Racism: Man City Withdraw from friendly

A friendly match between Manchester City's EDS U21 and HNK Rijeka was called off on Tuesday due to an alleged incident of racial abuse toward the Club's young midfielder, Seko Fofana by a member of the opposing team.

Following an alleged incident in the latter stages of the first half of the game, being played in Novigrad, Croatia, a decision was taken by the management staff to withdraw the City team from the field of play and cancel the game.

Club representatives in Croatia and in Manchester are liaising with officials, the match organisers and the Croatian Football Association to pursue this matter further.

Suddenly, the Brazilians are worried ahead of semi final clash against Germany

Suddenly the Brazilians are worried, terrified and angry. For obvious reasons you'll say. Following the early exit of their star striker, Neymar, worsened by the suspension of the team's captain Thiago Silva and confronted by the machines from Germany who have not been convincing themselves but have always picked necessary result from each game.

The Germans are in a confident mood and full in strength having all their players 100% fit as reports reveal.

Estadio Mineirao will be lightened up on Tuesday night, but without much spark from the camp of Les Selecao owing to Neymar's absence as he seemed to be responsible for driving the attack. The rest of the team must prove their worth and show to the entire world that they have a team that can survive without the Barcelona star.

What does Thiago Silva bring to the team? Solidity, confidence, blocking and above all Leadership.

It might just be their best match tonight without the missing duo but that will be if they turn up and take the match to the Germans or have it otherwise.

History has it that both teams have met 21 times, including games contested by the former West Germany. The Selecao can only claim four wins compared to 12 for the Germans, with five draws.

How they reached the semis
They topped Mexico, Croatia and Cameroon, Brazil saw off Chile following penalties in the first knockout stage to progress to the quarter-finals. Their subsequent clash with Colombia could have fallen apart in the dying minutes after Los Cafeteros scored a late penalty, but Brazil held on for a 2-1 win, booking their place in the final four.

How they reached the semis
Germany topped a tough group featuring the U.S.A, Portugal and Ghana, before eventually seeing Algeria off in extra time during their round of 16 clash. Up next were France, who had looked one of the strongest sides in the competition until that stage, but Joachim Low’s side managed.

Round of 16: Brazil to play Chile, Holland face Mexico

Neymar was the closure of all eyes as Brazil took Cameroon to the cleaners beating the Africans 4-1 in the last Group A game on Monday night which confirmed the host as the leader of the Group.

The Barcelona star grabbed a brace in the encounter to increase his goal tally in the tournament to four.

In the other Group game Mexico defeated Croatia to also confirm a place in the next round and will be facing Group B leaders Holland.

Chile also qualified from Group B and have set a date the the host nation Brazil in an all south American affair.

Brazil 2014: Song bags three-match ban for elbowing Mandzukic

Alex Song has been handed a three match ban after he was sent off for elbowing Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic.

The Indomitable Lions were already a goal down, when the Barcelona player was dismissed for the offence. They went on to lose 4-0 and are already out of the World Cup.

According to the statement, the former Arsenal man will miss the next two international games having missed the final Group game against Brazil on Monday.

“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided today to suspend Song for three matches and impose a fine of CHF 20,000 for breaching art. 48 par. 1 d) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC),” a FIFA statement read.

“The first match of this suspension is to be served in the upcoming World Cup fixture between Cameroon and Brazil on 23 June 2014, with the remaining two to be served at the next official matches of the Cameroon national team"

Meanwhile, Cameroon were beaten 4-1 by the host Brazil on Monday to confirm their exit having lost all three matches in the Group.

Rakitic moves to FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC have reached an agreement for the
transfer of Ivan Rakitic. Ivan Rakitic will sign a contract with FC
Barcelona for the next five seasons. Both clubs have also agreed
for Denis Suárez to be loaned to the Andalusian club for the next
two seasons.

According to fcbarcelona.com, 26-year-old Ivan Rakitic arrives at the Camp Nou after an impressive three seasons with Sevilla becoming the team’s main central playmaker and captain, leading them to the
Europa League title in the 2013/14 season.

He made 59 official appearances and scored 15 goals for Sevilla. Rakitic is also one of the stars of the Croatian national team that is currently in Brazil playing at the World Cup.

Brazil beat Croatia 3-1 in World Cup opener

By every standard, you'll agree that the opening match of the World Cup between the host Brazil and Croatia was quite competitive. It therefore goes to foretell what to expect in the games to come in the other group matches.

Without mincing words, Croatia seemed up to the task especially after being set in front by Marcelo's own goal in the early minutes of the first half.

For the home team, the they have to thank their Heavens just like Neymar did after scoring his second goal from the penalty spot.

Neymar turned up, Sleek Oscar who finished off the Europeans grabbing the third later in the match, Julio Cesar almost had very little to do was also called up and he stood the tests.

Don't be deceived by the final score. It wasn't easy for Brazil putting three past Croatia, they were hard-earned goals.