With the second round of group games complete, the world has witnessed the two biggest superstars on the planet perform for their respective nations. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi each carried major burdens heading into this week's matches and their performances offered differing results.
Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic has the pedigree to breach Mexico's defense for the first time at this World Cup when the two sides meet in their final Group A game in Recife on Monday, team mate Luka Modric said.
They might want to change Porto Alegre's name to Porto Algeria after the Desert Foxes' 4-2 victory over South Korea in the southern Brazilian city on Sunday.
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo thought his disjointed defense would suddenly find their feet in the heat of World Cup battle having shipped 11 goals in five games in the build-up.
Ecuador have been blessed with the form of striker Enner Valencia since he took on the goal-scoring mantle from the late Christian Benitez last year, coach Reinaldo Rueda said on Sunday.
Under pressure but undeterred, Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said he would return to the same starting lineup that delivered an opening World Cup win over Croatia for Monday's Group A clash with Cameroon.
Portuguese substitute Silvestre Varela scored deep into stoppage-time to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw with the United States in World Cup Group G on Sunday and keep his team's hopes alive.
Allowing Portugal to snatch a last-gasp 2-2 draw was a blow but the United States must rebound quickly ahead of their final World Cup group match against Germany, coach Juergen Klinsmann said on Sunday.
Portugal's Varela (C) celebrates with teammate Eder after scoring against the U.S. during the 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match at the Amazonia arena in Manaus on Sunday.
Actor and producer Diego Luna has spoken against homophobia in soccer after Mexican fans chanted homophobic slurs during their team's last two World Cup games.
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