Football

The football extravaganza has now ended, but here's a recap of some of the best goals of this year's World Cup, in no particular order.

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer hailed his side's remarkable team spirit after their 1-0 World Cup final win over Argentina at the Maracana on Sunday.

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal said his team's run to third place at the World Cup was proof that there was more than one "Dutch" way of playing the game.

Hoewedes, branded as Germany's weakest link, says he is ready for the toughest job in football - keeping Messi quiet in Sunday's final.

Messi, one of the most admired talents in world sport, can join the elite of soccer greats by winning the World Cup final against Germany.

Up against Argentina in the finals, it is highly unlikely that Germany coach Loew would make any changes to the team.

The Netherlands' World Cup hopes faded through the last three games and finally ended with a 4-2 shootout loss to the Argentines at Itaquerao Stadium.

Help Karim Bencherifa and Novy Kapadia in selecting the 2014 World Cup Dream Team.

Argentina Romero told his compatriots to "enjoy the moment" after saving two penalties shootout win over the Netherlands.

Germany almost took turns to score goals while mauling hosts Brazil 7-1 in the first football World Cup semi-final.

Germany poured in the goals on Tuesday to hand Brazil their heaviest World Cup loss ever with an astounding 7-1 rout in the semi-finals.

The Germans ran roughshod over the host nation, scoring five goals in a first-half humiliation, before adding two more after the break.

Former Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk is betting on Robben to outshine Messi as the Netherlands prepare to take on Argentina in the semi-finals.

Brazil remain bitter about the tackle that ended Neymar's World Cup but hope his absence will inspire the rest of the team.

The World Cup's best dribblers - Messi and Robben - face off when Argentina and Netherlands meet in the semi-finals.

The 33-year-old left back was a free agent after his Chelsea contract expired, having been restricted to 17 Premier League appearances last season.