Van Gaal had a hand in defeat

Louis van Gaal took some credit for teaching Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero how to stop penalty kicks - advice that cost the Netherlands coach dearly on Wednesday.

Romero goes from zero to hero

Having spent most of the last 12 months out of favor at club level, Sergio Romero has emerged from the shadows to star in Argentina's run to the World Cup final.

It's Messi's moment to shine

Lionel Messi can secure his place among the game's greats with a World Cup triumph after Argentina defeated the Netherlands on penalties on Wednesday to reach the final.

Sabella says Germany has an edge

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella believes a well-rested Germany will have an advantage against the weary South Americans in Sunday's World Cup final.

The mourning after the nightmare

Brazilians cried, cursed their president and covered their faces in shame after their beloved soccer team's humiliating 7-1 thrashing by Germany in the World Cup semifinals on Tuesday.

Historic humiliations

Host Brazil was hit with its worst defeat in World Cup history on Tuesday when it was crushed 7-1 by Germany in the semifinal in Belo Horizonte. It was Brazil's first home loss in a competitive match since 1975 and one of the most extraordinary results in soccer history.

Scalping scandal escalates in Brazil

A World Cup ticket scalping case has revived a reputation FIFA tries hard to fight, and threatens to stain a tournament which has been better than critics expected.

Score board

Goal spree stuns even Germany

Chance after chance was offered, and the Germans just kept taking them with clinical efficiency.

Soft-spoken Klose sets scoring record

Germany striker Miroslav Klose became the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with his 16th goal during its semifinal against Brazil on Tuesday, eclipsing former Brazil striker Ronaldo with his 23rd-minute strike.

Scolari apologizes for defeat

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari apologized to fans for failing to lead the host to the World Cup final, saying the "catastrophic" defeat to Germany on Tuesday marked the "worst day" of his professional life.

What they're saying

"We'll get the sixth title in Russia. Congratulations to Germany. I always said that football is a box of surprises. Nobody in this world expected this result."