Day Twenty Five & Twenty Six: Alfredo The Great

Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano, regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, has died. The eighty eight-year-old suffered a heart attack on Saturday and had been in an induced coma in Madrid's Gregorio Maranon hospital. Real Madrid confirmed the news, saying Di Stefano, their honorary president, died on Monday. Sir Bobby Charlton, who played against him for The Scum, paid tribute. 'I think Alfredo Di Stefano was one of the best players I ever came across and an extremely intelligent footballer,' said the former England legend. 'He was somebody I really respected, having watched him from the stands at the Bernabeu and then played against him. I have many fond memories of my time with Alfredo and feel privileged to be able to call him a good friend. The footballing world has lost a great player and a great man.' After joining Real in 1953, Alfredo helped to turn them into one of the world's leading sides. They won five straight European Cups, with Di Stefano scoring in each final between 1956 and 1960. The Argentina-born forward also won eight Spanish league titles and was voted European player of the year in 1957 and 1959. He left Real in 1964 at the age of thirty eight having scored more than three hundred goals across eleven seasons. Di Stefano played at international level for three nations though he never appeared at a World Cup finals tournament. He won six caps for Argentina and played four times for Colombia during a spell when he played in the country's league. However his Colombia caps are not officially recognised by FIFA. Once he joined Real in 1953, FIFA said that he could not play for Spain, but reversed that decision in 1957 after he was awarded Spanish citizenship and he went on to win thirty one caps, scoring twenty three goals. Real's official website carried a picture of club president Florentino Perez visiting Di Stefano at the hospital on Saturday. Former Real striker Gonzalo Higuain, whose goal sent Argentina into the World Cup semi-finals in Brazil on Saturday, said: 'I was told when I got to the dressing room. It is not good news for football, for those who know him, for those who are close to him. Alfredo was always very close to me. I only have words of gratitude towards him.' Di Stefano also won four Colombian and two Argentine league titles as a player. As a manager he led Boca Juniors and River Plate to Argentine league titles and won La Liga and the Copa del Rey with Valencia. He also had spells at Sporting Lisbon, Rayo Vallecano and Castellon before taking over at Real in 1982, with the club runners-up in five competitions during his two years in charge. He managed the club again for five months from 1990, winning the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona. Di Stefano became honorary Real president in 2000.

Juan Zuniga has grovellingly apologised to Neymar after the Brazil striker was ruled out of the World Cup following the Colombia defender kneeing him in the back, really hard. Neymar broke a vertebra in his spine during his side's 2-1 quarter-final victory over Colombia on Friday. Zuniga insists that he did not mean to hurt Neymar in the incident - presumably, it was a 'friendly' knee in the spine - which FIFA's disciplinary committee is currently studying. 'I deeply regret the sad injury that Neymar suffered during the match between Brazil and Colombia,' he claimed. 'Although I feel that these situations are a normal part of the game, there was no intent to injure, malice nor negligence on my part. I want to reach out to Neymar, who I admire, respect and consider one of the best players in the world. I hope you recover quickly and return to the game soon, so we can all support a sport full of the virtues and qualities that I've tried to follow in my twelve years as a professional player.'

Day Twenty Four: Dutch Courage, Belgian Waffle

Argentina reached their first World Cup semi-final since finishing as runners-up in 1990 with victory over Belgium in Brasilia. Gonzalo Higuain scored the only goal at Estadio Nacional, a thunderous early volley that ended his run of six international games without a goal. But Belgium's so-called 'golden generation' were undone by another quicksilver Lionel Messi performance, as Argentina set up a last-four encounter with the Netherlands in Sao Paulo on Wednesday. The two-time champions again failed to reach their fluid best, and it is significant that all five of their wins at this World Cup have been by a single goal. Belgium - every bit as disappointing as the French has been a day earlier in their quarter-final - went out with something of a whimper, lacking cohesion, creativity and precision and only threatening late on when they played one long ball after another towards Marouane Fellaini. But, on the day he equalled Diego Maradona's haul of ninety one caps for Argentina, Messi stood apart, with a performance of majesty that propelled his side into the last four. At times, he was balletic, at others he was bold. He played forty-yard passes with the precision of a master craftsman and pirouetted away from danger time and again. Sharper to the ball, more urgent in possession, Argentina started the quicker of the sides. With Brazil striker Neymar confined to a wheelchair for the rest of the tournament, there was a sense the tournament needed one of its superstars to produce a performance to remember. Messi did not disappoint. Belgium did not help themselves, however. Captain Vincent Kompany gave possession away carelessly inside his own half after eight minutes, the ball running to Messi. The Barcelona forward spun away from two defenders and clipped a pass to Angel Di Maria. His pass was deflected into the path of Higuain, who swivelled and volleyed unerringly beyond Thibaut Courtois to send the tens of thousands of Argentina fans in the stadium into raptures. There was more Messi magic to come. Argentina's talisman danced his way through a crowd of Belgium players before being clipped on the edge of the area. His resulting free-kick curled narrowly wide but Belgium were on the back foot. For much of the opening forty five minutes, the Red Devils were insipid, not inventive. Kevin de Bruyne stung Sergio Romero's palms from distance and Kevin Mirallas headed a Jan Vertonghen cross narrowly wide, but there was little pace or purpose. With Messi in the spotlight, Eden Hazard struggled to escape the shadow. Belgium were caught between wanting to throw caution to the wind and a fear of what Argentina might do on the counter attack. An example came ten minutes into the second half, when Mirallas lost the ball after a swift Belgium break. Higuain raced away, nutmegged Kompany and skimmed a curling shot onto the crossbar. The introduction of substitutes Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens was an attempt to change that dynamic. With time running out, Vertonghen found Fellaini, who headed over. Moments later, Ezequiel Garay almost deflected De Bruyne's cross into his own net. Hazard was replaced by Tottenham's Nacer Chadli as Marc Wilmots played his last card. Belgium poured forward in search of a goal that might take them to extra time, but failed to produce a moment that called Romero into serious action. Messi had a chance to cap his display with a late goal, only for Courtois to smother his shot when the pair faced each other one on one. With time running out, Belgium came again, Lukaku prodding a ball across goal before Axel Witsel fired the rebound over. But Argentina and Messi stood firm.

Goalkeeper Tim Krul came off the bench late in extra time and saved two penalties as the Netherlands beat Costa Rica in a shootout to set up a World Cup semi-final against Argentina. Newcastle's Krul saved from both Bryan Ruiz and Michael Umana to send the Dutch through after the game finished 0-0. Wesley Sneijder had twice hit the woodwork for the Netherlands, while Robin van Persie also had a shot turned onto the bar. Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal, who will take charge at The Scum at the end of the tournament, brought Krul on for Jasper Cillessen in added time at the end of one hundred and twenty minutes. And Krul's two saves proved decisive as the Dutch - who had lost each of their previous four World Cup matches which went to extra time - coolly converted all four of their spot-kicks. Costa Rica had progressed as winners from a group containing Uruguay, Italy and England, and once again impressed with their organisation and energy. But just as they did against Mexico in the second round, Van Gaal's team found a way through despite being some way short of the fluency they showed in patches during the group phase. Twenty one minutes had passed before the Netherlands managed an effort on goal. A sweeping move down the right ended with Dirk Kuyt pulling a cross back and Memphis Depay laid the ball off for Van Persie, whose low drive was blocked by goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who also saved Sneijder's follow-up. Depay might have done better when he was slipped through by Van Persie, but the PSV Eindhoven forward's stab at the near post was turned away by Navas. Costa Rica's only threat came from Christian Bolanos free-kicks, with one flying just too high for midfielder Celso Borges to connect with, and another headed back across goal by Borges only for Johnny Acosta to fail to make contact. Navas showed his quality once again when he tipped a bending Sneijder free-kick away from the top corner, but the Netherlands offered little going forward as the second half developed. After forcing Giancarlo Gonzalez to head off target following a Bolanos set-piece, Ron Vlaar glanced a header high and wide from a whipped Sneijder free-kick at the other end. And when Navas was beaten, Sneijder's curling free-kick bounced away off a post. As the Netherlands exerted some late pressure, Navas turned away a low drive from Van Persie and The Scum's striker failed to make contact with a fine Sneijder cross. Yeltsin Tejeda then diverted a close-range Van Persie effort onto his own crossbar as a tiring Costa Rica took the game into extra time. The Dutch continued to push on, with Navas forced to palm away a Vlaar header, but they could not find a way through, and Costa Rica had a penalty appeal rejected when Vlaar challenged substitute Marcos Urena, who then forced a full-length save from Cillessen. There was still time for Sneijder's twenty-yard curling drive to strike the crossbar, but it went to a penalty shootout and after Van Persie, Robben, Sneijder and Kuyt all converted their penalties, Krul's save from Urena sent the 2010 beaten finalists through to the last four.

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal says that Tim Krul's greater height and reach was the reason he sent the super-sub keeper on for the World Cup quarter-final penalty shootout win over Costa Rica. Krul, who is six feet four inches, replaced the six foot two inch Jasper Cillessen with seconds remaining in the 0-0 draw. And, as all the girls will tell you, two inches can make all the difference in a chap's worth. 'We all thought Tim was the best keeper to stop penalties,' said Van Gaal. 'He is taller and has a longer reach.' He added: 'It worked out. That was beautiful. I'm a bit proud of that.' Van Gaal, who will take over at The Scum after the World Cup, did not tell first-choice keeper Cillessen he might be taken off if the game went to a shootout after extra time. However, Krul was informed he might be called upon. Krul, whose saves from Bryan Ruiz and Michael Umana were his only two touches of the ball, told the BBC Sport website: 'I psyched them out. You try to do everything you can without being too aggressive. I tried to get in their minds. It is something I have dreamed about since I was a little boy - to have that moment when you make the crucial save and then all the boys are running towards you.' Despite Krul's match-winning saves he will be back on the bench for the semi-final, with Ajax's Cillessen in goal. 'There is no question about who will start the next game, it will be Cillessen, but we felt Krul was the better choice here,' said Van Gaal. Costa Rica midfielder Celso Borges said of the goalkeeping change: 'I never saw something like that. But they were right, he did his job.'

BBC presenter Gary Lineker goaded two of his analystis - yer actual Ruud Gullit and Alan Shearer his very self - by bringing up a very touchy subject during Friday's Match Of The Day Live. As Germany led Didier Deschamps' France side 1-0 during half-time of their World Cup quarter-final, sitting opposite Lineker were Gullit and Shearer, who were part of the same Newcastle United set-up during the 1998-99 Premier League season – the Dutchman was in charge of the Magpies, with Shearer as their talismanic striker and captain. And it was during one particularly notorious fixture to which that naughty scamp Lineker alluded to. Complimenting Deschamps’s management skills in having the nerve to drop big-name players, Lineker asked whether Gullit had ever done such a thing during his managerial career. The presenter was, of course, alluding to the night when the Dutchman dropped Shearer for a huge derby against fierce rivals Blunderland - a decision which was, unsurprisingly, met with huge outrage and controversy on Tyneside (especially as the Mackems won the subsequent game 2-1 in a virtual monsoon, a result which, effectively, cost Gullit his job). As TV viewers across the country held their collective breath, unsure as to what the reaction would be from both men, an awkward pause was followed - thankfully for everyone - by raucous laughter. As it happens Rudi and Alan seem to get on quite well these days, which is probably more than can be said for Shearer - never a man to forget somebody taking a rise out of him without an elbow being involved - and Lineker. Expect further developments on this one!

Day Twenty Three: Au Revoir & Adios

Germany became the first nation to reach four consecutive World Cup semi-finals as Mats Hummels' early header proved enough to see them past France at the Maracana. The three-time champions needed extra time to beat Algeria in the last sixteen and several of their players had suffered a bout of illness in midweek, but they were comfortable victors over a hugely disappointing France in Rio de Janeiro. Hummels got the better of Raphaël Varane to score what proved to be the winning goal and Germany can now prepare for a meeting with hosts Brazil in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday. Although the German keeper Manuel Neuer gave another faultless performance, Joachim Löw's team deserved their win against a France side who failed to hit the heights of their performances earlier in the tournament. It was sixty years to the day since Germany recovered a two-goal deficit to upset Hungary in the 1954 final and this will go down as another memorable day in their history. In the build-up Low dismissed talk of France seeking revenge for 1982, when Germany goalkeeper Toni Schumacher - and his nasty perm - escaped punishment for a brutal challenge on Patrick Battiston and went on to save two penalties as his side came through the World's Cup's first ever penalty shootout to reach the final. But what could not be ignored was Germany's greater experience and, despite a reconfigured starting line-up and doubts over their health, they again showed their international pedigree. Hummels returned to central defence after a bout of 'flu-like symptoms', with Per Mertesacker unexpectedly the man to make way as Germany looked to contain France's quick forwards. Philipp Lahm moved from midfield to right-back in place of Shkodran Mustafi, Sami Khedira coming into midfield, and there was a surprise start for thirty six-year-old Miroslav Klose in attack. Germany looked far more balanced than against Algeria in their last match and a period of sustained pressured told when Hummels held off Varane to guide home a Toni Kroos free-kick. It was the first time that France had gone behind in the tournament and the first time they had conceded in the opening half. Their afternoon could have got worse when Mathieu Debuchy challenged Klose in the box, only for referee Nestor Pitana to ignore the German appeals. Les Bleus were struggling to find any rhythm as Bastian Schweinsteiger, Khedira and the excellent Kroos ruled the midfield, but they soon began to expose Germany's dangerously high defensive line. Antoine Griezmann broke clear and crossed for Mathieu Valbuena to force Neuer into a stunning one-handed save, Karim Benzema's close-range follow-up deflected over the bar. Benzema went close twice more as France gained some momentum before half-time and they maintained it after the break as Yohan Cabaye, Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi gained control of the central areas, allowing Griezmann and Valbuena to cause damage from wide. But Germany appeared to realise the increased threat, dropping deeper and limiting France to a Varane header and Matuidi strike that were both comfortably saved by Neuer. Löw introduced André Schurrle from the bench and he significantly boosted the tiring Germans, although he might have done better with two opportunities on the counter attack. France counterpart Didier Deschamps turned to Olivier Giroud and he set up Benzema in stoppage time, only for Neuer to repel his angled drive with a strong fist. The atmosphere inside this iconic ground was relatively flat, reflecting an unspectacular encounter.

Brazil secured their World Cup semi-final place against Germany with victory over Colombia on a night of gripping tension and passion in Fortaleza. Thiago Silva set Luiz Felipe Scolari's side on the way with an early goal, and Brazil looked to be set for a comfortable passage into the last four after David Luiz's brilliant second-half free-kick. In a magnificent atmosphere built on a cascade of colour and a wall of sound, James Rodriguez set up a thrilling finale when he pulled a goal back from the penalty spot with ten minutes left. In a frantic closing phase, Colombia were unable to force the chance that could have brought extra time. But Brazil will be without their superstar Neymar, who has been ruled out of the World Cup with a fractured vertebra after being kneed in the back by Juan Zuniga. They will also be missing captain Thiago Silva, who is suspended after being booked. Colombia had complaints of their own, chiefly the lack of protection offered to Rodriguez, who was on the receiving end of some fierce challenges as Brazil sought to nullify his influence. He broke down in tears and blubbed like a girl at the final whistle as he was consoled by the Brazil players who had offered him none of that commodity during a harrowing physical ordeal which proved he has the courage to go with his natural ability. Brazil and their supporters, in contrast, went wild with elation at the final whistle. The goal of reaching the final - and making up for the 1950 World Cup loss to Uruguay in Rio that is still one of this nation's darkest sporting days - lives on. Germany will need to show mental strength to cope with the tidal wave of emotion and support that Scolari hopes will carry Brazil to the Maracana a week on Sunday. Fortaleza offered up a cauldron of noise and a sea of yellow shirts in an atmosphere that ensured Brazil would launch into a series of adrenalin-fuelled attacks. Scolari's hope was to push Colombia into unknown territory and the strategy was helped by a goal built largely on defensive carelessness after seven minutes. Neymar's corner was a routine affair with little serious menace but it was allowed to drift to the far post, where Carlos Sanchez switched off to allow Silva to bundle home. Scolari and his players were just as aware of the threat posed by Juan Cuadrado as the celebrated Rodriguez, and he illustrated exactly why with a shot that was inches away from twenty yards. This was much more like it from Brazil, though, and it would have been no surprise had they extended their advantage by the interval as they showed genuine threat against a somewhat timid Colombian side. It was down to keeper David Ospina that they did not as he twice saved well from the, if you will, incredible Hulk, on the second occasion recovering well to then clutch Oscar's long-range effort. Scolari insisted Brazil had formulated no special plans to deal with Rodriguez, but it was clear they were determined to test the twenty two-year-old in a succession of reckless physical challenges. It was after Rodriguez was shown a yellow card for a foul on Hulk by the extraordinarily lenient referee Carlos Velasco Carballo that Brazil scored the goal that effectively sent them into the last four. Luiz came in off his long run to strike a twenty five-yard free-kick that left the stretching Ospina clutching at thin air as it flew high to his left. That came just after Colombia thought they were back in the game, only to see Mario Yepes's goal ruled out for an earlier offside. To his credit, Rodriguez was undeterred by Brazil's close attentions and it was his astute pass that led to substitute Carlos Bacca being upended by Julio Cesar. After a short delay, and some well-chosen words from Luiz, Rodriguez was calmness personified to send the keeper the wrong way. Colombia threw everything forward in the last moments, but once again Brazil held on to seal the victory.

Day Twenty One & Twenty Two: No Ball Games

No football, eh? Boring, isn't it? Even with this lot playing ...

Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari summoned the squad's psychologist to his side's training base after the emotional second round win over Chile. The hosts won 3-2 on penalties and a number of Selecao players were seen shedding tears during celebrations at the Estadio Mineirao like a bunch of girls. Brazil playmaker Neymar was one of them. He said: 'The game against Chile was exciting for everyone. But the team does not have any emotional problem in the group.'

FIFA says there has been no evidence of match-fixing at any World Cup match and has called on a German magazine making allegations to provide proof. Convicted match-fixer Wilson Raj Perumal has denied he correctly predicted Cameroon's result against Croatia before the game. Der Spiegel magazine, which made the allegations, is standing by its report. FIFA's head of media Delia Fischer said: 'So far we have no evidence of any match manipulation.' She added: 'We have requested Der Spiegel provide us with all the communications with Perumal and any other material in order to prove the allegations they have made.' Cameroon lost each of their three Group A games, including a thumping 4-0 defeat by Croatia in which midfielder Alex Song was sent off in the fortieth minute. The Croatian FA says it did not have any concerns 'during or after the match.' A spokesman added: 'We feel like we won that match on the field and at this moment it will stay at that.' Asked if he had seen any evidence or had suspicions of match-fixing at the World Cup, former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier - a member of FIFA's technical support group - said: 'No, not at all.'

Pele has backed FIFA's stance on its decision to ban Luis Suarez from all football-related activity for four months. Suarez's World Cup ended in disgrace, shame and ignominy when the Uruguay striker was retrospectively punished for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini on 24 June. The ruling, which also saw Suarez banned from nine international matches and fined sixty five grand, was greeted with dismay, denial and paranoid accusations of conspiracy and gross unfairness in Uruguay. But with an appeal in the pipeline, Pele believes that the governing body was well within its rights to make an example of Suarez. Speaking at an event to promote G-Form shin guards, Pele said: 'If he was not sanctioned in this way, such incidents could be repeated. No player can do what Luis Suarez did. I believe that the punishment is fair. FIFA's decision is good and is correct because it sets an example.'

Day Twenty: Two Hours Of Your Life You'll Never Get Back

Angel Di Maria's extra-time winner carried Argentina into the World Cup quarter-finals after an unconvincing display against Switzerland. The two-time champions pretty much dominated possession in a turgid last-sixteen tie, but were unable to break through until Di Maria swept in Lionel Messi's pass. It really was a sodding dreadful game, dear blog reader, easily the worst of this superb tournament and bringing to mind Switzerland's game at the same stage against Ukraine in 2006, quite possibly the worst match in the history of the World Cup. Bar none. As in that game, it seemed that Switzerland had decided to play for penalties but, thanks to Di Maria's last gasp winner, we will never get the chance to find out whether they've improved on their wretched from the twelve yard spot which they demonstrated in that tie eight years ago when they also played for penalties, achieved their aim and then, promptly, missed all of their spot kicks. One almost has to admire forward planning like that, dear blog reader. One hundred and twenty minutes of sheer boredom this time around was, at least, enlivened in the final few minutes after the goal as the Switzerland defender Blerim Dzemaili headed against the Argentina post then prodded wide as the seconds ticked away. Argentina will now face Belgium in the last eight on Saturday. It was a remarkable conclusion to a match which saw Argentina, rated among the favourites to win the World Cup, produce yet another distinctly average performance. Real Madrid winger Di Maria was wasteful in promising positions throughout but kept his composure when it mattered most, coolly sweeping an angled shot into the bottom corner after Messi's pass found him advancing into the area. About forty thousand noisy, sweaty Argentina fans were estimated to be inside the Arena de Sao Paulo and Di Maria's late intervention sparked wild celebrations between players and fans. But it was a heartbreaking end for Switzerland and particularly their veteran coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, whose thirty one-year managerial career ended in such a cruel fashion. The sixty five-year-old German, who was twice voted World Coach of the Year, retires after winning nineteen major club trophies for Bayern München, Borussia Dortmund and Grasshoppers of Zurich. Argentina failed to find top form during the group stage as Messi's brilliance inspired them to three narrow victories against Bosnia-Hercegovina, Iran and Nigeria. And, they failed to impress again as Switzerland, who progressed as Group E runners-up with wins against Ecuador and Honduras, frustrated them for long periods. Hitzfeld appeared to have instructed his defence to sit deep and crowd out Argentina's attacking players, which worked perfectly as the South Americans dominated possession but had few clear-cut chances to show for it. Messi was regularly deprived of space in the first half by a host of red shirts. The Swiss offered little forward threat themselves, focusing more on keeping their shape. But just before the half-hour mark, it was Hitzfeld's side who created the best chances of the opening forty five minutes. Xherdan Shaqiri's cute cutback found Granit Xhaka, whose drilled shot was palmed clear by Sergio Romero. And the Argentina keeper then sprang quickly to his feet to block Stephan Lichtsteiner's long-range shot seconds later. It might have served as a warning for Argentina - but they failed to take notice. Shaqiri pinched possession to pick out Josip Drmic but, as an indecisive Romero decided to stay close to his goalline, the Swiss striker's weak attempt to chip him was easily gathered by the Argentine. Although the South Americans began to move the ball more quickly after the interval, only Messi looked capable of unlocking Switzerland's sturdy defence. The Barcelona star sent a vicious volley dipping over the crossbar before jinking into the penalty area shortly after, forcing Diego Benaglio to push out his low shot. Switzerland barely moved the ball out of their own half in the final twenty minutes as Messi continued to orchestrate Argentina's best attacking moves. But neither side could find a late winner as the match went into extra time - the fourth of seven second-round ties to do so. The European side stuck rigidly to their game plan in the additional half-hour, refusing to become more adventurous as penalties approached - before Di Maria finally netted with Argentina's twenty eighth effort at goal. Benaglio joined the Swiss attack in a frantic final few minutes and his side came desperately close to saving themselves when an unmarked Dzemaili headed down onto the foot of a post from inside the six-yard box, before jabbing a leg instinctively at the rebound. There was still time for Shaqiri to hit a free-kick into the wall before Argentina's bid for a third World Cup progressed to a quarter-final in Brasilia on Saturday.

Belgium's so-called 'golden generation' earned the chance to live up to their billing as they reached a first World Cup quarter-final for twenty eight years with an extra-time win over the USA in Salvador. This was another brilliant and breathless occasion and Belgium walked away as deserving winners but only after a performance of incredible spirit and bravery from the Merkins. As it was, Kevin de Bruyne scored the goal that finally broke USA resistance in the second minute of extra time at Arena Fonte Nova. Substitute Romelu Lukaku fired in a second eleven minutes later to apparently end the contest. But, like Algeria the day before, the US would not go quietly into that dark night. From nowhere they found hope with a goal from substitute Julian Green, who volleyed brilliantly past Thibaut Courtois. Jermaine Jones and Clint Dempsey then both had chances to take the match to penalties but neither was able to convert and extend the USA's dream. That Jurgen Klinsmann's men survived so long owed everything to an outstanding goalkeeping performance by Tim Howard, who made a record number of saves in a World Cup match. In front of him, his team-mates were simply outclassed. Belgium will now play Argentina in a mouth-watering quarter-final in Brasilia on Saturday. On this evidence, they will take some beating. This was a battle of flair against function. Belgium, with their jet-heeled forwards and unquestioned technical superiority, against the organisation and energy of the United States. Eden Hazard and Divock Origi were a pair of nuisances and their willingness to run at their opponents, and sheer athletic ability, caused the US problems throughout the one hundred and twenty minutes. Kevin De Bruyne scuffed two chances wide and sent a third straight at Howard as Klinsmann's side too often left themselves open to the counter-attack - Hazard, De Bruyne, Origi and Jan Vertonghen rampaged into wide open spaces in the US half. DaMarcus Beasley's vital interception then denied Marouane Felliani at the back post as Belgium took the game by the scruff of the neck. The US were reliant on Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey to create their best moments and the pair combined to test Courtois just before half-time. If the US had been second best in the first half, they hung on in the second. Belgium monopolised possession as the US dropped deeper and deeper. Toby Alderweireld was finding space down the right from where he delivered a cross that Origi headed onto the top of Howard's crossbar. Hazard went close with flick soon after, and the introduction of substitute Kevin Mirallas only reinforced Belgium's dominance. He scythed through the US defence, the ball running to Origi, whose shot was beaten away by Howard. Moments later, Howard was sprawling low to flick a shot away from Mirallas, his Everton team-mate, before Hazard drew another brilliant save. The veteran keeper was at it again soon after, tipping Origi's fierce shot over. Somehow, the US got over the line and into extra time - but the respite was brief. The introduction of Lukaku had an immediate impact. He burst down the right and although his cross-shot was blocked by Matt Besler, De Bruyne pounced on the loose ball, found a yard of space and shot unerringly into the far corner. De Bruyne then turned provider to find Chelsea striker, who turned the ball into the net with a brilliant finish at the near post. With the US apparently dead and buried, there was a twist in the tale. Green, on as a substitute, latched onto Bradley's floated pass and fired a stunning volley beyond Courtois with practically his first touch of the match. As late as it was, the US found new purpose. Jones poked just wide, before Dempsey found himself in possession eight yards out after a clever free-kick. The stadium held its breath but the American was denied by Courtois once more.

Netherlands midfielder Nigel de Jong has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2014 World Cup with a groin injury. De Jong was forced off nine minutes into the last 16 game against Mexico on Sunday which they won 2-1. The Dutch face Costa Rica in the quarter-finals on Saturday, but will be without the AC Milan midfielder who had played all three of their group games.

Day Nineteen: The Tough Get Going

France reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup as Paul Pogba's header and Joseph Yobo's own goal saw then brush past Nigeria in Brasilia. Nigeria's Emmanuel Emenike had a first-half goal ruled out for offside before Vincent Enyeama saved Pogba's volley. Victor Moses cleared Karim Benzema's shot off the line after the break whilst Yohan Cabaye volleyed against the bar. Pogba headed home after Enyeama's misjudgement before Yobo diverted Mathieu Valbuena's cross into the net. France will play Germany in the quarter-finals at the Maracana on Friday. The final scoreline was a touch harsh on Nigeria, who dominated for large parts of the second half, but late mistakes from their tiring players ensured they will have to wait for their first ever quarter-final appearance in a World Cup. France have pedigree in the knockout rounds having reached at least the semi-finals on the last five occasions they have progressed past the first round at the World Cup. Nigeria's last-sixteen preparations had been disrupted by a row over bonuses and, with their group victory over Bosnia-Hercegovina their only World Cup win in eleven matches, this tie was always going to prove a big ask. But, attacking with pace down the wings through both Moses and Ahmed Musa, The Super Eagles looked threatening early on. Only a flag for offside denied the powerful Emenike the opener, when he tapped home Musa's cross. Nigeria's goalkeeper Enyeama made the most saves of any goalkeeper in the group phase and had to be alert again to keep out Pogba's fierce close-range volley as the play swept from end to end in a first half that saw both sides look vulnerable defensively. Juventus's Pogba was being afforded a lot of space but, as was the case all over the pitch, the final ball was all too often wasteful with Mathieu Debuchy's shot wide the only other notable attempt in a half that promised more than it delivered. France, the 2006 runners-up, did not make it past the group stage in South Africa four years ago when they were a huge disappointment but they appear to be much more united as a squad in this tournament. That togetherness was needed as Nigeria controlled the opening stages of the second half and only a sharp stop from Hugo Lloris prevented Peter Odemwingie's low shot from giving the Africans the lead. Against the run of play Benzema almost gave France the lead. The Real Madrid striker played a neat one-two with Antoine Griezmann before seeing his shot partially blocked by Enyeama and then hacked off the line by Moses. The introduction of Griezmann for Olivier Giroud saw France emerge more as an attacking force, with Benzema playing more centrally and the breakthrough came when Pogba headed into an empty net after Enyeama had misjudged Valbuena's corner. And, as Nigeria pushed for a leveller, Joseph Yobo flicked Valbuena's low cross into his own net on the day he surpassed Jay-Jay Okocha's record of nine World Cup matches for The Super Eagles.

Germany survived a huge test of their World Cup title credentials to see off underdogs Algeria in extra time. The three-time champions lacked urgency throughout the ninety minutes and frequently looked rattled as an enterprising Algeria side wasted a succession of chances in an open, exciting encounter, before André Schürrle finished from close range early in the first additional period. Mesut Özil drilled in to double their lead and although Abdelmoumene Djabou volleyed home to ensure a frantic end, a relieved Germany held on and will take on the French in Rio on Friday. The result looked inevitable once a hugely impressive Algeria side began to tire, but Joachim Löw's men will have to improve dramatically if they are to secure a first World Cup since 1990. Germany are into the last eight for the seventeenth time in eighteen World Cup appearances, but they lacked the fluency and cutting edge that has seen them installed among the tournament favourites. This blogger can't remember the last time he watched a German side that gave the ball away anywhere near as much and looked so defensively nervous. There were times in the match when, genuinely, they looked like a group of players who barely knew each other rather than a team which included seven men from the same club side. Algeria could not mark their first experience of the knockout stage with a win, meaning Africa's representation in Brazil is over, but they depart with immense credit for a superb campaign. The build-up was dominated by talk of them seeking revenge for 1982, when West Germany's convenient 1-0 win against Austria saw them both reach the second round at Algeria's expense. With a five-one-three-one formation and five changes to their starting line-up that saw playmaker Yacine Brahimi drop to the bench, The Desert Foxes appeared to be set up defensively. But after an early spell of German pressure, they went in search of a shock lead and almost found it. Manuel Neuer made a vital challenge on Islam Slimani after Faouzi Ghoulam's ball up the left wing eluded Per Mertesacker, and it subsequently took an important tackle from The Arse centre-half to deny the same man. Sofiane Feghouli then sliced through the Germany back line only to miscue his cross from a brilliant position, Slimani's diving header was correctly disallowed for offside and Ghoulam steamed through on the left but lashed his finish across goal and wide. Germany eventually managed to exert an influence - Özil's misdirected cross was tipped over the bar, Thomas Müller headed wide and keeper Rais Mbolhi spilled an Özil drive - but Algeria refused to sit back and Mehdi Mostefa was the latest to come close with a strike that was deflected wide. Mbolhi made a magnificent double save from Toni Kroos and Mario Götze as Germany finished the half well, but it was no surprise when Götze was replaced by Schürrle at the break. The big question was whether Algeria would maintain their intensity or be punished for their missed chances and the answer nearly arrived when Schürrle's first effort was deflected narrowly off target, before Shkodran Mustafi headed at Mbolhi and the goalkeeper pulled off a fine save from Philipp Lahm's shot. Algeria responded by tightening up at the back and attempting to pounce on the counter-attack. Neuer was forced to operate as an auxiliary sweeper as Slimani escaped the German centre-backs, while Feghouli drilled wide and then Slimani lashed powerfully at Neuer. At the other end, Mbolhi made another stunning stop from Müller's header while Esseid Belkalem and Ghoulam cleared off the line from Schurrle and Benedikt Höwedes respectively. Algeria were visibly tiring and after Muller and Bastian Schweinsteiger threatened a winner late in the ninety minutes, Schürrle finally broke the deadlock in the opening moments of extra time. Müller crossed low from the left for the Moscow Chelski forward to dispatch with an improvised finish. It was the fourteenth of Germany's last twenty four World Cup goals that Müller has been directly involved it. Özil rammed in a second before substitute Djabou converted from Feghouli's cross, but there was no time to find another goal for the plucky North Africans.

Liverpool Alabama Yee-Haws striker Luis Suarez has - finally - apologised to Giorgio Chiellini for the bite that earned him a nine-match and four-month ban from football. The Uruguayan was suspended from all football for biting Italy's Chiellini. 'The truth is that my colleague Giorgio Chiellini suffered the physical result of a bite in the collision he suffered with me,' said Suarez in a statement. Suarez had previously claimed that he lost his balance and did not bite Chiellini. So, that appears to have been nothing but a lie, then. It is his third career ban for biting after incidents with Moscow Chelski's Branislav Ivanovic while at Liverpool in April 2013, and PSV's Otman Bakkal while at Ajax in 2010. 'I deeply regret what occurred,' added Suarez. 'I apologise to Giorgio Chiellini and the entire football family. I vow to the public that there will never again be another incident like this.' Chiellini had himself called the ban 'excessive', while, in his written submission to FIFA, Suarez had claimed: 'I lost my balance, making my body unstable and falling on top of my opponent.' Suarez will miss the first nine games of the Premier League season and return to football on 26 October. He will have missed a total of thirty nine matches because of biting offences by the time he serves his latest suspension, having been banned for ten games after the Ivanovic incident. Despite the incident in Brazil, Barcelona remain keen to sign the forward. Uruguay's President Jose Mujica has called football's world governing body FIFA 'a bunch of old sons of bitches' over Suarez's four-month ban. The seventy nine-year-old described the punishment as 'a fascist ban.' The president covered his mouth to feign shock at what he had said, but told journalists to 'publish it' when asked if he wanted to rectify his remarks. Mujica admitted that Suarez deserved to be disciplined, but said that his suspension was too harsh. 'They could have punished him, but not given him this fascist ban,' he said.

Brazil press officer Rodrigo Paiva has been provisionally suspended by FIFA following an incident with Chile player Mauricio Pinilla during Saturday's World Cup last-sixteen match. The communications officer will miss Friday's game with Colombia pending the outcome of FIFA's investigation into an alleged punch he threw at Pinilla at half-time. 'I defended myself when he came near me. I reacted by shoving him,' he said.

Day Eighteen: Mexican Standoff

Netherlands produced an astonishing late comeback to rescue their World Cup dream and deny Mexico a first quarter-final in twenty eight years. Substitute Klass-Jan Hunterlaar scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in injury time after Arjen Robben was tripped by the Mexican captain Rafael Marquez. They had equalised in the eighty eighth minute through Wesley Sneijder's thumping strike from the edge of the penalty area and with extra time beckoning, Robben won Louis van Gaal's side the spot-kick that took them into the quarter-finals. It was a heartbreaking moment for the Mexicans, who had gone ahead just after half-time through Giovanni Dos Santos, the former Stottingtot Hotshots and Barcelona player, who fired in from twenty five yards with a memorable strike. At the final whistle at Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza, Mexico's players fell to the ground, unable to grasp how the game had slipped away from them. For long periods they had out-thought and out-fought their more celebrated European opponents as the Dutch appeared to wilt in the stifling heat. This is the sixth successive World Cup that Mexico have lost in the second round dating back to 1994. The heat was a significant factor throughout. The spiralling temperatures, which reached 38.8c, meant that FIFA allowed two 'cooling breaks' to take place. In parts of the stadium, fans struggled to take their seats because they were in direct sunlight, preferring to stand at the back and watch from an area of shade. On the field there was no hiding place for either side. Mexico played with courage and cohesion, tempo and tenacity. They had the better of the first half, with Hector Herrera and the excellent Miguel Layun a constant thorn in the Netherlands' side. Carlos Salcido tested goalkeeper Jasper Cillissen from distance, while Dos Santos forced another good save from a narrow angle. The Netherlands were struggling in the conditions. Mexico looked more ambitious, more attack-minded. Van Gaal's side sat deep, defended in numbers, sometimes with a back seven and looked happy to rely on the attacking brilliance of Robin van Persie and Robben. It was a plan which, ultimately, paid off though not until very late on. It was not until the second half that the Netherlands side found their rhythm but, by then, they were behind. As in the first, Mexico began the second half with a bang - Dos Santos gathered the ball thirty yards out, held off Daley Blind and thumped a wonderful left-foot shot into the bottom corner on the turn. The celebrations rumbled around Estadio Castelao. Mexico might have had another soon after as Marquez headed over from a corner. Van Gaal moved away from a back five and pushed substitute Memphis Depay into a more attacking midfield role. It almost paid off but the brilliance of Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa kept them at bay. Robben's corner was flicked on by Stefan De Vrij but the Mexico goalkeeper reacted instinctively to push the ball against the post and to safety. The Dutch came forward in wave after wave of attacks and Robben felt he had won a penalty when he went to ground under a challenge by Layun but the referee waved play on. Ron Vlaar headed a Robben corner over the bar as time ticked on. Just as the Dutch looked out on their feet, Sneijder rescued them, pouncing on a loose ball that had run back from a corner and firing an unerring shot low beyond Ochoa to change the game. With thirty minutes of extra time looking likely, Robben raced into the right-hand edge of the penalty area. Marquez stuck out a boot and the Bayern München player went to ground. Hunterlaar kept his cool and converted the spot kick to put the Netherlands through.

Costa Rica are into the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time in their history after beating Greece 5-3 in a penalty shootout in Recife. Sokratis Papastathopoulos - the man with the most Greek name in history - had scored an injury-time equaliser for Greece which cancelled out Bryan Ruiz's side-footed opener and sent the game into extra time. Costa Rica, down to ten men for almost an hour after Oscar Duarte's bone-thick dismissal, scored their first four spot-kicks. Theofanis Gekas missed for Greece, and Michael Umana settled the tie. It means the Central American side - surprise qualifiers from a group containing England, Italy and Uruguay - go through to face the Netherlands on Saturday for a place in the semi-finals as their unlikely run at the World Cup continues. Dimitris Salpingidis had the best chance of a turgid first half but his close-range volley from a fine Jose Holebas cross was saved by the legs of Costa Rica's Keylor Navas - the first of several crucial interventions by the Levante keeper. Christian Bolanos had already sent a half-chance over the bar for Costa Rica while Greece's Giorgos Karagounis saw a long-range effort comfortably saved as erratic passing meant chances were a rarity. Greece started the second half well with Giorgos Samaras heading a Holebas cross straight at Navas from six yards. But it was Costa Rica who broke the deadlock with their first shot on target. Poor Bloody Fulham's Ruiz, who spent the latter part of last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven, converted from the edge of the area, placing a precise side-foot shot into the corner of the goal after a Bolanos pass from the left found him in space. The Central Americans were incensed not to be given the chance to double their lead after Greek defender Vasilis Torosidis appeared to handle in the box and then, to compound matters, lost Duarte when he, stupidly, brought down Holebas to pick up a second yellow card. Although the game opened up as a result of the dismissal, neither side was able to create a clear opening until the final minute of the game when Papastathopoulos found the net with a scuffed shot from inside the box after Navas had parried Gekas's shot into his path. The goal, Papastathopoulos's first in international football, sparked wild celebrations on the Greek bench and they might even have won it in what remained of normal time but Navas superbly tipped Kostas Mitroglou's bullet header over the bar. Greece had further half-chances through Gekas and Kostas Katsouranis before a golden opportunity to win it arrived in the second half of extra time. They broke upfield from a Costa Rica corner and found themselves with a five-two advantage, the ball eventually finding its way to Lazaros Christodoulopoulos - but once again Navas responded agilely to turn the strike away for a corner. And Costa Rica had their keeper to thank yet again as he saved Mitroglou's late half-volley from six yards in the last seconds of extra time. There was to be further drama before the penalties had even begun as Greece manager Fernando Santos was sent off for getting aal stroppy and discombobulated. The first seven spot-kicks were confidently dispatched before Navas made his final and decisive contribution, saving from Gekas and leaving Umana to put Costa Rica through.

An England supporter reportedly had a piece of his ear bitten off by another England fan at the World Cup in Brazil. The alleged assault happened during England's match against Uruguay in Sao Paulo on 19 June, British police deployed to the tournament have said. Local officers started an investigation after the fan made a complaint but the assailant has not been identified. Confirmation of the incident came after radio pundit Stan Collymore tweeted that he had seen footage of 'a fan attacked.' Six British police officers have travelled to Brazil for the tournament. Their role is to offer support and advice to Brazilian police and local authorities as well as overseeing the thousands of England fans who travelled to the country. The Association of Chief Police Officers issued a statement following Collymore's tweet. Chief Supt Rachel Barber said that her officers were made aware during the match 'that an incident had taken place which resulted in an England fan having a portion of his ear bitten off by another England fan.' She added: 'In the immediate aftermath, we managed to make contact with the victim and offered advice and support. The day after the attack, the victim chose to make a formal complaint to the local police and they opened an investigation. During the course of our pursuit of the assailant, we located and interviewed several witnesses. They were very helpful in giving their version of events, but, unfortunately they were unable to give us a name for the alleged attacker.' She said that officers observed supporters at England's final match against Costa Rica on 24 June in Belo Horizonte 'but it appears he did not travel to that game. Efforts are ongoing to identify the suspect and bring him to justice either in the UK or, if possible, back in Brazil where the offence occurred,' she added. A Foreign Office spokesman said: 'We are aware of an incident in Sao Paulo on 19 June involving a British national and we provided consular assistance.'

Algeria coach Vahid Halilhodzic refused to divulge which of his Muslim players are observing Ramadan ahead of Monday's World Cup second round meeting with Germany. The thirty-day dawn-to-dusk fast began on Sunday and Halilhodzic bristled at a routine question about the subject in his pre-match news conference. 'This is a private matter and when you ask this you lack respect and ethics,' said the Bosnian. 'The players will do as they wish and I would like to stop this controversy.' Ramadan is mandatory for Muslims and one of the five pillars of Islam, although there are exemptions for the sick, pregnant, infirm or elderly. Individuals who are travelling or going to war are also permitted to avoid it and this is the provision under which most athletes will delay the fast until a more suitable time. It is an issue that Halilhodzic did not take kindly to being quizzed about, adding: 'Ramadan is here and I read in some Algerian newspapers criticisms about me, about my image, about my honour. They are trying to raise hatred against Vahid, against my family, and this is really disgusting. It is not the first time I have Muslim players in my team, I myself am a Muslim, and I've always left them totally free. This is a private issue - it has to do with private freedom of expression. Those who continue criticising our team and my actions, I think it's shameful. But I will continue [as coach], I will continue working with this team. I'm sorry that you continue criticising what I do. Stop asking me about Ramadan, otherwise I will get up and leave.'

France coach Didier Deschamps welcomes back midfielder Yohan Cabaye from suspension for their second round tie with Nigeria. Mathieu Valbuena could also return to the starting line-up but defender Mamadou Sakho is doubtful due to a thigh injury. Nigerian forward Victor Moses missed the Argentina game with a muscular injury and faces a fitness test. Winger Michael Babatunde is out after his wrist was fractured by a shot from team-mate Ogenyi Onazi.

Day Seventeen: Penalties!

Brazil secured a dramatic penalty shootout win against Chile to reach the last eight and set up an all-South American quarter-final against Colombia. Goalkeeper Julio Cesar was the hero, making two crucial spot-kick saves, to thwart a relentless Chile side who were denied victory themselves by the woodwork with seconds to spare in extra time. That the hosts came as close as they did to making an unexpected exit in Belo Horizonte had a nation of more than two hundred million people holding its breath. Cesar, who made just one appearance for Queens Park Strangers last season and went on loan to FC Toronto, redeemed an error he made which cost Brazil dear in the quarter-finals against The Netherlands in 2010. He saved from Mauricio Pinilla and Alexis Sanchez as Brazil went on to win a tense shootout three-two. Gonzalo Jara hit a post with the decisive spot-kick to prompt wild celebrations inside the Estadio Mineirao - and across the rest of the nation. David Luiz and Marcelo had converted their efforts for Brazil, but with Willian and Hulk missing theirs, it fell to the hosts' star striker Neymar to step up under intense pressure and calmly slot home what proved the winning kick. Luiz had earlier put the hosts in front, only for the hugely impressive Alexis Sanchez to equalise. Hulk then had a strike disallowed for handball by referee Howard Webb - fairly, as it turned out but, but much to the geet stroppy anger of the home fans. Pinilla also hit the crossbar for Chile in the final minute of extra time. A high-tempo and high-quality first half, was followed by a more sedate second period which always suggested extra time might follow. Brazil's fans roared with relief while Chile were defeated, yet with their reputation as one of the game's most dangerous sides significantly enhanced. Having never lost to La Roja on home soil and having beaten them on all three of their previous World Cup meetings, Brazil arrived with history on their side. Chile earned a two-two draw at the same venue last year but that was one of only two encounters in which they avoided defeat since last beating Brazil fourteen years ago. The noise in the stadium before before kick-off was astonishing, swathes of yellow dominating the pockets of red, and the atmosphere only intensified when Fernandinho went in late on Charles Aranguiz and the Chile midfielder and team-mate Gary Medel responded in kind by kicking Neymar up a height. After Webb turned down a penalty appeal at either end, Brazil soon took control and were rewarded for their pressure when Neymar's corner was flicked on by captain Thiago Silva and steered into the net by what appeared to be a combination of Luiz and Chile defender Jara. Brazil's main threat was once again Neymar, the twenty two-year-old dragging a shot wide after racing towards goal and then being sent flying by Arturo Vidal's reckless challenge. Luiz Felipe Scolari had warned his side they could not afford to make any mistakes in the knockout stage and he would have been furious with the way Chile were allowed back into contention. Hulk's poor control from Marcelo's throw-in gifted possession to Eduardo Vargas and he quickly found Sanchez in the penalty area to drill a low finish across Cesar. Brazil worked hard to regain the lead but the half ended with the hosts frantically scrambling to deny Aranguiz after carelessness from Luiz Gustavo. The second half felt comparatively subdued compared to the frantic pace of the first until Webb's big call arrived, with Hulk judged to have controlled a pass with his arm before beating Bravo. It was a tough and unpopular decision but seemed, on the basis of television replays, to be the correct one. It must also have severely pissed-off Guy Mowbray commentating for the BBC who had, clearly, waited all tournament to have the opportunity to say 'Hulk! Incredible!' only to then see the goal disallowed. Don't get him angry, Mister Mowbray. You wouldn't like him when he's angry. A period of Chile pressure ensued as Cesar superbly denied Aranguiz from close range. Former Sheikh Yer Man City striker Jo replaced the once again ineffectual Fred and might have made a quick impact, but failed to connect with Hulk's cross. Bravo did well to repel a Neymar header and Hulk's powerful, ahem, smash, before again thwarting the much-improved Hulk in the first period of extra time. Scolari played his final card by introducing Moscow Chelski's Willian for a disappointing Oscar, but the weary Chileans - for whom the excellent Medel was carried off on a stretcher in tears - switched from an aggressive three-one-four-two formation to a defensive five-one-three-one and appeared intent on holding on for penalties. They could, however, have snatched the most incredible of winners when substitute Pinilla rattled the bar powerfully in the final minute. Penalties would be needed and Brazil held their nerve to make the last eight as Chile's arse fell out at and their bottle went at the most unfortunate of times.

But as one South American surprise package left the tournament they had so lit up, another just kept on going. James Rodriguez confirmed his status as the World Cup's newest star with a virtuoso display as Colombia took advantage of mad bitey Luis Suarez's absence to beat a poor Uruguay in Rio. As the controversial Liverpool Alabama Yee-Haws striker watched back in Uruguay after being banned for biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini, twenty two-year-old Rodriguez elevated his name alongside Brazil hero Neymar and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi. Suarez had been crucial to Uruguay's progress to the last sixteen but Oscar Tabarez's side were struggling against the odds once FIFA imposed a nine-match international ban and four-month suspension from all football-related activity on their star striker. If one superstar had left the stage, another has emerged as Monaco's Rodriguez volleyed arguably the goal of the tournament in the first half then crowned a superb team move for the second. In the absence of the injured Radamel Falcao, Rodriguez has become Colombia's new pin-up and is making his mark on the global stage as the tournament's current top-scorer with five goals. His side will now meet hosts Brazil in the quarter-final in Fortaleza on Friday - and have shown they have the capacity to wreck the hopes of the host nation. He may not have been inside the Maracana but Suarez was here in spirit as Uruguay fans showed their solidarity with the shamed striker, sporting masks, brandishing flags of support and ensuring the game kicked off to the sound of his name. But, for all Tabarez's bold talk of using a perceived injustice to inspire his team, they simply never coped without Suarez's brilliance and Colombia's victory was thoroughly merited. After the heat of the off-field debate, the game itself was actually threatening an anti-climax until the magical intervention of Rodriguez before the half-hour delivered yet another moment to illuminate this World Cup. Rodriguez was aware enough to glance over his shoulder and check his own position and that of Uruguay keeper Fernando Muslera before cushioning a header on his chest and striking a stunning twenty five-yard left-foot volley in off the bar. It was the most perfect combination of technique and talent, drawing gasps from around the iconic stadium when it was replayed on the four giant screens that hang from the roof of the vast bowl. If his first goal was a testimony to his individual ability, the second five minutes after half-time was an illustration of Colombia's combination of talent and teamwork. After a period of possession, Pablo Armero's cross found Juan Cuadrado, who showed great athleticism to guide his header into the path of Rodriguez, who made no mistake from eight yards. Uruguay responded but their World Cup was over - although Maximiliano Pereira and Edinson Cavani forced fine saves from Colombia keeper David Ospina. Rodriguez was removed in the closing minutes to conserve energy for the meeting with Brazil. He will pose a serious threat to Luiz Felipe Scolari's side - as will a highly impressive Colombia.

Day Sixteen: Dog Day Afternoons

Today, at the World Cup, there was no football. Not a sausage. Bugger all. Shit, it was boring.

Meanwhile Luis Suarez's grandmother, Lila Piriz Da Rosa, has claimed that her grandson has been 'treated like a dog' by FIFA after he was thrown out of the World Cup for the third biting incident of his professional career. Not, perhaps, the most sensible of similes to use in this case since a dog that bites people usually gets humanely killed. Suarez only got a four month ban. A necessary difference, one feels.

Day Fifteen: Thou Shalt Not Bite Thy Neighbour's Back

Naughty little scallywag Luis Suarez has been suspended from 'all football-related activity' for four months for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini. Whether that includes watching matches on telly, doing keepy-ups in the garden on his own or playing Subbuteo is not, at this time, entirely clear. The Liverpool Alabama Yee-Haws player has also been banned for nine international matches for Uruguay, ruling him out of the rest of the 2014 World Cup. He will also miss the first nine games of the Premier League season and the opening rounds of both the Champions League and the Capital One Cup. The incident occurred during Tuesday in the Group D game, which Uruguay won to qualify for the last sixteen. Suarez has also been fined one hundred thousand Swiss francs. The ban is the largest in World Cup history, beating the eight games given to Italy's Mauro Tassotti for elbowing Spain's Luis Enrique in 1994. 'Such behaviour cannot be tolerated on any football pitch and, in particular, not at a FIFA World Cup when the eyes of millions of people are on the stars on the field,' Claudio Sulser, chairman of the FIFA disciplinary committee, said in a statement. Suarez's first match back for Liverpool Alabama Yee-Haws could be in round four of the Capital One Cup, with matches due to take place in the week commencing 27 October. Suarez has now been found guilty of biting three opponents during his career. He was banned for ten games for biting Moscow Chelski FC's Branislav Ivanovic during a Premier League match in 2013 and was also suspended for seven games for biting PSV Eindhoven's Otman Bakkal in 2010 when he was playing for Ajax. His ban includes 'all football-relate activity', including presumably, training. He also had a total worldwide stadium ban for the same four month period. Under the terms of the ban, Suarez is prohibited from entering the confines of any stadium during the period of his suspension, even just for a look around. FIFA, however, did stop short of telling him that he must sit in silence and 'think about what he's done.' However, Liverpool would not be prevented from selling the player this summer should they decide to offload him to another club. Uruguay say that they will appeal, calling it an 'excessive decision' for which 'there was not enough evidence.'

Thomas Müller was, once again, the difference as Germany qualified as winners of Group G with victory over the United States, who also reached the last sixteen. The Bayern München forward scored his ninth World Cup goal in as many games to give Germany a routine win at a rain-soaked Arena Pernambuco in Recife. The rate at which Müuller is scoring in World Cup games is matched only by Pele, who also found the net nine times in his first nine matches in the tournament. The twenty four-year-old German is now just six goals behind the all-time scoring record, which is jointly held by Müller's team-mate, Miroslav Klose and former Brazilian striker Ronaldo. This was a frustrating afternoon for the United States and their travelling army of fans. They failed to force Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to make any save of note but nevertheless their qualification was assured by Portugal's 2-1 victory over Ghana in Brasilia. The US will now travel to Salvador to take on the much-fancied Belgians on Tuesday. Germany will play Algeria, the runners up of Group H in Porto Alegre on Monday. Before the game, much had been made of the suggestion that both sides might play for a convenient draw that would take each of them through. But with US coach Jürgen Klinsmann, who previously managed Germany, facing off against his protégé Joachim Löw, neither team took a backward step from the first whistle. Germany, playing their familiar passing game at a patient tempo, carved out a series of early chances. On three occasions defender Jérôme Boateng found space wide on the right flank and fizzed fierce low crosses into the penalty area, while The Arse's Mesut Özil came closest to scoring, stepping away from Matt Besler's challenge to test the Merkins goalkeeper Tim Howard. Germany had to wait until the fifty fifth minute to make the breakthrough, however, having seen Özil and substitute Klose go, ahem, closer It was a cross by the former that created the goal with The Arse team-mate Per Mertesacker heading powerfully at goal and forcing Howard to push the ball into the path of Müller, who scored. The United States did show spells that suggest they will not be easy to beat in this tournament. Michael Bradley was at the heart of their best work, setting the tone with his tenacity in the tackle and his ability to keep possession under intense pressure. The Toronto midfielder created the USA's best chance of the game, finding Kansas City forward Graham Zusi, whose shot curled narrowly over the bar, but Bradley's touch let him down just as a shooting opportunity presented itself moments before half-time. The midfielder allowed his frustrations to get the better of him as he caught Müller with his studs raised and was fortunate to escape a booking. After half-time the USA improved. Alejandro Bedoya saw a shot blocked after a fluent move down the USA right, while Clint Dempsey headed just over late on. And although Germany closed out the game, when the result was confirmed in Brasilia, the Merkins also, ultimately, had something to celebrate.

Cristiano Ronaldo's second-half winner gave Portugal a 2-1 victory over Ghana, but the result means that neither team progress to the World Cup's last sixteen and Ronaldo left the field scowling all over his miserable boat race. Which was funny. Ghana defender John Boye gifted Portugal the lead when he turned a cross into his own net, but Asamoah Gyan headed in an equaliser. Ronaldo capitalised on a poor clearance to sweep home and give Portugal hope. But they could not find the three more goals they needed to prevent the United States advancing on goal difference. Which was very funny. Ronaldo's goal was his first in what was ultimately a disappointing tournament for a player who had scored fifty one times in forty seven appearances for Real Madrid last season. The twenty nine-year-old, who has suffered from knee and thigh injuries, failed to replicate the influence he had at club level as Portugal lost heavily in their opening group game against Germany, before a draw with USA left them needing to win by a large scoreline against Ghana to progress. While Portugal's problems have solely been on the pitch, Ghana's preparations were hampered by chaos behind the scene. Midfielders Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng were expelled from the squad for alleged indiscipline - although Muntari would have missed the Portugal game anyway through suspension after picking up yellow cards in their first two games - while players had even threatened to boycott the Portugal fixture because of a row over appearance fees. Muntari and Boateng were expelled for alleged indiscipline. A statement on the Ghana Football Association website claimed that both players had 'been suspended indefinitely.' It added that Boateng had used 'vulgar verbal insults targeted at coach Kwesi Appiah', while Muntari delivered an 'unprovoked physical attack on an executive committee member.'

Ten-man Belgium beat South Korea to top their World Cup group and set up a second round tie against the United States. South Korea needed a win from the game so the onus was on them to attack and they were helped when Steven Defour was sent off for a reckless, studs-up tackle on Kim Shin-Wook. A Son Heung-Min cross struck the face of the Belgium crossbar but the Asian side struggled to create chances. And Jan Vertonghen scored The Red Devils' winner when he slotted in after a Divock Origi shot was parried. Belgium have been criticised for a lack of flair so far in the tournament, but there is little question about their resilience as they have let in just one goal in three games and are unbeaten in their last thirteen competitive matches. Their victory - the first time The Red Devils have won three group games at a World Cup - eliminated a Korean side who lacked a cutting edge to go with their endeavour. South Korea boss Hong Myung-Bo apologised to his country's fans after their 4-2 defeat by Algeria in their previous match and his side began with the greater urgency in Sao Paulo. However, Hong's side might have conceded a spot-kick when Kim Young-Gwon cynically blocked Anthony Vanen Borre in an offence which began outside the box and continued inside the penalty area. And despite all South Korea's early effort they should have gone behind when a Kevin Mirallas shot broke for Dries Mertens, only for the Belgium midfielder to sidefoot high from eight yards with just the keeper to beat. Hong's side tried to respond, with Ki Sung-Yeung's twenty five-yarder being turned around the post by keeper Thibaut Courtois. From the resulting corner a header back across goal came off Belgium defender Nicolas Lombaerts before being hacked off the line by Defour. That was almost the last action of the match for Defour as he was soon sent off for a dangerous studs-up tackle which caught Kim on his shin. With South Korea having the numerical advantage Hong brought on forward Lee Keunho for midfielder Han Kook-Young at half-time. The substitute striker almost had an immediate impact as he had a shot blocked before heading a cross over, while a Son cross struck the face of the crossbar. South Korea's need to attack left them exposed at the back and Belgium took advantage. Origi had looked lively for Belgium after coming on as a substitute and, after his twenty-yard strike being parried by keeper Kim Seung-Gyu, Vertonghen reacted quickest to slot in the winner.

Algeria came from behind to draw with Russia and reach the World Cup last sixteen for the first time. Yer actual Fabio Capello saw his Russia side take an early lead when an unmarked Aleksandr Kokorin headed in from Dmitri Kombarov's left-wing cross. But Algeria grabbed an equaliser in the second half as Islam Slimani converted from Yacine Brahimi's free-kick. Russia could not score a winning goal as Algeria held on to secure a historically fascinating tie with Germany in the second round on Monday. However, the North Africans' equaliser was a controversial one as television pictures showed a laser from the crowd had been shone in the face of Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev moments before the goal. Nevertheless, the CSKA Moscow custodian will be unhappy with the concession as he came off his line to try to intercept Brahimi's delivery but failed to get there ahead of Slimani. The goalkeeper had also made a costly error in his side's opening 1-1 draw with South Korea as he let a shot from Lee Keun-Ho slip through his fingers and into the net. So, like as not, it'll be off to the salt mines with him when he gets back home. Those dropped points proved decisive as Algeria, who failed to advance past the first phase in 1982, 1986 and 2010, joined Group H winners Belgium in the next round. Capello had guided England into the last sixteen in South Africa four years ago - in the most depressingly awful manner imaginable - but his Russia side failed to win any of their three group games in Brazil. They only found the net twice and did not have the cutting edge to score another against the Algerians, despite piling on the pressure in the closing stages. The Russians - who will host the 2018 finals - knew a victory would put them through to the second round and they made a perfect start as they took the lead in the sixth minute. Viktor Fayzulin released Kombarov and his cross was met by Kokorin, who powered a header from twelve yards past goalkeeper Rais M'bolhi. Algeria fought their way back into the game, but Akinfeev saved weak efforts from Djamel Mesbah and Brahimi and was also well placed to block Slimani's powerful header from close range. Russia almost doubled their lead three minutes into the second half, but Aleksandr Samedov was denied by M'bolhi after linking up with Kokorin. But Slimani, who scored in Algeria's impressive 4-2 victory against South Korea on Sunday, equalised on the hour with what turned out to be the most important goal in their history. Russia pushed forward in a desperate attempt to get the goal that would have taken them into the last 16 for the first time since the break-up of the old Soviet Union. Their best chance fell to Aleksandr Kerzhakov, but his low attempt was saved by M'bolhi as Algeria held on for a historic result. 'The goalkeeper was unable to do his job. The laser beam was in his face,' said Capello after the match. 'He was blinded by the laser beam. It is not an excuse. There are pictures and you can see that in the footage.' Capello, who confronted the officials at the end of the match, has now only won one of his seven games at two World Cups. Asked whether he would stay in charge of Russia, Capello replied: 'If they still want me, yes.'

Yer man Danny Baker has criticised the amount of former footballers as pundits currently on TV. The broadcaster described football punditry as 'a bogus science' and said that the type of contributors on the BBC and ITV at this year's World Cup are not reflecting the interests of fans. Baker - who presents a World Cup show on BT Sport - told Radio Times: 'Anyone who takes football in any degree seriously and treats it like a science that we study - mainly the people who sit on sofas on mainstream television like Mount Rushmore and pore over this stuff like Nostradamus like you can predict it, are wrong. It's the same old thing. Football punditry is the most bogus science. You know, [England] are not the best team in the world, but it is very hard to say consistently who is. Football's chaos. If we played the World Cup again next week, we probably wouldn't get the same results and we might do well. You cannot predict it.' Talking about ex-footballers dominating the TV line-ups, he said: 'It's not really about four-five-ones and all these terrible things journalists and ex-pros go on about. And that's the trouble with too many ex-pros doing football coverage. They'd rather have someone who can barely speak English just because they're an inspirational ex-footballer than someone who can enlighten and entertain. It is an extraordinary closed club.' However, he praised Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker, describing him as 'one of the best broadcasters in the world', but that he 'sometimes gets saddled with people who don't match the energy of the games.' Baker added that footballers have criticised professional broadcasters who have never played the sport, responding: 'They're quite willing to walk into my industry and assume they can do that.' He said: 'I think having exclusively footballers punditing football matches makes as much sense as having actors review films. As far as I know, the BBC doesn't have actors reviewing films because they used to be in them, but that applies to football for some reason, you know. It makes as much sense as replacing Mark Kermode with Tim Roth.'

Alberto Zaccheroni has quit as Japan coach after his side failed to reach the last sixteen. The Italian, who replaced Takeshi Okada in 2010, had said originally he would wait until he returned to Japan before considering his future. Zaccheroni's side finished bottom of Group C and collected just one point.