Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live news coverage from 14 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 in Group C and Group D.
The tournament continues today with Iran, Nigeria and Ecuador among the teams vying to reach the second round.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's rolling news coverage from the World Cup in Brazil. Luis Suarez's alleged bite, Greece sneaking into the last 16... there's plenty to talk about today and we will be bringing you all of the latest news and gossip from the tournament. However, let's get the ball rolling by taking a look at some of the headlines from overnight.
Giorgos Karagounis: 'Greece showed passion'
Norwegian punter wins £1,880 on Luis Suarez bite
Jim Boyce: 'FIFA will take necessary action on Luis Suarez'
Sabri Lamouchi confirms departure as Ivory Coast manager
Frank Lampard: 'Youngsters will benefit from bad experience'
Colombia forward Jackson Martinez has warned his teammates that they face a tough match against Uruguay in the last 16. The Colombians made sure of a 100% record in Group C on Tuesday thanks to a comfortable 4-1 win over Japan in their final game.
Uruguay defender Diego Godin has expressed his pride following the team's passage through to the second round. Godin scored the only goal of the game on Tuesday as the South Americans defeated Italy 1-0 to secure a second-placed finish in Group D.
Giorgios Samaras has claimed that he felt no pressure when he took his winning penalty during Greece's 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast. The striker scored from the spot deep in added time on Tuesday to send the Greeks through to the last 16 and dump their opponents out of the tournament.
© Getty Images
There are some vital matches taking place in Group E and Group F tonight as Ecuador, Switzerland, Nigeria and Iran all bid to join France and Argentina in the next round. Check out our previews below to get the lowdown on all of this evening's action:
Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka has claimed that his side deserves a place in the second round of the World Cup ahead of their crucial match against Honduras. The Swiss must win in Manaus tonight and hope that Ecuador fail to beat France if they want to go through to the last 16.
Former Italy defender Alessandro Nesta has backed veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon to continue his international career. Buffon, 36, and his Italian teammates were knocked out of the World Cup on Tuesday as a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay saw them fail to get out of Group D.
Ecuador midfielder Christian Noboa has insisted that his side is capable of beating France and making it through to the last 16. The Ecuadorians must match Switzerland's result against Honduras tonight in order to reach the next round of the tournament.
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has likened his side's vital clash with Bosnia-Herzegovina to a World Cup final. The Iranians must win in Salvador tonight and hope that Nigeria lose to Argentina if they want to reach the second round for the first time in their history.
Former Germany midfielder Michael Ballack has revealed that he is surprised by the recent criticism of Mesut Ozil. The 25-year-old has come under pressure for his performances for both Arsenal and Germany during the past few weeks, but Ballack believes that the playmaker is due an impressive display at the World Cup.
Nigeria striker Shola Ameobi has revealed that he and his teammates are ready to "mix it" with Argentina in their vital World Cup clash tonight. The Super Eagles need a point against the Argentines if they want to progress, but a defeat would leave the door open to Iran to claim second place in Group F.
© Getty Images
USA defender Matt Besler has been passed fit for his team's encounter with Germany on Thursday after recovering from a hamstring injury. The 27-year-old was forced off with the problem at half time during the USA's 2-2 draw with Portugal on Monday evening.
There's been plenty of funny tweets doing the rounds since Suarez (allegedly) sunk his teeth into Chiellini, and it's looks as if a couple of popular food chains have got in on the act. Check out this link to see how the Uruguayan striker has been sent up online.
That's all from me for now, but I'm pleased to say that Giuseppe Labellarte will now be with you for the next couple of hours to take you through all of the latest news coming out of Brazil. Enjoy!
Thank you Jack! Giuseppe here, and I'll be taking you through the next two hours with all the stories from the World Cup. First off we have a story about fallen champions Spain - former Roja striker Raul has claimed that the 2010 World Cup winners are 'past their prime'.
Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has told reporters today that his side have been steadily improving over the course of the tournament, but will need to work even harder in order to get past second round opponents Chile this Saturday in Belo Horizonte.
With all the controversy raging on about Luis Suarez and his alleged biting of Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini, a lot of opinions have been flying around on social media. An Argentinian man called Diego Suarez, whose Twitter moniker is @Suarez, has found himself unwittingly receiving online abuse from people who have mistaken him for the Uruguay striker.
PLEASE STOP I AM NOT URUGUAYAN, I AM NOT LUIS SUÁREZ, I DONT SAY «ENTRECOT», I SAY «BIFE DE CHORIZO»
— Diego Suarez (@Suarez) June 25, 2014
An interesting story just in as the government of Ghana has flown over £1.7m in cash by plane over to Brazil, after their players reportedly expressed "agitation... over their appearance fees for the World Cup".
Much of the World Cup discussion today is centering around controversial Uruguay striker Luis Suarez - after betting company 888poker released a statement earlier today claiming that they're "reviewing" their partnership with the Liverpool forward, sports firm Adidas are allegedly holding a meeting today to discuss their relationship with Suarez.
As the England squad touch down on home soil following their ignominious first-round exit in Brazil, midfielder Jack Wilshere has rallied in support of under-fire manager Roy Hodgson.
We're just over an hour away from today's first World Cup double header, as Group F comes to a close. Argentina take on Nigeria in Porto Alegre, while home-bound Bosnia-Herzegovina are up against Iran in Salvador. Here are the team news for Nigeria against Argentina, as the Super Eagles yearn to make it to the knockout stages, though it will undoubtedly be tough against Lionel Messi and his compatriots.
Right, that's me done for this afternoon, but I'll be back later on this evening! In the meantime, I'll leave you in the capable hands of Jack Prescott who will be taking you through the next few hours. Be sure to remain tuned to Sports Mole as we find out which team, alongside Argentina, will be making it out of Group F and into the knockout round! Will it be Nigeria, or will it be Iran?
Thanking you, Giuseppe! We've got live text coverage of both early kickoffs this evening, and you can follow them by clicking the links below:
We've already had the team news for Nigeria's clash with Argentina, and now we've got the lineups for tonight's other match in Group F between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran:
Bosnia: Begovic; Vrsajevic, Spahic, Kolasinac, Besic, Pjanic, Ibisevic, Dzeko, Susic, Sunjic, Hadzic
Iran: Haghighi; Haji Safi, Hosseini, Sadeghi, Nekounam, Shojaei, Timotian, Montarezi, Ghoochannejad, Dejagah, Pooladi
Mexico striker Javier Hernandez has urged his teammates not to get carried away by their passage through to the last 16 of the World Cup. The South Americans booked their place in the second on Monday with a 3-1 win over Croatia.
© Getty Images
With around 15 minutes until kickoff, here's a reminder that we have live text coverage of both of this evening's early kickoffs in Group F:
Algeria midfielder Abdelmoumene Djabou has claimed that Russia will be dangerous when the two teams meet on Thursday. The Algerians will join Group H leaders Belgium in the second round if they earn a draw, but a defeat would send Russia through to the last 16.
Greece coach Fernando Santos has insisted that his players will not take Costa Rica lightly when they meet in the second round. The Greeks secured their place in the last 16 on Monday with a dramatic win over Ivory Coast, while Costa Rica drew with England to finish at the top of their group.
Luis Suarez's lawyer has claimed that there is a conspiracy against the Uruguayan following his latest biting incident. FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings on Wednesday after Suarez appeared to sink his teeth into Giorgio Chiellini during his country's win over Italy at the World Cup.
There's already been a fair bit of action in both of the early kickoffs. Argentina are currently drawing 1-1 with Nigeria following two goals in the opening three minutes, while Bosnia are leading Iran 1-0 thanks to an Edin Dzeko goal. As ever, you can follow our live text coverage of both games by checking out the links below:
UPDATE: It's half time in both of today's early matches, and we've already had four goals. Argentina currently lead Nigeria 2-1 thanks to a Lionel Messi brace, while Bosnia are still 1-0 up against Iran.
You can check out our Half-Time Reports from both of the games here:
That's all from me for today, but I will now be handing you over to Pascal Lemesre to take you through all of the latest news coming out of Brazil. Enjoy!
Thanks Jack. Right, here come the two teams for the second halves in Group F. As things stand it will be Argentina and Nigeria going through. The only way that can change is if Iran turn it around against Bosnia and nick second spot.
© Getty Images
© Getty Images
GOAL! Nigeria equalise right at the start of the second half through Ahmed Musa - his second of the match. Who will get their hat-trick first? Him or Messi? Follow the rest.
It's not Messi, but Argentina are back in front as Roco knees the ball home from a corner. Goals galore in Porto Alegre!
GOAL Bosnia and that could be Iran's tournament over. The Asian side needed to turn it around in the second half and now it will take three goals to put them through.
Although Nigeria continue to look strong and capable of an equaliser, it won't matter to Argentina if they do concede as they'll still be top of the pile. Iran aren't looking particularly threatening in Salvador, either.
Fabulous picture of Messi's second goal as he curls it over the wall and into the corner.
© Getty Images
© Getty Images
GOALS in Salvador! Iran pull one back against Bosnia and that means that all 32 teams at the World Cup have scored this tournament. However, a comeback is quickly dashed as Bosnia restore their two-goal advantage straight away.
All over in both games and it will be Argentina (nine points) and Nigeria (four points) who go through from Group F. Check out some pictures and the two match reports in our tweet below.
Group F: Done.
1 #Arg
2 #Nga
3 #Bih
4 #Irn
#Nga 2-3 #Arg http://t.co/Tnv94cFIHx
#Bih 3-1 #Irn http://t.co/G3xDXIf1ae pic.twitter.com/4JgEJ2pyoB
— Sports Mole (@SportsMole) June 25, 2014
Following yesterday's resignation of Cesare Prandelli as Italy coach, ITV Sport pundit and 2006 World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro has said: "I'm ready. I don't know, we wait!" I'm sure he'd be a popular choice with the Italian supporters.
Wimbledon champion Andy Murray has weighed in on the Luis Suarez biting debacle following his win at SW19 today. The Scot described Suarez's actions as "really weird" and you can read the full story by ➜ clicking here.
MATCH ANALYSES: Our reporters pick apart the two 5pm kickoffs that concluded Group F:
Nigeria 2-3 Argentina
Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-1 Iran
Nigeria 2-3 Argentina
Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-1 Iran
Time for me to bid you farewell. Giuseppe Labellarte is about to take over, but before I go - a quick transfer story from today that has seen Argentina centre-back Ezequiel Garay leave Benfica for Zenit St Petersburg.
Thanks Pascal! Giuseppe here and I will be taking you through the Group E deciders this evening. Each of the four teams in the group are still in with a chance of making the knockout round, so it promises to be an exciting double-header! Here are the team news for Ecuador against France.
As for Switzerland's clash against Honduras, the Nati will advance if they better Ecuador's result against France, while Los Catrachos must beat their opponents tonight in Manaus and hope Ecuador lose, coupled with a four-goal swing, to go through to the last 16. Here are your team news for the Group E clash at the Arena Amazonia.
Tennis legend Roger Federer has tweeted his support for his native Switzerland ahead of tonight's clash against Honduras. Less than 24 hours later, he's on Centre Court at Wimbledon. Talk about a busy schedule!
Playing tomorrow on Center Court around 4pm @Wimbledon but first I am getting ready for Switzerland-Honduras all to play for! #nervous
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) June 25, 2014
We are only a few minutes away from the start of both final games in Group D! Be sure to follow both matches with Sports Mole's live commentaries:
Switzerland have taken the lead after just six minutes against Honduras, courtesy of Xherdan Shaqiri! After finding space, he rifled a powerful shot into the top corner to put the Nati in pole position to qualify! Still 84 minutes to go mind, a lot can happen...
Away from tonight's match action, Japan manager Alberto Zaccheroni has resigned from his post after a disappointing World Cup campaign. The Blue Samurai finished bottom of Group C with a solitary point.
Italy legend and 2006 World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro has admitted that he feels "ready" to step up to the Azzurri manager's role, after Cesare Prandelli vacated the post yesterday.
Xherdan Shaqiri has scored again for Switzerland against Honduras! The man known as the 'Alpine Messi' struck on the counter-attack to put the Nati one step closer to qualification. As it stands, France and Switzerland are going through.
It's half time in both World Cup Group E games, and Sports Mole is at hand with half-time match reports. Ecuador are goalless against France, while Switzerland have a foot in the knockout stages after establishing a two-goal lead against Honduras.
Five minutes into the second half between Ecuador and France, and Antonio Valencia has been sent off! Even though he touched the ball, his studs made contact with Lucas Digne's knee, prompting the referee to show a red card. Ecuador down to ten men, and they have a mountain to climb now if they are to make it through to the next round.
Yet another managerial departure as Iran manager Carlos Queiroz resigns from his post. The much-traveled coach has an illustrious CV, having also managed Portugal and Real Madrid, not to mention being Sir Alex Ferguson's number 2 at Manchester United.
History as just been made as the 50th hat-trick in the history of the World Cup has just been scored! Yes, Xherdan Shaqiri has just netted his third goal for Switzerland against Honduras!
It's all over in Group E, and it's also all over for Ecuador and Honduras's World Cup hopes! Both are knocked out of the competition at the expense of France, who secured a 0-0 draw against Ecuador, and a rampant Switzerland, who thrashed their opponents 3-0 thanks to a marvellous hat-trick by Xherdan Shaqiri, the 50th in World Cup history!
Right folks, it's time for me to go as I hand the reigns over to Shane Callaghan, but remember to stay tuned in to Sports Mole for all the latest World Cup news! Seriously, what an exciting tournament it's been so far - goals, action, drama and controversy galore, and we're still in the group stages!
Cheers Giuseppe. Well, the football may be over for another day folks but, as Mr Labellarte said, stay tuned to Sports Mole as we'll be bringing you analysis, player ratings and post-match reaction from France's 0-0 draw with Ecuador, as well as Switzerland's 3-0 win over Honduras.
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi confirms something that we've all suspected for quite some time - that Lionel Messi is indeed an alien. The Barcelona star struck an excellent first-half brace in today's win over Nigeria, and Keshi suspects that the 27-year-old may not be of this world. Who could blame him?
Xherdan Shaqiri bagged a hat-trick - the 50th in World Cup history - in the 3-0 win over Honduras tonight to send Switzerland into the last 16 of the competition. Here, Matt Domm casts his eye over the result and offers his analysis of the clash.
A defiant Roy Hodgson has reiterated his intention to remain as England boss by claiming that he is keen to lead the Three Lions to Euro 2016 qualification.
France sealed top spot in Group E by playing out a 0-0 draw with Ecuador in the Maracana this evening. Check out Sports Mole's analysis of the clash courtesy of Christopher Dodd.
James Rodriguez has emerged as one of the stars in this summer's World Cup after playing a pivotal role in helping Colombia reach the last-16 stage. Consequently, the AS Monaco playmaker has attracted interest from abroad - including the Premier League. Find out who is reportedly interested here.
Did Shaqiri score a perfect 10 for his hat-trick in Switzerland's 3-0 win over Honduras? Click here to find out as Matt Domm offers his verdict over who excelled in Manaus and who should've been made swim the Amazon.
Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has piled the pressure on Argentina ahead of their second-round World Cup meeting by insisting that his team are the underdogs to progress.
With Steven Gerrard widely expected to call time on his England career in the near future, former Three Lions skipper Alan Shearer tips Wayne Rooney to inherit the armband for the Euro 2016 qualification campaign.
As the inquest into England's perceived failure at the World Cup begins, midfielder Jack Wilshere claims that an abundance of youth players was not a leading contributor to the Three Lions' demise in Brazil.
Quite ominously for Germany's World Cup rivals, Mesut Ozil warns he is simply warming up and promises to produce some "big performances" in his nation's upcoming fixtures against USA and in the last-16 stage.
Anyways, that's all from me tonight ladies and gentlemen as another great day of the World Cup draws to a close. Thanks for joining Sports Mole's all-day coverage and tune in tomorrow for what promises to be another highly enjoyable day of the competition. Check out our previews here. Goodnight and god bless.
