Salem-News.com Fifa World Cup articles Page 2

Netherlands First Team Into Round of 16 With 3-2 Win

Australia was the best team in a first half that was illuminated by two outstanding goals.

(RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil) - The Netherlands have put one foot in the Round of 16 with a fantastically entertaining 3-2 win over Australia at the Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre.

The Socceroos, for their part, now stand on the brink of elimination despite an excellent performance, and the fate of both teams will be confirmed should Chile win or draw against Spain in Wednesday's second Group B encounter.

World Cup Attack in Nigeria Kills 13, Including Small Children

The Nigerian government has advised people to avoid gathering in public to watch the World Cup, concerned about potential attacks.

(ABUJA, Nigeria) - At least 13 people were killed and 20 injured after a bomb tore through a venue in the northeast Nigerian town of Damaturu where fans had gathered to watch a World Cup match.

Some people at the scene told Reuters an attacker dropped a device in front of the venue on Tuesday night in the town of Damaturu and ran off, while others said it was the work of a suicide bomber.

Mexico Shocks Host Brazil with 0-0 Draw

Brazil, now on four points after two games, take on Cameroon in their third and final group game on June 23 in Brasilia

(RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil) - Mexico, who suffered through a disastrous qualifying campaign in the CONCACAF zone, were inspired against Brazil in Fortaleza and earned a 0-0 draw against the much-fancied hosts.

The Estadio Castelao crowd was treated to one of the most entertaining goalless draws in FIFA World Cup history as Mexican goalkeeper Memo Ochoa put in a performance for the ages.

Belgium Rallies to Defeat Algeria, 2-1

Belgium had began the match as overwhelming favorite's - considered even as dark horses for the trophy.

(RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil) - Second-half goals from substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens enabled Belgium to come from behind and beat Algeria 2-1 in their Group H opener.

There was as much relief as joy for Marc Wilmots' side at Belo Horizonte's Estadio Mineirao, although they ultimately merited a win that had looked unlikely until the coach began shuffling his pack.

USA Gets Revenge on Ghana with 2-1 Victory

USA lost starting center-forward Jozy Altidore - stretchered off with a serious looking injury.

(RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil) - A first-minute goal by Clint Dempsey and a late winner from substitute John Brooks helped USA avenge their 2010 exit to Ghana with a 2-1 victory over the Black Stars in Natal.

The hard-fought win leaves Jurgen Klinsmann's side second to Germany only on goal difference in Group G, while Ghana are left alongside Portugal without a point to their name.

Switzerland Shocks Ecuador With Late Goal

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(RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil) - Switzerland secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ecuador in the latest turnaround of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, with Haris Seferovic scoring in stoppage-time after Enner Valencia and Admir Mehmedi looked to have secured a point for both sides.

It was a cagey start from the Group E sides, but the Swiss began the brighter with quick feet from Xherdan Shaqiri allowing him the space to test Alexander Dominguez.

Messi Leads Argentina to Victory Over Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Susic's side will now hope to regain some ground in their remaining group matches against Iran and Nigeria.

(RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil) - Lionel Messi created one goal and scored a brilliant second as Argentina kicked off their FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Barcelona star provided the spark in a largely tense and evenly matched encounter at the Maracana, which ended with La Albiceleste having taken an early lead in Group F.

World Cup: Netherlands Rocks Defending Champion Spain 5-1

“I feel terrible but brave enough to take this defeat on the chin without getting depressed about it," Vicente del Bosque, Spain coach.

(RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil) - Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben inspired the Netherlands to a 5-1 comeback thrashing of Spain in one of the most unforeseen results in FIFA World Cup history.

A Xabi Alonso penalty put the defending champions ahead but, after David Silva had spurned a glaring chance to double the lead, the Dutch ran riot.

All Eyes on Brazil as World Cup Kicks Off on Thursday

Protests and labor strikes are planned in the 12 host cities, including a 24-hour slowdown by some airport workers in Rio de Janeiro.

(SAO PAULO, Brazil) - After years of construction delays and budget overruns, the World Cup kicks off in Brazil on Thursday under a cloud of discontent at home even as happy foreign fans pour in for the tournament.

Brazil's national team hosts Croatia in the opening match at a newly built stadium in Sao Paulo whose cost and late delivery came to embody the troubled World Cup preparations.