After years of construction delays and budget overruns, the World Cup kicks off in Brazil on Thursday under a cloud of discontent at home even as happy foreign fans pour in for the tournament.
Fernanda Colombo Uliana, a 25-year-old assistant referee, is fast becoming an internet sensation. It is not just because of her model-like looks, but also her flag-waving work.
Higuain had a disappointing Copa America tournament in July, scoring two goals during the competition and missing his spot kick as Argentina lost on penalties to Chile in the final.
Roger Martinez scored an outstanding goal as Colombia beat Argentina 2-0 in an exciting finale to a Copa America Group B opener on Saturday that burst into life after a sluggish start.
Leaders Porto suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at Famalicao as Portugal's Primeira Liga became the latest league to return to action following the coronavirus stoppage on Wednesday.
Fires are raging at a record rate in Brazil's Amazon rainforest, and scientists warn that it could strike a devastating blow to the fight against climate change. Although more than 72,000 fires have raged since the year began, over 9,500 new infernos have ignited since last Thursday, according to Brazil's space research centre INPE. There has been an 83 per cent surge in forest fires since the same period last year and the highest number since records began.
Nothing went right for the 29-year-old World Player of the Year whose performance reached a low point when he contrived to drill a 30-metre free kick into a one-man Germany wall.
Tam Arlines, Brazil's largest, said Airbus 320 was carrying 170 passengers and a crew of six when it crashed into the airline's own offices across the airport, located within Sao Paulo city limits.
For Mercedes to be denied in Brazil, Ferrari will have to score 13 points more than Mercedes -- a feat they have managed only twice in 19 races so far this year.
The soccer world was in mourning on Tuesday as clubs, players and fans from around the globe sent tributes and support to Brazilian side Chapecoense following a deadly air crash in Colombia that killed 76 people, including several players.
Mumbai City FC defeated arch-rivals FC Pune City 2-0 to record their first win in the Indian Super League, in Mumbai, on Friday.
Kaka has dropped out of the Brazil squad for the Centenary Copa America due to injury and will be replaced by Paulo Henrique Ganso, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said.
Brazil held 10 presumed Islamist militants in isolation cells at a maximum security jail on Friday as police combed their computers and mobile phones for information about possible threats to next month's Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
One of the arrangements the Indian government is considering is a tie-up with a sovereign fund to finance the Embraer deal.
Former Formula One driver Mark Webber has "no recollection" of the high-speed crash that left him "bruised and concussed" at the World Endurance series race in Brazil.
Mumbai City FC and Kerala Blasters continued their winless streak as they played out a 1-1 draw in an Indian Super League encounter.
Carlo Ancelotti's side held a two-goal lead at halftime thanks to strikes from Dries Mertens and Kostas Manolas, but Balotelli pulled one back as Brescia rallied after the break.
Organisers of the 2014 Soccer World Cup conducted the first and only official test of facilities at Sao Paulo's still-incomplete Arena Corinthians stadium on Sunday, 25 days before it will host the opening match between Brazil and Croatia.
Mumbai and New Delhi may feature in the top 10 in the next 10 to 20 years.
A Brazilian man, who claimed he turned 126 last week, could be the world's oldest living person ever documented, according to reports.
IMAGES from Serie A matches played in Italy on Wednesday.
Photos of the World Cup semi-final game between Argentina and Netherlands
Brazilian newspapers and websites were unanimous on Tuesday that the national team's 7-1 hammering by Germany in the World Cup semi-final was the greatest shame in the country's illustrious footballing history.
For all his titles and incomparable statistics, Ronaldo sometimes appears to have an overbearing presence on a team
At the opening ceremony in Sao Paulo, attended by President Dilma Rousseff and a clutch of visiting heads of state, Pele was a notable absentee despite living not far away in Santos.
ODD PIX: From junkyard fashion to dinner in the sky
Portugal have denied midfielder Raul Meireles was making an insulting gesture toward the referee after teammate Pepe was sent off against Germany on Monday, saying he was simply passing on tactical instructions from coach Paulo Bento.
Closures, travel restrictions, and self-isolation measures due to the coronavirus have cleared public squares, roads, and travel destinations across the globe. Photographers have been capturing the eerie stillness of these public spaces, recently emptied of the crowds they were built for.
However, a Serie A recommendation that similar cuts be made at all top flight clubs has been rejected by the players' union which argues that those at smaller clubs are less able to afford reductions.
Ronaleo netted his 14th league goal for Juve this season while PSG's winning streak was snapped by Monaco in a 3-3 draw. Here are images from the matches played on Sunday
Publisher Simon & Schuster says the book focuses on the company's early years.
Quaison fires Sweden to extra-time World Cup playoff win over Czechs
Mbappe and Benzema inspire France to 2-0 win against Finland
For Sao Paulo's most popular football team, the World Cup has provided a new home after 100 years playing in rented stadiums. Thousands of neighbours, however, say it has left them homeless.
Cristiano Ronaldo will lead Portugal's World Cup campaign after being named in their provisional 30-man squad for the finals on Tuesday, despite currently being out with a hamstring injury.
The Netherlands have concerns over striker Robin van Persie, who was suffering from stomach problems ahead of their semi-final game against Argentina in Sao Paulo.
Brazil launched a desperate appeal to have skipper Thiago Silva's ban for their World Cup semi-final against Germany overturned on Sunday but Argentine hopes of seeing Angel Di Maria in action were ended by injury.
Be it protests or a kind word, football fans think out loud through these banners at the World Cup in Brazil!
If the past is any guide, we should be in for something memorable on Wednesday in Sao Paulo when the Netherlands meet Argentina in the World Cup semi-final at the Corinthians arena.
In a game like football, where passion runs deep, love is a binding factor that is obvious everywhere. From the stadiums, to the beaches of Copacaban and even the streets of Mexico, fans were spotted kissing in revelry! Rediff.com brings you a glimpse of some intimate moments.
