Sports

Del Bosque said he accepted the criticism of his team after the 5-1 mauling by the Netherlands and believes they will react in the right way against Chile.

Thomas Mueller scored his first international hat-trick as Germany thrashed hapless Portugal 4-0 in the Group G opener in Salvador.

Germany's priority is to reach the 2014 World Cup final and then think about winning the title, coach Loew said.

Oxlade-Chamberlain's recovery from a knee injury is exceeding expectations after staying in England's 23-man squad in Brazil.

West Bromwich Albion appointed Alan Irvine as manager on Saturday, replacing Spaniard Pepe Mel who left the English Premier League club last month.

Spain's run in this World Cup is far from over so the time has come for coach Vincente del Bosque to unleash young David de Gea on to biggest scene.

Uruguay's recovering striker Suarez will not start against Costa Rica in their World Cup Group D opener on Saturday, said coach Oscar Tabarez.

Spianards skipper cum goalkeeper believes Netherland will rely on their trio of Robben, Wesley and Persie for Friday's encounter.

Neymar's brace in the World Cup opening game meant that he has scored more goals in one world cup game than Messi and Rooney have scored in 16.

Olivier Giroud and center half Laurent Koscielny have been cleared to take part in Thursday's training session after sitting out the previous day's practice.

The Germany coach believes players coming off the bench will have a decisive impact on World Cup matches because of difficult weather conditions in Brazil.

The French team faces a rugged Honduras side in their World Cup Group E opener in Porto Alegre on Sunday.

Striker Wayne Rooney says the current England team is the best he has played in during his 11 years with the national team.

Uruguay are still sweating on Suarez's fitness for the World Cup, but are otherwise in better shape than in South Africa four years ago.

"Danny will be fine. He'll be ready for Saturday. He just hasn't risked anything. He'll be available for Saturday, I'm sure," Rooney said.

The fullback withdrew from the Costa Rica squad because of a broken heel.