Football

Neymar's agent Ribeiro had attacked Scolari through Twitter, describing him as an "old jerk, arrogant, repulsive, conceited and ridiculous".

Nicola Rizzoli is the second Italian to referee the final in the past four World Cups.

Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez will appeal a "fascist' four-month ban for biting a World Cup rival, his lawyer said.

Balotelli has stoked more controversy by publishing a picture of himself on Instagram pointing a gun at the camera with the message "a big kiss to all the haters".

"We deserve much better," said Sneijder, one of two Dutch players to see a penalty saved by Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero at Sao Paulo's Corinthians Arena.

Hong apologised to the nation and announced his resignation to shoulder the blame for his team's early exit from the World Cup.

The suspension takes effect immediately, with Nigerian teams and officials excluded from international matches and meetings.

Boya, who was associated with FC Kukesi in the Albanian Superliga, will be the third foreigner, the green and maroon brigade said.

Germany will meet tough-tackling Brazil head-on when football's titans clash in the semi-final with the host nation desperate to win the title for injured Neymar.

Neymar was kneed in the back in the 86th minute of the match against Colombia, sustaining a fractured vertebra.

Argentina reached the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time in 24 years after beating Belgium 1-0.

Krul replaced first-choice keeper Cillessen specifically for the shootout after the teams finished extra time deadlocked at 0-0.

The Netherlands survived a nerve-wracking penalty shootout against Costa Rica with goalkeeper Tim Krul, to set up a World Cup semi-final against Argentina.

Mats Hummels headed in a free kick in the first-half to help Germany upset France in an all-European quarterfinal at the Estadio do Maracana.

Colombia will not dwell on their dismal record against Brazil when they face the five-times champions in their World Cup quarter-final, said coach Jose Pekerman.

Brazil striker Neymar says he is emotionally ready and physically fit for Friday's World Cup quarter-final with Colombia in Fortaleza.