Sports

The most entertaining World Cup in a generation comes down to a final match that pits the planet's best player against the tournament's best team.

No European team has ever won a World Cup played in the Americas, which is one more source of motivation for Germany ahead of Sunday's final.

Brazil captain Silva insists that it is unfair to ask Scolari to take full responsibility for the humiliating 1-7 loss to Germany.

A total of 95 injuries have been recorded in the competition so far with seven "severe" injuries including Brazilian forward Neymar's broken vertebra and Mexican defender Hector Moreno's broken leg.

Up against Argentina in the finals, it is highly unlikely that Germany coach Loew would make any changes to the team.

Terms of the transfer for the controversial striker serving a biting ban have not yet been revealed by Barcelona.

Klose and Mueller will bring a grand total of 26 World Cup goals to the final, a staggering tally for two of the most prolific strikers in the tournament's history.

No fee was disclosed but Arsenal are believed to have paid in the region of 35 million pounds ($59.56 million) for the 25-year-old Chile international.

FIFA says there were 35.6 million Twitter posts about the game on Tuesday, making it the most tweeted sports event.

The Netherlands will need to do more than simply muzzle Argentina's Messi if they are to prevail in Wednesday's semi-final, according to van Gaal.

Brazilians cried, cursed their president and felt ashamed after their team's 7-1 semi-final loss to Germany.

Southampton said they have signed Tadic on a four-year deal from Dutch side Twente for an undisclosed fee.

Manchester City say they have signed goalkeeper Willy Caballero to a three-year contract on a free transfer from Spanish club Malaga.

The absence of Neymar and captain Thiago Silva in their semi-final against Germany could make the hosts stronger, Germany coach Loew said.

Robin van Persie missed two chances from close range in stoppage time in a 0-0 draw before the Dutch prevailed 4-3 in penalty shootout against Costa Rica.

Gaal said his players would not be making the same mistake with regard to their quarter-final opponents Costa Rica.