France to mobilize 4,000 extra police

Massive police reinforcements will be on duty for the World Cup final and France's interior minister urged revelers not to spoil the party by getting out of hand.

Column: There is crying in soccer

Tears and tantrums better suited for a 3 year old who hasn't had his nap. Passionate arguments even a lawyer would admire. More dives than off the Olympic platform.

Trading World Cup stamps goes digital

Cambodian fans gets 48 hours behind bars after losing bet

Cambodia police imprisoned a soccer fan for 48 hours for faking the theft of his motorcycle, which he had lost in a bet on a World Cup match, police said Friday.

Buddhist monks enjoy Cup fever

At Tibet's holiest shrine, young monks are getting up at 3 a.m., not to pray, but to watch the World Cup.Lights flickered in the windows of the Potala Palace, as France beat Portugal this week to set up a final showdown on Sunday against Italy.

France-Brazil match was fixed, email says

An email from France brought to light a possibly enormous soccer scandal soon after the World Cup quarterfinal between Brazil and France ended, the Jinan Times reported Thursday.

China busts online soccer gambling rings

China's police authority on Friday announced they had bust series of soccer gambling rings during the World Cup, involving billions of betting funds

Shakira to perform at World Cup closing ceremony

Shakira will be the star of a brief closing ceremony at Sunday's World Cup final between Italy and France in Berlin.

Beckenbauer calls for summit to stop play-acting

Franz Beckenbauer has called for a summit meeting of players, coaches and referees in a bid to stop the increasing trend towards play-acting and feigning injury which has blighted matches at the World Cup.

History suggests tight final in prospect

A tight, technical, low-scoring affair is in prospect for Sunday's World Cup final between France and Italy if the history of their previous meetings in the tournament is repeated.

Berlin's airports braced for flood of fans

Berlin's airports are preparing for a flood of travellers on Sunday as World Cup fans, officials and dignitaries scramble to return home after the final between Italy and France

Blatter worried WC could be lowest scoring ever

FIFA president Sepp Blatter is worried that this year's World Cup might end up the lowest scoring ever, and he wants to figure out ways to "make football more attractive again."