Sports

Messi declared on Saturday that he and his team-mates are ready for "the most important match of their lives" against Germany in Sunday's World Cup final.

For the first time in 24 years, Argentina are among the four best teams in the world, and with Messi on the pitch, you can never write them off.

The World Cup's top-scorer has threatened to abandon his strict fitness regime to become a "party animal" if Germany win Sunday's final against Argentina.

Brazil lost 3-0 to the Netherlands in their final World Cup match on Saturday and their players apologised to fans after another hugely disappointing performance in the third-place match.

Germany has come a long way since the national team last appeared in a World Cup final 12 years ago - and so has the team's image at home.

The winner between Germany and Argentina in the final will get $35 million in prize money paid to its national federation, which can spend the money as it chooses.

Argentina came into the 2014 World Cup as one of the favourites, but they haven't been as impressive as they are known to be despite having made it to the final.

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.