Brazil’s bid for a sixth World Cup got off to a slow start as Switzerland withstood an early onslaught to snatch a 1-1 draw in Rostov-on-Don on Sunday.

Lionel Messi’s Barcelona team-mate Ivan Rakitic will be asked for all the tips he has on how to stop the striker, Croatia’s coach Zlatko Dalic admitted on Sunday.

Some fans in Ekiti on Sunday condemned the poor performance of the Super Eagles in their 0-2 defeat to Croatia on Saturday in the ongoing World Cup in Russia.

Super Eagles defender, Leon Balogun, on Sunday said the most important concern with the Nigerian team now should be how not to brood about Saturday’s 0-2 loss to Croatia.

Toni Kroos and Mats Hummels criticised Germany’s failings after the holders slipped to a shock 1-0 defeat against Mexico in their opening World Cup match on Sunday.

England fans began to trickle into Volgograd on Sunday as the historic city offered a warm welcome before hosting its first World Cup match.

On a pot-holed street by Uganda’s sprawling central jail, young men stream into a luminous betting shop that stands out from the surrounding dingy grocery stores lit by paraffin lamps.

South Korea’s coach Shin Tae-yong said Sunday he deliberately made his team wear different numbered shirts in recent friendlies to confuse World Cup opponents who cannot tell his players apart.

Vincent Kompany will remain with the Belgium squad at the World Cup despite currently being sidelined by a groin injury, coach Roberto Martinez confirmed on Sunday.

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez believes Eden Hazard can be one of the stars of the World Cup as the Chelsea man prepares to lead his nation into their tournament opener against Panama.