Spaniards bow out with barely a whimper

With its superstars aging and its loyal coach slow to blend in young talent, Spain's glorious reign as the superpower of world soccer was bound to end.

Cahill scores wonder goal, then gets carded

Tim Cahill's stunning volley in the 21st minute made it two goals in two games at the World Cup for Australia's talisman.

World cup tidbits

BRAZIL TO ITALY

When Brazil plays, it's time to walk pooch

While millions of Brazilians were watching their World Cup team on television, Rene Rivera was walking his golden retriever along a swan lake at a Sao Paulo park.

Fight or flight for England, Uruguay

Heavyweights England and Uruguay must resurrect their World Cup hopes or face the prospect of an early flight home when they collide in a crunch Group D fixture on Thursday.

Metal-fueled Borges aims to emulate father

Celso Borges is dreaming of emulating his father's achievements as Costa Rica quietly sets its sights on a second qualification for the World Cup knockout rounds.

Love game stuns Krajicek

Michaella Krajicek enjoyed a love game of her own at the WTA 's-Hertogenbosch grass-court tournament when her tennis-playing boyfriend proposed to her on court immediately after she won her first-round match.

Score board

Not every star shines so bright

After just one match each, Robin van Persie and Lionel Messi have already duplicated their goal tallies from their previous two World Cups combined.

Ochoa slams door on Brazil

Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa produced one of the great World Cup goalkeeping performances on Tuesday, denting host Brazil's confidence and boosting his own job prospects by backstopping his team to a scoreless draw.

Midfield problems haunt host

Brazil failed to win for the first time in 11 games, with its own lackluster midfield as much to blame for the 0-0 draw with Mexico as the inspired goalkeeping performance of Guillermo Ochoa.

World cup tidbits

Birthday 'treat'