BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (AP) ― Argentina midfielder Angel Di Maria has been ruled out of the World Cup semifinal against the Netherlands with a thigh injury while striker Sergio Aguero has been declared fit to play after recovering from a similar problem. Di Maria limped off the field in the first half of Argentina’s quarterfinal win over Belgium after straining a muscle in the back of his right ...

Argentina 1, Belgium 0 BRASILIA (AP) ― For once Lionel Messi didn’t carry Argentina on his shoulders. He didn’t have to. Gonzalo Higuain ended a four-game scoreless streak with an early winner as Argentina beat Belgium 1-0 and reached a World Cup semifinal match for the first time since 1990. “Since the first game of this World Cup I said I was calm, that the goals would come. It came and at ...

Brazil star Neymar says his World Cup may be over because of a fractured vertebra but his World Cup dream of celebrating the title with his teammates at the Maracana Stadium next Sunday is still alive. In a video released by the Brazilian football confederation on Saturday, Neymar thanked fans and everyone else for the support in this “very difficult moment.” “I don't have words to describe wha...

Tim Krul came on as a substitute in the final minute of extra time and then saved two penalties in a 4-3 shootout victory over Costa Rica on Saturday, giving the Netherlands a spot in the World Cup semifinals. Krul saved spot kicks from Costa Rica captain Bryan Ruiz and Michael Umana after the match had finished 0-0. “We had a lot of chances but it didn't go in,” Krul said on Dutch television. ...

Gonzalo Higuain's first goal of this World Cup sent Argentina into the semifinals on Saturday with a 1-0 win over a disappointing Belgium. Argentina, which hadn't advanced past the World Cup quarterfinals since 1990, controlled the match after Higuain's eighth minute goal, more due to disciplined defending than sparkling attack. The Napoli striker fired home Angel Di Maria's deflected pass just...

FORTALEZA, Brazil, (AFP) - Brazil striker Neymar was ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup on Friday, dealing the hosts a crushing blow just hours after they battled through to a semi-final showdown with Germany. A pulsating opening day of quarter-final action saw Brazil advance to the last four with a 2-1 victory over Colombia after Germany defeated old rivals France 1-0 at the Maracana S...

RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) – Lionel Messi's Argentina is to take on Belgium in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday again aiming to prove that they are a not a one man team. The match in Salvador starting at 2000 GMT and Netherlands' quarter final against Costa Rica in Brasilia at 1600 GMT could see the end of the World Cup's dark horses and underdogs. Messi's side went out in the quarter finals ...

MOGI DAS CRUZES, Brazil (AP) ― So far none of Argentina’s opponents has been able to stop Lionel Messi. Perhaps Belgium has what it takes. But even if doesn’t, the Red Devils present a fresh challenge for Argentina at this World Cup. For the first time in Brazil, Argentina faces an opponent with attacking potential that rivals its own. “We will have to adapt, but what really interests me is to...

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) ― A European presence in the World Cup semifinals is assured as Germany and France meet at the Maracana on Friday, looking to shrug off stumbling wins in the second round that exposed frailties in both teams. Contesting a quarterfinal for the ninth straight World Cup, the Germans will start as slight favorites because of their vast experience in major tournaments but with dou...

South Korea’s soccer governing body announced Thursday it has rejected a resignation offer by men’s national team head coach Hong Myung-bo in the wake of the country’s winless FIFA World Cup in Brazil. At a press conference, Huh Jung-moo, vice president of the Korea Football Association, also said the beleaguered bench boss will stay on board for at least the remainder of his contract, which run...

FORTALEZA, Brazil (AP) ― Neymar is tired of all this talk about the pressure of playing the World Cup at home. He guarantees Brazil is emotionally ready for the challenge. Just two days before Brazil plays Colombia in the quarterfinals, Neymar downplayed concerns about the team’s emotional state and said “all players are prepared.” The hosts showed their nerves when Brazil narrowly avoided elim...