Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live news coverage from day 10 of the World Cup.
We will be bringing you all of the latest news and gossip from Brazil as well as reaction from last night's matches, including France's thrashing of Switzerland.
The action continues today with Argentina, Germany and Bosnia-Herzegovina among the teams looking to take a step closer to the next round.
That recap brings to an end Saturday's live coverage of Brazil 2014. If you're in desperate need of a World Cup fix, you can keep up-to-date via Sports Mole's dedicated World Cup section. Jack Prescott will also be back from 11:00am this morning to bring you all the latest goings on at the tournament. Until then, good night.
Saturday's final game in Cuiaba saw Nigeria beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0. Peter Odemwingie's strike in the 29th minute was enough to end the hopes of the Golden Lilies in this tournament. Nigeria face Argentina on Wednesday, knowing a point will be good enough for qualification.
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That was followed by Germany being saved by a Miroslav Klose goal, as they drew 2-2 with Ghana. Jordan Ayew and Asamoah Gyan had put the Black Stars in command midway through the second half, but Klose's record-equalling 15th World Cup goal spared Germany's blushes.
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So a quick recap of events on day 10. It began with Argentina relying on Lionel Messi (not a bad guy to rely on) to bail them out against Iran with a World Cup Worldy - a curling effort that found the far corner to the delight most in attendance in Belo Horizonte.
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One last bit of vaguely World Cup-related transfer news before the evening draws to a close. The Netherlands matchwinner against Australia, Memphis Depay, is at the centre of reports linking him to Tottenham Hotspur. Not too surprisingly, the new Manchester United boss - one Louis van Gaal - is also interested in the player's services.
Did you know that both Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina had 20 shots at goal each? It felt like end-to-end stuff, but I wouldn't have guessed that many. Sports Mole's very own Alex Meyers brings you detailed analysis of the Super Eagles' win over the World Cup debutants here.
The second story is a less savoury one, with reports claiming that military police were required to diffuse tensions following fighting between supporters of Brazil and Argentina in Belo Horizonte on Saturday. The violence is said to have taken place in the hours before Argentina's 1-0 win over Iran.
A couple of stories that you may have missed from today at the World Cup. Firstly, Italy's medical staff have hinted that midfielder Daniele De Rossi is "very likely" to miss the crunch Group D game with Uruguay on Tuesday. De Rossi is currently nursing a calf injury. The winner of that game will go through, but the Azzuri can progress with a draw, as they have a superior goal difference to the South Americans.
Peter Odemwingie has admitted that Nigeria were made to work hard for their victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Cuiaba and the Stoke City striker also dedicated the win to the Super Eagles' fans.
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One player who featured today for Germany at the World Cup was Sami Khedira. His name is the latest to be linked with Chelsea seemingly never-ending midfield recruitment drive. Chelsea, of course, already have Cesc Fabregas and signed Nemanja Matic in January. Khedira was substituted midway through the second half of Germany's 2-2 draw with Ghana.
Dzeko nearly equalised with Bosnia's last effort on goal, but the Manchester City forward saw his shot turned onto the post by Vincent Enyeama. In the end, it just wasn't to be their night!
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FULL TIME: Nigeria 1-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina. Bosnia have been knocked out of their first World Cup at the group phase and it was Peter Odemwingie that proved to be the match winner in Cuiaba with his first half strike. Edin Dzeko may consider himself unlucky not to have got on the scoresheet early on when he found the back of the net, but was wrongly adjudged to be offside.
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Colombia have been of the more impressive sides at this World Cup and will secure top spot in Group C with victory over Japan. However Cristian Zapata says that the South Americans are not taking Tuesday's opponents lightly and has warned his teammates against complacency.
UPDATE: Into the final 10 minutes in Cuiaba and Bosnia-Herzegovina are struggling to manufacture clear goalscoring opportunites, but they won't give up, if their last performance against Argentina is anything to go by.
UPDATE: Bosnia-Herzegovina have less then half an hour to save their debut World Cup campaign as they trail Nigeria 1-0. However, the Super Eagles are looking the likelier to score with Emenike being denied by Begovic from close range.
Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina are back underway in Cuiaba. We'll bring you key updates here over the next 45 minutes. Nigeria would be on four points if they win and would face an already-qualified Argentina, who have been lacklustre in their two games thus far.
Xabi Alonso is reportedly set to annouce the end of his international career after Spain's final World Cup group game with Australia. The 32-year-old will win his 113th cap, should he be picked by Vicente Del Bosque to face the Socceroos.
Earlier today, Ghana drew 2-2 with Germany and forward Asamoah Gyan believes the World Cup finally saw "the real Ghana" during their game in Fortaleza.
HALF TIME: Nigeria 1-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina. Odemwingie's goal is the difference between the sides. Bosnia are on course for first round exit, but can they turn it around in the second half. Our own Alex Meyers will bring you live commentary of the game in Cuiaba.
GOAL! Nigeria 1-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina (Odemwingie 29) That man Odemwingie is one hand to give the African side the lead in Cuiaba. He latched on to Emenike ball into the box before knocking the ball beyond Stoke teammate Asmir Begovic. Bosnia would be out of the competition with a defeat tonight. They need a response.
UPDATE: It's still goalless in Cuiaba between Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina, but Edin Dzeko has had the ball in the back of the Super Eagles' net. His effort was chalked off for offside, but TV replays suggest that the Manchester City frontman was played on.
Moving slightly away from events in Brazil. Dirk Kuyt has predicted a rapid turnaround in fortunes for Manchester United under the guidance of current Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal.
The ex-Liverpool man told The Mirror: "With Van Gaal and Robin together, great things are going to happen with Man United - unfortunately! Van Gaal is an open style of manager. He has a clear idea of what footballers need in training and also outside of training."
Germany were given a scare earlier today when when they trailed Ghana, but Miroslaw Klose equalised and with it scored his 15th goal at a World Cup, matching Brazil's Ronaldo. Find out how Matt Domm rated Klose and the rest of tonight's protagonists here.
Alternatively, you can read Sports Mole's live commentary of the Group F clash, with Alex Meyers casting his eye over proceedings. I can tell you that Peter Odemwingie, yes he of Stoke City and formerly of shopping centre car parks on transfer deadline day, has just gone close with a free kick for the Super Eagles.
Thank you Shane. I'll be with you for the next three hours as we bring you the latest news and views from another gripping day at the World Cup. They are also underway in Cuiaba where both Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina will be looking to take a step closer to reaching the second round with a win. We'll have key updates throughout.
Right, that's all from me for one night folks. You'll now be joined by Chris O'Keefe as he'll keep you updated with Nigeria's clash with Bosnia & Herzegovina - which can be found here - as well as with reaction from Germany's thrilling 2-2 draw with Ghana. Goodnight and god bless!
With kickoff in Cuiaba fast-approaching, take a look at the team news:
Nigeria: Enyeama, Yobo (c), Ambrose, Musa, Odemwingie, Emenike, Mikel, Oshaniwa, Onazi, Babatunde, Omeruo.
Nigeria: Enyeama, Yobo (c), Ambrose, Musa, Odemwingie, Emenike, Mikel, Oshaniwa, Onazi, Babatunde, Omeruo.
Bosnia-Hercegovina: Begovic, Spahic (c), Besic, Pjanic, Misimovic, Dzeko, Mujdza, Sunjic, Lulic, Medunjanin, Hajrovic.
Check out Sports Mole's analysis of Germany's 2-2 draw with Ghana, as Matt Domm casts his eye over what was a pulsating clash in Fortaleza tonight! Get the match report here.
Kolo and Yaya Toure will remain at the World Cup, despite the death of their younger brother Ibrahim on Thursday. "The Toure brothers have decided to stay with the team. They are not leaving Brazil," an IFF representative is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.
Have we caught our breath? Good, because we move back to Group F now as Nigeria face off with Bosnia & Herzegovina. Kickoff is not scheduled for 11pm but we at Sports Mole are hardcore and Alex Meyers will take you through the build-up to the clash here.
It's all over in Fortaleza and Miroslav Klose's equaliser has rescued a point for Germany in what really was a thrilling 2-2 draw with Ghana. Find our match report of the clash here.
GOAL! Germany 2-2 Ghana (Klose 71) Within minutes of being introduced, veteran striker Miroslav Klose levels up the game for Germany with a typical poachers finish. It's delicately poised for the next 20 minutes or so. Catch our live commentary here.
GOAL! Germany 1-2 Ghana (Gyan 63) The Africans have turned this one on its head, folks! Ghana come from a goal down and now LEAD the Germans 2-1, courtesy of Asamoah Gyan's well-placed finish. This World Cup truly is mesmerising.
GOAL! Germany 1-1 Ghana (Andre Ayew 54) The Germans were only ahead for a matter of minutes! Ayew leaps highest to head a Sulley Muntari cross well beyond the reach of Manuel Neuer. Fine header. Game on in Fortaleza. Join Matt Domm for his live commentary here.
GOAL! Germany 1-0 Ghana (Mario Gotze '51) Two Bayern Munich teammates combine to give Joachim Low's side an early second-half lead, with Gotze heading home a Thomas Muller cross.
Carlos Queiroz has said that he is proud of his Iran team for their resolute performance in the slender 1-0 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup. And so he should be!
'Spain must learn how to lose' was the message from David Silva to his la Roja teammates as Vicente del Bosque's side mounted a feable defence of their World Cup title.
It's half-time in Fortaleza ladies and gents, and Ghana are more than good value for the 0-0 - and possibly the better team against a highly-fancied Germany! Find our half-time report here.
Back to Argentina's 1-0 win over Iran now, as coach Alejandro Sabella says that "anything is possible" with Lionel Messi, who scored the decisive goal in injury time.
Some bad news for Fabio Capello and Russia as Belgium skipper Vincent Kompany reveals that he is expecting to be fit for tomorrow's World Cup Group H clash at the Maracana.
Germany and Ghana exchange the pre-match pleasantries, but you'd never know that the Boateng brothers - Jerome and Kevin-Prince - were siblings. The duo barely acknowledged each other in their handshake. They've got their business heads on. Join Matt Domm for minute-by-minute updates.
I promised you analysis on Argentina's win over Iran and, being a man of my word, here it is. Click here to read Darren Plant's take on the victory.
We'll have match analysis, player ratings and reaction from Argentina's slender - some would say a bit jammy - 1-0 win over Iran earlier this evening, which takes Messi and co. through to the last-16 stage of the World Cup. Here's what happened and how it happened.
Having both hit three goals in the World Cup thus far, it is pretty obvious that Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben are enjoying playing with each other. But just incase you doubted it, the Manchester United striker affirms it here.
Right, we've got some team news for you now ladies and gentlemen for Germany's clash with Ghana tonight. Germany are unchanged, while Ghana usher Kevin-Prince Boateng into the fold to face his half-brother, Jerome! I can't promise you Cain and Abel-type drama, but I can promise a degree of sibling rivalry. Check the full team news here.
And make sure you stay tuned to Sports Mole for our next live event, as Germany take on Ghana in Group G. Kickoff isn't scheduled until 8pm, but join Matt Domm as he guides you through the build-up to the clash here.
Cheers Jack. Yes, I am Shane as promised and I've got you for the next four hours or so folks. Well, Argentina were hardly convincing against Iran just then but they just about got the job done, as Lionel Messi spared their blushes with a 91st-minute winner. Find our match report here.
That's all from me for now, but I'm glad to say that Shane Callaghan will now be guiding you through all of the latest news and gossip from the World Cup until 11pm. Goodbye!
Would you believe it? Just as the game was heading for a 0-0 draw, up pops Lionel Messi to earn Argentina a dramatic 1-0 victory. An incredible end to a fascinating match, and here's our report.
About 10 minutes left in the match between Argentina and Iran, with the score still goalless. Argentina are throwing everything at Iran, who are holding on brilliantly. You can follow our live text updates for the finale here.
More from Belgium, with coach Marc Wilmots expecting a tactical battle when his team plays Russia tomorrow. The Belgians will take a big step towards the second round of the tournament if they come away with the points in Rio de Janeiro.
Belgium captain Vincent Kompany has sought to ease the pressure on Romelu Lukaku at the World Cup. Lukaku failed to make an impact during the team's opening win over Algeria before being substituted with around 30 minutes left to play.
10 - 10 of the last 11 goals Iran have conceded at the World Cup have arrived in the second half. Fade.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 21, 2014
If you've got a spare minute, you can also check out our half-time report from this evening's game. You would imagine that Argentina won't be panicking just yet, though they certainly need to improve their finishing if they want to get something out of this match.
The half-time whistle has just gone in Belo Horizonte, where it's 0-0 between Argentina and Iran. The Argentines have created plenty of chances so far, but they've been largely frustrated. You can follow our live updates here.
More from Rooney here as he backs Roy Hodgson to continue as England's manager. The 66-year-old's position has come under scrutiny since the team's early exit from the World Cup, but Rooney is adamant that Hodgson should be given more time in the role.
Wayne Rooney has claimed that England must restore some pride when they play Costa Rica on Tuesday.
"It's tough to take and it's the first time we have gone out of a tournament after two games. We have to pick ourselves up," Rooney told reporters.
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Belgium captain Vincent Kompany has admitted that he is "saddened" to see England exit the World Cup so early. The Three Lions' hopes of reaching the second round were dashed on Friday night thanks to Costa Rica's surprise win over Italy.
Thanking you, Liam. Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart are about to hold a press conference in Urca shortly and we'll try to bring you some quotes from there as and when we get them.
That's all from me for today. Jack Prescott will be returning shortly, but before I do go, a reminder that you can follow our live text updates of Argentina vs. Iran. The teams are out and the national anthems are underway. Over to you Jack...
I started my stint on this blog around three hours ago talking about England, so let's end it that way as well. What next for skipper Steven Gerrard? He will probably be the first to admit that he really struggled during both of England's games, which has resulted in reports that now, at the age of 34, would be the perfect time for him to retire from international football. Former England boss Glenn Hoddle has encouraged the Liverpool legend not to hang up his boots, though. What do you think?
More build up ahead of the Argentina clash, which isn't far away:
Kick-off fast approaching with Estadio Mineirao looking & sounding 90% #ARG, 10% #IRN & #BRA. Messi starts in 4-3-3 pic.twitter.com/mEwH5OpH2v
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) June 21, 2014
After a lacklustre first half performance against the Bosnians, both Gonzalo Higuain and Fernando Gago have been added to the Argentine starting lineup. For a closer look at the Iran side, click here. Also, if you want to follow our live text updates of the encounter, you can do so here.
ARGENTINA XI: Romero; Zabaleta, Garay, Fernandez, Rojo; Gago, Mascherano, Di Maria; Higuain, Messi, Aguero
TEAM NEWS! The Argentine team news has been released and there are a couple of changes from Alejandro Sabella...
Staying with Kompany, he is a slight injury doubt for Belgium's match with Russia tomorrow. His manager, Marc Wilmots, has insisted that he will not risk his captain:
"We will take no risk whatsoever. If there is a problem with Vincent on Sunday there is always another solution," said the Belgian boss.
It seems that Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany has sympathy for England:
Back the Maracanã for #BEL press conference @VincentKompany 'saddened' by #ENG early World Cup exit. pic.twitter.com/T0JUWcegwp
— juliette ferrington (@juliette_grace) June 21, 2014
Argentina's Lionel Messi is certainly a man in form right now. From his last 21 appearances for his country, he's found the net 21 times. No doubt the Barcelona star will fancy his chances of adding to his tally against minnows Iran.
It seems that there is a decent atmosphere building in Belo Horizonte ahead of Argentina vs. Iran, which gets underway at 5pm:
#ARG & #IRN fans whipping up carnival atmosphere outside Estadio Mineirao. Biggest match in Iran history #bbcworldcup pic.twitter.com/5rYktZztqk
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) June 21, 2014
"Now a huge game awaits us, certainly a difficult one against Italy. We must prepare it as best we can and put in a special performance."
Those are the words of Edinson Cavani as he looks ahead to Uruguay's final group encounter with Italy. To find out what else the striker had to say, click here.
Some brave news coming out of the Ivory Coast camp as it's announced that Yaya and Kolo Toure will both remain with the squad, despite the death of their younger brother following a battle with cancer.
"The Toure brothers have decided to stay with the team. They are not leaving Brazil," read a statement from the Ivory Coast Football Federation.
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Turning attention to a match that is a little more relevant - Germany vs. Ghana tonight. The Germans were in fine form as they thrashed Portugal 4-0 on Monday afternoon, but their playmaker Mesut Ozil believes that the defenders in the team deserve plenty of credit for keeping Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo relatively quiet.
And one final piece of England news for now, it would seem that 19-year-old Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling's form during the two defeats against Italy and Uruguay has attracted the attention of Champions League winners Real Madrid. The report has claimed that Los Blancos could make a move for the youngster this summer.
Fear not England fans because sympathy is on the way from none other than Sepp Blatter! Here is what he had to say about the defeat to Uruguay, which all but confirmed England's elimination:
"I watched the match on television and I think England were unlucky. England looked like a good team," said the FIFA president.
Staying with England and centre-back Gary Cahill, who missed Euro 2012 through injury, has described England's exit from the World Cup as one of the "lowest points" of his career to date. The Chelsea defender also believes that "football can be cruel".
Thanks Jack and afternoon all. Sorry to get off on such a negative note, but Sky Sports News has just shown us pictures of the England squad heading off to training on their team bus. One would imagine that it was gloomy mood on board, with many just wanting to get home.
That's all from me for now, but I'm pleased to say that Liam Apicella will now be taking over to guide you through the latest news and gossip from Brazil for the next three hours. Enjoy!
A bit of nostalgia now in our On This Day series, and it's yet more misery for England. It was 12 years ago when David Seaman was lobbed by Ronaldinho as the Three Lions were beaten 2-1 by Brazil in the quarter-finals of the World Cup out in Japan and South Korea. If you're English and feeling masochistic, you can read all about events that day here.
Ghana midfielder Andre Ayew has suggested that his team can cause an upset against Germany tonight. The Africans are in need of the points after losing their opening match 2-1 to the USA.
England captain Steven Gerrard should accept most of the blame for his nation's early World Cup exit, according to Diego Maradona. Costa Rica beat Italy on Friday to seal their progression from Group D and consign the Three Lions to a first group-stage exit since the 1958 edition of the tournament.
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Jose Mourinho has hailed the "absolutely amazing" Luis Suarez following his brace in Uruguay's 2-1 win over England on Thursday. Suarez came back from injury to single-handedly beat the Three Lions in Sao Paulo to effectively send Roy Hodgson's side crashing out of the tournament.
Wayne Rooney has admitted that he is "devastated" by England's elimination from the World Cup and has apologised to the supporters that made the trip to Brazil. The Three Lions suffered a group-stage exit for the first time in 58 years as Costa Rica's 1-0 victory over Italy on Friday sealed England's fate.
As expected, there has been plenty of speculation regarding Roy Hodgson's future following England's early exit from the World Cup. However, we believe that the venerable coach should remain in charge of the side heading into Euro 2016. We've set out our reasons as to why Hodgson should stay in his role here.
Some light relief now with an amusing incident that took place in the ITV studio last night. Martin O'Neill turned a little feisty when backed into a corner by presenter Adrian Chiles before having a sly dig at fellow pundits Patrick Vieira and Fabio Cannavaro:
France defender Mamadou Sakho has played down fears concerning his fitness following the team's 5-2 win over Switzerland. The 24-year-old was withdrawn with just over 30 minutes remaining in Salvador on Friday as Les Blues took a big step towards the next round of the tournament.
The tournament resumes later today with Germany and Argentine among those country's eager to book a place in the next round. You can check out the previews for all three of tonight's games below:
France defender Raphael Varane has hailed the team's "fantastic" performance during Friday's win over Switzerland. Les Bleus all but secured a place in the second round of the tournament thanks to a comfortable 5-2 victory in Salvador.
Iran goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi has backed his team to impress during their clash with Argentina tonight. The Iranians, who drew 0-0 with Nigeria in their opening match, need to avoid defeat against the Argentines if they want to stand a chance of reaching round two.
More reaction from last night's game involving Ecuador and Honduras as Ecuadorian captain Enner Valencia expresses his delight after scoring both of his side's goals during their 2-1 win over Honduras.
Honduras coach Luis Suarez has claimed that his players were too nervous during their defeat to Ecuador. The Central Americans were all but eliminated from the tournament on Friday night as they were beaten 2-1 in Curitiba.
Ecuador coach Reinaldo Rueda has praised his side for battling back to beat Honduras 2-1 on Friday night. Despite going behind in Curitiba, two goals from captain Enner Valencia turned the match in favour of the Ecuadorians to give them a fighting chance of reaching round two.
Roy Hodgson reveals pride in players after World Cup exit
Ottmar Hitzfeld disappointed by France defeat
Romelu Lukaku: England players "a bit scared"
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live news coverage from day 10 of the World Cup in Brazil. We will be keeping you up to date with all of the latest news, gossip and reaction from the tournament, but let's start off now by checking out some of the headlines from overnight...
