Football

Scolari said watching his side being crushed 7-1 by Germany was the worst day of his life as they suffered the most humiliating result in their illustrious soccer history.

Germany are undefeated in Brazil but haven't had to face a Latin American team yet: their four wins were against Portugal, the United States, Algeria and France.

Cole has arrived in Italy for a medical with AS Roma and is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Serie A club.

Schweinsteiger said he was saddened Neymar will not feature in their semi-final but believed the hosts may play above themselves with the whole nation behind them.

Navas who made so many wonderful saves in this World Cup was outclassed in the penalty shootout that decided the quarter-final against the Netherlands.

Neymar was kneed by Colombia defender Zuniga late in the second half at the Arena Castelao, fracturing his third vertebra.

"Unfortunately we stop here, but we wanted to carry on. We're sad but we also have to feel proud because we left our skin out there," Rodriguez said.

Under-fire Germany face rejuvenated France in quarter-final at Rio de Janeiro's iconic Maracana stadium in a mouth-watering clash of two European powerhouses.

Barcelona's sports director Andoni Zubizarreta says the club will speak with Xavi after his summer holidays to decide "what is best for him and for Barca".

The offer is apparently inspired by Robin van Persie 'taking flight' to score his spectacular headed goal in the 5-1 thrashing of Spain.

Robben has said the controversial penalty he won in stoppage time against Mexico to secure victory was legitimate but admitted he dived earlier in the game.

Striker Lukaku is set to return but concern over captain Kompany is still clouding Belgium's build-up to their World Cup last-16 meeting with the United States.

Italy's Giorgio Chiellini believes Luis Suarez has been harshly punished by FIFA for biting his shoulder during their decisive World Cup match.

"We are now in the round of 16 and we are happy now. We will give our best in the next game. We are here because we want to win the World Cup," Ozil said.

Messi has scored 10 times in his last eight games for Argentina and became the only Argentine apart from Maradona to score four World Cup goals in a row.

Neymar scored twice in the first half to lead Brazil to a superb win, helping the hosts to finish on top of Group A.