2014 WORLD CUP - FRANCE - KEY PLAYER - ‪KARIM BENZEMA - PROFILE

He has been named French Player of the Year twice for his performances in 2011 and 2012. Benzema is a former French youth international and has represented his nation from under-17 level onwards. 

Benzema has earned over 65 caps and represented France at three major international tournaments; the 2008 and 2012 editions of the UEFA European Football Championship and the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

30 Jun 2014
2014 WORLD CUP - DAY 17 - LAST SIXTEEN - NETHERLANDS VS MEXICO 2:1

LAST SIXTEEN
29th June 2014

Netherlands vs Mexico 2:1

Lucky dutchmen!

29 Jun 2014
2014 WORLD CUP - DAY 17 - LAST SIXTEEN - COSTA RICA VS GREECE 5:4 - win on penalties

LAST SIXTEEN
29th June 2014

Costa Rica vs Greece 5:4

Costa Rica through on penalties.

29 Jun 2014
2014 WORLD CUP - MEXICO - KEY PLAYER - ‪Giovani dos Santos‬ - PROFILE

Giovani dos Santos‬ was born in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Giovani joined FC Barcelona's academy of La Masia at the age of eleven and played for Barcelona's Juvenil A category where he helped his team to make a comeback in the league and win the regional title. 

This title allowed them to participate in the Youth Copa del Rey, where they faced other regional champions, among them their historic arch-rivals, Real Madrid. 

29 Jun 2014
2014 WORLD CUP - NETHERLANDS - KEY PLAYER - ARJEN ROBBEN‬ - PROFILE

Arjen Robben 

Though often classified as a forward, he usually plays behind the forwards as a winger. Robben is known for his dribbling skills, speed, crossing ability and his accurate left foot long-range shots from the right wing.

29 Jun 2014
2014 WORLD CUP - DAY 16 - LAST SIXTEEN - BRAZIL VS CHILE 3:2 - advanced on penalties

LAST SIXTEEN
28th June 2014

Brazil vs Chile 3:2 

Hosts Brazil knock Chile out of the 2014 Fifa World Cup in the second round with a 3:2 win on penalties.

28 Jun 2014
2014 WORLD CUP - DAY 16 - LAST SIXTEEN - COLOMBIA VS URUGUAY - 2:0

LAST SIXTEEN
28th June 2014

Colombia vs Uruguay 2:0

James Rodriguez makes the difference! 

28 Jun 2014
2014 WORLD CUP - COLOMBIA - KEY PLAYER - James Rodríguez - PROFILE

James Rodríguez expressing his honor to be praised by his hero, 'El Pibe' Valderrama.

"Rodríguez is mentally sharp, possessing quick reactions when closed down which allows him to keep control of the ball and making him more likely to be fouled. While left footed, he's able to control the ball just as well with his right foot." 

(El Pibe' Valderrama)

28 Jun 2014
2014 WORLD CUP - LAST-SIXTEEN - Matches and Teams out

Teams who have reached the round of the last sixteen

27 Jun 2014
2014 WORLD CUP - DAY 15 - GROUP G & GROUP H - PREVIEW

GROUP G
USA vs Germany -:-
Portugal vs Ghana -:-

GROUP H
Korea vs Belgium -:-
Algeria vs Russia -:-

26 Jun 2014

NATIONAL TEAM - NIGERIA - STARS IN EUROPE - Enyeama

Lille OSC

 

Nigeria captain Vincent Enyeama hopes to bow out on a high after confirming that the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon will be his last.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper, who plays his club football for French side Lille, made his debut against Kenya in May 2002 and has gone on to win 100 caps.

Enyeama played a major role when the Super Eagles won the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa and he wants a repeat in 2017.

"It's impossible to play football forever and the next tournament in Gabon will be my last one," Enyeama told BBC Sport.

"I've lost in the semi-final in 2004, won in 2013 and to win in 2017 is how I hope to be remembered.

"But more significantly we must not get ahead of ourselves because we need to qualify first."

As reigning champions Nigeria could not defend their title in Equatorial Guinea early this year after failing to qualify for the tournament.

The Super Eagles have been drawn in one of the toughest-looking groups for the 2017 Nations Cup qualifiers, alongside seven-time champions Egypt, Chad and Tanzania.

But as the Super Eagles host Chad in Kaduna on Saturday, Enyeama insists they must prevent another troubled campaign.

"You can never underestimate any opponent in African football and we must treat Chad like other top oppositions in world football," he said.

"Some of our fans are still upset and the only way to earn back their respect is to give them a reason to believe again.

"We are all determined to qualify for the Nations Cup, and after the tournament I can say a proper goodbye.

"It crossed my mind to leave after the World Cup in Brazil but crucially now I want to leave on a high by going all the way with my country on a successful ride."

Enyeama has played in five Nations Cup tournaments for three-time African champions Nigeria in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2013.

He was part of the Nigeria squad at the 2002, 2010 and 2014 World Cup tournaments.

 

Vincent Enyeama

 

 

9 Jun 2015
(BBC Sport by Oluwashina Okeleji)

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