Real great Di Stefano dies at age 88

Alfredo Di Stefano, the player Real Madrid has hailed as the most important component in its mid-20th century ascent to becoming a global soccer powerhouse, has died. He was 88.

Becker gamble pays off for Djokovic

When Novak Djokovic jumped on the super-coach bandwagon and hired Boris Becker, the appointment came straight out of left field and appeared to be a baffling one.

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'Dutch Messi' Robben is ready

Former Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk is betting on Arjen Robben to outshine Lionel Messi as the Netherlands prepare to take on Argentina for a place in the World Cup final on Wednesday.

Cup hospitality exec arrested in ticket probe

A senior executive with the official World Cup corporate hospitality provider was arrested on Monday in the plush beachside hotel where FIFA president Sepp Blatter is staying as part of a Brazilian police investigation into illegal ticket sales.

Spray inventor not letting his ideals disappear

One of the great World Cup success stories has been the "magic spray" used by referees to keep a defensive wall 10 yards (9.15 meters) from the ball at free kicks but its inventor says he is more concerned with the good of the game than making millions.

What a classic! Djokovic outlasts Federer

Novak Djokovic's large lead in the rollicking Wimbledon final was slipping away, due in no small part to Roger Federer's regal presence and resurgent play.

Becker tops edberg again, this time as a coach

Just as he did so often during their playing days, Boris Becker came out on top against Stefan Edberg.

What they're saying

Who was saying what after Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer to win his second Wimbledon title on Sunday:

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Germans claim they will miss Neymar

Germany is disappointed Brazil's star Neymar is ruled out of Tuesday's World Cup semifinal and midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger said his injury could yet galvanize the Selecao.

Ref must be strong in semifinal, says Loew

The current Brazil team bears little resemblance to its artistic sides of the past and Germany coach Joachim Loew hopes Tuesday's semifinal referee takes a tough stance against any attempts to disrupt the flow of the game.