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Van Gaal has transformed the squad while crucially keeping core of players who were truly irreplacable - Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben and totally overhauling his defence.

Japan will open Group C campaign against Ivory Coast on Saturday and are confident to display their abilities in Brazil.

Toure had picked up a hamstring injury in April playing for club side Manchester City as they went on to win the English Premier League title.

The Chileans joined the Dutch on three points with a 3-1 victory over Australia in their Group B opener at the Pantanal arena on Friday.

Paris Saint-Germain has completed the transfer of David Luiz from Chelsea, with the Brazil international signing a five-year deal with the French champions.

A fresh-faced England, largely unburdened by past failures, play a wizened Italy, with a squad still imbued with their 2006 World Cup success.

Neymar struck twice and Oscar scored the third goal in injury time to give Brazil a winning start against the resilient Croatians.

Neymar gave Brazil a winning start to their home World Cup, scoring twice to lead the host nation to a 3-1 victory over Croatia in the opening game.

After Marcelo's own goal in the 11th minute, Neymar scored in each half and Oscar scored in the 91st minute to give Brazil 3-1 win.

PM Narendra Modi said that the sport brings about a spirit of amity and belongingness among nations of the world.

Uruguay are still sweating on Suarez's fitness for the World Cup, but are otherwise in better shape than in South Africa four years ago.

Kovac isn't losing any sleep over the threat posed by the Brazilian phenom ahead of Thursday's World Cup opener.

A confident Croatia are ready to spoil Brazil's party in their World Cup 2014 opener and continue a long tradition of first match upsets at the tournament.

The World Player of the Year missed his country's recent friendlies against Greece and Mexico because of problems with his left knee and right thigh.

Injuries are forcing coach Joachim Loew to have another look at his options and Lahm is likely to be fielded as a defensive midfielder.

Former Chelsea and Newcastle United winger Duff has signed a one-year deal with Australia's Melbourne City.