World Cup 2014

Why 'Sweeper Keeper' Neuer deserves the Ballon d'Or ahead of Messi and Ronaldo

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are goal-scoring phenoms. There are quick, have amazing dribbling skills, are lethal in front on goal. They are also a marketing dream and they deserve a place on the Ballon d'Or shortlist.

ICC CEO David Richardson pleased with World Cup 2015 preparations

International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive David Richardson Thursday expressed his satisfaction with preparations for World Cup 2015 after receiving detailed updates in Wellington and Melbourne this week.

Xavi retirement: Spain will miss tiki-taka maestro and architect of success

Xavi, who has won three Champions League crowns, seven La Liga titles and a host of other trophies with Barca, made his debut for Spain in a friendly against the Netherlands in November 2000.

Spain's Xavi retires from international football, says his time has ended

"It has been a marvelous time, a fantastic time for me, and I am proud of being here so many years and for all the victories," said Xavi.

Unmetric's Lakshmanan Narayan: In social media, more data equals better creatives

The Fred penalty explained: Japanese ref finally talks about World Cup decisions

Explaining his decision to award a penalty for Fred's dramatic flop, he added: "If you look at how it happened, the forward was looking to shoot in one move. The defender put his hands on him. That was a mistake.

World Cup over, but some Argentines refuse to leave Brazil

Local media reports say tens of thousands of Argentine fans remain Brazil. They appear to be overwhelmingly young and male: Most are in their 20s, and less than a third of them are women.

Robben, Rodriguez and Cahill: Watch the best goals of World Cup 2014

World Cup 2014 saw 171 goals, which is a joint-record in the tournament's history along with the 1998 edition held in France.

By the numbers: How Germany outplayed everyone at World Cup 2014

Statistics show that when it came to the number of goals scored, goals per match, shots on target, distance covered by the players, and the passes completed in every match, the Germans were the best.

Photos: How Goetze helped Germany win their fourth World Cup title

Mario Goetze ended Germany's 24-year wait for another World Cup title. Here are photos from the Germany vs Argentina football world cup final.