Loew lauds total team effort in historic triumph

Joachim Loew revealed he told Mario Goetze to "prove he's better than Lionel Messi" before Germany's "miracle boy" scored the extra-time goal to win the World Cup final.

Messi's magic deserts him on game's biggest stage

Argentina captain Lionel Messi exited Sunday's World Cup final with a golden trophy in his hands, but it was not the one he wanted.

Tiger gets a taste of Liverpool

Tiger Woods was out practicing on Saturday at Royal Liverpool, the venue for this week's 143rd British Open and the course where he won the 2006 title.

Swimming great Thorpe reveals he is gay

After years of denying rumors about his sexuality, Australian swimming great Ian Thorpe has revealed he is gay in an interview set to be broadcast on Sunday.

King James holds court before finale

LeBron James made his first public appearance since announcing he was returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers, holding court with a group of starry-eyed Brazilian basketballers on the eve of the World Cup final in Rio.

Anthony staying put: source

Carmelo Anthony has decided to remain in New York, choosing the Knicks over a number of NBA teams that could have given him a better chance for the championship he craves.

Score board

Brazil needs a reality check

The last place Brazilians expected to be embarrassed in the World Cup was on the pitch.

Van Gaal's unique style pays dividends

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

The numbers game

Some fascinating facts and figures from the World Cup:

The highs and lows

Here are five highs and lows that helped make the most memorable World Cup in decades:

Klose open to having company

Miroslav Klose is delighted to have established his '16 club' after becoming the World Cup's all-time leading scorer, but says it counts for nothing if Germany loses to Argentina in Sunday's final.