Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live news coverage from day 13 of the World Cup.
We will be bringing you all of the latest news and gossip from Brazil, as well as reaction to last night's matches as Brazil and Mexico booked their places in the last 16.
The action continues today with decisive games taking place in Group C and Group D.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live news coverage from day 13 of the World Cup in Brazil. The action continues today with crucial matches taking place in Group C and Group D, but let's start off by taking a look at some of the headlines to come out of the tournament from overnight...
David Villa has not ruled out a return to the Spain team despite recently announcing his international retirement. The 32-year-old made his final appearance for the side on Monday during their 3-0 win over Australia.
Moussa Sissoko has praised the togetherness of the France squad following their impressive start to the World Cup. Les Bleus have already booked their place in the last 16 of the competition thanks to two wins from their opening two matches in Group E.
Mexico coach Miguel Herrera has insisted that his team can still improve despite reaching the second round of the World Cup. The South Americans earned a 3-1 win over Croatia on Monday to seal a second-placed finish behind Brazil in Group A.
Croatia coach Niko Kovac has insisted that his team has enjoyed a positive World Cup despite their elimination on Monday night. The Europeans needed to beat Mexico to stand a chance of reaching the last 16, but a 3-1 defeat saw them exit the tournament early.
Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has insisted that he never pulled out of international duty for England, amid Harry Redknapp's claims that several players wanted to snub international duty while he was Spurs boss. Redknapp said this week that a number of players approached him in a bid to get out of playing for the Three Lions during his time at White Hart Lane.
A huge match in Group H takes place on Thursday as Algeria and Russia battle it out to join Belgium in the last 16 of the tournament. History will be made for one of the teams as neither have ever got beyond the group stages of a World Cup. You can read our preview of that clash here.
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Ahead of this evening's games in Group C and Group D, we've taken a look at all of the differing permutations that can arise when play gets underway. England might have nothing to play for, but it's sure to be another fascinating night of action in Brazil as the fates of Italy, Uruguay, Ivory Coast, Japan and Greece are all decided.
Iran midfielder Ashkah Dejagah has vowed that his team will be going all out to find the net in their final group game against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday. Despite failing to score in their opening two fixtures of the tournament, the Iranians will have a slim chance of reaching the second round if they win tomorrow evening.
Former Nigeria striker Nwankwo Kanu has backed the team to get the point that they need to reach the second round of the World Cup. The Africans must avoid defeat against Argentina on Wednesday in order to to make it into the last 16 for the first time since 1998.
France defender Mathieu Debuchy has insisted that the team will not relax when they face Ecuador tomorrow. Les Bleus head into their final Group E game knowing that they are already in the second round thanks to two wins from their opening two fixtures.
Ecuador midfielder Edison Mendez has revealed that he and his teammates are confident of making it through to the last 16 of the World Cup. The South Americans, who play France on Wednesday, must match Switzerland's result against Honduras if they want a spot in the second round.
Cameroon coach Volker Finke has conceded that his side deserved their 4-1 defeat to Brazil on Monday. The Africans were comfortably beaten by the hosts in Brasilia as they finished their Group A campaign with no points.
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Former France striker Thierry Henry has backed the current generation of players to succeed at major tournaments. Les Bleus are enjoying a strong World Cup campaign out in Brazil, where they have already booked their place in the last 16 with one group game left to play.
Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has revealed that he has been given plenty of help by Robin van Persie since the Dutchman arrived at Old Trafford in 2012. The Mexican international made the revelation following his country's 3-1 win over Croatia last night, which in turn set up a last-16 clash against Van Persie's Holland at the World Cup.
Cameroon midfielder Eyong Enoh has urged his teammates to stay strong following their disappointing World Cup campaign.
That's all from me for now, but I'm pleased to say that Liam Apicella will be with you for the next couple of hours to guide you through all of the latest news coming out of Brazil. Enjoy!
Thanks Jack and afternoon all. Well, even with England out, there are still some big matches to be played today. Arguably the biggest of them all is Italy vs. Uruguay and for those of you looking for some lunchtime reading, here's our preview of the clash in Natal.
Talking of England, four of our team at Sports Mole has dissected their early exit from the competition, with the team due to return home after tonight's clash with Costa Rica. You can find out views here.
And one final line on England for now. Costa Rica manager Jorge Luis Pinto is wary that his side, who have already qualified for the knockout stages of the tournament, may face a backlash from the wounded Three Lions:
"England must take some pride out of Brazil. The mother of football cannot leave without points and that makes it very complex," he told reporters.
It may be around two hours to go until proceedings get underway in Natal, but Uruguay have already revealed their starting lineup. For the record, it reads: Muslera; Caceres, Gimenez, Godin, A Pereira; Gonzalez, Arevalo Rios, C Rodriguez, Lodeiro; Cavani, Suarez.
There is no news from the Italy camp just yet, but we will keep you posted.
It's not strictly World Cup news, but Dutch coach Louis van Gaal is reportedly close to making his first signing as manager of Manchester United. The player in question is Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera, who some believe should have been a part of the Spain squad that fell at the first hurdle.
Our La Liga correspondent Matt Law said of Herrera: "He will be a great signing for United. His busy presence and ability to take the ball in tight areas will prove key next season. Not the most physical player in the world, but has all the skills and ability to thrive in England. He's expected to be a part of the Spain squad for Euro 2016."
Staying with Spain - they've actually returned home already a little over one week after they played their first World Cup match. It's fair to say that unlike after the three previous major tournaments, there was not big crowds waiting for them at Madrid Airport. What next for the likes of Xavi, Iker Casillas and the head coach Vicente del Bosque? There are those that have called for a change.
And Bet Victor have poked fun at the Spanish:
Spain's national team (flops) arrive at Madrid Airport to a huge greeting from adoring fans pic.twitter.com/FBFgMWCOUv
— BetVictor (@BetVictor) June 24, 2014
Roy Hodgson confirmed his England team yesterday, which included nine changes. It was expected that Costa Rica would make some alterations as well to keep their players fresh for the knockout stages, but Pinto has included many of his key faces.
COSTA RICA XI: Navas; Gamboa, Duarte, Gonzalez, Diaz, Miller; Ruiz, Borges, Tejeda, Brenes; Campbell
Incidentally, if you want to follow live text updates of England vs. Costa Rica, you can do just that here.
And that is as far as I go for today. Jack Prescott will now be returning to take you through the two 5pm matches, as well as more news from Brazil. Enjoy.
Thanking you, Liam. Right, down to business. USA midfielder Kyle Beckerman has urged his teammates to "give everything" when they face Germany on Thursday. The Americans need just one point to reach the second round having earned a win and a draw from their opening two games.
Colombia forward Jackson Martinez has warned that his team must stay focused when they face Japan this evening. The South Americans are already assured of a berth in the second round, though their place at the top of Group C is yet to be confirmed.
England striker Rickie Lambert has described the World Cup as "ruthless" following the team's early exit from the tournament. Two narrow defeats from their opening two matches were enough to see the Three Lions knocked out of the group stage in Brazil.
With around 10 minutes to go until this evening's early kickoffs get underway, here's a reminder that you can follow our live text coverage from each match below:
USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann has confirmed that Jozy Altidore will miss Thursday's crucial encounter with Germany while he recovers from a hamstring injury. The striker has been out of action since suffering a strain during his team's opening win over Ghana.
Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli has told his players that they should be proud of their World Cup campaign so far. The South Americans suffered their first defeat of the tournament on Monday as a 2-0 loss to the Netherlands condemned them to a second-placed finish in Group B.
Netherlands winger Arjen Robben has refused to get carried away by the team's winning record during the group stage of the World Cup. The Dutch added to their wins against Spain and Australia on Monday as a 2-0 victory over Chile saw them claim top spot in Group B.
Thursday night should see some cracking action as Portugal, Ghana and the USA battle it out to join Germany in getting out of Group G. You can check out our previews of the two matches taking place below:
The half-time whistles have gone in both of this evening's early kickoffs and we're yet to see a goal. You can take a look at our Half-Time Reports below:
That's all from me for today, but I will now be handing you over to the capable hands of Pascal Lemesre who will guide you through all of the latest news for the next couple of hours.
Ta much Jacky. Second halves in Belo Horizonte and Natal soon to get underway. Can Italy hold on for a point against Uruguay, or will Luis Suarez inspire a second half that sends them through.
No changes in the England game, but Cesare Prandelli has taken off Mario Balotelli in Natal. The AC Milan frontman got booked in the opening 45 and will now miss the Azzurri's next game if they do make it through.
RED CARD in Natal and it's for Italy as Claudio Marchisio is shown a straight red for an awful studs-up challenge. Balotelli and Marchisio will miss the Azzurri's next game if they go through then.
So close for England as Sturridge curls a shot inches wide after a brilliant one-two with Jack Wilshere!
Twenty minutes to go in the final Group D games and it remains goalless in both. Remember, as things stand it will be Costa Rica and Italy going through to the last 16. Uruguay are a man up on the Italians and one goal will be enough to send them through.
Goodness me, it looks like Luis Suarez simply can't handle the fact that he's heading out of the World Cup. Listen to this, he's just BITTEN Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini! Unbelievable that he's repeated those sort of antics.
GOAL URUGUAY! Maybe they're not going out! Diego Godin heads Uruguay into the lead and now they're on their way through! A Champions League final goal, and now a huge one at the World Cup. What a year for Godin!
Suarez biting Chiellini! Absolutely #BrazilNuts pic.twitter.com/yRdhX6bh85 — Paddy Power (@paddypower) June 24, 2014
Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has been singing the praises of Lionel Messi on his 27th birthday.
"We have a genius who is called Messi. Fortunately he is Argentinian - everyone would like to have Messi but it is us who have him."
"We have a genius who is called Messi. Fortunately he is Argentinian - everyone would like to have Messi but it is us who have him."
FULL-TIME! Costa Rica win the group on seven points, England finish bottom on one.
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And two of them went out!
Costa Rica wins Group D, the only group in #WorldCup history with three World Cup-winning countries.
— Paul Carr (@PCarrESPN) June 24, 2014
Here are the match reports for both of this afternoon's games:
England held by Costa Rica
Uruguay beat Italy to reach last 16
England held by Costa Rica
Uruguay beat Italy to reach last 16
Here's a picture of Luis #Suarez seemingly checking his teeth after having a nibble at Giorgio Chiellini in #ITAvsURU pic.twitter.com/XpqQkFWehY
— Sports Mole (@SportsMole) June 24, 2014
Ninety minutes until the curtain-closers in Group C and you can prepare yourself for the two matches with our previews below.
Greece vs. Ivory Coast
Japan vs. Colombia
Greece vs. Ivory Coast
Japan vs. Colombia
A reminder of our article which details the permutations for Group C, click ➜ here.
McDonald's Uruguay offer Luis Suarez a Big Mac to ensure he doesn't take a bite out of another player!
Hola @luis16suarez, si te quedaste con hambre vení a darle un mordisco a una BigMac ;) — McDonald's Uruguay (@McDonalds_Uy) June 24, 2014
Time for me to say goodbye, but you're in good hands as Giuseppe Labellarte is taking over for the next few hours. Over to you, bud...
Thanks Pascal! Giuseppe Labellarte here, and we've had another big side crash out in the first round today with Italy joining England and Spain on the next flight back to Europe after a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay. We also have breaking news with Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli resigning as Italy manager in the last few minutes. Stay tuned with Sports Mole as we'll bring you more updates on this and other World Cup stories!
There has been plenty of reaction tonight regarding Luis Suarez's bite on Giorgio Chiellini in the Italy-Uruguay game, as well as Cesare Prandelli's resignation as Azzurri manager, and we also have two more games to bring you from the World Cup tonight! Here are the team news for Greece against Ivory Coast in Group C.
Giorgio Chiellini, the Italy defender on the receiving end of Luis Suarez's bite, has spoken of the referee's "ridiculous" decision to send off Claudio Marchisio earlier on in the Azzurri's clash against Uruguay, but not the Liverpool man.
Both final World Cup Group C games are now underway, with Greece taking on Ivory Coast and Japan playing Colombia. You can follow both games right here on Sports Mole!
Juan Cuadrado has opened the scoring for Colombia against Japan, his penalty drilled confidently past the keeper. Meanwhile, Greece and Ivory Coast are still goalless.
More reaction on the Luis Suarez biting incident, as Giorgio Chiellini, the man the receiving end of the bite, and ex-Italy manager Cesare Prandelli have cricised the Uruguay forward. Meanwhile, Suarez's captain Diego Lugano and manager Oscar Tabarez have rallied in support of the controversial striker.
It's currently half time in both Group C games, with Greece leading 1-0 against Ivory Coast and Japan scoring a late goal in first-half injury time to make it 1-1 against Colombia! Be sure to check out both half-time reports on Sports Mole!
The Luis Suarez biting incident is continuing to generate debate and controversy. Now, FIFA themselves have announced that they will be looking into the debacle which saw the Uruguayan striker bite Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini.
Away from both Group C games and Suarezgate tonight, Argentina winger Angel di Maria has expressed his happiness at being able to count Lionel Messi among his teammates. The Albiceleste prodigy has scored twice in Brazil to help put his side, who last won the World Cup in 1986, in the second round.
Greece are now drawing 1-1 against Ivory Coast, while Colombia are well on the way to victory against Japan, the South Americans leading 3-1. As it stands, Colombia and Ivory Coast are going through, while Greece and Japan are going home.
We've had an amazing finale to the World Cup games in Group C as Georgios Samaras scores right at the death to deny Ivory Coast a first ever second round appearance and send the Greeks into the knockout stages with a 2-1 victory! What drama!
I'll now be passing you over to Daniel Lewis as he prepares to take you through the reaction of all the day's World Cup action! Thanks for tuning in folks!
Thanks Giuseppe! That's right, I'll be taking you through the next three hours or so of what has been another action-packed World Cup day. We've had a bite, late drama and plenty of goals. England's players are due to fly back home later tonight having rounded off their campaign with a goalless draw against Group D winners Costa Rica. Following the game, Los Ticos' manager Jorge Pinto vowed that his side will "keep fighting" to progress further in the competition.
Following Italy's defeat against Costa Rica - which subsequently led to their exit from the World Cup at the group stage - manager Cesar Prandelli announced that he would step down from his position. The 56-year-old has revealed his reasons behind the decision.
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From one managerial resignation to another... Sabri Lamouchi has reportedly taken the decision to step down as manager of Ivory Coast following their dramatic exit from the World Cup a little over an hour ago. More on this story can be found here.
Frank Lampard may have played his last game for England, but he says the Three Lions poor showing in Brazil can benefit the younger players in the squad. Roy Hodgson's charges fly back home today on the back of two defeats and a draw, finishing bottom of Group D.
Colombia secured their place at the top of Group C on Tuesday night with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Japan. Star of the show - not for the first time during the World Cup - was James Rodriguez, who came off the bench to register a goal and an assist. Los Cafeteros manager Jose Pekerman has unsurprisingly heaped praise on the youngster.
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There must be something in the air this morning, as Japan's Alberto Zaccheroni becomes the latest to throw his managerial future in the air, saying that he will "speak to the management" before making any decision. The Samurai Blue's failed to progress from Group C having picked up just one point from their three games.
Confirmation that Sabri Lamouchi has indeed stepped down as manager of Ivory Coast following a two-year spell in charge of The Elephants. In his post-match press conference, the 42-year-old said: "My contract comes to an end at this World Cup and there will be no epilogue".
Following Luis Suarez's bite on Giorgio Chiellini on Tuesday evening - I'm sure you've all seen it by now - FIFA announced that they would launch an investigation into the matter. Following on from this, FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce has also had his say, adding that the football governing body will take "whatever disciplinary action is deemed necessary".
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Well that concludes SM's coverage from day 13 of the World Cup. Tomorrow promises to be just as dramatic with two more groups coming to a close. You can join us from 11am where we will bring you all the latest news and reaction. Goodbye for now!
