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Day Eight Results
Colombia becomes the third team to book their ticket to the knockout round with a win over Ivory Coast. James Rodriguez and Juan Quintero put Colombia two goals ahead, Gervinho pulled one back but to no avail.
Luis Suarez returns to the line-up and downed England with two well taken goals. Wayne Rooney broke his goal duck in the World Cup, but England will need massive favors from Italy to keep their hopes of making the knockout round alive.
One way traffic here as Japan bombarded Greece, who had to play with 10 man after skipper Kostas Katsouranis was sent-off in the first half. Japan. Greece, and Ivory Coast are locked in a three way battle for a ticket to the knockout round.
Day Nine Previews
England will be watching nervously and cheering for Italy, as only an Italy win will keep their hopes of knockout round qualification alive.
France will be looking to continue their impressive form against Switzerland, who showed a lot of character and solidity, in their win over Ecuador.
Two teams who lose their opening games in group E will be hoping to finally get on board in order to keep their hopes of qualifying to the next round alive.
Pekerman stays grounded; Lamouchi defend Drogba exclusion
Despite guiding Colombia to the knockout round, Jose Pekerman urges his side to "take it one game at a time".
Sabri Lamouchi, defended his decision not to start star striker Didier Drogba, and felt that his side deserve at least a draw.
Santos focused on last game; Zaccheroni bemoans lack of speed
After their goalless draw kept Greece in contention for the knockout round, Fernando Santos admits his side struggles against Japan and said that a win is a must in the next game.
Alberto Zaccheroni points out to his side's lack of speed and flair as the reason why Japan failed to get all three points against Greece.
Suarez performance proved critics wrong
Luis Suárez believes that his performance against England is a retribution against the criticism he received in England, citing "I want to see what they think now".
Need a favor? Call the Queen!
England needs a favor from Italy to beat Costa Rica, in order to keep their qualification hopes to the next round alive, and Mario Balotelli is only too happy to oblige. The catch?
If we beat Costa Rica i want a kiss,obviously on the cheek, from the UK Queen. .
— Mario Balotelli (@FinallyMario) June 19, 2014
If I were Roy, I'd call the Queen right away.
Costa Rica can surprise Italy
Jorge Luis Pinto believes that his side can defeat Italy, saying that "We hope to play even better than we did against Uruguay".
Cabaye fit for Switzerland clash; Hitzfeld praise France's improvement
Didier Deschamps has confirmed that midfielder Yohann Cabaye is fully fit for the game against Switzerland but stop short of revealing his team selection.
Ottmar Hitzefeld has praised improvement under Deschamps, noting their explosion in recent games, and believes his side needs to go "beyond their normal limits" to prevail.
Xabi Alonso: "End of an Era"
As if Spain's dismal performances didn't scream "the end", Xabi Alonso has admitted that Spain's golden generation is finished, citing the "lack of ambition and hunger".
Cahill proud of goal
TIm Cahill, who have played his last World Cup match against Netherlands, is proud of the spectacular goal he scored against the Dutch. "To be able to do it in the biggest stage in the world makes me proud" adds the 34-year old.
"A Fight to the Death"
Kevin Prince-Boateng predicted that Ghana will fought to the death against Germany, where he will also goes face-to-face with his sibling, Jerome Boateng, Germany's defender.
Kompany missed training
Belgium's skipper, Vincent Kompany, worked individually with the medical staff yesterday due to a slight groin strain, revealed Marc Wilmots.
Queiroz to leave post after World Cup
Iran's head coach, Carlos Queiroz will quit his current position after the World Cup, citing the "lack of government support".
TODAY'S SCHEDULE
Italy vs Costa Rica (Arena Pernambuco, Recife. Kick-off: 17.00 BST)
Switzerland vs France (Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador. Kick-off: 20.00 BST)
Honduras vs Ecuador (Arena de Baixada, Curitiba. Kick-off: 23.00 BST)
