Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's rolling news coverage from day four of the World Cup in Brazil.
We will be bringing you all of the latest news and gossip ahead of today's matches as France and Argentina get their campaigns underway.
Meanwhile, there will also be plenty of reaction from last night's matches, including England's narrow defeat to Italy.
So, that ends another gripping day of football in Brazil. Join Jack Prescott from 11:00am this morning for all the best news and reaction from the World Cup. Until then, good night!
Day 5 of the competition will start with two heavyweights, Germany and Portugal, doing battle in Salvador as Group G kicks off. Will the Portuguese take a risk on Cristiano Ronaldo's fitness for the game? The other fixture in that group sees a repeat of a 2010 World Cup last 16 clash, with Ghana facing the USA. Nigeria will also face Group F opponents Iran in Cuiaba. Previews for all these matches are available here.
An eventful day at the World Cup is drawing to a close. France and Switzerland have emerged victorious from their opening fixtures. Argentina also won against Bosnia-Herzegovina with Lionel Messi getting on the scoresheet, scoring a fine individual goal. You can read Darren Plant's analysis of the game at the Maracana here.
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Some less savoury news from the World Cup as protestors were halted by police this evening from marching on the Maracana Stadium, as it hosted its first game of this tournament. These developments follow similar protests in Sao Paulo ahead of the opening game on Thursday. Demonstrators reportedly chanted, "Hey FIFA, return to Switzerland". It's hard to see these protests abating before the end of the competition, next month.
Meanwhile, former French international Bixente Lizarazu feels that Les Bleus can cope without Franck Ribery at this tournament. The Bayern Munich midfielder was forced to pull out of the World Cup with a back problem.
On the subject of France, you can read Sports Mole's player ratings for the Group E encounter in Porto Alegre here.
Earlier, France got off to a winning start by beating Honduras 3-0. Striker Karim Benzema has expressed his pride after scoring twice for Les Bleus. Didier Deschamps men will next face Switzerland, who also won against Ecuador, on Friday.
Iran will open their World Cup campaign in Group F against Nigeria tomorrow, but head coach Carlos Queiroz believes that his side are already at a disadvantage because of economic and political sanctions against the Persian Gulf state. Iran will also face Argentina on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard has suggested that Liverpool teammate Raheem Sterling has a big future ahead of him in international football. The youngster was one of England's brightest players as they lost to the Azzuri in Manaus.
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More news from the England camp. Striker Daniel Sturridge says that the Three Lions will be looking for victory over Uruguay when the sides meet in Sao Paulo this Thursday. Roy Hodgson's men fell to a 2-1 defeat against Italy on Saturday, with Sturridge scoring his fifth England goal.
Argentina had looked comfortable at 2-0, but Vedad Ibisevic's 84th minute goal put the South Americans on edge. Messi and company were able to see the game out. The Bosnians will surely think they have plenty left to play for in Group F!
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Full-time in Rio and Bosnia-Herzegovina's first taste of the World Cup finals has ended in defeat, but the Golden Lilies have given a great account of themselves. Lionel Messi's second half strike, and what a strike, proved decisive as Argentina won 2-1. Can the Barcelona forward lead his country to a third World title? We'll know by June 13!
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GOAL: Hold on! Bosnia-Herzegovina have pulled a goal back through Vedad Ibisevic. His effort trickled past Romero in the Argentina goal. The game had looked to have petered out, but we may have a grandstand finish on our hands in Rio!
France coach Didier Deschamps has hailed his team's performance after Les Bleus romped to a 3-0 victory against 10-man Honduras in Porto Alegre. Karim Benzema was on the scoresheet twice for the 1998 winners.
GOAL Argentina make it 2-0 thanks to a great strike from Lionel Messi. The dimimutive Barcelona forward picked up the ball on the right-hand side before beating two players and unleashing a rasping drive from 20 yards out that goes in off the post. Game over in Rio?
In the Maracana, Argentina still have a slender lead against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the early stages of the second half. Live Commentary of the match in Rio de Janeiro can be found here.
USA begin their World Cup campaign tomorrow with a repeat of their 2010 encounter with Ghana, which saw the Stars and Stripes knocked out at the last 16 stage. Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann appears to have backtracked on comments he made suggesting that the US didn't have a realistic chance of success in Brazil.
The players are back on the pitch at the Maracana. Gonzalo Higuain is out in the middle. It looks like Maxi Rodriguez is the man to make way for the Napoli forward. Incidentally, Higuain is making non-World Cup headlines at the moment, with reports suggesting that he is on the brink of a switch to Barcelona. Sports Mole's Sian Cowper has the latest.
UPDATE: Half-time at the Maracana and Argentina lead 1-0 thanks to a Sead Kolasinac own goal. However, that doesn't tell the full story and Bosnia-Herzegovina have threatened to equalise on a couple of occasions. The World Cup newbies are giving a good account of themselves against one of the pre-tournament favourites this evening!
Ahead of Portugal's Group G opener with Germany tomorrow, Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that he will be fit to start the game in Salvador. The Real Madrid forward limped out of a training session on Thursday after nursing a knee problem.
We've reached the half-hour mark at the Maracana and, despite forging an early lead, Argentina are far from dominating their opening game with Bosnia-Herzegovina. Indeed, the Golden Lilies have looked comfortable since conceding a second minute Kolasinac own goal.
News from the England camp where Wayne Rooney has refuted suggestions from reporters that he is guaranteed a place in the Roy Hodgson's team for every match. Rooney's position in the Three Lions starting lineup has come into question after a string of below-par performances for the national side.
Thanks Giuseppe! Chris O'Keefe here to take you through the next few hours of World Cup news as well as the latest from the Maracana. Can Argentina build on their early lead against Bosnia-Herzegovina or will the tournament debutants find a way back into the game in Rio? Stay with Sports Mole for key updates from the Group F opener.
And that's all from me this evening! I'll now pass you over to Chris O'Keefe, who will take you through the next couple of hours. Stay tuned to Sports Mole for all the latest World Cup news!
And there's been a goal already in the Argentina v Bosnia-Herzegovina game! An own goal, whipped in by the Albiceleste from the left-hand side, turned in by Sead Kolasinac. What a shame for the World Cup newcomers!
Argentina are set to get their 2014 World Cup campaign under way in the next few minutes, against debutants Bosnia-Herzegovina. Follow our live match updates here.
Goal-line technology has been a hot topic for many years in the world of football, and this evening, it was implemented for the first time, when Karim Benzema's strike in the France v Honduras game was decided by the GoalControl system.
Switzerland winger Xherdan Shaqiri has laid down the gauntlet ahead of his side's upcoming clash against France next Friday. Read the article here.
Now, time for some team news. Argentina, who play Bosnia and Herzegovina tonight at the famous Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, are missing Gonzalo Higuain, but can still count on Lionel Messi, Angel di Maria and Sergio Aguero to bolster their front line. Meanwhile, the Golden Lilies, about to play a historic first ever World Cup game, have Manchester City's Edin Dzeko and Stoke City's Asmir Begovic in their starting XI. Team news for the game can be found here.
France have seen off ten-man Honduras 3-0 in today's Group E clash in Porto Alegre. A rather straightforward game for Les Bleus, although their opponents made it difficult with some rather unorthodox tackles and foul play. Read the match report here.
UPDATE: France are now 3-0 up! Karim Benzema has scored his second goal of the game, a powerful shot straight into the roof of the net, and the Bleus' lead is now surely insurmountable. If you've only just joined us, be sure to follow the match live on Sports Mole here.
In a combination of World Cup news and transfer talk, Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku has told reporters that he isn't thinking about where he will be playing his club football next season, because he wants to be fully focused on doing his best for the Red Devils in Brazil.
France are now leading Honduras 2-0! Karim Benzema's shot rebounded off the post and Noel Valladares fumbled the ball into the net. It was just a few centimetres across the line, but it's a goal nonetheless, according to the goal-line technology being implemented during this tournament!
UPDATE: France are leading Honduras 1-0 at half time. It was delicately poised until the final few minutes, when Wilson Palacios received a second yellow card and his marching orders after a foul in the box. Karim Benzema made no mistake from the spot. The half-time match report can be read here.
Now for some bad news from the Spain camp: According to reports, young goalkeeper David de Gea has suffered a leg injury and won't be available for at least the remainder of the group stage. Things seemingly going from bad to worse for La Roja.
News from the Nigeria camp: Super Eagles manager Stephen Keshi has admitted that his side doesn't know much about Iran, their first opponents in Group F, but is well aware of their experienced coach, Carlos Queiroz.
Thanks Pascal! Giuseppe Labellarte here, and I'll be taking you through the next few hours. The France v Honduras game is underway, and Patrice Evra has already been given a yellow card following a foul in the eighth minute. Follow the match live on Sports Mole here.
KICKOFF in Porto Alegre - here's our live commentary once more. I'm now off, but fear not, Giuseppe Labellarte is taking over for the next few hours. Good evening!
The North-Eastern city of Natal has been battered by rain over the past couple of days and now a flood warning has been declared. The Estadio das Dunas is due to host the Ghana-USA match tomorrow.
Click here to read Matt Domm's detailed analysis of Switzerland's last-gasp victory over Ecuador.
For live text updates on the game, follow this link to join Christopher Dodd for coverage.
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Click here to find out the team news for the upcoming game in Porto Alegre between France and Honduras. Although it might sound biased given that I'm half-French, I do fancy Les Bleus to go quite far in the tournament. The most surprising omission is that of Laurent Koscielny - the Arsenal man is on the bench, with Liverpool's Mamadou Sakho starting in defence.
What an incredible ending to the game! Ecuador looked like they might score the winner at one end, but dilly-dallied and Switzerland broke away. Ecuador cynically fouled, but the referee played a great advantage and another substitute, Haris Seferovic, finished with aplomb from close range. Here's our match report.
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Switzerland wins in stoppage time. 9 opening games without a draw is the most at a #WorldCup since 1934. — Paul Carr (@PCarrESPN) June 15, 2014
GOAL SWITZERLAND! WITH THE LAST KICK OF THE GAME!!
Full time is fast approaching and it remains 1-1 in Brasilia. Not sure either side will be particularly happy.
Switzerland think they've turned it around in Brasilia, but Josip Drmic's goal is ruled out for offside. Replays show that he was clearly on when the initial pass was played his way. Another bad decision from the officials at the World Cup!
Mehmedi is the 1st substitute to score for Switzerland in the history of the World Cup — MisterChip (English) (@MisterChiping) June 15, 2014
Admir Mehmedi: Has now scored 6 goals in his last 10 appearances for club and country #sui — WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) June 15, 2014
It's a similar goal to Ecuador's as half-time substitute Admir Mehmedi makes an instant impact by heading home a cross from the left far too easily. Game on in Brasilia!
GOAL SWITZERLAND!
Merci beaucoup, JP. SM's one and only half-Frenchman here to guide you through until 8pm.
That's it from me for today, but I am pleased to let you know that Pascal Lemesre will be guiding you through the next couple of hours, bringing you all of the latest news from Brazil.
The half-time whistle has just gone in Brasilia, where Ecuador lead Switzerland 1-0 thanks to a super headed goal from Enner Valencia. You can read our report of the opening 45 minutes here.
Didier Drogba has branded Ivory Coast teammate Serge Aurier "the best right-back in all of France". Aurier, who currently represents Toulouse, provided two assists last night as his country recorded a 2-1 win over Japan in their World Cup opener.
Costa Rica striker Joel Campbell has confirmed that he will return to Arsenal after the World Cup. The 21-year-old, who joined the Gunners in 2011, has yet to play for the club following loans spells with Lorient, Real Betis and Olympiacos respectively.
Fernando Torres has insisted that Spain are 'psychologically ready' for their crucial World Cup encounter with Chile next week. The reigning champions saw their hopes of reaching the second round suffer a serious blow on Friday as they were thrashed 5-1 by the Netherlands.
Giorgios Samaras has urged the Greece squad to remain positive following their defeat to Colombia. The Greeks were comfortably beaten in their opening fixture on Saturday as Colombia earned a convincing 3-0 win.
A reminder that you can follow our live text coverage of the Group E clash between Switzerland and Ecuador. Kickoff is about five minutes away. Get involved in the action here.
Brazil striker Hulk has emerged as an injury doubt for Tuesday's World Cup clash with Mexico after limping out of training. The 27-year-old suffered a problem with his left leg during the team's session on Sunday afternoon.
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As we gear up for Switzerland vs. Ecuador, why not whittle away a few minutes by reading how we think England can improve when they face Italy on Thursday. Our suggestions are here.
Xherdan Shaqiri starts for the Swiss, while Antonio Valencia is among Ecuador's starting lineup. You can can check out the full team news for tonight's match here.
Hello again! Today's first match sees Switzerland taking on Ecuador in Brasilia. Our live text coverage is underway and you can follow it here.
Right, that is just about it from me this afternoon, but I shall hand you back to Jack Prescott for the next few hours. Be sure to remain with us!
Looking back to last night's clash involving England, Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo has praised his side following the 2-1 win. How good was the Juventus midfielder by the way? That dummy for the first goal was outrageous. He hardly worked up a sweat in that incredible heat.
Brazil forward Neymar, meanwhile, has insisted that his booking in Brazil's World Cup opener against Croatia on Thursday will not affect him at this summer's tournament. The Barcelona forward picked up a yellow card in the first period of his side's 3-1 win following an elbow on Luka Modric. Another booking before the quarter-finals would equal a one-game ban, but the 22-year-old has insisted that his focus will not be on a possible suspension.
Sticking with Spain, Brazil attacker Oscar has insisted that La Roja cannot be underestimated despite La Roja's 5-1 defeat to Netherlands in their World Cup opener. Should Brazil top their group and Spain finish second in Group B, then the pair would meet in the first knockout round. What a match that would be!
Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa has insisted that Spain can still progress from their World Cup group despite losing 5-1 to Netherlands on Friday. Just a reminder that La Roja face Chile on Wednesday in a match that they really need to win.
Just finished breakfast with legends Davor Suker & Bakero #oldskool #rioinrio pic.twitter.com/GhcgIbfe1U
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) June 15, 2014
France boss Didier Deschamps has said that FIFA are investigating claims that a drone was used to spy on their training preparations ahead of tonight's World Cup opener against Honduras. Anyone behind it? Come on, own up!
Sticking with the Japan, Ivory Coast clash for a moment, Japan boss Alberto Zaccheroni has admitted that his team afforded the African outfit "too much room" in their 2-1 defeat. Just a reminder that Colombia and Greece are the other two teams in this particular group.
Japan attacker Shinji Kagawa has claimed that Didier Drogba made the difference in his team's 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast on Sunday morning. The former Chelsea forward enter with 30 minutes remaining and played a key role as his side turned around a one-goal deficit.
A report has claimed that Spain boss Vicente del Bosque had a 12-minute exchange with his captain Iker Casillas during a training session on Saturday afternoon, with Friday's 5-1 loss to Netherlands the main focus. Spain continue their World Cup challenge against Chile on Wednesday, with defeat all but eliminating them from the competition. Who would have thought that?!
Stepping away from England for a moment, Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas has called on his side to build on Saturday's 3-1 win over Uruguay in their World Cup opener. It was a truly incredible result, with the Central American outfit coming from behind to claim all three points.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has insisted that Wayne Rooney was not deployed in his best position in England's 2-1 defeat to Italy on Saturday. The Manchester United forward provided the assist for Daniel Sturridge's first-half goal, but was deployed in a wide position for much of the second period. With Sturridge now struggling with a dead leg, could Rooney be used in a striker role against Uruguay?
Thanks Jack! Matt here, I shall take you through the next couple of hours as we build up to three more games this evening. It was disappointment for England last night, but Italy once more showed their incredible capability in tournament football.
That's all from me for now, but Matt Law will be taking you through the latest news over the next couple of hours. Enjoy!
England midfielder Jordan Henderson has insisted that there are plenty of positives to take out of the team's defeat to Italy. The Three Lions were beaten in their opening match of the tournament as Mario Balotelli's second-half strike saw the Italians come away with a 2-1 victory.
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We've got a handful of previews for you to check out ahead of tomorrow's matches involving, among others, Germany and Portugal. Take your pick from the selection below to get the lowdown on the respective fixtures.
England striker Daniel Sturridge has revealed that he is struggling with a dead leg ahead of the team's World Cup encounter with Uruguay. Sturridge suffered the problem on Saturday night during the Three Lions' 2-1 defeat to Italy in Manaus.
John Mensah has claimed that he and his Ghana teammates are happy to be the underdogs in their World Cup group. The Black Stars play their opening match of the tournament against the USA on Monday before facing strong European competition in the form of Portugal and Germany.
Ivory Coast full-back Serge Aurier has described his performance during the team's win over Japan as a "dream". The 21-year-old set up both of the Ivorians' goals as they came from behind to earn a 2-1 victory late on Saturday night.
England striker Wayne Rooney has revealed that the squad are ready to "move on" from the 2-1 defeat to Italy and focus on the next game against Uruguay. Roy Hodgson's side made a losing start to their World Cup campaign, with Mario Balotelli grabbing the winner for the Azzurri.
A bit of lunchtime reading for you in the form of five things we learned from day three of the World Cup. Contains excitable South Americans and dangerous Italians.
Italy goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu has admitted that he was pleased with his performance during the team's win over England. The shotstopper was drafted into the starting lineup a matter of hours before kickoff after Gianluigi Buffon was ruled out through injury.
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Speaking of that match, Brazil playmaker Oscar has warned his teammates not to underestimate Mexico when the sides meet next week. Both sides start the match on three points in Group A after winning their respective opening fixtures of the tournament.
Hosts Brazil return to action on Tuesday when they face Mexico. Both sides can take a big step towards the second round if they come away with the three points. You can check out our preview of that match here.
Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto has praised the attitude of his players following their surprise 3-1 win over Uruguay at the World Cup. Edinson Cavani gave the Uruguayans an early lead in Fortaleza before goals from Joel Campbell, Oscar Duarte and Marco Urena saw Costa Rica claim the points.
England captain Steven Gerrard admits that he was "proud" of England's performance, despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Italy on Saturday. Goals from Claudio Marchisio and Mario Balotelli either side of Daniel Sturridge's equaliser meant that Roy Hodgson's side started their World Cup with a loss.
The Football Association has confirmed that England physio Gary Lewin is to return home from the World Cup after suffering a dislocated ankle. The 50-year-old slipped on a drinks bottle while celebrating the team's equaliser during their 2-1 defeat to Italy on Saturday night.
Ivory Coast coach Sabri Lamouchi has warned his players that there is still plenty of work to do following their win over Japan. The Elephants went behind early on in Recife before goals from Wilfried Bony and Gervinho saw them turn the match around.
Hello there and welcome to Sports Mole's rolling news coverage from day four of the World Cup in Brazil. Over the course of the day we will be bringing you the latest news, gossip and reaction as the tournament continues to rumble on.
