Sports

After a long wait for the biggest mega event of this year, the 2014 FIFA World Cup kicked-off with a bang.

Ezequiel Lavezzi and Gonzalo Higuain are competing for a place in Argentina's three-man attack in the team's World Cup opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Hernandez had a disappointing season for Man United and coach prefers the partnership of Oribe Peralta and Giovani dos Santos to start up front.

The E-box screens are installed in seats for every class of cabin - first, business and economy - so for flying football fans, no one need miss a goal being scored.

Sneijder is now enjoying a leading role in a new Dutch tactical formation, playing as provider for forwards Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie.

Jennifer Lopez is flying to Brazil to perform during the tournament's opening ceremony on Thursday.

The Germany forward Klose needs to score at least once in the tournament in Brazil to equal Ronaldo's record of 15 World Cup goals.

Spanish defender, Raul Albiol has expressed his worries about the playing surfaces at the 2014 World Cup.

With 34-year-old Xavi likely to struggle to play 90 minutes every five days, that means Koke is likely to enjoy plenty of time on the pitch in Brazil.

The popular belief that India withdrew from the 1950 World Cup because they preferred to play barefoot, as opposed to FIFA's rule of wearing shoes, is a "misconception".

"There are some really good young players in the England squad and the fact that Roy has gone for that group makes it exciting," said Beckham.

Kevin-Prince Boateng and Jerome Boateng will be one of several pairs of brothers to line up at the World Cup finals, but unlike the others they will be on opposing sides.

Germany could lose Marco Reus for the World Cup after he pulled up with an ankle injury on Friday.

France winger Franck Ribery has been ruled out of the World Cup after failing to overcome a back injury.

Italy's two most influential players have a combined age of over 70 and their most prolific striker has been omitted over fitness concerns.

Netherlands captain Robin van Persie suffered a groin injury in his country's last World Cup warm-up match against Wales on Wednesday.