Football

Spain have travelled to Brazil as the reigning World Champions, after their success in South Africa four years ago, and also as reigning European Champions.

If Spain decide to tinker with the possession-based system that has given them so much success, striker Diego Costa is ready.

In their last warm-up on Sunday, France thrashed Jamaica 8-0, Les Bleus' second heaviest win after squeezing Azerbaijan 10-0 in 1995 in Euro Cup qualifying.

Jordan Ayew scored a hat-trick after entering the game as a substitute as Ghana thrashed South Korea 4-0.

Belgium are among the youngest of the 32 teams at an average age of 25 years, 11 months, but their players are unlikely to crumble under pressure.

Colombia coach Jose Pekerman has named midfielder Carlos Carbonero to the World Cup team to replace the injured Aldo Leao Ramirez.

The World Cup kicks off on Thursday and soccer fans have been shining with their passion for the sport.

Lukaku sustained the injury during Belgium's 1-0 win over Tunisia and the federation released a picture on Sunday with his right ankle heavily bandaged.

Ferdinand, who left Manchester United at the end of the season, has no intention of retiring yet and has had offers from a number of clubs.

Cameroon's World Cup team refused to board a plane due to take them to Brazil because of a long-running dispute over bonus payments for the tournament.

The team said in a statement that the Monaco left back had a muscle tear and needed three weeks to recover, not enough time to be fit for Nigeria's group games.

Germany attacking midfielder Marco Reus was ruled out of the World Cup on Saturday with an ankle injury sustained in a 6-1 friendly win over Armenia.

He along with Spain's Iker Casillas is the only goalkeeper at this World Cup to collect more than 100 caps for his national team.

With just over a week to go before the World Cup kicks off, Brazil is racing to get its stadiums, airports, roads and phone networks ready.

With 10 days left before Brazil face Croatia in Sao Paulo, Scolari said that after the World Cup starts there's not a lot to think about.

With 10 days to go to the World Cup, Brazil was rushing to finish installing seats in stadiums and deal with threats ranging from violent protests to dengue fever.