on Wednesday at Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo.

"Today was his last training session ... individually. At the limit we could have taken a chance with him tomorrow, but it would be much better if he uses the four days after this game and before the Costa Rica game to train with the team."

"Fortunately for us, his injury has responded very well to treatment," the manager said of the 20-year-old, adding that there were no other injury concerns for the Uruguay game.

Meanwhile, Uruguay's captain and defender Diego Lugano will miss the World Cup Group D match against England on Thursday due to pain in his left knee, the Uruguayan football association said.

"It's got worse in recent days, despite physio treatment," said a statement on Wednesday from the Uruguayan camp at a resort in countryside outside Belo Horizonte.

"He's ruled out for the England game."

Striker Luis Suarez missed Uruguay's opening game as he was regaining fitness after knee surgery.

But he has declared himself "100 per cent" and is likely to figure against England even though Tabarez is keeping mum on Suarez's prospects.

THIGH INJURY

Germany defender Mats Hummels is undergoing extensive treatment for a thigh injury but it is still uncertain whether he will be fit for Germany's next World Cup match against Ghana on Saturday, assistant coach Hansi Flick said on Wednesday.

Flick also indicated that - if Hummels is fit - Germany would field the same starting line-up on Saturday against Ghana that thrashed Portugal 4-0 in their Group G opening match.

"We're hopeful even though it's going to be really close call (whether he is fit in time)," Flick told a news conference. "We're counting on him being able to play. But if not we've got alternatives. He's getting treatment all day long."

Hummels, a bulwark of Germany's defence who also scored a goal in Germany's 4-0 win over Portugal, suffered a severe bruise in his right thigh in the 73rd minute of the Portugal match after colliding in the air with Eder.

Hummels had to be helped off the pitch and has not trained with his team since.

Flick said that if Hummels could not play on Saturday then right back Jerome Boateng would likely move into the central defence with Per Mertesacker and Shkodran Mustafi could start as right back. Mustafi replaced Hummels on Monday.

SUBSTITUTE

Cameroon captain and record goal scorer Samuel Eto'o could be used as a substitute during the second Group A game against Croatia on Wednesday despite a knee injury, coach Volker Finke said.

Eto'o, 33, said on Monday he had virtually no hope of appearing in the game.

He came on as a substitute against Mexico but felt a recurrence of a niggling knee injury he has been battling for the last few months.

"I think the most important thing for us tomorrow is that Samuel is with us, perhaps as a substitute," Finke told a news conference on Tuesday.

"I think it would be very very hard for him to start because we're dealing with health matters here and we can't work miracles," he said.

Eto'o said he had not had the time needed over the last few months to fully recover.

"Even if I knew I'd be playing or not I wouldn't say anything ... we can't reveal our strengths and weaknesses to our opponents," he said.

Portugal left back Fabio Coentrao will miss the rest of the World Cup after being taken off injured in the opening 4-0 Group G defeat by Germany, the Portuguese Football Federation said on Tuesday (FPF).

"Fabio Coentrao cannot play any more in this World Cup," the Portuguese Football Federation said on Twitter.

PRECAUTION

Brazilian forward Hulk has undergone tests on a thigh injury and a decision on his fitness for Tuesday's clash with Mexico will be made later on Monday, team officials said.

The burly striker limped out of a training session on Sunday morning but said it was a precaution and that he expected to be fit.

However, officials said Hulk underwent magnetic resonance tests in Fortaleza where Brazil play Mexico. Manager Luiz Felipe Scolari will give a press conference Monday afternoon before the team trains at the Castelao stadium.

England manager Roy Hodgson received a boost on Monday when winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain returned to full training for the first time since picking up a knee injury against Ecuador in a warm-up game on June 4.

Oxlade-Chamberlain trained with the squad at the Urca military base in the shadows of Sugarloaf mountain, taking part in a series of running drills while wearing a brace on his right knee.

Cameroon captain Samuel Eto'o will miss Wednesday's match against Croatia and may play no further part in the World Cup because of his on-going knee injury, both he and team officials said on Monday.

The four-time African Footballer of the Year tweeted he was out of the next Group A match against Croatia in Manaus.

"The doctors confirm! I would probably not be able to play the match vs Croatia on Wed, june18th due to an injury on my knee causing me pain," he said on his account @setoo9.

"Eto'o has been told by the doctors he cannot play for the next 10 days," said the team's media spokesman Laurence Fotso, adding an extra prognosis.

If out for 10 days, it would also mean him missing their final group game against hosts Brazil in Brasilia next Monday.

Spain reserve goalkeeper David De Gea also missed training on Sunday after picking up a muscle injury in the buttock region, the holders said.

"The Spanish team medical staff will assess the Madrid-born keeper's progress on a daily basis to determine when he can rejoin the group," Spain said on their official website (www.sefutbol.com).

Croatia playmaker Luka Modric should be fit to resume training after being given the all clear following a foot problem, the Croatian Federation said Sunday.

The 28-year-old Real Madrid star suffered a blow to his foot during Thursday's opening World Cup match, a 3-1 defeat by Brazil at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo.

"Luka felt pain after receiving a blow against Brazil," said the Croatian Federation.

"He underwent an MRI scan which revealed there was no break nor damage to ligaments."

HULK

Brazil striker Hulk limped out a training session on Sunday morning but said his injury was not serious and he expects to be fit for the World Cup Group A match against Mexico on Tuesday.

Hulk scored a goal in the practice game but limped off moments afterwards looking downcast.

"I felt a niggle and came off as a precaution," he told reporters shortly before the squad was due to fly 1,350 miles to the northern city of Fortaleza.

"I am good, I am happy and I hope to be 100 percent in two days for the next game. I hope it wasn't anything serious, I feel good.

"It's a normal pain," he added. "If I feel anything at all I come off to treat it."

Hulk had a similar issue ahead of the opening 3-1 win over Croatia last week but he played 68 minutes before being replaced by Bernard.

FLIGHT TO HOSPITAL

Bastian Schweinsteiger will be available for Monday's World Cup clash against Portugal after taking a 60km helicopter flight to hospital to treat a foot injury, the German FA said.

Brazilian media reported that the 29-year-old was flown from the team's base near Porto Seguro to a clinic in Eunapolis on Saturday with the helicopter option preferred to a trip across the region's uneven roads.

A local Brazilian website - Radar64 - claimed Schweinsteiger was flown to hospital after taking a knock to his left foot in training on Friday.

But the German FA (DFB) insist the hospital visit was for a routine MRI scan, because of his recent knee injury, and he later rejoined the team in Salvador to prepare for Monday's Group G match at the Arena Fonte Nova.

The Bayern Munich midfielder has struggled with tendinitis of the knee since the German Cup final a month ago.

"It is not a new injury. The examination was part of a measure under the so-called FIFA protection program concerning technical aspects of an injury," DFB spokesman Jens Grittner told SID, a subsidiary of AFP.

OPTIMISM

England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has expressed optimism that he will recover from a knee injury in time for his side's second World Cup game against Uruguay on Thursday.

"It's coming along," said the Arsenal player, who damaged knee ligaments in a friendly against Ecuador last week and sat out England's opening Group D game against Italy on Saturday.

"Considering when the injury was, I'm really happy - as are the medical team - with how it's progressed.

"I'm doing some good fitness work. We'll keep pushing it - not too quickly, obviously - but I'm really positive about it and so is the medical team."

Asked about his chances of featuring against Uruguay in Sao Paulo, he told British newspaper journalists: "We are not sure about timescales.

"We are hopeful that would be realistic, but there is nothing set in stone and I can't say whether I will definitely be back or not.

"I am hopeful for that game, but there is nothing set in stone."

BUFFON OUT

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will miss their opening World Cup Group D match against England in Manaus on Saturday, Italian media reported.

Buffon twisted his ankle in Friday's training session and, though coach Cesare Prandelli was confident he would be fit for the clash, Italian media said on Saturday the keeper would be unable to recover in time for the 6 p.m. ET (2200 GMT) kick off.

Mass circulation daily newspapers Gazzetta dello Sport and Corrierre dello Sport said Paris St Germain stopper Salvatore Sirigu would take Buffon's place in the starting lineup.

Italian soccer federation press officials were not immediately available for comment.

The injury to 36-year-old Buffon, who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy, is a further blow to the Azzurri after fullback Mattia De Sciglio was ruled out of the game with a thigh injury.

England manager Roy Hodgson revealed on Friday that Danny Welbeck will be fit to face Italy in their opening World Cup Group D game against Italy in Manaus on Saturday.

"Danny's fit," Hodgson told a pre-match press conference at the Amazonia Arena.

"I'm very fortunate that even after four weeks of preparation, the only player who isn't available for selection is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

"That we knew, so there can be no complaints on that score."

KNEE INJURY

Greece's top striker Kostas Mitroglou is fit to play against Colombia in their World Cup Group C opener on Saturday despite hardly featuring this year due to a knee injury, coach Fernando Santos said.

Mitroglou, who became his country's most expensive ever transfer when he joined Fulham in January in a 15 million euro deal, scored three times in their 4-2 aggregate playoff win over Romania last year to help Greece qualify.

But he has hardly played since joining the English club due to the nagging knee injury.

"Being a player who has an important role in the team due to his characteristics we understand that Kostas should be here," the Portuguese said. "Everything is ok."

"I think he has been improving a lot physically so that is not a problem. He may be lacking rhythm a bit but after each day he is better and Mitroglou will be close to his top performances here."

The Greece coach, whose team take on Ivory Coast and Japan in their other group matches, played down an injury to defender Kostas Manolas in training on Friday.

BEST PLAYER

Cristiano Ronaldo is "100 per cent" fit and ready for Portugal's opening World Cup match against the powerful Germans, William Carvalho said on Friday, hailing his team-mate as the best player in the world.

The Real Madrid star had ice applied to his troublesome left knee after training on Thursday, sparking fears over his fitness ahead of Monday's Group G opener.

But Angola-born midfielder Carvalho, speaking at Portugal's training base in Campinas, outside Sao Paulo, said: "I think he's now 100 per cent fit."

YAYA TOURE

Ivory Coast's powerhouse midfielder Yaya Toure will be fit to start their World Cup campaign against Japan, coach Sabri Lamouchi said on Friday.

The three-times African player of the year picked up a hamstring injury in April playing for club side Manchester City as they went on to win the English Premier League title.

He joined up late with the Ivory Coast squad after undergoing treatment in Qatar and missed the two warm-up matches in the United States where the Africans lost 2-1 to Bosnia but beat El Salvador by the same score.

He is likely to start in the heart of midfield, however, as Ivory Coast face Japan in a Group C match at the Pernambuco arena in the northern city of Recife on Saturday.

"I can tell you that all my players are physically ready to play tomorrow," Lamouchi told a news conference. "I can't say that all my players will be at 100 percent.

"We have had a number of injuries and health problems but everybody is available tomorrow."

KNEE FINE

Cristiano Ronaldo told Portuguese media that his troublesome left knee was fine on Thursday during a training session in which a fan ran onto the field to get his autograph.

Ronaldo, who has suffered tendinosis around the knee, gave a thumbs up to RPT television when asked if he was 100 percent physically and said "it's fine."

Around 10,000 fans watched the open training session in Campinas in a carnival atmosphere.

At one point, a woman ran onto the pitch to try and reach Ronaldo, evaded one security guard and ran another 40 metres before being brought down by another.

Ronaldo, who played in Portugal's 5-1 friendly win over Ireland on Wednesday, went over to sign his autograph on her shirt before the Portugal players threw shirts into the crowd amid hysterical scenes.

SHOULDER

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has recovered from his shoulder injury and will start Monday's World Cup match against Portugal, coach Joachim Loew said on Thursday.

Germany captain Philipp Lahm, who was also struggling with an injured ankle, is likely to play a holding midfield position rather than in the back four, a visibly relieved Loew told a news conference ahead of his team's Group G opening game against Portugal in Salvador.

"The injury situation is causing me less and less concern," Loew said. "Manuel Neuer took part in training today and he is ready to go on Monday."

Neuer, Germany's number one goalkeeper for the last four years and pillar of their defence, injured his shoulder in Bayern Munich's German Cup final victory over Borussia Dortmund last month.

The injuries had cast a shadow over Germany's World Cup training camp.

Neuer did not play in the friendlies against Cameroon and Armenia.

FIRST-CHOICE

First-choice Italy fullback Mattia De Sciglio hurt his right leg in a practice session Thursday and is being assessed for a muscle injury that could force him out of the World Cup.

The Italian team says De Sciglio was taken to a local hospital for tests. He was later ruled out of the opening Group D match against England at Manaus on Saturday.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has until 24 hours before the Azzurri's opening match to replace injured players.

If De Sciglio's injury is serious, Prandelli could draft in Andrea Ranocchia, who is with the squad as a 24th man.

VIDAL FIT

Coach Jorge Sampaoli made 17,000 million Chileans happy on Friday by declaring star player Arturo Vidal fit for Friday's World Cup "final" with Australia.

Vidal's presence could be vital as an opening win in Cuiaba would put either side in a position to challenge Group B giants Spain, the reigning champions, and the Netherlands for qualification.

The 28-year-old Juventus midfielder's participation was in jeopardy after struggling with an inflammation to his right knee following surgery on a meniscus problem last month.

But allaying a nation's fears, Sampaoli disclosed that the dead-ball specialist's troubles were behind him.

"This story's over I think. The physio's done a marvellous job, Vidal's diagnosis is clear, there's a high chance he'll play.

"His injury was rather complicated. We will now make a decision on whether he starts on the pitch, or on the bench."

BELGIUM STRIKER

Key Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku trained for the first time in Brazil on Wednesday after suffering an injury scare and came through unscathed in a timely boost for their World Cup hopes.

Lukaku, who spent a productive campaign on loan at Everton from Chelsea last season, picked up an ankle injury in a physical friendly against Tunisia on Saturday.

'FINE'

England striker Wayne Rooney said on Wednesday that he expects Manchester United team-mate Danny Welbeck to be fit to face Italy on Saturday despite an injury scare.

"Danny will be fine," Rooney told a press conference at England's Rio de Janeiro training base ahead of his side's World Cup Group D opener in Manaus.

"I'm sure he'll be ready for Saturday. He's just not risked anything today, but he'll train on Friday and will be available for Saturday I'm sure."

DEAD-BALL

Chile star Arturo Vidal gave his team a timely boost just two days before their opening World Cup clash against Australia by training with his team-mates.

The 28-year-old midfielder has been struggling with inflammation in his knee following an operation on his meniscus just over a month ago.

But the Juventus dead-ball specialist trained with his team-mates on Wednesday, the first time he has been able to do so since making a surprise 15-minute cameo comeback a week ago in the 2-0 friendly victory over Northern Ireland.

Vidal joined the squad a few minutes after they had come out to train at their Toca Da Raposa II base in Belo Horizonte, and showed no signs of discomfort.

Until Wednesday, Vidal had been training alone, undergoing physiotherapy and doing specific exercises to improve the condition of his knee.

However, in the 15 minutes of training that were open to the press, Vidal clearly wasn't pushing it, nor striking the ball with any power, although he was kicking again with both feet.

MISS TRAINING

Fears about the fitness of England forward Danny Welbeck were confirmed on Wednesday when he missed a training session ahead of his side's opening World Cup game against Italy.

British newspaper reports on Tuesday claimed the Manchester United player had been forced out of a closed training session with a thigh injury and he did not emerge for training at England's Rio de Janeiro base on Wednesday.

Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is working his way back to fitness after damaging knee ligaments in a friendly against Ecuador, was also absent.

The Football Association has yet to comment on Welbeck's injury status.

BROKEN HEEL

Heiner Mora saw his World Cup finals hopes dashed on Wednesday as the fullback withdrew from the Costa Rica squad because of a broken heel.

The 29-year-old suffered the injury in a training session on Tuesday at their base in Santos.

Costa Rica, who have called up Dave Myrie as a replacement, begin their campaign against Copa America champions Uruguay on Saturday.

Myrie, 26, made his international debut in 2010 but has had a nomadic club career taking in 10 clubs in four different countries.

The Costa Ricans, whose best performance at a World Cup was reaching the last 16 in 1990, also play Italy and England.

HEAVILY STRAPPED

England forward Danny Welbeck is a doubt for his side's opening World Cup game against Italy on Saturday due to injury, according to British media reports on Tuesday.

Several newspapers reported that the Manchester United player was forced to limp out of a training session at England's Urca training base in Rio de Janeiro, having taken to the field with his right thigh heavily strapped.

Welbeck, 23, started two of England's three pre-tournament warm-up games and was in contention to start the Group D opener against Cesare Prandelli's Italy in Manaus.

His absence would potentially open the door for Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling.

The 19-year-old missed England's 0-0 draw with Honduras on Saturday after being sent off in their previous game against Ecuador, but he has impressed England coach Roy Hodgson with his performances in training.

AFRICAN PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Ivory Coast's African Player of the Year Yaya Toure is doubtful for their opening World Cup group game with Japan on Saturday, coach Sabri Lamouchi told the Ivorian press on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old Manchester City star - whose performances and 20 goals for his club last season were instrumental in bringing them the Premier League title - is still struggling with a hamstring injury he suffered in the title deciding win over West Ham on the last day of the league season.

"He finished the season injured and worn out," said Lamouchi.

"He has not yet resumed team training and has to undergo a rehabilitation programme.

"We are going to do everything in our power so that he will be able to start or at least come on during the game with Japan."

Oxlade-Chamberlain in line for Uruguay return 

England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could return from injury in time for his side's second World Cup game against Uruguay, manager Roy Hodgson revealed on Tuesday.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, 20, damaged ligaments in his right knee during a friendly against Ecuador last week, but he trained wearing a protective brace on Monday.

Although he is expected to miss England's opening Group D match against Italy in Manaus on Saturday, Hodgson is hopeful that the Arsenal man will be available to face Uruguay in Sao Paulo on June 19.

England's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain rests his injured leg during a soccer training session in Rio de Janeiro June 9, 2014. (REUTERS)

"Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain did very well," Hodgson told a press conference at England's Urca training base in Rio de Janeiro.

"You may have seen the running he was doing - very positive. He was running so well and so fast and we will be stepping up his recovery in due course.

"We are hoping (he will be back) for Uruguay, but there's no guarantee."

Hodgson also allayed fears about the fitness of captain Steven Gerrard, who cut short his training session on Monday after complaining of tightness in his groin.

"We did a training session where the players who didn't play on Saturday (against Honduras) trained, and some of the others did a warm-down session," Hodgson said.

"Steven did some extra work at the end of that training session. There's nothing wrong with him and I don't understand that story at all."

Neymar gives Brazil momentary scare  

Brazil briefly held its breath when Neymar went down clutching his right ankle in training on Monday, but the incident turned out to be nothing more than a momentary scare.

The fact that the 22-year-old forward went down when none of his national team colleagues were near him suggested a potential problem, just three days ahead of Brazil's opening World Cup game against Croatia in Sao Paulo.

However, the striker quickly got back up and finished the training game at the Selecao's Granja Comary base in Teresopolis.

A sprain to Neymar's right ankle earlier this year sidelined him from Barcelona's ranks for just under four weeks.

STAR DUO 

Portugal coach Paulo Bento is weighing up whether to gamble on both Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe in Tuesday's friendly with the Republic of Ireland, as the star duo race to be fit for the World Cup.

The Brazilian showpiece begins on Thursday and the Portuguese face the strongly fancied Germany on June 16 in the so-called 'Group of Death', which also includes Ghana and the USA.

But neither of the Real Madrid aces have been able to play a full part in Portugal's preparations and have missed the last two warm-up games, a barely deserved 1-0 win over Mexico and a dull 0-0 draw with Greece.

Bento would have hoped that the game against the Irish in New Jersey, in the United States, would be a final chance to fine-tune his squad with the Germany clash less than a week away.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo during training June 9, 2014 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (AFP)

But instead it has taken on extra significance and all eyes will be on how long - if at all - Bento gives Ronaldo, Pepe and Raul Meireles, another key player whose preparations have been disrupted by injury.

"Two of them trained on Saturday and Sunday and Pepe will train today," Bento revealed on Monday.

"Their situation will depend on how they respond to training and we'll see what our decision will be for tomorrow's match.

"It's always difficult to train without the full squad and it's always difficult to prepare for a big match like the German one without all the players fit."

Gerrard struggles in England training 

England captain Steven Gerrard managed only light training on Monday ahead of the World Cup as he struggled with what was termed as a minor groin strain.

Gerrard, 34, did only a few runs down the touchline as the main squad was put through a punishing schedule at the Urca military base in Rio de Janeiro.

The Liverpool midfielder went inside before the end of the session. England staff said it was a minor ailment and they had no doubt Gerrard would be ready for England's first Group D match against Italy on Saturday.

Gerrard missed half of England's 0-0 draw with Honduras on Saturday as a precaution.

England's Steven Gerrard during a soccer training session in Rio de Janeiro, June 9, 2014. (REUTERS)

England staff are gradually building up rehabilitation for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as he recovers from a knee ligament injury suffered against Ecuador last week.

The 20-year-old Arsenal star took part in intense sprint workouts with a brace on his knee.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is unlikely to take any part in the early Group D games against Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica.

Chile still sweating on Vidal fitness 

Key midfielder Arturo Vidal remains an injury doubt for Chile ahead of their World Cup opener against Australia on June 13 in Cuiaba.

The Juventus dead-ball specialist again did not train with his team-mates at their base in Belo Horizonte on Monday.

Vidal, 28, has been struggling with inflammation in his knee since undergoing an operation on May 7 due to a meniscus problem.

Chile's midfielder Arturo Vidal sits during a training session at Toca da Raposa in Belo Horizonte, on June 9, 2014. (AFP)

He made a surprise comeback in last Wednesday's 2-0 friendly victory over Northern Ireland, playing 15 minutes, but has not since been able to train with his team-mates.

Tests carried out on Saturday revealed he had inflammation under his right kneecap.

Vidal trained apart with some light jogging during the 15 minutes Chile's training session was open to the media, before kicking a ball, but only with his left foot.

In a shocking incident, a man who did not want to hear the word 'no' from his girlfriend, took an extreme step and packed her into a suitcase and took her home.

The girlfriend wanted to break off from her boyfriend following an argument, reports Asia One.

According to CCTV footage of a hotel in China's Xi'an province, the man and his girlfriend can ben seen entering the hotel lobby around 10am. The same day, around 3pm, the man can be seen exiting the hotel while dragging what appears to be a heavy suitcase along with him.

The man had rented a cab to travel to his hometown Liaoning. The cabbie heard some sound coming out of the suitcase and reported to the authorities.

When the police officials opened the suitcase, they found a bound woman inside it.

The man later told the cops that he had asked his girlfriend to 'bear with the discomfort for a short while' and then everything would be alright and he would take good care of her for the rest of their life. He was not ready to let the girl go even though she wanted to get out of their relationship and hence came up with the idea of taking her forcibly to his hometown without attracting attention.

The man was charged for kidnapping his girlfriend.

(Home page image courtesy Shutterstock)

UPDATE: Australia's Deputy PM says it is 'highly likely' that the missing flight MH370 was flying on autopilot when it flew into the southern Indian Ocean and disappeared more than 100 days ago.

The plane that vanished on March 8 was carrying 239 passengers while travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

New report revives conspiracy theory

In a latest development that contradicts an earlier report, the wife of one of the pilots onboard the missing MH370 flight has reportedly confirmed that her husband spoke to her from the cockpit, according to a report in the independent.

The report quotes two New Zealand journalists who claim to have spoken to the wife of the captain.

It was earlier reported that the co-pilot had said the words “good night Malaysia 370” and weeks later, the airline had revealed that they were unsure as to who uttered those words.
 

EARLIER STORIES:

New report revives conspiracy theory

A new Sunday Times reports states that the official police investigation into the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 has reportedly identified the plane's captain as the prime suspect.

According to the report Malaysian cops discovered that married dad of three Shah, 53, appeared to have made no social or work commitments for the future, unlike other members of his crew,.

The report also claims that a probe found that he had programmed a flight simulator with drills practising a flight far out into the southern Indian Ocean and landing on an island with a short runway.

This section of the report will revive the conspiracy theorists favourite explanation: Diego Garcia.

Click to read: Diego Garcia and MH370 conspiracy of a 'lost' island in middle of it all

Search to change direction

The drawn-out search for missing Malaysian Flight MH370 will revert to an area hundreds of kilometres south of the previously suspected crash site following new analysis of the plane's flight path, a report said Friday.

Investigators grappling to solve the mystery of the jet's disappearance are set to scour a zone 1,800 kilometres (1,116 miles) west of Perth - previously subject to an aerial search - when an underwater probe resumes in August, the West Australian said.

Citing unnamed US sources, the newspaper said Australia's Joint Agency Coordination Centre (JACC) would soon announce the hunt will move 800 kilometres southwest from where it was previously focused.

It said these sources had revealed that survey ship Fugro Equator was already operating in this area and would soon be joined by Chinese vessel Zhu Kezhen.

A massive aerial and underwater search for MH370, which had 239 people onboard when it diverted from its Kuala Lumpur to Beijing flight path on March 8, has failed to find any sign of the plane.

Scientists from British company Inmarsat told the BBC earlier this week that the search had yet to target the most likely crash site, or "hotspot", after becoming diverted by pings thought at the time to have originated from the plane's black boxes.

It was not clear from the West Australian report whether the new search area overlaps with the "hotspot".

JACC said Friday that the revised search zone, based on an intensive study of satellite communications from the jet and other data, would be announced by the end of the month.

Australian officials have said repeatedly that the revised search zone will be in the area of the seventh arc, or the final satellite "handshake" from the plane. It is believed to be when the aircraft ran out of fuel and was in descent.

JACC said the Fugro Equator was now working in this zone.

"Located along the seventh arc, that area is consistent with provisional analysis of satellite and other data that is being used to determine the future search area," it said.

Australian officials announced earlier this week that a survey of the sea bed, as yet mostly unmapped and crucial to the success of the underwater search, had resumed.

Two ships - Fugro Equator and Zhu Kezhen - will survey an area up to 6,000 metres deep and covering up to 60,000 square kilometres before an a contractor begins an intensive undersea probe looking for debris.

Previously an intensive undersea search for the plane, in the area in which the acoustic noises were detected, failed to find any sign of the jet.

The source of the noises is unknown.

Revised search zone for Malaysian flight by month's end; Seabed mapping resumes

Australian officials said Wednesday they will announce the new search zone for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 by month's end, as mapping of  the Indian Ocean seabed resumed.

The jet went missing on March 8 flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing and despite a massive aerial and sea search no sign of the aircraft which was carrying 239 people has been found.

An underwater probe of the Indian Ocean seabed where acoustic signals, thought at the time to have come from the jet's black box recorders, were heard also proved fruitless.

Australia's Joint Agency Coordination Centre said analysis of satellite and other data to determine the search area for the next underwater phase would be concluded soon.

"The search area will be confirmed before the end of June, after completion of extensive collaborative analysis by a range of specialists," it said in a statement.

"It is already clear from the provisional results of that analysis that the search zone will move, but still be on the seventh arc (where the aircraft last communicated with satellite)."

The search has been frustrated by a lack of information, with experts modelling the plane's most likely flight path based on signals between it and an Inmarsat satellite.

The seventh arc, or "handshake", is the final signal from the plane and thought to be when the jet ran out of fuel.

Scientists from the British firm have suggested that searchers are yet to target the most likely Indian Ocean crash site because they became distracted by the acoustic signals detected in April.

"It was by no means an unrealistic location but it was further to the northeast than our area of highest probability," Chris Ashton at Inmarsat told the BBC's Horizon programme on Tuesday.

But JACC said the area in which the Australian vessel Ocean Shield used a mini-sub to scour the ocean floor was "based on the best information and analysis available at that time", including from Inmarsat.

"The location was identified by the satellite communications sub-group, which included accident investigation agencies from the USA and the UK along with their technical advisors, including from the aircraft manufacturer, the satellite manufacturer and Inmarsat as operator of the satellite," JACC said Wednesday.

"Based on analysis at the time, it represented the most likely location of the aircraft."

Australia, which is leading the hunt given the plane is likely to have crashed in its search and rescue zone, said the vessel Fugro Equator, which it contracted, had begun its work in mapping the ocean floor.

It will be joined by Chinese PLA-Navy ship Zhu Kezhen in conducting the bathymetric survey crucial to carrying out the deep water search for the plane which is set to begin in August.

"So far, the Zhu Kezhen has surveyed 4,088 square kilometres of the ocean floor," before it was forced back to port for repairs, JACC said.

The survey of a 60,000 square kilometre search zone was expected to take three months.

Dead, alive or lost? How to live for 100 days... A wife's story

Zhang Qian's world has collapsed in the more than 100 days since her husband disappeared along with Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. She quit her job, sleeps rarely and prefers not to go out, except to Buddhist temples, where she has found some solace.

In the more than 100 days since her husband disappeared along with Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, Zhang Qian's world has collapsed. She quit her job, sleeps rarely and prefers not to go out, except to the Buddhist temples where she has found some solace.

"At the temple, I can speak from my heart to my husband," Zhang, 28, said on a recent visit to the Temple of Spiritual Light in the western hills of Beijing. She broke down in sobs before continuing.

"I think he can hear me ... I have so much to tell him, there is so much I have not said. I hope the Buddha will carry those words to him and bring him back."

Much of the world has moved on from the frenzied interest in the mysterious March 8 disappearance of the plane, but relatives of the 239 people missing cannot. Satellite data shows that the plane went down in a remote area of the southern Indian Ocean far from any land, but with no trace of the aircraft recovered, many cling to a flicker of hope — however faint — that their loved ones might still be alive.

"It may be my fantasy, but what if one day he sends some distress signals and he gets saved, and that will be the end of this?" Zhang said.

Her husband was among 153 Chinese on the plane. Chinese culture places an especially heavy emphasis on finding and seeing the remains of people believed dead before true grieving and the process of moving on can begin.

The absence of proof of death has made closure elusive for all relatives, said Lawrence Palinkas, professor of social work at the University of Southern California.

"When there is no physical proof of death, it is easier to remain in (denial) for a much longer period of time," he said. "At this point, those who have not accepted the possibility that the plane crashed and all aboard were lost are relying on extended family and friends to maintain the belief that family members are still alive, or that hope is still viable until the remains are found."

Hotspot hope?

The search for the missing Malaysian Flight MH370 is yet to target the most likely crash site, having been distracted by what is now believed to have been a bogus signal, British company Inmarsat claimed Tuesday.

Inmarsat's scientists told the BBC's Horizon programme that they had calculated the plane's most likely flight path and a "hotspot" in the southern Indian Ocean in which it most likely came down.

The flight lost contact on March 8 en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with total of 239 passengers and crew on board.
Hourly pings sent by the plane were received by Inmarsat's spacecraft, leading scientists to calculate its likely path.

Australian naval vessel Ocean Shield was dispatched to investigate, but before reaching the likely site, began to detect a signal that it believed was coming from the plane's black box, Inmarsat told the BBC programme.

Two months were spent searching 850 sq km of sea bed north west of Perth, but the source of the "pings" was not found and a submersible robot found no evidence of the airliner.

"It was by no means an unrealistic location but it was further to the north east than our area of highest probability," Chris Ashton at Inmarsat told Horizon.
Experts from the satellite firm modelled the most likely flight path using the hourly pings and assuming a speed and heading consistent with the plane being flown by autopilot.

"We can identify a path that matches exactly with all those frequency measurements and with the timing measurements and lands on the final arc at a particular location, which then gives us a sort of a hotspot area on the final arc where we believe the most likely area is," explained Ashton.

After coming under criticism from relatives over the futile search, Malaysia's civil aviation authority and Inmarsat last month decided to release the raw data.

However, its complexity has led to few independent conclusions being drawn about the likely crash site.
Malaysian Selamat Umar, whose son Mohamad Khairul Amri was on the ill-fated jetliner, questioned the motives behind the data release.

"I am not convinced at all by the data," he said. Why are they releasing it now? Before when we asked for it, they did not want to release it. What can we do with it now?
"I think they could have made some changes to the data," Selamat, 60, added.

Book claims truth

Just as the mystery that surrounds the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH 370 was fading into distant memory, a new book is set to enflame passions and arguments that support a conspiracy theory.
The book, authored by a pilot and journalist from New Zealand, claims to show readers that the tragedy was no accident.

According to a report on stuff.co.nz Ewan Wilson, a commercial pilot and journalist Geoff Taylor, said: "For the first time we present a detailed analysis of the flight, the incredible route it took, and who we believe was in charge of the aircraft as it plunged into the Indian Ocean." 

The book, called ‘Good Night Malaysian 370: The Truth behind the loss of Flight 370’ will shock readers, the report said. 

The authors use a process of investigative elimination that removes all possible scenarios, except one.

'Will not rest'

Malaysia's government pledged on Monday that it "will not rest" until missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 is found, as it marked the 100th day since the plane vanished on March 8 with 239 passengers and crew.

"100 days after MH370 went missing, its loss remains a painful void in the hearts of all Malaysians and those around the world. We cannot and will not rest until MH370 is found," Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said.

In a statement, Hishammuddin also promised that Malaysia "cannot and will not abandon" the families of the missing passengers, some of whom have sharply criticised the Malaysian government's handling of the mystery.

The Boeing 777 inexplicably disappeared en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. No trace of it has been found despite an extensive Australian-led search effort deep in the Indian Ocean, where it is believed to have gone down.
Hishammuddin also offered Malaysia's thanks to Australia, China, the United States and fellow Southeast Asian countries for their assistance in the search.

Malaysian Airlines CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya issued a separate statement pledging similar resolve in finding the plane, calling the period since March 8 "the longest and most painful 100 days in Malaysia Airlines' history."

Anguished relatives of MH370 passengers have accused Malaysia's government of a bumbling and chaotic response to the crisis and covering up what happened to the plane.

Malaysia denies it is withholding information but has remained tight-lipped over investigations that it has launched into the mystery and given no timetable for when the findings of those probes will be released.

Promo of 'missing plane' film at Cannes... Click here

The director of a movie based on the Malaysian Airlines plane disappearance says he rushed the trailer of the project so he could bring it to the Cannes Film Festival.

"I was seeing the festival calendars and I could not miss Cannes. And so I told my team to make a trailer immediately," said Rupesh Paul of his planned film, "The Vanishing Act."

It wasn't until he arrived at the festival that he faced questions over the timing of the film's promotion and whether he was being sensitive to the families of the missing passengers.

"These things came in to my thoughts only after I came here," said Paul, also a producer, in an interview on Saturday. "From the very first interview I was only asked about this fact that we did not even think of much when we were pitching this in India. Nobody asked this question in India actually. When we came to Europe this was the only question I faced."

The 35-year-old director says he never thought his actions might upset anyone but insists "that nobody will be hurt (by) this movie."

"Why should I gain out of somebody's pain?" said Paul.

The trailer for "The Vanishing Act" shows two crew members kissing as a third looks at them angrily. It's something the director says will not be included in the main feature.

"This trailer was not even meant to get released on the Internet online," said Paul. "It was meant to show some investors and producers that the movie will be dramatic and thrilling. Somehow it got released, we had to give it to many people, it got out of my hands. And there is no love triangle in this movie at all and there is no romance in this movie."

A handgun is also featured in the movie, but Paul said it isn't what it seems.

"Everyone that has flown once on even a small flight will definitely understand that it is impossible to carry a gun inside, whatever you do," he said. "So it's impossible, but there is a weapon in the story."

The director is keeping tight-lipped about his theory on how the plane disappeared and what will be shown in the film. He said that although he "cannot reveal the climax, it will not be a tragic climax."

The trailer, which also shows commotion and horror on the plane, has garnered more than 300,000 views on YouTube.

Paul is aiming for a September release.

Match #48: Group H at Curitiba

Algeria 1 (Slimani 60) Russia 1 (Kokorin 6)

Algeria reached the World Cup last 16 for the first time after fighting back for a 1-1 draw against Russia to clinch second place in Group H.

Belgium topped the group after a 1-0 victory over South Korea who were eliminated along with Fabio Capello's Russians.

Russia grabbed the lead in the sixth minute when Alexander Kokorin met a perfect Dmitry Kombarov cross with a full-blooded header which flew into the net.

But there will again be questions about Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, who was at fault for Algeria's 60th-minute equaliser, coming off his line but failing to reach a Yacine Brahimi free kick which was headed home by Islam Slimani.

Match #47: Group H at Sao Paulo

Belgium 1 (Vertonghen 78) South Korea 0

Belgium strolled into the World Cup last 16 on Thursday after Jan Vertonghen's late goal gave them a 1-0 win over a South Korean side unable to take advantage of a 45-minute numerical advantage and who exit the tournament.

Belgium were in cruise control until Steven Defour was sent off for a two-footed lunge at Kim Shin-wook just before halftime.

South Korea rarely looked like scoring and were caught out in the 78th-minute when Vertonghen banged in the rebound after Divock Origi's shot was parried by goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu.

Match #46: Group G at Arena Pernambuco, Recife

United States 0 Germany 1 (Mueller 55)

A 55th minute Thomas Mueller goal gave Germany a 1-0 win over the United States on Thursday but the result allowed both teams to progress to the second round of the World Cup.

The Germans dominated the game with Juergen Klinsmann's team, with their backs against the wall, creating very few chances.

The breakthrough came when Tim Howard parried out a Per Mertesacker header but Mueller collected the loose ball on the edge of the area and superbly side-footed into the bottom corner.

Match #45: Group G at Estádio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasília

Portugal 2 (Boye 31-OG Ronaldo 80) Ghana 1 (Gyan 57)

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal of the tournament as Portugal beat Ghana 2-1 on Thursday but both teams were eliminated from the World Cup as the United States held on to second place in Group G despite their defeat by Germany.

Starting the day on a point each, both teams knew they needed a victory to have any chance of progress and Portugal started strongly as Ronaldo hit the bar and sent a close-range header straight at goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda before Ghana's John Boye sliced a cross into his own net after 31 minutes.

Asamoah Gyan headed the equaliser from a lovely Kwadwo Asamoah cross 12 minutes into the second half and Abdul Majeed Waris missed the chance to put Ghana ahead when he headed wide from point-blank range five minutes later.

Ronaldo finally found the net in the 80th minute.

STANDINGS

Tabulate under matches played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, goal difference, points.

Q - indicates qualfied to last 16 round

KNOCK OUT ROUND SCHEDULE 

SCHEDULE DURING GROUP STAGE

Match #44: Group E at Estádio Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro

Ecuador 0 France 0 France and Ecuador drew 0-0 in their final World Cup Group E game on Wednesday to send the French into the last 16 as group winners and eliminate their opponents due to Switzerland's 3-0 win over Honduras.

Ecuador keeper Alexander Dominguez made two great saves to deny Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann but the South American side's chances were dealt a mortal blow five minutes into the second half when captain Antonio Valencia was sent off after catching Lucas Digne as both men slid into a tackle.

Cristian Noboa missed a great chance for Ecuador soon after but, having started the day level on points with Switzerland, they never looked likely to find the win they needed and they escaped defeat only because of some poor French finishing.

Match #43: Group E at Arena Amazônia, Manaus

Honduras 0 Switzerland 3 (Shaqiri 6, 31, 71)

Xherdan Shaqiri netted a hat-trick as Switzerland beat Honduras 3-0 in Manaus on Wednesday to secure the runners-up spot in World Cup Group E and a last 16 clash against Argentina.

The Swiss went ahead after six minutes when Shaqiri held off left back Juan Carlos Garcia and unleashed a curling strike from outside the box past Honduran goalkeeper Noel Valladares.

He made it 2-0 in the 31st minute after being put clean through on goal by Josip Drmic, and the pair combined again in the 71st minute as Shaqiri completed his hat-trick.

Match #42: Group F at Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador

Bosnia 3 (Dzeko 23 Pjanic 59 Vrsajevic 83) Iran 1 (Ghoochannejhad 82)

Bosnia beat Iran 3-1 in their Group F finale on Wednesday to record their first World Cup win and deny the West Asians any chance of reaching the knockout stage.

Already eliminated after two losses, Bosnia, appearing at a major tournament for the first time as an independent nation, went ahead in the 23rd minute through Edin Dzeko, who drilled a left-foot shot past Iran goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi.

Bosnia doubled their lead just before the hour through Miralem Pjanic's cool finish in the box before Reza Ghoochannejhad pulled a goal back for Iran in the 82nd minute.

Avdija Vrsajevic restored Bosnia's two-goal cushion with a fine strike a minute later.

Match #41: Group F at Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre

Nigeria 2 (Musa 4, 47) Argentina 3 (Messi 3, 45+1 Rojo 50)

Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina beat Nigeria 3-2 in another wonderful World Cup match on Wednesday but both teams advanced to the second round after Iran lost to Bosnia in the other Group F game.

In an explosive start, Messi lashed in a rebound after three minutes but Nigeria equalized a minute later thanks to a superb finish by Ahmed Musa, only for Messi to curl in a brilliant 20-metre free kick for his fourth of the tournament in first-half stoppage time.

Musa leveled again with a clever finish two minutes after the restart but Argentina, who were assured of qualification before kickoff, got a fortunate third eight minutes later when a corner bounced in off the knee of Marcos Rojo.

Match #40: Group C at Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza

Greece 2 (Samaris 42 Samaras 90+3-pen) Ivory Coast 1 (Bony 74)

A stoppage time penalty from Giorgios Samaras sent Greece into the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast.

The Africans were seconds away from heading into the second round themselves after Wilfried Bony's 74th minute equalizer looked to have given them the point they needed to progress.

But Samaras went down inside the box and rose to convert the penalty and send his team through to play Costa Rica in the second round.

Substitute Andreas Samaris gave Greece the lead in the 42nd minute beating Boubacar Barry following a mix-up in the Ivory Coast defense.

Match #39: Group C at Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá

Japan 1 (Okazaki 45+2) Colombia 4 (Cuadrado 17-pen Martinez 55, 82 Rodriguez 90)

Jackson Martinez scored twice as Colombia beat Japan 4-1 to top World Cup Group C with maximum points on Tuesday, earning a second-round meeting with Uruguay in Rio de Janeiro and ending Japan's interest in the tournament.

Already assured of progress, Colombia went ahead with a 17th-minute Juan Cuadrado penalty, only for Shinji Okazaki to equalize with a diving header before the break as Japan sought the win they needed to have any chance of progressing.

Martinez restored Colombia's lead with a sharp strike after 55 minutes and then produced a cool finish to make it 3-1 eight minutes from time before James Rodriguez added a delightful fourth goal with a clever run and chip over the keeper.

Match #38: Group at Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte

Costa Rica 0 England 0

Costa Rica marched into the second round of the World Cup proudly top of a Group D containing three former winners after a 0-0 draw with already-eliminated England on Tuesday.

Match #37: Group D at Estádio das Dunas, Natal

Italy 0 Uruguay 1 (Godin 81)

Uruguay captain Diego Godin scored with an 81st-minute header to secure a 1-0 win over Italy in World Cup Group D on Tuesday and send the south Americans into the last 16.

The Italian players were still complaining after Uruguay striker Luis Suarez appeared to bite Giorgio Chiellini minutes before Godin rose to head in the winner.

Italy had been reduced to 10 men in the 59th minute when midfielder Claudio Marchisio was harshly sent off for a challenge on Egidio Arevalo Rios.

Match #36: Group A at Arena Pernambuco, Recife

Croatia 1 (Perisic 87) Mexico 3 (Marquez 72 Guardado 75 Hernandez 82)

Mexico marched into the last 16 of the World Cup after second-half goals from Rafael Marquez, Andres Guardado and Javier Hernandez gave them a 3-1 win over Group A rivals Croatia on Monday.

Mexico, who finish second in the group behind hosts Brazil, will face the Netherlands in the second round in Fortaleza on Sunday.

Skipper Marquez broke the deadlock with a thundering header in the 72nd minute before Andres Guardado finished off a swift counter-attack.

Hernandez made it 3-0 with a back post header from a corner and although Croatia pulled a goal back in the 87th minute through Ivan Perisic they had Ante Rebic sent-off for an awful challenge two minutes later.

Match #35: Group A at Brasilia national stadium, Brasilia

Cameroon 1 (Matip 26) Brazil 4 (Neymar 17, 34 Fred 50 Fernandinho 85)

Red-hot striker Neymar helped fire Brazil into a World Cup second-round meeting with Chile when he scored twice in the first half as the hosts survived an early scare against already-eliminated Cameroon to win 4-1 and top Group A on Monday

Brazil's leading striker tucked in the first after 17 minutes from a Luiz Gustavo cross - the 100th goal of the tournament in Brazil's 100th World Cup match - but the delirious home crowd were silenced nine minutes later when Joel Matip equalized moments after he had hit the bar with a header.

Neymar cut inside to fire in his second, and fourth of the this World Cup, in the 35th minute and Brazil cruised home with a Fred header four minutes into the second half and a goal for substitute Fernandinho six minutes from time.

Match #34: Group B at Baixada arena in Curitiba

Australia 0 Spain 3 (Villa 36, Torres 69, Mata 82)

David Villa and Fernando Torres crowned potentially their last ever appearance at a World Cup finals with a goal apiece as deposed champions Spain ended their campaign with a consolation 3-0 win over Australia.

The Spanish - for whom Juan Mata scored the third goal - had been eliminated from the tournament after defeats by the Netherlands and Chile.

Match #33: Group B at the Corinthians Arena, Sao Paulo

Netherlands 2 (Fer 77, Depay 90+2) Chile 0

Goals by substitutes Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay gave the Netherlands a 2-0 victory over Chile on Monday that put them top of World Cup Group B and likely to avoid a second-round meeting with Brazil.

Fer produced a prodigious leap to head home Daryl Janmaat's angled cross two minutes after coming on.

Depay then ran on to a telling Arjen Robben pass to complete the win in stoppage-time.

Match #32: Group G at the Amazonia arena, Manaus

USA 2 (Jones 64 Dempsey 81) Portugal 2 (Nani 5 Varela 90+5)

Silvestre Varela equalised in the dying seconds to earn Portugal a 2-2 draw against the United States in World Cup Group G on Sunday and keep alive their hopes of progressing into the next round.

Until Varela's diving header from Cristiano Ronaldo's cross from the right, Portugal looked dead and buried after the US had come from behind to lead 2-1.

The result left Germany and the US level at the top of the group on four points and Portugal and Ghana on one.

The opening Portugal goal came in the fifth minute after a mistake by Geoff Cameron saw the ball fall kindly to Nani who smashed it high into the net past a helpless Tim Howard.

Jermaine Jones equalised in the second half with a blistering right-foot shot from outside the area and Clint Dempsey put the Americans ahead after bundling the ball home from close range in the 81st minute.

Match #31: Group H at the Beira Rio stadium, Porto Alegre

South Korea 2 (Son Heung-min 50, Koo Ja-cheol 72) Algeria 4 (Slimani 26, Halliche 28, Djabou 38, Brahimi 62)

Algeria put themselves in pole position to reach the World Cup knock-out stages for the first time with a 4-2 win over South Korea in Porto Alegre on Sunday.

It was the first time an African team had scored four goals in a World Cup match and ended a 32 year win drought at the finals for the 'Desert Foxes'.

First half goals from Islam Slimani, Rafik Halliche and Abdelmoume Djabou put Algeria in total control.

Yacine Brahimi's second half strike, sandwiched by efforts from Son Heung-Min and Koo Ja-Cheol, ensured Algeria moved up to second in Group H behind Belgium.

Match #30: Group H at Estádio Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro

Belgium 1 (Origi 88) Russia 0

Divock Origi sent Belgium into the last 16 of the World Cup when the teenager struck an 88th minute winner to secure a 1-0 victory against Russia in a largely lifeless Group H match at the Maracana on Sunday.

The striker rifled in following great work from Eden Hazard just minutes after Kevin Mirallas crashed a free kick against the base of the Russian post to give Belgium six points from two games.

Match #29: Group F at Cuiaba

Nigeria 1 (Odemwingie 29) Bosnia 0

Bosnia-Hercegovina's maiden appearance at a World Cup finals ended in disappointment as Peter Odemwingie's goal condemned them to a 1-0 defeat by African champions Nigeria in Cuiaba and ensured they could not qualify for the second round.

Peter Odemwingie's 29th-minute goal, crashed home at the Pantanal arena after a muscular run and cross by Emmanuel Emenike, lifted Nigeria to second place in the group with four points, behind already-qualified Argentina who have six.

Bosnia, beaten 2-1 by the Argentines in their opener, could be forgiven for feeling aggrieved, however, as TV replays showed a disallowed goal by Edin Dzeko after 21 minutes had been incorrectly ruled out for offside and the big striker also hit a post in stoppage time.

Match #28: Group G at Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza

Germany 2 (Gotze 51 Klose 71) Ghana 2 (Ayew 54 Gyan 63)

Miroslav Klose scored a landmark goal as Germany and Ghana drew 2-2 with all the goals coming in a terrific second half of another rip-roaring World Cup clash on Saturday.

Mario Goetze nodded Germany ahead in the 51st minute, but Ghana instantly roared into attack.

Andre Ayew headed an excellent equaliser three minutes later, and the Ghanaians went ahead when a great interception and pass by Sulley Muntari set up Asamoah Gyan to lash home in the 63rd.

Germany levelled in the 71st minute with a sharp finish by Klose as the substitute claimed his 15th World Cup goal to move level with former Brazil striker Ronaldo as the tournament's all-time leading scorer.

Match #27: Group F at Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte

Argentina 1 (Messi 90+1) Iran 0

Lionel Messi curled in a superb injury-time goal to give Argentina a 1-0 World Cup win over battling Iran to send them into the second round on Saturday.

Argentina dominated possession but rarely looked like penetrating the massed ranks of defenders and Iran, growing in confidence after the break, were twice denied as headers by Reza Ghoochannejhad and Ashkan Dejagah were saved by Romero, the second a spectacular tip over the bar.

The game looked to be heading for a draw until Messi scored his second of the tournament to put the Group F favourites on six points following their opening win over Bosnia.

Match #26: Group E at Arena da Baixada, Curitiba

Honduras 1 (Costly 31) Ecuador 2 Valencia 34, 65)

Honduras scored their first World Cup goal for 32 years on Friday, but Enner Valencia replied twice to earn Ecuador a 2-1 Group E victory that gives them a fighting chance of making the knockout phase.

Carlo Costly drove in a crisp shot after 31 minutes to register Honduras's first finals goal since a 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland in the 1982 tournament, but their dreams of a first-ever win disappeared within three minutes when a mishit shot from Juan Carlos Paredes was tapped into the net at the far post by Valencia.

Jerry Bengston had the ball in the net for Honduras at the end of the first half but the goal was ruled out for a combination of offside and handball and Ecuador won another exciting game in the 65th minute when Valencia headed home.

Match #25: Group E at Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador

Switzerland 2 (Dzemaili 81 Xkaka 87) France 5 (Giroud 17 Matuidi 18 Valbuena 40 Benzema 67 Sissoko 73)

Free-flowing France blew away in-form Switzerland with a three-goal first-half barrage en route to a thumping 5-2 World Cup Group E win on Friday that virtually assures them of qualification for the second round.

France blasted two goals within 66 seconds as Olivier Giroud headed them into the lead after 17 minutes and Blaise Matuidi added a second almost straight from the restart, while Mathieu Valbuena got a breakaway third late in the half after Swiss keeper Diego Benaglio had earlier saved a Karim Benzema penalty.

Benzema added the fourth and his third of the tournament in the 67th minute and Moussa Sissoko came off the bench to complete the rout six minutes later before Blerim Dzemaili's free kick and a smart volley by Granit Xhaka made things look better for the Swiss.

Match #24: Group D at Arena Pernambuco, Recife

Italy 0 Costa Rica 1 (Ruiz 44)

Costa Rica produced another huge upset to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup for the second time on Friday with a 1-0 Group D win over Italy that also ensured England were eliminated.

Bryan Ruiz headed powerfully home a minute before halftime to leave Costa Rica fans dancing in the sunshine at Recife's Pernambuco arena, while Mario Balotelli missed Italy's best efforts.

Match #23: Group C at Estádio das Dunas, Natal

Japan 0 Greece 0

Ten-man Greece held Japan to a goalless draw in a largely forgettable World Cup Group C clash on Thursday that kept both sides in with a chance of making the knockout phase

The Greeks had midfielder and captain Kostas Katsouranis sent off after 38 minutes for a second yellow, leaving his team mates facing a tough second 45 minutes.

Match #22: Group D at at the Corinthians arena, Sao Paulo.
 
Uruguay 1 (Suarez 39 85) England 1 (Rooney 75)

Luis Suarez emerged from a month of treatment on his injured knee to score both goals as Uruguay beat England 2-1 to keep his team's World Cup hopes alive and leave England's hanging by a thread on Thursday.

Wayne Rooney hit the bar with a header in the first half but England looked badly off the pace, and the same loose marking that cost them dear against Italy in their first match allowed Suarez space to nod home Edinson Cavani's chipped cross after 39 minutes

England equalised in the 75th minute when Rooney touched in a low Glen Johnson cross for his first-ever World Cup goal, but Suarez - the scourge of Premier League defences all season - lashed in the winner in the 85th minute after England failed to deal with a length-of-the field punt by goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

Match #21: Group C at Estádio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasília

Colombia 2 (Rodriguez 64 Quintero 70) Ivory Coast 1 (Gervinho 73)

Colombia beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in yet another action-packed World Cup clash on Thursday to top Group C on six points and move within touching distance of making the knockout phase for the first time since 1990.

After a tight first half the game exploded into life with three goals in nine minutes midway through the second, starting when Colombia's James Rodriguez thumped in a header from a 64th-minute Juan Cuadrado corner.

Juan Quintero ran clear to make it 2-0 after 70 minutes after Rodriguez intercepted an Ivorian clearance but Gervinho cut in through three defenders to score an excellent individual goal three minutes later to halve the deficit.

Match #20: Group A at Arena Amazônia, Manaus

Cameroon 0 Croatia 4 (Olic 11 Perisic 48 Mandzukic 61, 73)

Croatia gave themselves a fighting chance of reaching the World Cup knockout phase when they thrashed toothless Cameroon 4-0 on Wednesday, helped by a needless first-half red card for Alex Song as defeat condemned the African side to an early exit.

Ivica Olic put Croatia ahead after 11 minutes and Ivan Perisic seized on a poor clearance by Cameroon keeper Charles Itandje to race forward and drive in the second after 48. An unmarked Mario Mandzukic headed the third just after an hour and tapped in his second after 73 as Croatia strolled to a comfortable victory.

Cameroon, who have won only one game in five World Cups following their 1990 heroics, were reduced to 10 men five minutes before halftime when Song bizarrely elbowed Mandzukic in the back as the two man chased back in a benign situation on the halfway line and, without injured striker Samuel Eto'o, barely managed an attack all night.

Match #19: Group B at Estádio Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro

Spain 0 Chile 2 (Vargas 20 Aranguiz 43)

Hard-working Chile overwhelmed an out-of-sorts Spain 2-0 to secure their - and the Netherlands' - place in the World Cup second round and eliminate the holders on a memorable night at the Maracana on Wednesday.

Chile had never beaten Spain in their 10 previous meetings but always looked the more enterprising, taking the lead with a brilliantly-worked Eduardo Vargas goal after 20 minutes and doubling their lead just before halftime when Charles Aranguiz banged in the rebound from a meek punch by keeper Iker Casillas.

Spain, beaten 5-1 by the Netherlands in their opening Group B match, looked a shadow of the team that triumphed four years ago and won back-to-back European titles, with Sergio Busquets missing the best of their few chances early in the second half.

Match #18: Group B at Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre

Australia 2 (Cahill 21 Jedinak 54-pen) Netherlands 3 (Robben 20 van Persie 58 Depay 68)

The Netherlands beat Australia 3-2 in a sensational World Cup Group B match featuring stunning goals and non-stop action on Wednesday as the 2010 runners-up made it two wins out of two following their opening demolition of Spain.

Dutch winger Arjen Robben opened the scoring in the 20th minute when he ran from the halfway line before tucking the ball beyond Mat Ryan for this third goal of the tournament.

Tim Cahill replied immediately, however, by crashing a fantastic 20-metre volley into the roof of the net for what will be a strong contender for goal of the tournament.

Australia took a shock 2-1 lead with a 54th-minute Mile Jedinak penalty after Oliver Bozanic hammered the ball straight at Daryl Janmaat's arm but Robin van Persie levelled with his sharply-taken third of the tournament four minutes later.

Substitute Memphis Depay won it for the Dutch after 68 minutes when his low long-range shot somehow escaped the diving Ryan and went just inside a post.

Match #17: Group H at Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá

Russia 1 (Kerzhakov 74) South Korea 1 (Keunho 68)

Russia's Alexander Kerzhakov came to the rescue, scoring three minutes after coming on as a substitute to secure a 1-1 World Cup draw with South Korea after his goalkeeper had gifted the Asians the lead in their Group H match on Tuesday.

Horrified Igor Akinfeev allowed a straightforward Lee Keun-ho shot from 25 metres to slip through his fingers after 68 minutes of the final match of the tournament's opening round of fixtures.

Neither team had looked dangerous until that point, but the goal shook Russia into life and Kerzhakov pounced after more scrappy goalkeeping by Jung Sung-ryong in the 74th minute.

Match #16: Group A at the Castelao arena, Fortaleza

Brazil 0 Mexico 0

Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa made two outstanding saves to deny Neymar as battling Mexico held Brazil to a 0-0 draw in their World Cup Group A match on Tuesday, ending the hosts' 10-game winning streak in the process.

Ochoa went full length to brilliantly beat out a header from Neymar in the first half, blocked a fierce shot from the forward in the second and then stopped a thumping Thiago Silva header on the line late on, as they denied the hosts.

Match #15: Group H at Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte

Belgium 2 (Fellaini 70 Mertens 80) Algeria 1 (Feghouli 25-pen)

Two goals in 10 second-half minutes by substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens gave Belgium a 2-1 comeback victory over Algeria after the north Africans had threatened a shock result in their World Cup Group H match on Tuesday.

Algeria had not scored in more than eight hours of World Cup tournament play dating back to 1986, but ended that streak with a Sofiane Feghouli penalty after 25 minutes, awarded when he was clumsily pulled back by Jan Vertonghen.

Belgium struggled to make an impact until Kevin De Bruyne picked out Fellaini, on as a substitute four minutes earlier, to cleverly head in from 13 metres after 70 minutes.

Yet another World Cup comeback was completed 10 minutes later when fellow sub Mertens lashed in the second from a tight angle.

Match #14: Group D at  Estádio das Dunas, Natal

Ghana 1 (Ayew 82) United States 2 (Dempsey 1 Brooks 86)

United States beat Ghana 2-1 in their World Cup Group G clash on Monday with Clint Dempsey scoring the first goal after just 30 seconds and German-born John Brooks getting a dramatic winner.

Andre Ayew equalised for Ghana eight minutes before the end.

But Brooks' first goal for his adopted country made Jurgen Klinsmann's 50th match in charge of the United States a memorable one.

Match #13: Group F at Arena da Baixada, Curitiba

Iran 0 Nigeria 0

Iran and Nigeria laboured to the first stalemate of a scintillating World Cup on Monday with a dismal 0-0 draw that left both sides still chasing their first victory at a finals since 1998.

Match #12: Group G at Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador

Germany 3 (Mueller 12-pen, 45+1, 78" Hummels 32") Portugal 0

Thomas Mueller's hat-trick inspired Germany to a 4-0 mauling of 10-man Portugal in their opening World Cup Group G match on Monday.

Two Mueller goals and a thumping Mats Hummels header blew away a Portugal side whose misery was compounded by a needless 37th-minute red card for Pepe.

Hummels powered home the second from a corner on 32 minutes before Mueller, top scorer at the World Cup four years ago, stole in ahead of a sleepy Bruno Alves to smash in the third in first-half stoppage-time.

Match #11: Group F at Estádio Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro.

Argentina 2 (Kolasinac 3"-OG Messi 65") Bosnia 1 (Ibisevic 85")

Lionel Messi scored a stunning second-half goal to push staggering Argentina to a 2-1 victory over Bosnia Sunday at the Maracana in the Group F opener for both teams.

Messi lifted Argentina in the 65th minute, moving in from the right and striking a low left-footed shot off the inside of the post behind Bosnian keeper Asmir Begovic.

It was Messi's second World Cup goal, adding to one he scored eight years ago in Germany.

Argentina took a 1-0 lead in the third minute on an own-goal by defender Sead Kolasinac.

For the remainder of the half, Argentina showed little with Messi seldom touching the ball and Bosnia - a World Cup debutant - looking more threatening.

Match #10: Group E at Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre.

France 3 (Benzema 45-pen 72 Valladares 48-OG) Honduras 0

A moment of madness in the first half and a landmark goalline technology ruling in the second helped France to a 3-0 victory over Honduras in their Group E World Cup clash on Sunday.

Wilson Palacios charged into French midfielder Paul Pogba seconds before the break in a reckless challenge that had him sent-off for a second booking, and Karim Benzema smashed home the resulting penalty to give France a lead they deserved having dominated the first 45 minutes.

France doubled their advantage after 48 minutes when Benzema lashed the ball against the inside of a post and saw it rebound against keeper Noel Valladares and though he scooped it clear, the goal was awarded after the intervention of goalline technology that said the whole ball had crossed the line.

Benzema made it three with a piledriver in the 72nd minute to complete the win that put France top of their group on goal difference ahead of top seeds Switzerland, who beat Ecuador 2-1 in the dying seconds of their clash in Brasilia earlier on Sunday.

Match #9: Group E at the Brasilia national stadium, Brasilia

Switzerland 2 (Mehmedi 48 Seferovic (90+3) Ecuador 1 (Valencia 22)

A stoppage-time goal by substitute Haris Seferovic gave Switzerland a 2-1 World Cup Group E win over Ecuador on Sunday.

The teams had looked as if they were about to produce the first draw of the tournament, until Seferovic's dramatic winner.

Enner Valencia headed Ecuador into the lead after 22 minutes as the South Americans showed plenty of attacking invention, but Admir Mehmedi headed an equaliser three minutes after coming on as a halftime substitute.

Switzerland thought they had won it in the 70th minute when Josip Drmic latched onto a through ball to score, only for a linesman to flag it offside.

But Seferovic did get the winner after a length-of the field breakaway following a brilliant advantage play by the referee.

Match #8: Group C at Arena Pernambuco, Recife

Ivory Coast 2 (Bony 64 Gervinho 66) Japan 2 (Honda 16)

Two sharply-headed goals within three second-half minutes gave Ivory Coast a 2-1 Group C victory over Japan as the World Cup's four-game 'Super Saturday' concluded with yet another hugely entertaining match.

Keisuke Honda's fierce left-foot drive after 16 minutes had Japan ahead, but the introduction of substitute Didier Drogba just after the hour seemed to lift the Africans and almost immediately they turned the game on its head.

Wilfried Bony headed the equaliser after 64 minutes and the Ivorians had only just concluded their dancing celebrations when Gervinho glanced in the second, both goals coming from pinpoint crosses by Serge Aurier.

Ivory Coast join Colombia on three points atop the open-looking group after Colombia's 3-0 victory over Greece earlier on Saturday.

Match #7: Group D at Arena Amazônia, Manaus

England 1 (Sturridge 37)  Italy 2 (Marchisio 35 Balotelli 50)

Mario Balotelli headed the decisive goal as Italy emerged 2-1 winners over England in another high quality World Cup match in the Amazon jungle on Saturday, to gain a key early advantage in a Group D containing three former tournament winners.

Claudio Marchisio fired Italy ahead after 35 minutes when England were wrong-footed by an Andrea Pirlo dummy, but Daniel Sturridge levelled within three minutes after Wayne Rooney picked him out with a perfect left-wing cross.

Balotelli, who had a clever lob cleared off the line at the end of the first half, made it 2-1 five minutes into the second when he took advantage of ragged defending to head home.

England played some confident football trying to find the equaliser but Italy's defence buckled down and kept them at bay to take them to three points alongside Costa Rica, who upset 2010 semi-finalists Uruguay 3-1 earlier on Saturday.

Match #6: Group D at  Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza

Uruguay 1 (Cavani 24-pen) Costa Rica 3 Campbell 54 Duarte 57 Urena 84)

Two goals in four dramatic second-half minutes set lowly Costa Rica on their way to a deserved 3-1 victory over Uruguay in the biggest upset of the World Cup so far. 

The Uruguayans took the lead in the Group D clash thanks to a disputed Edinson Cavani penalty midway through the first half before the Central Americans turned the match on its head after the break. 

Young striker Joel Campbell chested down a cross from the right and slammed a low shot past keeper Fernando Muslera after 54 minutes. 

Then centre back Oscar Duarte gave Costa Rica the lead in the 57th minute with a brave diving header at the back post from a Christian Bolanos free kick. 

Marco Urena completed the remarkable victory with a third in the 84th minute, silencing an army of sky blue-clad Uruguayan fans in Fortaleza's Castelao arena. 

Uruguay's misery was compounded in stoppage time when their defender Maxi Pereira became the first man to be sent off at this World Cup.

Match #5: Group C at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte

Colombia 3 (Armero 5 Gutierrez 58 Rodriguez 90+3) Greece 0

Colombia marked their return to the World Cup after a 16-year absence with an attacking display that earned a 3-0 victory over Greece on Saturday, and the early initiative in what looks to be a really tight Group C.

The South Americans went ahead after five minutes when great work by Juan Cuadrado set up Pablo Armero.

Teofilo Gutierrez poked in the second after 58 minutes and James Rodriguez drove in a left foot effort in stoppage time at the end of another game full of high-paced action.

Greece struggled to get a foothold in the match and their hopes of a comeback fell away after Theofanis Gekas crashed a header against the bar from point-blank range after 63 minutes.

Match #4: Group B at Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá

Chile 3 (Sanchez 12 Valdivia 14 Beausejour 90+2) Australia 1 (Cahill 35)

Chile got the victory they needed if they are to have any chance of progressing from a daunting Group B when they held off a strong Australian fightback to emerge 3-1 winners in another open and entertaining World Cup clash on Friday.

Alexis Sanchez put Chile ahead from close range after 12 minutes and two minutes later Jorge Valdivia made it 2-0 with a well-struck shot as the South Americans looked in control.

Australia fought back strongly, though, and Tim Cahill replied with a header after 35 minutes and thought he had equalized with another early in the second half only to have it ruled offside by an excellent linesman's decision.

Both sides went close in an end-to-end second half before Jean Beausejour grabbed a third for Chile in stoppage time.

Match #3: Group B at the Fonte Nova arena, Salvador

Spain 1 (Xabi Alonso 27-pen) Netherlands 5 (van Persie 44, 72, Robben 53, 80, de Vrij 64)

Two goals each by Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben helped the Netherlands destroy world and European champions Spain 5-1 in a sensational World Cup Group B opener on Friday - a repeat of the 2010 final.

Spain, who lost their opening game of the 2010 tournament to Switzerland, went ahead with a 27th-minute Xabi Alonso penalty but Dutch captain Van Persie equalised with an audacious diving, looping header a minute before the break.

The Netherlands, playing with swagger and working tirelessly to close down the holders, went ahead in the 53rd minute when Robben pulled down a long ball from Daley Blind, delivered his trademark cutback and swept the ball home.

Stefan de Vrij bundled in the third in the 64th minute, Van Persie, who also crashed a shot against the bar, got the fourth following a blunder by Spain keeper Iker Casillas and Robben completed the amazing victory in the 80th minute.

Match #2: Group A at Natal

Mexico 1 (Peralta 61) Cameroon 0

Mexico overcame the setback of having two early goals harshly disallowed to beat Cameroon 1-0 with a second-half strike by Oribe Peralta and join Brazil at the top of World Cup Group A with three points on Friday.

Mexico, on top throughout, were goalless at halftime after Giovani Dos Santos had a neat volley and a header from a corner both ruled out for offside in decisions TV replays showed were wrong.

In relentless rain they continued to dominate, though, and broke through after 61 minutes when a Dos Santos shot was parried by the keeper into the path of Peralta who tucked it in.

Samuel Eto'o clipped a post early on for Cameroon but they did little in attack and have now still won only one game in their last five World Cups, having become the first African team to reach the quarter-finals in 1990.

Match #1: Group A at Sao Paulo

Brazil 3 (Neymar 29, 71-pen, Oscar 90+1) Croatia 1 (Marcelo 11-og)

Neymar hit two goals including a bitterly contested penalty to lead Brazil to a 3-1 victory over Croatia in the opening match of the World Cup on Thursday.

Croatia took a shock lead in the Group A game when Marcelo scored an own goal in the 11th minute.

Neymar pulled Brazil level after 30 minutes and Croatia reacted with fury when Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura pointed to the penalty spot in the second half after Fred backed into Croatian defender Dejan Lovren and fell.

Croatian coach Niko Kovac said that Nishimura was "out of his depth" and called the penalty "ridiculous."

Barcelona golden boy Neymar, who was also booked and lucky not to be sent off, converted the penalty to put Brazil ahead. Chelsea midfielder Oscar scored a brilliant individual goal to seal the crucial victory.

PREVIEWS

Group A: Brazil's only worry ... meeting Spain in second round

Group B: Friday 13th looms for world champions Spain vs Dutch

Group C: Colombia favourites even without injured Falcao

Group D: Suarez takes centre stage in battle of the champions

Group E: French and Swiss ones to beat

Group F: Keeping up with Argentina

Group G: Germany and Portugal set for titanic clash

Group H: Pressure on Russia to shine

WORLD CUP RECORDS

World Cup records according to world governing body FIFA ahead of the 2014 edition which begins in Sao Paulo on Thursday:

Most World Cup wins

5 - Brazil (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)

Player to have appeared at most World Cup finals

5 - Antonio Carbajal (MEX) (1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966) and Lothar Matthaeus (GER) (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998)

Most goals scored in a match

5 - Oleg Salenko for Russia in 1994 in their 6-1 win over Cameroon in the group pahse.

Number of teams that have won World Cup

8: Brazil, Uruguay, Germany, Spain, England, Italy, France, Argentina.

Fastest goal scored

11 seconds by Hakan Sukur in 2002 for Turkey against South Korea in the third placed match which the Turks won 3-1.

Most goals scored at one World Cup finals

13 - Frenchman Just Fontaine in 1958.

Record World Cup finals scorer:

15 - Ronaldo or 'The Phenomenon' as the Brazilian striker was nicknamed accruing the goals over three World Cups in 1998, 2002 and 2006

Youngest player to play at a finals:

Norman Whiteside when he played for Northern Ireland at the 1982 finals when he was 17 years, one month and 10 days old.

Most appearances by a country at the finals:

19 - Brazil is the only country to have appeared at all the World Cup finals since the inaugural one in 1930 - the ones scheduled for 1942 and 1946 did not take place because of World War II and its immediate aftermath.

Oldest player to appear at a finals:

Roger Milla in the 1994 finals in the United States when he was 42 years, one month and eight days old.

Worst disciplinary record

Argentina whom in 70 games have received 103 yellow cards, one double yellow (straight red) and nine red cards.

Squads for the 32 countries taking part in the World Cup finals from June 12, as announced by national federations:

An Asian cleaner at a store for Dubai’s police patrol vehicles was cleaning one of the cars when he spotted a sophisticated Wi-Fi system. Without hesitation he put it in his pocket, not realizing it would be his last cleaning task.

On the next day, he was fiddling with the device when his work mate saw it. When he asked him where he got it from, he told him that he found it in a police car.

The colleague preferred not to report his friend to the police, not realizing he was committing a crime by providing a cover for the theft.

But it was not long before the police discovered the theft and arrested the cleaner. Investigation also showed his colleague failed to report the crime.

A court sentenced the cleaner to one year in prison and ordered his deportation from the UAE after completing his jail term and paying Dh1,160 fine.

“His friend was also fined Dh1,000 for failing to report the theft…he apparently had thought by not reporting his friend, he would avert trouble,” Emarat Alyoum daily said.

(Home page image courtesy Shutterstock)

Wherever Ranbir Kapoor goes these days at media events, he is often asked about Katrina Kaif and now that has begun to irritate the young actor.

Normally calm in his demeanour, Ranbir is now upset that he is only asked about his relationships at his events and only that becomes the talking point rather than his work.

“I really don’t know what you are aware of about me. Everyone’s life is their own. There are so many things written about you. Earlier I used to candidly speak about my relationship, but that became the talking point of my life. I am an actor and I have spent seven years working in this film industry. Ask me about my films like Bombay Velvet or my failures like Besharam as well. But when you ask me personal questions only then only that becomes a talking point. If you want to talk about my career and films first, I am ready. Then you ask me about other things,” thunders RK Junior!

Ostensibly Ranbir’s reaction is to the rumours recently that he has shifted into a new house so that he could begin a life with Katrina Kaif who he allegedly is to marry and settle down soon.

“Who I am going with and whom I am living with, well that I would like to keep it personal because I am unmarried. The day I would get married I would openly speak about it. There are so many stories saying that I am leaving my parents; my father has said to get out of the house etc. I feel really bad that my life has become a reality show. My parents are old now and I don’t want them to read such stuff about them because it’s embarrassing. Yes I am moving out and the house is going to redevelopment!”

But then Ranbir dating Katrina Kaif indeed became a talking point after pictures of them together at various destinations found their way to social media sites and eventually to the Print Tv and web media as well.

“Whenever you ask me about the pictures, you have asked me questions about the fact that we (Katrina and him) are doing a movie together. We were shooting Jagga Jasoos in Cape Town. Of course pictures will come out and we both are actors and that’s all I have to say,” he tries to clear the air.

Ranbir wants to tell us that his moving around with Katrina is only for work. And let us believe that for the time being.

Meanwhile, he is also reuniting with his ex flame Deepika Padukone. And before you jump the gun and offend RK, let us tell you that it is for a film only.

“Yes, I would leaving in 12 days to a lovely place called Corsica. We are shooting there for 30 days  and it is my second with Imtiaz and third film with Deepika. It’s a love story and it should come out sometime next year,” says the actor.

 And yes, before we end let us discuss his professional life a bit more. Ranbir is taking the complete onus of the flopping of Besharam on himself. “I feel that when you are successful then there is a lot of pressure on your next film. Saawariya was such a big disaster. It was my first film and the pressure was easy on me. Besharam was completely failure which I own up to and it’s my fault as in I believed in it but didn’t turn out well. I have worked hard on a film called Bombay Velvet directed by Anurag Kashyap, and we have made an engaging film for the people,” he signs off!

Three matches, four goals and one dream: Argentina star Lionel Messi and Brazilian idol Neymar remain on collision course as the most entertaining World Cup in decades enters the knockout rounds on Saturday.

The mouthwatering possibility of Brazil and Argentina meeting in the July 13 final has loomed closer ever since the South American giants were kept in opposite sides of the draw.

So far Barcelona team-mates Messi and Neymar have done everything in their power to stick to the script, almost single-handedly steering their teams through the first round into the last 16.

Messi, who began the tournament looking to cement his place in the pantheon of the game's greatest players - if he isn't there already - has produced man-of-the-match performances in each of his three games.

A jinking individual goal against Bosnia, an inspired injury-time winner against Iran and a two-goal contribution against Nigeria have dispelled the theory that Messi may buckle under the weight of expectation.

"Now we can't make any mistakes as any error will see us getting knocked out," said Messi after Argentina's win over Nigeria.

Messi and his team-mates now travel to Sao Paulo to face Group E runners-up Switzerland in the last 16 on Tuesday.

Before that, Brazil's poster-boy Neymar will aim to inspire the hosts once more when they face an awkward tie with Chile in Belo Horizonte on Saturday.

Like Messi, Neymar has thrived on the responsibility of being his team's main man. He scored twice as Brazil came back from 1-0 down against Croatia to win their opening game 3-1, and added two more in the 4-1 rout of Cameroon as Brazil topped Group A.

"We are on the right track and are growing all the time as we get closer to making our dream come true," the 22-year-old said.

Yet if Argentina and Brazil are to meet in the Maracana Stadium in a little over a fortnight, there will be obstacles along the way.

The first round may have been notable for the shock demise of European heavyweights such as defending champions Spain and Euro 2012 finalists Italy, but other threats remain.

Beaten 2010 finalists the Netherlands have looked in formidable form so far, maintaining a 100 percent record to top Group B including a sensational 5-1 destruction of Spain.

In Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben, the Dutch have two of the deadliest attackers in the tournament, and in a competition where high-quality defending has been notably absent, that could be crucial.

The Dutch will fancy their chances of beating Mexico in the second round to remain on course for a possible meeting with Argentina in the semi-finals.

Germany also look to be building formidable momentum after coming out on top of a demanding Group G ahead of the United States, Ghana and Portugal.

Bayern Munich striker Thomas Mueller has notched four goals in three games, including a superb hat-trick in the 4-0 drubbing of Portugal, and Joachim Loew's side ought to be too strong for Algeria in Porto Alegre on Monday.

The biggest obstacle to a possible semi-final meeting with Brazil is likely to come in the quarter-finals where the Germans could face a revitalised France who have produced some of the most scintillating attacking play so far.

Although a changed France line-up was held to a 0-0 draw against Ecuador in their final Group E game, Didier Deschamps' side excelled in big wins over Honduras (3-0) and Switzerland (5-2), with Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema finally producing his form for Les Bleus.

France play Nigeria in the last 16 in Brasilia on Monday.

Arguably the dark horses of the knockout round could be a burgeoning Colombia, who wrapped up their third win of the tournament with a 4-1 demolition job of Japan.

The Colombians face a Luis Suarez-less Uruguay at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday where the prize would be their first ever appearance in the quarter-finals.

KNOCK OUT ROUND SCHEDULE 

STANDINGS

Tabulate under matches played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, goal difference, points.

Q - indicates qualfied to last 16 round

RESULTS DURING GROUP STAGE

Match #48: Group H at Curitiba

Algeria 1 (Slimani 60) Russia 1 (Kokorin 6)

Algeria reached the World Cup last 16 for the first time after fighting back for a 1-1 draw against Russia to clinch second place in Group H.

Belgium topped the group after a 1-0 victory over South Korea who were eliminated along with Fabio Capello's Russians.

Russia grabbed the lead in the sixth minute when Alexander Kokorin met a perfect Dmitry Kombarov cross with a full-blooded header which flew into the net.

But there will again be questions about Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, who was at fault for Algeria's 60th-minute equaliser, coming off his line but failing to reach a Yacine Brahimi free kick which was headed home by Islam Slimani.

Match #47: Group H at Sao Paulo

Belgium 1 (Vertonghen 78) South Korea 0

Belgium strolled into the World Cup last 16 on Thursday after Jan Vertonghen's late goal gave them a 1-0 win over a South Korean side unable to take advantage of a 45-minute numerical advantage and who exit the tournament.

Belgium were in cruise control until Steven Defour was sent off for a two-footed lunge at Kim Shin-wook just before halftime.

South Korea rarely looked like scoring and were caught out in the 78th-minute when Vertonghen banged in the rebound after Divock Origi's shot was parried by goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu.

Match #46: Group G at Arena Pernambuco, Recife

United States 0 Germany 1 (Mueller 55)

A 55th minute Thomas Mueller goal gave Germany a 1-0 win over the United States on Thursday but the result allowed both teams to progress to the second round of the World Cup.

The Germans dominated the game with Juergen Klinsmann's team, with their backs against the wall, creating very few chances.

The breakthrough came when Tim Howard parried out a Per Mertesacker header but Mueller collected the loose ball on the edge of the area and superbly side-footed into the bottom corner.

Match #45: Group G at Estádio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasília

Portugal 2 (Boye 31-OG Ronaldo 80) Ghana 1 (Gyan 57)

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal of the tournament as Portugal beat Ghana 2-1 on Thursday but both teams were eliminated from the World Cup as the United States held on to second place in Group G despite their defeat by Germany.

Starting the day on a point each, both teams knew they needed a victory to have any chance of progress and Portugal started strongly as Ronaldo hit the bar and sent a close-range header straight at goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda before Ghana's John Boye sliced a cross into his own net after 31 minutes.

Asamoah Gyan headed the equaliser from a lovely Kwadwo Asamoah cross 12 minutes into the second half and Abdul Majeed Waris missed the chance to put Ghana ahead when he headed wide from point-blank range five minutes later.

Ronaldo finally found the net in the 80th minute.

Match #44: Group E at Estádio Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro

Ecuador 0 France 0 France and Ecuador drew 0-0 in their final World Cup Group E game on Wednesday to send the French into the last 16 as group winners and eliminate their opponents due to Switzerland's 3-0 win over Honduras.

Ecuador keeper Alexander Dominguez made two great saves to deny Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann but the South American side's chances were dealt a mortal blow five minutes into the second half when captain Antonio Valencia was sent off after catching Lucas Digne as both men slid into a tackle.

Cristian Noboa missed a great chance for Ecuador soon after but, having started the day level on points with Switzerland, they never looked likely to find the win they needed and they escaped defeat only because of some poor French finishing.

Match #43: Group E at Arena Amazônia, Manaus

Honduras 0 Switzerland 3 (Shaqiri 6, 31, 71)

Xherdan Shaqiri netted a hat-trick as Switzerland beat Honduras 3-0 in Manaus on Wednesday to secure the runners-up spot in World Cup Group E and a last 16 clash against Argentina.

The Swiss went ahead after six minutes when Shaqiri held off left back Juan Carlos Garcia and unleashed a curling strike from outside the box past Honduran goalkeeper Noel Valladares.

He made it 2-0 in the 31st minute after being put clean through on goal by Josip Drmic, and the pair combined again in the 71st minute as Shaqiri completed his hat-trick.

Match #42: Group F at Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador

Bosnia 3 (Dzeko 23 Pjanic 59 Vrsajevic 83) Iran 1 (Ghoochannejhad 82)

Bosnia beat Iran 3-1 in their Group F finale on Wednesday to record their first World Cup win and deny the West Asians any chance of reaching the knockout stage.

Already eliminated after two losses, Bosnia, appearing at a major tournament for the first time as an independent nation, went ahead in the 23rd minute through Edin Dzeko, who drilled a left-foot shot past Iran goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi.

Bosnia doubled their lead just before the hour through Miralem Pjanic's cool finish in the box before Reza Ghoochannejhad pulled a goal back for Iran in the 82nd minute.

Avdija Vrsajevic restored Bosnia's two-goal cushion with a fine strike a minute later.

Match #41: Group F at Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre

Nigeria 2 (Musa 4, 47) Argentina 3 (Messi 3, 45+1 Rojo 50)

Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina beat Nigeria 3-2 in another wonderful World Cup match on Wednesday but both teams advanced to the second round after Iran lost to Bosnia in the other Group F game.

In an explosive start, Messi lashed in a rebound after three minutes but Nigeria equalized a minute later thanks to a superb finish by Ahmed Musa, only for Messi to curl in a brilliant 20-metre free kick for his fourth of the tournament in first-half stoppage time.

Musa leveled again with a clever finish two minutes after the restart but Argentina, who were assured of qualification before kickoff, got a fortunate third eight minutes later when a corner bounced in off the knee of Marcos Rojo.

Match #40: Group C at Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza

Greece 2 (Samaris 42 Samaras 90+3-pen) Ivory Coast 1 (Bony 74)

A stoppage time penalty from Giorgios Samaras sent Greece into the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast.

The Africans were seconds away from heading into the second round themselves after Wilfried Bony's 74th minute equalizer looked to have given them the point they needed to progress.

But Samaras went down inside the box and rose to convert the penalty and send his team through to play Costa Rica in the second round.

Substitute Andreas Samaris gave Greece the lead in the 42nd minute beating Boubacar Barry following a mix-up in the Ivory Coast defense.

Match #39: Group C at Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá

Japan 1 (Okazaki 45+2) Colombia 4 (Cuadrado 17-pen Martinez 55, 82 Rodriguez 90)

Jackson Martinez scored twice as Colombia beat Japan 4-1 to top World Cup Group C with maximum points on Tuesday, earning a second-round meeting with Uruguay in Rio de Janeiro and ending Japan's interest in the tournament.

Already assured of progress, Colombia went ahead with a 17th-minute Juan Cuadrado penalty, only for Shinji Okazaki to equalize with a diving header before the break as Japan sought the win they needed to have any chance of progressing.

Martinez restored Colombia's lead with a sharp strike after 55 minutes and then produced a cool finish to make it 3-1 eight minutes from time before James Rodriguez added a delightful fourth goal with a clever run and chip over the keeper.

Match #38: Group at Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte

Costa Rica 0 England 0

Costa Rica marched into the second round of the World Cup proudly top of a Group D containing three former winners after a 0-0 draw with already-eliminated England on Tuesday.

Match #37: Group D at Estádio das Dunas, Natal

Italy 0 Uruguay 1 (Godin 81)

Uruguay captain Diego Godin scored with an 81st-minute header to secure a 1-0 win over Italy in World Cup Group D on Tuesday and send the south Americans into the last 16.

The Italian players were still complaining after Uruguay striker Luis Suarez appeared to bite Giorgio Chiellini minutes before Godin rose to head in the winner.

Italy had been reduced to 10 men in the 59th minute when midfielder Claudio Marchisio was harshly sent off for a challenge on Egidio Arevalo Rios.

Match #36: Group A at Arena Pernambuco, Recife

Croatia 1 (Perisic 87) Mexico 3 (Marquez 72 Guardado 75 Hernandez 82)

Mexico marched into the last 16 of the World Cup after second-half goals from Rafael Marquez, Andres Guardado and Javier Hernandez gave them a 3-1 win over Group A rivals Croatia on Monday.

Mexico, who finish second in the group behind hosts Brazil, will face the Netherlands in the second round in Fortaleza on Sunday.

Skipper Marquez broke the deadlock with a thundering header in the 72nd minute before Andres Guardado finished off a swift counter-attack.

Hernandez made it 3-0 with a back post header from a corner and although Croatia pulled a goal back in the 87th minute through Ivan Perisic they had Ante Rebic sent-off for an awful challenge two minutes later.

Match #35: Group A at Brasilia national stadium, Brasilia

Cameroon 1 (Matip 26) Brazil 4 (Neymar 17, 34 Fred 50 Fernandinho 85)

Red-hot striker Neymar helped fire Brazil into a World Cup second-round meeting with Chile when he scored twice in the first half as the hosts survived an early scare against already-eliminated Cameroon to win 4-1 and top Group A on Monday

Brazil's leading striker tucked in the first after 17 minutes from a Luiz Gustavo cross - the 100th goal of the tournament in Brazil's 100th World Cup match - but the delirious home crowd were silenced nine minutes later when Joel Matip equalized moments after he had hit the bar with a header.

Neymar cut inside to fire in his second, and fourth of the this World Cup, in the 35th minute and Brazil cruised home with a Fred header four minutes into the second half and a goal for substitute Fernandinho six minutes from time.

Match #34: Group B at Baixada arena in Curitiba

Australia 0 Spain 3 (Villa 36, Torres 69, Mata 82)

David Villa and Fernando Torres crowned potentially their last ever appearance at a World Cup finals with a goal apiece as deposed champions Spain ended their campaign with a consolation 3-0 win over Australia.

The Spanish - for whom Juan Mata scored the third goal - had been eliminated from the tournament after defeats by the Netherlands and Chile.

Match #33: Group B at the Corinthians Arena, Sao Paulo

Netherlands 2 (Fer 77, Depay 90+2) Chile 0

Goals by substitutes Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay gave the Netherlands a 2-0 victory over Chile on Monday that put them top of World Cup Group B and likely to avoid a second-round meeting with Brazil.

Fer produced a prodigious leap to head home Daryl Janmaat's angled cross two minutes after coming on.

Depay then ran on to a telling Arjen Robben pass to complete the win in stoppage-time.

Match #32: Group G at the Amazonia arena, Manaus

USA 2 (Jones 64 Dempsey 81) Portugal 2 (Nani 5 Varela 90+5)

Silvestre Varela equalised in the dying seconds to earn Portugal a 2-2 draw against the United States in World Cup Group G on Sunday and keep alive their hopes of progressing into the next round.

Until Varela's diving header from Cristiano Ronaldo's cross from the right, Portugal looked dead and buried after the US had come from behind to lead 2-1.

The result left Germany and the US level at the top of the group on four points and Portugal and Ghana on one.

The opening Portugal goal came in the fifth minute after a mistake by Geoff Cameron saw the ball fall kindly to Nani who smashed it high into the net past a helpless Tim Howard.

Jermaine Jones equalised in the second half with a blistering right-foot shot from outside the area and Clint Dempsey put the Americans ahead after bundling the ball home from close range in the 81st minute.

Match #31: Group H at the Beira Rio stadium, Porto Alegre

South Korea 2 (Son Heung-min 50, Koo Ja-cheol 72) Algeria 4 (Slimani 26, Halliche 28, Djabou 38, Brahimi 62)

Algeria put themselves in pole position to reach the World Cup knock-out stages for the first time with a 4-2 win over South Korea in Porto Alegre on Sunday.

It was the first time an African team had scored four goals in a World Cup match and ended a 32 year win drought at the finals for the 'Desert Foxes'.

First half goals from Islam Slimani, Rafik Halliche and Abdelmoume Djabou put Algeria in total control.

Yacine Brahimi's second half strike, sandwiched by efforts from Son Heung-Min and Koo Ja-Cheol, ensured Algeria moved up to second in Group H behind Belgium.

Match #30: Group H at Estádio Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro

Belgium 1 (Origi 88) Russia 0

Divock Origi sent Belgium into the last 16 of the World Cup when the teenager struck an 88th minute winner to secure a 1-0 victory against Russia in a largely lifeless Group H match at the Maracana on Sunday.

The striker rifled in following great work from Eden Hazard just minutes after Kevin Mirallas crashed a free kick against the base of the Russian post to give Belgium six points from two games.

Match #29: Group F at Cuiaba

Nigeria 1 (Odemwingie 29) Bosnia 0

Bosnia-Hercegovina's maiden appearance at a World Cup finals ended in disappointment as Peter Odemwingie's goal condemned them to a 1-0 defeat by African champions Nigeria in Cuiaba and ensured they could not qualify for the second round.

Peter Odemwingie's 29th-minute goal, crashed home at the Pantanal arena after a muscular run and cross by Emmanuel Emenike, lifted Nigeria to second place in the group with four points, behind already-qualified Argentina who have six.

Bosnia, beaten 2-1 by the Argentines in their opener, could be forgiven for feeling aggrieved, however, as TV replays showed a disallowed goal by Edin Dzeko after 21 minutes had been incorrectly ruled out for offside and the big striker also hit a post in stoppage time.

Match #28: Group G at Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza

Germany 2 (Gotze 51 Klose 71) Ghana 2 (Ayew 54 Gyan 63)

Miroslav Klose scored a landmark goal as Germany and Ghana drew 2-2 with all the goals coming in a terrific second half of another rip-roaring World Cup clash on Saturday.

Mario Goetze nodded Germany ahead in the 51st minute, but Ghana instantly roared into attack.

Andre Ayew headed an excellent equaliser three minutes later, and the Ghanaians went ahead when a great interception and pass by Sulley Muntari set up Asamoah Gyan to lash home in the 63rd.

Germany levelled in the 71st minute with a sharp finish by Klose as the substitute claimed his 15th World Cup goal to move level with former Brazil striker Ronaldo as the tournament's all-time leading scorer.

Match #27: Group F at Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte

Argentina 1 (Messi 90+1) Iran 0

Lionel Messi curled in a superb injury-time goal to give Argentina a 1-0 World Cup win over battling Iran to send them into the second round on Saturday.

Argentina dominated possession but rarely looked like penetrating the massed ranks of defenders and Iran, growing in confidence after the break, were twice denied as headers by Reza Ghoochannejhad and Ashkan Dejagah were saved by Romero, the second a spectacular tip over the bar.

The game looked to be heading for a draw until Messi scored his second of the tournament to put the Group F favourites on six points following their opening win over Bosnia.

Match #26: Group E at Arena da Baixada, Curitiba

Honduras 1 (Costly 31) Ecuador 2 Valencia 34, 65)

Honduras scored their first World Cup goal for 32 years on Friday, but Enner Valencia replied twice to earn Ecuador a 2-1 Group E victory that gives them a fighting chance of making the knockout phase.

Carlo Costly drove in a crisp shot after 31 minutes to register Honduras's first finals goal since a 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland in the 1982 tournament, but their dreams of a first-ever win disappeared within three minutes when a mishit shot from Juan Carlos Paredes was tapped into the net at the far post by Valencia.

Jerry Bengston had the ball in the net for Honduras at the end of the first half but the goal was ruled out for a combination of offside and handball and Ecuador won another exciting game in the 65th minute when Valencia headed home.

Match #25: Group E at Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador

Switzerland 2 (Dzemaili 81 Xkaka 87) France 5 (Giroud 17 Matuidi 18 Valbuena 40 Benzema 67 Sissoko 73)

Free-flowing France blew away in-form Switzerland with a three-goal first-half barrage en route to a thumping 5-2 World Cup Group E win on Friday that virtually assures them of qualification for the second round.

France blasted two goals within 66 seconds as Olivier Giroud headed them into the lead after 17 minutes and Blaise Matuidi added a second almost straight from the restart, while Mathieu Valbuena got a breakaway third late in the half after Swiss keeper Diego Benaglio had earlier saved a Karim Benzema penalty.

Benzema added the fourth and his third of the tournament in the 67th minute and Moussa Sissoko came off the bench to complete the rout six minutes later before Blerim Dzemaili's free kick and a smart volley by Granit Xhaka made things look better for the Swiss.

Match #24: Group D at Arena Pernambuco, Recife

Italy 0 Costa Rica 1 (Ruiz 44)

Costa Rica produced another huge upset to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup for the second time on Friday with a 1-0 Group D win over Italy that also ensured England were eliminated.

Bryan Ruiz headed powerfully home a minute before halftime to leave Costa Rica fans dancing in the sunshine at Recife's Pernambuco arena, while Mario Balotelli missed Italy's best efforts.

Match #23: Group C at Estádio das Dunas, Natal

Japan 0 Greece 0

Ten-man Greece held Japan to a goalless draw in a largely forgettable World Cup Group C clash on Thursday that kept both sides in with a chance of making the knockout phase

The Greeks had midfielder and captain Kostas Katsouranis sent off after 38 minutes for a second yellow, leaving his team mates facing a tough second 45 minutes.

Match #22: Group D at at the Corinthians arena, Sao Paulo.
 
Uruguay 1 (Suarez 39 85) England 1 (Rooney 75)

Luis Suarez emerged from a month of treatment on his injured knee to score both goals as Uruguay beat England 2-1 to keep his team's World Cup hopes alive and leave England's hanging by a thread on Thursday.

Wayne Rooney hit the bar with a header in the first half but England looked badly off the pace, and the same loose marking that cost them dear against Italy in their first match allowed Suarez space to nod home Edinson Cavani's chipped cross after 39 minutes

England equalised in the 75th minute when Rooney touched in a low Glen Johnson cross for his first-ever World Cup goal, but Suarez - the scourge of Premier League defences all season - lashed in the winner in the 85th minute after England failed to deal with a length-of-the field punt by goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

Match #21: Group C at Estádio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasília

Colombia 2 (Rodriguez 64 Quintero 70) Ivory Coast 1 (Gervinho 73)

Colombia beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in yet another action-packed World Cup clash on Thursday to top Group C on six points and move within touching distance of making the knockout phase for the first time since 1990.

After a tight first half the game exploded into life with three goals in nine minutes midway through the second, starting when Colombia's James Rodriguez thumped in a header from a 64th-minute Juan Cuadrado corner.

Juan Quintero ran clear to make it 2-0 after 70 minutes after Rodriguez intercepted an Ivorian clearance but Gervinho cut in through three defenders to score an excellent individual goal three minutes later to halve the deficit.

Match #20: Group A at Arena Amazônia, Manaus

Cameroon 0 Croatia 4 (Olic 11 Perisic 48 Mandzukic 61, 73)

Croatia gave themselves a fighting chance of reaching the World Cup knockout phase when they thrashed toothless Cameroon 4-0 on Wednesday, helped by a needless first-half red card for Alex Song as defeat condemned the African side to an early exit.

Ivica Olic put Croatia ahead after 11 minutes and Ivan Perisic seized on a poor clearance by Cameroon keeper Charles Itandje to race forward and drive in the second after 48. An unmarked Mario Mandzukic headed the third just after an hour and tapped in his second after 73 as Croatia strolled to a comfortable victory.

Cameroon, who have won only one game in five World Cups following their 1990 heroics, were reduced to 10 men five minutes before halftime when Song bizarrely elbowed Mandzukic in the back as the two man chased back in a benign situation on the halfway line and, without injured striker Samuel Eto'o, barely managed an attack all night.

Match #19: Group B at Estádio Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro

Spain 0 Chile 2 (Vargas 20 Aranguiz 43)

Hard-working Chile overwhelmed an out-of-sorts Spain 2-0 to secure their - and the Netherlands' - place in the World Cup second round and eliminate the holders on a memorable night at the Maracana on Wednesday.

Chile had never beaten Spain in their 10 previous meetings but always looked the more enterprising, taking the lead with a brilliantly-worked Eduardo Vargas goal after 20 minutes and doubling their lead just before halftime when Charles Aranguiz banged in the rebound from a meek punch by keeper Iker Casillas.

Spain, beaten 5-1 by the Netherlands in their opening Group B match, looked a shadow of the team that triumphed four years ago and won back-to-back European titles, with Sergio Busquets missing the best of their few chances early in the second half.

Match #18: Group B at Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre

Australia 2 (Cahill 21 Jedinak 54-pen) Netherlands 3 (Robben 20 van Persie 58 Depay 68)

The Netherlands beat Australia 3-2 in a sensational World Cup Group B match featuring stunning goals and non-stop action on Wednesday as the 2010 runners-up made it two wins out of two following their opening demolition of Spain.

Dutch winger Arjen Robben opened the scoring in the 20th minute when he ran from the halfway line before tucking the ball beyond Mat Ryan for this third goal of the tournament.

Tim Cahill replied immediately, however, by crashing a fantastic 20-metre volley into the roof of the net for what will be a strong contender for goal of the tournament.

Australia took a shock 2-1 lead with a 54th-minute Mile Jedinak penalty after Oliver Bozanic hammered the ball straight at Daryl Janmaat's arm but Robin van Persie levelled with his sharply-taken third of the tournament four minutes later.

Substitute Memphis Depay won it for the Dutch after 68 minutes when his low long-range shot somehow escaped the diving Ryan and went just inside a post.

Match #17: Group H at Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá

Russia 1 (Kerzhakov 74) South Korea 1 (Keunho 68)

Russia's Alexander Kerzhakov came to the rescue, scoring three minutes after coming on as a substitute to secure a 1-1 World Cup draw with South Korea after his goalkeeper had gifted the Asians the lead in their Group H match on Tuesday.

Horrified Igor Akinfeev allowed a straightforward Lee Keun-ho shot from 25 metres to slip through his fingers after 68 minutes of the final match of the tournament's opening round of fixtures.

Neither team had looked dangerous until that point, but the goal shook Russia into life and Kerzhakov pounced after more scrappy goalkeeping by Jung Sung-ryong in the 74th minute.

Match #16: Group A at the Castelao arena, Fortaleza

Brazil 0 Mexico 0

Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa made two outstanding saves to deny Neymar as battling Mexico held Brazil to a 0-0 draw in their World Cup Group A match on Tuesday, ending the hosts' 10-game winning streak in the process.

Ochoa went full length to brilliantly beat out a header from Neymar in the first half, blocked a fierce shot from the forward in the second and then stopped a thumping Thiago Silva header on the line late on, as they denied the hosts.

Match #15: Group H at Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte

Belgium 2 (Fellaini 70 Mertens 80) Algeria 1 (Feghouli 25-pen)

Two goals in 10 second-half minutes by substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens gave Belgium a 2-1 comeback victory over Algeria after the north Africans had threatened a shock result in their World Cup Group H match on Tuesday.

Algeria had not scored in more than eight hours of World Cup tournament play dating back to 1986, but ended that streak with a Sofiane Feghouli penalty after 25 minutes, awarded when he was clumsily pulled back by Jan Vertonghen.

Belgium struggled to make an impact until Kevin De Bruyne picked out Fellaini, on as a substitute four minutes earlier, to cleverly head in from 13 metres after 70 minutes.

Yet another World Cup comeback was completed 10 minutes later when fellow sub Mertens lashed in the second from a tight angle.

Match #14: Group D at  Estádio das Dunas, Natal

Ghana 1 (Ayew 82) United States 2 (Dempsey 1 Brooks 86)

United States beat Ghana 2-1 in their World Cup Group G clash on Monday with Clint Dempsey scoring the first goal after just 30 seconds and German-born John Brooks getting a dramatic winner.

Andre Ayew equalised for Ghana eight minutes before the end.

But Brooks' first goal for his adopted country made Jurgen Klinsmann's 50th match in charge of the United States a memorable one.

Match #13: Group F at Arena da Baixada, Curitiba

Iran 0 Nigeria 0

Iran and Nigeria laboured to the first stalemate of a scintillating World Cup on Monday with a dismal 0-0 draw that left both sides still chasing their first victory at a finals since 1998.

Match #12: Group G at Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador

Germany 3 (Mueller 12-pen, 45+1, 78" Hummels 32") Portugal 0

Thomas Mueller's hat-trick inspired Germany to a 4-0 mauling of 10-man Portugal in their opening World Cup Group G match on Monday.

Two Mueller goals and a thumping Mats Hummels header blew away a Portugal side whose misery was compounded by a needless 37th-minute red card for Pepe.

Hummels powered home the second from a corner on 32 minutes before Mueller, top scorer at the World Cup four years ago, stole in ahead of a sleepy Bruno Alves to smash in the third in first-half stoppage-time.

Match #11: Group F at Estádio Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro.

Argentina 2 (Kolasinac 3"-OG Messi 65") Bosnia 1 (Ibisevic 85")

Lionel Messi scored a stunning second-half goal to push staggering Argentina to a 2-1 victory over Bosnia Sunday at the Maracana in the Group F opener for both teams.

Messi lifted Argentina in the 65th minute, moving in from the right and striking a low left-footed shot off the inside of the post behind Bosnian keeper Asmir Begovic.

It was Messi's second World Cup goal, adding to one he scored eight years ago in Germany.

Argentina took a 1-0 lead in the third minute on an own-goal by defender Sead Kolasinac.

For the remainder of the half, Argentina showed little with Messi seldom touching the ball and Bosnia - a World Cup debutant - looking more threatening.

Match #10: Group E at Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre.

France 3 (Benzema 45-pen 72 Valladares 48-OG) Honduras 0

A moment of madness in the first half and a landmark goalline technology ruling in the second helped France to a 3-0 victory over Honduras in their Group E World Cup clash on Sunday.

Wilson Palacios charged into French midfielder Paul Pogba seconds before the break in a reckless challenge that had him sent-off for a second booking, and Karim Benzema smashed home the resulting penalty to give France a lead they deserved having dominated the first 45 minutes.

France doubled their advantage after 48 minutes when Benzema lashed the ball against the inside of a post and saw it rebound against keeper Noel Valladares and though he scooped it clear, the goal was awarded after the intervention of goalline technology that said the whole ball had crossed the line.

Benzema made it three with a piledriver in the 72nd minute to complete the win that put France top of their group on goal difference ahead of top seeds Switzerland, who beat Ecuador 2-1 in the dying seconds of their clash in Brasilia earlier on Sunday.

Match #9: Group E at the Brasilia national stadium, Brasilia

Switzerland 2 (Mehmedi 48 Seferovic (90+3) Ecuador 1 (Valencia 22)

A stoppage-time goal by substitute Haris Seferovic gave Switzerland a 2-1 World Cup Group E win over Ecuador on Sunday.

The teams had looked as if they were about to produce the first draw of the tournament, until Seferovic's dramatic winner.

Enner Valencia headed Ecuador into the lead after 22 minutes as the South Americans showed plenty of attacking invention, but Admir Mehmedi headed an equaliser three minutes after coming on as a halftime substitute.

Switzerland thought they had won it in the 70th minute when Josip Drmic latched onto a through ball to score, only for a linesman to flag it offside.

But Seferovic did get the winner after a length-of the field breakaway following a brilliant advantage play by the referee.

Match #8: Group C at Arena Pernambuco, Recife

Ivory Coast 2 (Bony 64 Gervinho 66) Japan 2 (Honda 16)

Two sharply-headed goals within three second-half minutes gave Ivory Coast a 2-1 Group C victory over Japan as the World Cup's four-game 'Super Saturday' concluded with yet another hugely entertaining match.

Keisuke Honda's fierce left-foot drive after 16 minutes had Japan ahead, but the introduction of substitute Didier Drogba just after the hour seemed to lift the Africans and almost immediately they turned the game on its head.

Wilfried Bony headed the equaliser after 64 minutes and the Ivorians had only just concluded their dancing celebrations when Gervinho glanced in the second, both goals coming from pinpoint crosses by Serge Aurier.

Ivory Coast join Colombia on three points atop the open-looking group after Colombia's 3-0 victory over Greece earlier on Saturday.

Match #7: Group D at Arena Amazônia, Manaus

England 1 (Sturridge 37)  Italy 2 (Marchisio 35 Balotelli 50)