Messi's global following grows

Lionel Messi fell, then jumped back to his feet with a little help from the gentlemanly Swiss player who knocked him down.

Hitzfeld bids heartfelt farewell

Ottmar Hitzfeld said an emotional goodbye to his Swiss team and soccer on Tuesday as he quit the sport after a dramatic World Cup loss to Argentina and the death of his brother.

Neymar good to go in training

Neymar is making good progress in his recovery from thigh and knee knocks ahead of Friday's World Cup quarterfinal against Colombia, Brazil's team doctor said on Tuesday.

Worldcup tidbits

Edge of seats

It's time to get the game up to speed

Rafael Nadal tugging at his shorts and doing his usual pre-serve routine. Novak Djokovic bouncing the ball more than a dozen times. Maria Sharapova facing away from the court between serves. Countless players going to the towel, point after point.

Leaving doping bans behind

After being suspended for doping, Barbora Zahlavova Strycova came close to quitting tennis. But having finally put the perceived injustice behind her, the Czech player reached her first quarterfinal at a Grand Slam on Monday.

Bittersweet exit for Nigeria star

It wasn't exactly the way Joseph Yobo wanted to mark his 100th and final appearance for Nigeria.

Pogba showcases breakthrough effort

Paul Pogba finally delivered the big-game goal France needed from its most exciting young talent, picking his spot with a late header to help his team beat Nigeria 2-0 and reach the World Cup quarterfinals.

Score board

Loew looking for Germans to reload

Joachim Loew said Germany must improve for Friday's World Cup quarterfinal against France after a sub-par performance in its 2-1 extra-time win over Algeria on Monday.

Feisty Algeria fought to the bitter end

Algeria's battling display against Germany in the last 16 of the World Cup on Monday not only won it many new admirers but also marks it as one of the favorites for next year's African Nations Cup.

Suarez turns contrite about bite

Disgraced Uruguay striker Luis Suarez on Monday apologized to Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini for the bite that got him kicked out of the World Cup and banned from all soccer activites for four months.