Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live news coverage from day 11 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 Germany and Argentina continued their respective campaigns.
The action rumbles on today with Belgium and Portugal among the teams in action.
So, with that, we bring day 11 of the World Cup to an end. Remember, that you can keep up-to-date throughout the night with out dedicated World Cup section. Jack Prescott will also be back from 11:00am in the morning with all the news and reaction from around Brazil. Until then, good night!
Then we rounded off the night with USA being only a matter of seconds from a shock win over Portugal. However, Silvestre Varela headed home in the fifth minute of stoppage time to keep the Iberians' hopes alive in this tournament.
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Then, in the same group, Algeria took a massive step towards qualification with a 4-2 win over South Korea. The Africans built a three-goal lead before the break and managed to hold off a second half fightback.
So, a quick recap of the day's events. Firstly, Belgium left it late to beat Russia and qualify for the last-16. Divock Origi proved to be the hero for the Belgians.
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You can also read Barney Corkhill's analysis of a dramatic match in Manaus between USA and Portugal here.
World Cup reporting wouldn't be complete without some England news. Frank Lampard has been given the captain's armband for their final group game against Costa Rica. Lampard is widely thought to be retiring from international football after this tournament.
Algeria coach Vahid Halilhodzic couldn't contain his delight at the result, labelling their first half display as "perfect".
South Korea manager Hong Myung-Bo has apologised after his team were beaten 4-2 by Algeria. Only victory against Belgium will see the 2002 semi-finalists progress.
In the other game in Group A, host nation Brazil face Cameroon. However, Stephanie M'Bia has admitted that the row over bonuses in the build-up to the World Cup has had a significant impact on the squad. The Indomitable Lions have lost both games so far.
Tomorrow sees Mexico face Croatia in Group A, with the Mexicans only needing a point to reach the last-16. Captain Rafael Marquez says he is ready to go in what he deems their biggest game of the competition so far.
Meanwhile, Chile midfielder Carlos Carmona has warned the Netherlands (and arguably the rest of the teams at the World Cup) that La Roja possess the confidence to compete at the highest level during the tournament.
Elsewhere, Chile boss Jorge Sampaoli has suggested that he may risk suspension for Arturo Vidal in order to win Group B with victory over the Netherlands. The winner of that group would, you'd think, avoid Brazil in the second round. Brazil face Cameroon, who are already out of the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Jurgen Klinsmann has said that he couldn't ask any more of his team, despite losing a late goal.
He told BBC Sport: "When you concede in the last second it is unfortunate, but it was an amazing game from us, I can't ask for any more. Now we have to get a result against Germany and that is what we are going to do."
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Brad Friedel has said that the USA are now in a "dangerous position" after failing to beat Portugal. USA can go through with a draw, but Friedel is concerned that the Americans could be overtaken by Portugal or Ghana.
The USA and Germany can go through with a draw this week. However, Ghana and Portugal, who also meet on Thursday, can still go through, but both need victory to progress.
Have you got your breath back after that game? Neither have I! I wonder if Jurgen Klinsmann's men will regret the late goal. Remember, they face Germany in their final group game and Joachim Low's team are not assured of a place in round two.
FULL TIME USA 2-2 Portugal (Varela 90). Silvestre Varela breaks American hearts with a header in the final attack of the game. USA were so close to qualification, but it has to be said that they were struggling to get out of their penalty area in the dying minutes as the Portuguese applied concerted pressure.
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GOAL! USA 2-1 Portugal (Dempsey 81). It had to be Clint Dempsey who scored what could prove to be the winning goal. He couldn't miss as the ball fell into his path only a matter of yards out. Portugal now only have seven minutes, plus stoppage time to save their World Cup.
GOAL! USA 1-1 Portugal (Jones 64). Jermaine Jones has levelled for the States after the Portuguese failed to clear from a corner. Jones produced a smashing effort from the edge of the box. Game on!
Earlier today, Algeria took a huge step towards getting out of Group H after a thrilling 4-2 win against South Korea in Porto Allegre. Sports Mole's Joe McPhee analyses the performance of both sides here.
UPDATE: Ricardo Costa has just produced a superb goalline clearance to keep out Michael Bradley for what seemed set to be a certain equaliser. That's how close the USA are to getting back on terms.
Earlier today, Belgium sealed qualification for the last-16 with a late win over Russia. However, coach Marc Wilmots has admitted that Romelu Lukaku was unhappy with being substituted during the game at the Maracana. The Chelsea forward has been taken off in both games so far.
Wilmots also hinted that Thibaut Courtois will finally make a return to parent club Chelsea after three years on-loan at Atletico Madrid.
We're back underway in Manaus. Remember, we'll have key updates here or you can follow Barney Corkhill's live commentary of this Group G encounter instead. So much choice...
HALF TIME: USA 0-1 Portugal. The Portuguese can be grateful for Nani's early goal against the USA. They have been under the cosh for much of the first half in Manaus. However, they came close to a second on the stroke of half-time when Nani hit the post.
UPDATE: USA have responded well since going behind to Portugal. Clint Dempsey has recently forced a save from Beto from a tight angle. The Stars and Stripes do not appear to have lost too much confidence since the goal!
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque says he is still unsure as to what caused his team to exit the World Cup at the group phase.
He told reporters: "It comes down to a number of things. In the physical, tactical, and coaching aspects, we were inferior to the two rivals we played. It's hard to deduct the one reason since it comes down to a number of reasons. It's been a surprise, a surprise for everybody."
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Briefly stepping away from the game in Manaus, Cameroon manager Volker Finke has said that he will be speaking to several members of his squad about their conduct. The talk of splits in the Indomitable Lions' dressing room has never been far from the headlines and Finke has slammed the behaviour of some individuals as "unacceptable".
Should Portugal go on to win this game in the heart of the Amazon, it would leave three teams in Group H separated by just a point (with Ghana also still in contention, but further behind), which will make the final set of fixtures on Thursday difficult to keep up with. If you've got split-screen technology at home on your TV's, you'll be in luck this week! Otherwise, just stick with Sports Mole.
Just a reminder that you can follow Barney Corkhill's live commentary of the crunch Group G clash in Manaus here.
GOAL! USA 0-1 Portugal (Nani 5). Wow, what a start to the game! Geoff Cameron took a swing at a cross and failed to connect properly. The ball falls to Nani and the Manchester United winger finds the back of Tim Howard's net. I think many thought the US could win this game, but that is a serious setback to their ambitions.
Cheers Dan. I'll be taking you through the last three hours of news and views from Brazil 2014. Plus we'll have key updates from Manaus where the USA will be looking to knock Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal out the World Cup.
That's your lot from me, folks. A quick reminder that you can follow live text commentary of tonight's late game right here. Chris O'Keefe will take you through the next three hours of day 11. Over to you Chris...
So here's that team news in full then, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Clint Dempsey leading the line for their respective sides.
USA: Howard; Johnson, Cameron, Besler, Beasley; Beckerman, Jones; Bedoya, Bradley, Zusi; Dempsey
Portugal: Beto; Bruno Alves, Pereira, A.Almeida, Costa; Veloso, Meireles, Moutinho; Nani, Ronaldo, Postiga
© AFP
TEAM NEWS! The big news ahead of tonight's meeting between Portugal and USA tonight in Manuas is that Cristiano Ronaldo starts for the Seleccao. The Ballon d'Or holder was a big doubt heading into the game, but he's been passed fit in a game Portugal can't lose. Full team news to follow.
Earlier today, Belgium required an 88th-minute goal from Divok Origi to see off Russia at the Maracana. Both managers have given their views on the game, and rather predictably they both have differing opinions on the outcome. Fabio Capello felt his Russia side were worthy of at least a point which they so nearly gained, while Marc Wilmots insisted that the Red Dragons' triumph was "deserved".
FULL TIME! It's all over in the second game of the day as Algeria run out 4-2 winners against South Korea to secure their first World Cup victory in 32 years. A full report from tonight's Group H clash in Porto Alegre can be found here.
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GOAL! It's now 4-2 at the Estadio Beira-Rio, but time is against South Korea with just 15 minutes remaining. This World Cup just keeps on giving!
GOAL! Well any hopes of a South Korea comeback have been cut short courtesy of Yacine Brahimi who has made it 4-1 to the Algerians, rounding off a nice passing move. Remember, you can follow the game live with Sports Mole right here.
GOAL! We have a game on our hands in Belo Horizonte as Song Heung-Min's pulls a goal back for South Korea. It's now 3-1 with around 37 minutes still left to play - I wonder...
HALF TIME South Korea lead 3-0 at half time following a dominant first-half display. South Korea have not got going at all in this one, and it will take something close to a miracle to turn this one around now! A full interval report can be found here.
GOALS! Two goals in two minutes puts Algeria into a commanding position. First, Islam Slimani converted a ball over the top, before Rafik Halliche headed home from a corner to make it 2-0 to the Fennec Foxes. South Korea have it all to do in the remaining 55 minutes or so.
Sticking with FIFA, or more specifically, complaints made about the organisation, Costa Rica officials have questioned the decision for seven of their players to be dope-tested following Friday evening's victory against Italy.
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UPDATE! It's still goalless in Porto Alegre between South Korea and Algeria with just over 20 minutes played. Meanwhile, Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has criticised FIFA for the scheduling of tomorrow's final round of group games. Oranje take on Chile a few hours before Brazil's meeting with Cameroon, which, Van Gaal claims, gives the hosts an unfair advantage of knowing who they will face in the next round should they win.
The side's are entering the field at the Estadio Beira-Rio, with kick off just six minutes away. Remember, you can follow SM's live text coverage of the game right here.
TEAM NEWS! The teams for tonight's crucial Group H encounter in Porto Alegre have been announced. Algeria manager Vahid Halilhodzic has made five changes to his, though Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Nabil Bentaleb retains his place in the middle. Full team news can be found here.
South Korea: Jung Sung-Ryong, Yun Suk-Young, Kim Young-Gwon, Son Heung-Min, Park Chu-Young, Lee Young, Koo Ja-Cheoi, Han Kook-Young, Ki Sung-Yueng, Lee Chung-Yong, Hong Jeong-Ho
Algeria: Mbolhi, Bougherra, Mesbah, Halliche, Brahmimi, Feghouli, Medjani, Bentaleb, Slimani, Djabou, Mandi
Cheers Matt! One game down, two more still to go on day 11 of the World Cup. We'll bring you team news from the Algeria vs. South Korea clash shortly, along with some reaction from both camps following Belgium's late victory against Russia in Rio.
Right, that it just about it from me this evening. However, I shall pass you onto Daniel Lewis, who will lead you through the next few hours. Just a reminder that next up is South Korea against Algeria and the team news is incoming. Stay with us!
FULL-TIME: Belgium 1-0 Russia - Belgium book their spot in the last-16 stage of the World Cup following a 1-0 win over Russia. Our full match report can be found here.
UPDATE: GOAL! Belgium have taken the lead two minutes from time following a wonderful finish from Divock Origi. What a moment for the youngster!
UPDATE: Little over 15 minutes of football remaining and still Belgium and Russia remain level at 0-0 in their Group h clash. In truth, it has been a very dreary affair. However, there is still time for someone to make themselves a hero!
Back to Spain for a moment and David Silva has insisted that his team can have no excuses following their elimination in the group stages of this summer's World Cup. La Roja lost each of their first two Group B fixtures in Brazil, with zero points seeing the holders eliminated with one game to spare.
We are back underway between Belgium and Russia. Just a reminder that you can follow minute-by-minute live commentary of the action here.
HALF-TIME: Belgium 0-0 Russia - A disappointing first period comes to an end, with the two sides level at 0-0. Aleksandr Kokorin has had the best chance of the first period for Russia, but his close-range header moved just wide of the post. Our full half-time report can be found here.
UPDATE: Still goalless between Belgium and Russia, with little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining. It has been a match of few chances. Let's hope that the second period perks up!
More from Gerrard: "I'm not sure nasty is the right way but we came across a Uruguay who were cute, clever, disruptive and difficult to beat. They never gave England the momentum to get forward. We've conceded four goals in two games and I think we've conceded five shots."
Meanwhile, England boss Roy Hodgson has told reporters: "I can see a lot of possibility for this team to improve & I am very pleased I am going to be the man leading the team. I'm very pleased to have had that backing (from FA)."
"I've asked the manager for time over the summer to make my decision. I'm hurting very bad, I'm broken. I need to get away and clear my head," England captain Steven Gerrard has just told reporters at a press conference. Could the Liverpool midfielder announce his retirement from international football before Euro 2016 qualification begins?
KICKOFF: The Group H clash between Belgium and Russia is underway. I shall bring you up-to-date with the main events, but for full commentary of the action, click here.
Belgium v Russia starting XI pic.twitter.com/U3s4Zvo3IN
— Ian Abrahams (Moose) (@BroadcastMoose) June 22, 2014
More from Del Bosque, who has admitted that he is unsure whether he will remain in charge of Spain following this summer's World Cup. It would seem incredible to let the experienced boss go after just one disappointment. He has had quite a few successful years to say the least!
Spain boss Vicente del Bosque, meanwhile, has claimed that he wants his side to end their disappointing 2014 World Cup on a positive note ahead of Monday's clash with Australia. La Roja have already been eliminated from the competition after losing both of their Group B matches this summer, but Del Bosque wants a strong end to the competition.
Marouane Fellaini, Dries Mertens and Thomas Vermaelen have all come into the Belgium XI for the European side's World Cup Group H clash with Russia. All three started on the bench against Algeria last time out, but Fellaini and Mertens both scored in the 2-1 win. Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku is also fit to start despite a slight niggle, while Daniel van Buyten continues in the heart of the defence alongside skipper Vicent Kompany. Russia boss Fabio Capello, meanwhile, cannot find a spot in his side for either Alan Dzagoev or Aleksandr Kerzhakov despite their impressive showing against South Korea. Aleksandr Kokorin keeps his place in the team, but former Chelsea defender Yuri Zhirkov drops out. The full team news can be found here.
You are very kind Liam, thank you. Matt here and as Liam mentioned, I shall be leading you through the next three hours. Let me bring you up to speed with the team news for today's clash between Belgium and Russia...
And that is as far as I will take you. The charming Matt Law will be here shortly to guide you through more news from Brazil, as well as providing updates from that Belgium game. Enjoy.
Make that three changes for the Belgians as Thomas Vermaelen, Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens all come into the side. The latter both come off the bench last time out against Algeria to score, so have earned their spots in the side.
BELGIUM XI: Courtois; Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany, Vermaelen; Witsel, Fellaini; De Bruyne, Hazard, Mertens; Lukaku
Talking of Belgium, their team news has just been released and Marc Wilmots has made two changes...
Belgium play Russia shortly and some of their players have been on a pre-match stroll earlier today:
Matchday Belgique - Russie #onyva #tousensemble
l'avant match: http://t.co/aPKOacJGil pic.twitter.com/bYoptNHLuZ
— Anthony Vanden Borre (@AvdBorre) June 22, 2014
The big debate concerning England right now surrounds Steven Gerrard. Should he retire? If he does, Stan Collymore believes that Jack Wilshere should be given the chance to replace the Liverpool skipper in midfield:
"For me, Gerrard's international retirement would have to mean Jack Wilshere makes the position his own. Is he up to the job? Only time will tell," Collymore wrote in his Sunday People column.
"There is no doubt that he is a fantastic player with great natural ability but does he have it in him to become the heartbeat of our national side?"
A lot of managers are in Brazil scouting for new players right now, but not Carlo Ancelotti. Instead, the Real Madrid boss has been watching Michael Buble!
Sensational Michael Bublé! Thank you for a wonderful performance pic.twitter.com/QZk8elQc9x
— Carlo Ancelotti (@MrAncelotti) June 21, 2014
To be fair, if Brazil were to drop Fred, the replacement is Jo, which is not exactly inspiring. What has happened to all the attacking talent in Brazil?!
Well, it seems that Alan Shearer has rubbed Dani Alves up the wrong way! The former England striker recently suggested that Brazil should drop centre-forward Fred, but it's fair to say that Alves does not agree with that viewpoint:
"Those comments are some of the most idiotic that anyone can ever say,' Alves told reporters at Brazil's base camp just outside Rio de Janeiro.
"Someone who played football, who knows how difficult it is to be a football player, how difficult it is to beat opponents, compete, score goals - it's a shame for football and a lack of respect for his colleagues that play the game. It's something to be ashamed of."
Someone else that also played in the Premier League like Robben is Sulley Muntari, who has boosted the reputation of footballers during his time in Brazil. The Ghana midfielder recently took time out to hand out money to disadvantaged Brazilians recently:
Thanks Jack and afternoon everyone. Right then, which player has impressed you the most in Brazil then? For Rio Ferdinand, who is working as a pundit for BBC Sport, it's Bayern Munich's Dutch winger Arjen Robben. His two displays have left Ferdinand bemoaning the fact that Manchester United never signed him, despite strong interest a few years ago.
That's all from me for today, but I'll now be handing over to Liam Apicella to take you through all of the latest news coming out of Brazil. Enjoy!
Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique is expected to miss Spain's World Cup Group B clash with Australia on Monday with an adductor injury. Pique was dropped from the Spain XI against Chile last time out – a match that saw La Roja exit the World Cup in the group stages following a 2-0 defeat.
Mexico captain Rafael Marquez has claimed that his team will be out to get the win when they face Croatia on Monday. The Mexicans need just a point against the Europeans if they want to reach the second round of the tournament.
Australia midfielder Mark Bresciano has revealed that he could miss Monday's clash with Spain through injury. The 34-year-old, who featured in his side's opening defeats to Chile and the Netherlands, is currently struggling with a back problem.
Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp has claimed that England have no chance of winning the 2022 World Cup. Football Association chairman Greg Dyke revealed last year that the Three Lions will be expected to win the tournament in Qatar.
There are some important matches at the tournament tonight as Belgium, the USA and Portugal all continue their campaigns. You can check out the previews for their games below:
Olivier Giroud has revealed that France are eager to finish in first place in Group E. Les Bleus are currently three points clear of second-placed Ecuador following two wins from their opening two games.
Former England manager Graham Taylor has claimed that the team should count themselves unfortunate to be leaving the World Cup so early. It was confirmed on Friday that the Three Lions would not be reaching the second round following Costa Rica's surprise win over Italy.
Belgium playmaker Eden Hazard has claimed that he has the "burden of a nation" on his shoulders at the World Cup. The youngster, who joined Chelsea from Lille for £32m in 2012, is widely regarded as one of his country's best players at the tournament.
Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni has insisted that he will only talk about his future after the World Cup. The Italian, 61, took charge of the team in 2011 following a brief spell with Juventus.
Algeria midfielder Sofiane Feghouli has insisted that the team is fully focused for their World Cup encounter with South Korea tonight. The Algerians are in need of a win after losing their opening match of the tournament to Belgium.
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Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero has played down the team's chances of winning the World Cup. The South Americans booked their place in the second round of the tournament on Saturday with a narrow 1-0 victory over Iran.
While Gotze has admitted his disappointment following last night's 2-2 draw with Ghana, Ghana defender Harrison Afful has revealed that he is also disappointed that his team couldn't come away with all of the points.
Germany midfielder Mario Gotze has expressed his disappointment following the team's 2-2 draw with Ghana. The Germans saw their hopes of making the second round suffer a blow on Saturday night as they were held by the Africans.
Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta has admitted that the hard-fought 1-0 victory over Iran was a "difficult game" for his side. Iran's defensive organisation restricted the attacking prowess of Alejandro Sabella's side, though Lionel Messi's late winner secured three points and qualification for Argentina.
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has praised his team's fighting spirit following their 1-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Africans boosted their chances of reaching the second round on Saturday night as Peter Odemwingie scored the decisive goal for the Super Eagles.
Peter Odemwingie: 'Victory for Nigerian fans'
Safet Susic disappointed with officials
Roy Hodgson: England will become "stronger and better"
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live news coverage from day 11 of the World Cup in Brazil. The actions continues today with Belgium and Portugal among the teams under the spotlight, and we will be bringing you all of the latest news and gossip from the tournament as it unfolds. However, we'll start by checking out some of the headlines from overnight...
