BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (AP) ― Still coping with the loss of its biggest star, Brazil is trying to find ways to remain upbeat about its prospects at the World Cup.The medical helicopter that took Neymar home with a back injury also carried away much of the country’s hopes for a sixth world title, but the tournament isn’t over yet and Brazil is just days away from a difficult semifinal against Germany.“We have to try to be mature in a moment like this,” Brazil defender David Luiz said. “We are sad

July 7, 2014

BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (AP) ― Argentina midfielder Angel Di Maria has been ruled out of the World Cup semifinal against the Netherlands with a thigh injury while striker Sergio Aguero has been declared fit to play after recovering from a similar problem.Di Maria limped off the field in the first half of Argentina’s quarterfinal win over Belgium after straining a muscle in the back of his right thigh.Team doctor Daniel Martinez on Sunday said tests showed it was a “first-degree” strain ― the mild

July 7, 2014

Brazil’s Neymar screams in pain after being fouled by Colombia’s Camilo Zuniga during a 2014 World Cup quarterfinal match on Friday. (Yonhap)BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (AP) ― Brazil star Neymar says his World Cup may be over because of a fractured vertebra but his World Cup dream of celebrating the title with his teammates at the Maracana Stadium next Sunday is still alive.In a video released by the Brazilian football confederation on Saturday, Neymar thanked fans and everyone else for the support i

July 6, 2014

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

July 6, 2014

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

July 6, 2014

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

July 6, 2014

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

July 6, 2014

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

July 5, 2014

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

July 5, 2014

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

July 4, 2014

Now that he’s been given a second chance after a disappointing World Cup, South Korean men’s soccer head coach Hong Myung-bo should return to basics, experts said Friday.South Korea suffered two losses along with a draw in Group H at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil last month, finishing last among four nations in the country’s first winless World Cup since 1998.The early exit put Hong, one of South Korea’s most iconic football stars and ex-national team captain, on the hot seat. Yet the Korea Footb

July 4, 2014

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

July 3, 2014

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

July 3, 2014

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

July 3, 2014