Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
Rooney to be restored to central role against Uruguay
Jun 18, 2014 12:30:00 AM
England boss Roy Hodgson is set to give the Manchester United striker an opportunity to play in his preferred role on Thursday following criticism of his performance against Italy
By Paul Clennam
Wayne Rooney is in line for a central starting role in England's crucial World Cup Group D clash with Uruguay on Thursday, Goal understands.
The striker was deployed on the left of an attacking front four against Italy as Daniel Sturridge led the line but, despite supplying the assist for England's only goal, he came under fire after a largely below-par performance.
Rooney has since hit out at suggestions from the media that he is undertaking extra practice sessions and training with the second string, insisting he is simply aiming to reach peak fitness ahead of Thursday's clash.
The Manchester United striker is yet to score at a World Cup and manager Roy Hodgson is concerned the constant media scrutiny surrounding the 28-year-old will affect his form as England face an uphill battle to reach the last 16.
During Tuesday's closed training session in Urca, Rooney and Sturridge were partnered together throughout while Raheem Sterling - who started centrally against the Azzurri - was paired with wideman Danny Welbeck.
A defeat on Thursday will all but confirm England's early exit from the World Cup, but their task will be made more difficult as Uruguay's star striker Luis Suarez looks likely to return from a knee problem after missing the South Americans' opening loss to Costa Rica.
Thiago Silva: Media furore denied Brazil a penalty
Jun 18, 2014 12:45:00 AM
The Selecao captain believes his side deserved a spot-kick when Marcelo went down in the box but says scrutiny following decisions in the Croatia game influenced the referee
By Robin Bairner at the Estadio Castelao
Thiago Silva claims Brazil should have had a penalty against Mexico on Tuesday but says officials were reluctant to court further controversy.
The hosts played out a 0-0 draw with their Group A opponents in Fortaleza, with Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa delivering a man-of-the-match display, but felt aggrieved when Marcelo went down in the box under a challenge from Raul Jimenez and the referee remained unmoved.
Brazil benefited from a controversial penalty decision in their opening game when Croatia defender Dejan Lovren was adjudged to have brought down Fred during the 3-1 win, and Thiago Silva believes the ongoing questioning of that decision was enough to prevent his side from earning another spot-kick.
"Last match, as soon as I showed up, the first question I was asked was about the referee," the Brazil captain told reporters.
"Today, that same question only came after 10 others. Against Croatia everybody was talking about the penalty, but today, from where I was, from the back, I saw that it was a penalty [against Marcelo].
"But I don't like to talk about those things. However, it's good that you guys mention it a little bit, because if you think about it, the repercussions of Fred's penalty might have influenced today.
"I have no doubts about that. If it hadn't been spoken about so loudly, maybe today we would've had a penalty."
Despite the draw, the Paris Saint-Germain defender feels his team are steadily improving and sees positive signs regarding their prospects in the tournament.
"I think we did better [than against Croatia]," he continued.
"We improve a little in some aspect every match. I believe we took a big step today, but when you don't get the result, even with the evolution you present, people might just doubt what I'm saying.
"I think the team performed very well today, especially in moments when we were being pressured. We kept our cool. But the most important thing is that you understand that your team is going through a rough patch, so everybody needs to get back and help defend. That's what happened today."
Russia 1-1 South Korea: Kerzhakov rescues point for Capello's men
Jun 18, 2014 12:50:00 AM
After a dull first half, the Eastern Europeans fought back to earn a point from their first game against Hong Myung-bo's side
Russia fought back to draw 1-1 with South Korea at the World Cup, after a howler from goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.
Akinfeev and opposite number Jung Sung-Ryong had endured difficult nights in terms of catching the ball, and it would prove to be to the detriment of Fabio Capello's side in Cuiaba.
The CSKA Moscow keeper tried to catch a goal-bound effort from substitute Lee Keun-Ho but it bounced off his hands and into the net on 68 minutes to hand Hong Myung-Bo's men the lead at the Arena Pantanal.
Another sub Aleksandr Kerzhakov then came to Akinfeev's and Russia's rescue six minutes later. Tucking away an equaliser just three minutes after coming on, taking advantage of a scramble in the box created by a dangerous ball in from another substitute Alan Dzagoev. It was his 26th goal, which ties him for the nation's all-time goal-scoring record with Vladimir Beschastnykh.
Russia were more commanding in possession in the early stages, however, too many turnovers saw them susceptible on the counter-attack.
South Korea had the best chance of the opening 25 minutes, when Bayer Leverkusen forward Son Heung-Min went on a run from midfield to the edge of the area, only to spray his shot high and wide under little pressure.
The Russians set out to implement their banal style synonymous to Capello-coached sides, as they tried to pass their way around the Korean defence.
However, Russia began to create chances as they game opened up just after the half-hour mark.
Ki Sung-Yong's crude challenge on Aleksandr Samedov earned him a yellow card, and Sergei Ignashevich's powerful effort from the dead ball in the 32nd minute was on target - forcing Korean custodian Jung Sung-Ryong to parry.
South Korea's response was strong, as Koo's 34th-minute effort deflected agonisingly wide of the post for the Asian nation.
Russia were the first to attack after the restart, earning a corner in the first minute in the second period, only for captain Vasili Berezutski to head into the side-netting.
The Koreans quickly found their footing, and Berezutski's opposite skipper Koo almost picked out the top corner in the 50th minute - with Akinfeev swiping the effort clear.
Ki was the next to test the CSKA Moscow man, drilling an on-target strike that bounced in front of him, but Akinfeev was equal to the task - as he was for Yoon Suk-Young's deflected free-kick moments later, that he dived on before the cavalry arrived.
Russia needed to show something up forward, and it was Dmitri Kombarov who almost provided the opener - his long-range effort on 62 minutes giving Jung some worries, with the Suwon Bluewings man bundling the ball away to safety.
Kombarov almost found Aleksandr Kokorin in the area minutes later but his well-weighted cross was heavily fisted clear by a diving Jung.
And the goalkeepers' difficult night got worse when Akinfeev calamitously fumbled into his own net, before record-leveller Kerzhakov popped up to earn Russia a point from close range.
Australia 2-3 Netherlands: Van Gaal's men edge five-goal thriller
Jun 18, 2014 6:51:00 PM
The Oranje have moved to within touching distance of qualification for the knockout stages after a close victory against a spirited Socceroos side
Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie stole the show with two goals each in the Netherlands' 5-1 demolition of Spain in their opening game last week, and the duo once again took centre stage by scoring again in Porto Alegre on Wednesday.
Tim Cahill earlier cancelled out Robben's opener with a contender for one of the greatest goals in World Cup history, before a controversial penalty from Mile Jedinak nine minutes after the restart had Ange Postecoglou's men dreaming of a famous upset.
However, Van Persie quickly quashed those hopes by levelling in the 58th minute with a neat finish inside the area.
And Memphis Depay - who had come on as a substitute for the injured Bruno Martins Indi - broke Australian hearts with a speculative effort that goalkeeper Mat Ryan will feel he should have kept out.
Louis van Gaal's men can now become the first team to qualify for the round of 16 if Group B's other match between holders Spain and Chile ends in victory for the latter or a draw. Australia, meanwhile, face a near impossible task to progress having lost both group games.
Robben's third goal of the tournament in the 20th minute ensured the match exploded into life after a lacklustre opening.
The winger escaped the attention of Alex Wilkinson on the halfway line and surged into the box before drilling a low, angled shot into the bottom right-hand corner.
That lead proved short-lived, however, as Cahill equalised less than 60 seconds later with a goal of the highest quality that will live long in the memory.
Ryan McGowan - playing at right-back in the absence of the injured Ivan Franjic - pinged a superb cross-field pass towards Cahill, who watched the ball over his shoulder and lashed an unstoppable left-foot volley that crashed past the helpless Jasper Cillessen and struck the crossbar before nestling in the net.
It could have been even better for Australia on the half-hour mark, Mathew Leckie fizzed a ball across the area, but the onrushing Mark Bresciano could only side-foot over the bar.
The half ended on a sour note for the Netherlands when Martins Indi was carried off the pitch on a stretcher after a poorly timed challenge from Cahill, who received a booking that means he misses Australia's final group game with Spain.
It got even worse for the Netherlands after the break. Van Persie was first cautioned for an elbow on Matthew Spiranovic that rules him out of the last group game with Chile, before Jedinak put Australia ahead from the spot in 54th minute.
Referee Djamel Haimoudi deemed Oliver Bozanic's cross had been handled by Daryl Janmaat and Jedinak kept his cool to send Cillessen the wrong way.
However, four minutes later, the Netherlands restored parity.
Wesley Sneijder's intricate throughball was collected by Van Persie and the Manchester United striker turned well in the area before rifling a shot into the roof of the net for his 11th goal in his last 10 international appearances.
And, with just over 20 minutes remaining, the Dutch turnaround was complete.
Van Persie's clever run saw the pitch open up for Depay and his speculative effort from 25-yards found its way home via a costly error from Ryan.
Australia pushed forward in the closing stages in desperate search of an equaliser, but the Netherlands easily dealt with the danger to all-but book their place in the last 16.
Spain 0-2 Chile: Aranguiz sends holders crashing out of World Cup
Jun 18, 2014 9:56:00 PM
The reigning world and European champions have exited the competition at the group stage after being stunned by their South American opponents
World Cup holders Spain crashed out of the tournament after they were stunned 2-0 by a brilliant Chile side on Wednesday night.
After a 5-1 hammering against the Netherlands in their opening Group B clash, Vicente del Bosque's side needed an immediate response, but fell short in another lacklustre showing.
Having fallen behind to Eduardo Vargas' well-taken 20th-minute finish and been pushed to the brink by a second from Charles Aranguiz - helped by another Iker Casillas error - a comeback was never likely.
Del Bosque dropped Barcelona duo Gerard Pique and Xavi following the humiliation against the Dutch, but the change in personnel made little difference as they capitulated once again.
Busquets should probably have put Spain back into the contest early in the second half, but he inexplicably missed the target from close range, and from then on Spain lacked any real invention.
Victory for Chile means that their final group game against the Netherlands will determine who finishes top with both now through to the last 16, while Spain face Australia with nothing left to play for before heading home in despair.
The South Americans looked far brighter in the early exchanges and went close twice inside the first three minutes, as Vargas saw a poked effort deflected agonisingly wide, before Gonzalo Jara headed just off target.
Despite that, Spain gradually appeared to grow into the contest, only to find themselves behind in the 20th minute.
After latching on to Alexis Sanchez's throughball, Aranguiz squared to Vargas, who cleverly side-stepped Casillas before prodding the ball into an empty net.
The world champions almost restored parity eight minutes later, only for Diego Costa to find the side netting after pouncing on David Silva's headed pass.
And Chile soon made the most of their opponents' incompetence again to forge a two-goal lead after 43 minutes.
Aranguiz was at the centre of things once more, but it was Casillas who was the villain yet again. The Real Madrid keeper bizarrely opted to punch a Sanchez free-kick back out into a crowded area when the ball could easily have been caught.
With the defensive wall slow to react, Aranguiz controlled with a deft touch before prodding home past the stranded goalkeeper to put Spain on the brink.
The reigning world and European champions started the second period with renewed determination and they almost pulled a goal back in the 52nd minute, only for Busquets to skew a shot wide from close range after reaching Costa's overhead kick.
Del Bosque's men exerted more control over possession than in the first half, but they still struggled to get Costa into dangerous positions, with the Atletico Madrid forward soon substituted to a chorus of jeers.
Chile should have put the match beyond all doubt in the 68th minute when Mauricio Isla met Eugenio Mena's low cross at the back post, but the Juventus man sliced over, handing Spain a lifeline.
With Fernando Torres on in place of Costa and Santi Cazorla also thrown into the fray, the Spaniards desperately poured men forward in the closing stages and a long-range Andres Iniesta effort forced Claudio Bravo into an acrobatic save.
But it was not enough, as the South Americans held on to their clean sheet and booked their place in the second round.
Spain, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a world title defence that has ended before it even begun - with Del Bosque and his men now assessing just where they go from here.
Van Gaal proud of Netherlands despite 'careless' win
By Matheus Harb in Porto Alegre
Jun 18, 2014 9:14:00 PM
The Oranje fought to a 3-2 victory over Australia and the coach was thrilled with how his attackers - and specifically Robin van Persie - ensured back-to-back World Cup wins
Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal was proud of the way his players fought back to defeat Australia 3-2 on Wednesday, despite conceding that his team were "careless" and "took too many risks".
The Oranje have taken a giant stride towards qualification with the victory as goals from Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Memphis Depay denied a valiant Socceroos side who led for a short time in the second half.
Van Gaal had plenty to criticise about the Dutch performance but stressed that his team's reaction in the final 45 minutes delighted him and refused to single out any specific man to praise.
"We were careless, took too many risks, played too many short passes when we should have played it long, we went forward too little - we had to change that," the future Manchester United manager said.
"But then I was pleased with how we reacted on the second half - our ball retention and the opportunities we created.
"My players had something to go for after the break, they looked more confident. Luckily, it went well, but it could not have.
"We had more chances on the second half and managed to win, so I must congratulate the team. We were in a bad situation and managed to turn it around. Every player was in part responsible for what we pulled off, I don’t want to individualise it."
Robin van Persie's goal, the equaliser in Porto Alegre, sparked the Group B giants into action and signalled the start of their comeback and Van Gaal was over the moon that he had such a prolific striker in his World Cup ranks.
"We had five or six opportunities in the second half that I would have expected to go in and they missed a great chance," he continued. "I said: 'We’ll win, they can’t miss something like that'. And then Depay had a great goal, so I’m pleased.
"Is great to have a striker like Van Persie, he's on three goals already. That is a fantastic tally after two games, and he scores very attractive goals which is good for the fans.
"If I were to say that ours was the best attack in the World Cup, though, then the next opponents will try to stop us with that as motivation.
"We have wonderful strikers, this is not for nothing - even in the qualifiers, we scored a lot. This is part of the Dutch school of playing, and something I believe in, not like you journalists."
Netherlands face Chile in their final game of their Group B campaign on Monday.
World football's governing body revealed that over 85 ticketless Chile fans were arrested after breaking into the stadium's media centre and forcibly trying to access the stands
By Liam Twomey at Estadio Maracana
Fifa has condemned the ticketless Chile fans who invaded the Maracana's media centre in the build-up to their team's Group B crunch clash with Spain on Wednesday.
Dozens of supporters broke through a security gate and smashed through the doors to the centre before pulling down a temporary partition wall in a bid to reach the stands.
Stewards and security officials eventually pinned down the group in a corridor next to the media centre and held them there for a short time before leading them to police.
Fifa insists none of the supporters managed to reach the stands and says such "violent" acts will not be tolerated.
"Ahead of the Spain-Chile match at the Maracana, a group of individuals without tickets violently forced entry into the stadium," a statement issued on Twitter read.
"They broke fences and overran security before being contained by security. They did not make it to the seats.
"The situation was brought under control quickly and at least 85 intruders were detained by the military police of Rio.
"The organisers of the World Cup condemn these acts of violence. We’ll communicate further info and measures to be taken in due course."
This latest incident constitutes the second security breach at the Maracana inside a week and raises serious questions about the capability of Fifa and Rio authorities to maintain safety at next month's World Cup final.
On Sunday around 30 ticketless Argentina supporters scaled an outer wall and broke through a gate before being detained prior to their team's Group F opener with Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Chaos & fear as Chile fans leave trail of destruction at the Maracana
Jun 18, 2014 8:50:00 PM
Supporters of the South Americans breached security at the Maracana and stormed the media centre ahead of their Group B clash with Spain on Tuesday
By Greg Stobart at Estadio Maracana
It felt like something from a football hooligan movie. The guttural roar went up, hundreds of feet pounded the pavement before the Chile fans tried to smash their way through the media centre doors.
The handful of security staff in the media centre went above and beyond their duties, desperately trying to hold the doors shut against the swell of pressure. They couldn’t hold on though, and at least one hundred Chile supporters smashed through the doors, leaving a trail of broken glass and flower pots.
My initial response was to run away. It was as frightened as I’ve been at a football match. While their motive – to watch the match – may have been obvious in hindsight, it wasn’t initially clear. The mob mentality was in full force and it felt manacing.
Stunned journalists and photographers dispersed as the Chileans stormed through the building to find a way into the seating areas of the Maracana.
The security staff did finally respond and wrestled with the supporters for several minutes, with temporary walls violently crashing to the ground during the struggles as we looked on.
One group of around 30 Chileans was brought under control, but dozens escaped. Thankfully, no journalists or fans seemed to be injured, although one stadium worker appeared to suffer a badly damaged arm.
There will surely be consequences to a dangerous incident that threatened to turn very nasty indeed.
Tournament organisers have boasted that 170,000 security staff will be working in Brazil – but the Chile supporters easily broke through the cordon here.
While Robocop-style military police stood outside, volunteers and stewards earning next to nothing were tasked with handling the incident.
Imagine such a situation if Brazil were in the final here in July 13. It could become a riot and the consequences far more severe.
The Chilean football authorities will also have to accept responsibility for the behaviour of their fans. If it were England, Russia or another country with fans with a reputation for violence, Fifa would quite rightly throw the book at them.
The AC Milan playmaker believes his side were overawed by some of the star names in Cote d'Ivoire's line-up and says they must be far bolder in their next Group C clash
Keisuke Honda wants Japan to focus on their own qualities as they look to get their World Cup campaign up and running.
AC Milan midfielder Honda fired Alberto Zaccheroni's team into a 16th-minute lead during their Group C opener against Cote d'Ivoire in Recife but two goals in as many second-half minutes from Gervinho and Wilfried Bony handed the African nation a 2-1 win.
Honda believes the host of star names in the Elephants line-up caused them to pay their opponents too much respect - a mistake he insists must not be repeated versus Greece in Natal on Thursday.
"I think there were a few causes (for the defeat) but especially I think we might have respected the opponents too much," the 28-year-old told reporters.
"It means that our consciousness to take the opponents' strengths away might be bigger than the one to show our own strong points.
"Yes, playing aggressively is what we have built up and it is our belief and fundamental for our confidence. There were some dangerous players of Ivory Coast and there are some of Greece too and we need to show the respect to them but it is better not to show it too much."
Greece also came off second best at the hands of Colombia in their first match, meaning the price of failure next time out is high for both teams, yet Honda refused to entertain such negative thoughts.
"Although we have our back to the wall, our confidence is still solid," Honda said.
"Being eliminated from the competition may be coming up in discussion but I never have such an idea and all I am thinking about is to win over Greece and to prepare for the game after, against Colombia."
The Real Madrid winger showed some discomfort in training on Wednesday but is available again after recovering from a muscle strain
By Ben Hayward in Belo Horizonte
Angel Di Maria trained normally for Argentina on Wednesday and will be fit for his side's Group F clash against Iran on Saturday.
The Real Madrid winger has been struggling with a muscle strain since Argentina's 2-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Sunday and underwent special fitness work on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old showed some signs of discomfort as Wednesday's practice got underway at Atletico Mineiro's training ground outside Belo Horizonte, but he completed the session and has been cleared to face Iran at the Estadio Mineirao on Saturday.
Inter striker Rodrigo Palacio is also fit after recovering from an ankle problem that kept him out of the squad on Sunday.
"All of the players trained normally today and Di Maria has recovered from his knock," Argentina's press officer told reporters after Wednesday's session.
And Boca Juniors goalkeeper Agustin Orion added: "You always get knocks and niggles, but luckily all of the players trained today and they are all available to the coach [Alejandro Sabella] for selection."
Argentina top Group F after beating Bosnia-Herzegovina and will seal a place in the last 16 on Saturday with victory over Iran, who drew with Nigeria on Monday.
Croatia midfielder Modric '100 per cent fit' for Cameroon clash
Jun 18, 2014 2:25:00 AM
The Real Madrid playmaker had been struggling with a foot injury since the opening-day loss to Brazil, but both he and Mario Mandzukic will be in the starting line-up in Manaus
By Sam Lee at the Arena da Amazonia
Croatia coach Niko Kovac says Luka Modric is "100 per cent fit" to face Cameroon on Wednesday, and insists his side will go for all three points in the crucial Group A clash.
The loser of the match will be the first team eliminated from the World Cup as both were defeated in their first outings and are now four points adrift of Brazil and Mexico following their draw in Fortaleza on Tuesday.
Modric was in some doubt for the game in Manaus after picking up a foot injury in the opening-day defeat to Brazil, but Kovac says he will be ready to help his team try to take all three points.
"Luka is going to be 100% fit," he said. "He did well Tuesday and Monday in training, no problems there. He will be 100% match fit."
"We know what this match means to us and Cameroon. We’ve come here to play football and win three points because it means so much to us. Let’s not dwell on the maths, let’s focus on the game and the three points.
"Cameroon have to win to have any chance, and so do we. We could even play for a draw but we want three points, we will play our game.
"They are a strong team with high quality, but we want to impose our style of play. It is the same as I said after Brazil: if we play the same way I don’t see why we wouldn’t progress. We will fight and I am convinced that we are going to win the game."
Mario Mandzukic will return to the Croatia team after suspension kept him out of his country's first match, and Kovac is delighted to welcome him back into the fold.
"I am very glad that Mario is with us, his skills are well known," he added. "Any coach would be satisfied to have such a player in their ranks, and I am. I know he will inject some energy into this match and lead us to victory, I hope."
And Mandzukic himself is raring to get his tournament up and running: "I’m very glad to be back, I could hardly wait for the day to arrive. I worked hard in training, this is a very important match for me and for all of us. We are ready and I cannot wait for it to start.
"There's not much pressure because we came here to win games. We always knew that we would have to beat Cameroon and Mexico and this has not changed. We want to win both and we are ready. We are positive, I am certain that we can take the first step by winning the game."
One hundred per cent or not, Suarez is vital - Tabarez
By Kris Voakes at the Arena Corinthians
Jun 18, 2014 8:07:00 PM
The Uruguay star may not be fully fit, but his national coach insists he is important to his team's hopes against England on Thursday
Luis Suarez is important to Uruguay's hopes of beating England even if he is not 100 per cent fit, his national coach Oscar Tabarez has admitted.
The two countries face off in Group D of the World Cup in Sao Paulo on Thursday, but there continue to be doubts over the star striker's fitness following a knee injury which saw him miss out on the Celeste's 3-1 loss to Costa Rica on Saturday.
But Tabarez insists that Suarez will be key, even if he is not at the level Liverpool fans have come to expect at kick-off time.
"Luis Suarez had a problem with an injury four weeks ago during training with the national team. He had a check-up, the doctors saw he had a problem with his left knee, the necessary measures were taken and he started his recovery," explained Tabarez.
"He has recovered very well. His knee seems to have adapted to the training and to the work he has done, so he has been training and playing with his team-mates in the last week. Obviously that is not the same as a match.
"If he plays tomorrow we must consider the possibility that he is not as well as he is with Liverpool. But even if he is not 100%, he is important."
Uruguay are still smarting from their opening game defeat, and Tabarez admits there is some concern over their World Cup hopes but his men will fight until the last to stay in the competition.
"Of course we are worried after starting the World Cup with a defeat, but it is not over. We are a team that's always willing to fight and to recover," insisted the head coach.
"We still have two games and tomorrow both teams need to win. We know our opponents will be hard to beat. The England team is very good at attacking, they have four very fast players who are always up front and they are very direct and pragmatic.
"But we have had similar situations which we have been able to overcome. This doesn't mean that we'll do it tomorrow, but we know that our team always fight until the end."
The clash with England at the Arena Corinthians kicks off at 21:00CET on Thursday, and Uruguay finish off their Group D campaign against Italy in Natal on Tuesday.
England will continue attacking philosophy - Hodgson
By George Ankers
Jun 18, 2014 6:22:00 PM
The Three Lions were enterprising in the opposition half despite losing 2-1 to Italy and the manager is keen to maintain that approach in a crucial match against Uruguay
Roy Hodgson says that England will look to attack Uruguay despite that tactic seeing them lose 2-1 to Italy in their World Cup opener.
The Three Lions looked bright up front even in defeat in Manaus, with Raheem Sterling particularly impressive, and the manager is keen to continue that positive philosophy.
He confirmed to BBC Sport that England would again attack on Thursday, explaining: "We've been working towards this philosophy and now we have the players that can help us carry [it] out.
"I was really pleased for all the players who were playing one of their first games for England that they could go out against a strong Italy team and, I thought, match them for long periods of the game.
"It's a defeat and you can't come away from the fact that defeats are never positive, but we've done our soul-searching now. We've analysed and put that game in perspective. I believe that we're ready now to move on, go to the next one and approach it in exactly the same way as we approached the Italy game."
Goal understands that Wayne Rooney is set to be used in a more central role after cutting a frustrated figure on the flanks against the Azzurri, though Hodgson says that the team have not yet been told how they will line up.
"We'll see," he added of the forward's role. "At the moment I'm not prepared to make any comments about the team. The players have always got to be the first to know and I can honestly tell you the players do not know what the team is. Rooney does not know if he's playing [or the] position in which he’d be playing.
"We're very flexible. We have a group of players behind either Sturridge, Welbeck or Rooney as centre-forward who can move about in the game and they're all comfortable wherever they play because they know the job there."
Asked if he is tired of talking about Rooney, Hodgson replied: "No, not really. I've got great admiration for him.
"We mustn't forget that, in the two years that I've been working with the team, he's got the most assists and goals. Over the years, I've seen it from afar and this time I'm seeing it from within the camp – I've always seen enormous focus on one man and, this year, it's Wayne."
After Uruguay were stunned by Costa Rica in a 3-1 loss in their first game, the England boss expects them to be better in Sao Paulo, though he feels that the match will be no harder for it than when his side faced Italy.
"It [wasn't] the type of Uruguay performance that we are used to or that we are preparing for – and they'll have their talisman back for this game. Luis Suarez, I'm sure, will play and we all know from the Premier League what a handful he is and how many qualities he brings to the game," Hodgson remarked.
"We'll have our work cut out but I don't necessarily think we'll face a tougher task [than Italy]. It could be equally as tough but there was the handicap that the game against Italy was played in Manaus. The temperature and conditions in Sao Paulo will be a bit kinder to us."
The Real Madrid star left his team's session an hour before it ended on Wednesday, sparking fresh fears over his fitness
The fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo is once again a concern for Portugal after the Real Madrid forward was forced to leave a training session an hour early on Wednesday.
The 2013 Ballon d’Or winner’s fitness has been a constant worry for boss Paulo Bento, with the 29-year-old battling tendinosis in his knee as well as a long-standing thigh complaint.
Ronaldo was a slight doubt for his country’s World Cup 2014 opener against Germany on Monday but managed the full 90 minutes as his side were hammered 4-0 in Salvador.
Bento is now hoping his captain will be fit for what has become a crunch Group G clash with USA on Sunday.
Portugal’s all-time leading scorer could now be a doubt, however, after spending the final 60 minutes of his team’s session at Ponte Preta’s Estadio Moises Lucarelli in Sao Paulo with an ice-pack pressed to his knee.
He has regularly trained apart from the group in order not to further aggravate his knee problems and Portugal fans will hope the decision to end training early was merely a precautionary measure.
The Azzurri midfielder has expressed caution over his country's clash with the Central American side following their shock victory over Uruguay last week
Daniele De Rossi has warned his Italy team-mates to fear World Cup opponents Costa Rica when the two teams meet in Recife on Friday.
The Roma midfielder helped the Italians get off to a winning start against England in Group D but they now face a dangerous Costa Rica outfit who also took maximum points in their opener.
The Central American side came from a goal down to shock Uruguay 3-1 last week and De Rossi is keen to ensure Italy treat Jorge Luis Pinto’s side with respect as they look to all but confirm their own last-16 spot.
"We should fear them a bit. You need a healthy fear against a team that surprised everyone with their victory over Uruguay," he said.
"Nobody thought they would get such a clear result against a very strong side.
"They'll be fired up after that win. If they had lost 4-0 then we could've underestimated them, but in this case we cannot possibly do that.
"I hope, and am convinced, that we can virtually secure qualification by beating Costa Rica. A victory would put a strong stamp on our ticket to the next round."
Italy are hoping to welcome back captain Gianluigi Buffon from injury for the match, while De Rossi himself should be fully fit after sitting out of training with a neck problem.
The national team coach says the needs of the collective comes before the interests of the veteran striker
Cote d'Ivoire coach Sabri Lamouchi has insisted that Didier Drogba remains committed to the team amid reports that he's unhappy with his role at the World Cup in Brazil.
The experienced attacker was benched in his side's 2-1 win over Japan earlier this tournament, but played a major role in turning around a one-goal deficit after coming off the bench.
Much has since been said and written about Drogba's position within the team, but Lamouchi has stressed that the former Chelsea man's needs are not his main priority.
"I’m in charge of a group and not just of Drogba. I am in charge of the whole team," Lamouchi said at a press conference.
"He knows how important he is to the team and what his role is for Cote d’Ivoire. Obviously he’s disappointed if he’s not playing, but his attitude in training shows his dedication to the team."
The coach then went on to discuss Thursday's match against Colombia at the Estadio Mane Garrincha and warned that a difficult game awaits for the African giants.
"This match will be completely different than the one against Japan. They will play a different style compared to how Japan played. We know that it will be a difficult game. We will have to win the battle in midfield. We have the tools to cope with their players in midfield.
“It is a crucial game, but it is not the end of the world if we lose. We have to focus on our own game. We will get the result we deserve.
"Colombia are a very strong attacking team, with players like Jackson Martinez on the bench. Even though [Radamel] Falcao is not here, they still have some great players. They have amazing potential. We have to be more concentrated. Colombia’s place in the Fifa Ranking says it all."
Muller will break World Cup scoring record, says Germany legend
By Robin Bairner
Jun 18, 2014 8:11:00 PM
Miroslav Klose is just one goal short of becoming the World Cup's all-time top scorer, but another Germany star has been tipped to beat his tally
Germany legend Gerd Muller has backed compatriot Thomas Muller to become the World Cup's greatest goalscorer on the back of his hat-trick heroics against Portugal.
‘Der Bomber’ is a former World Cup Golden Boot winner and believes his namesake is on course to become the most prolific scorer in finals history.
The current Germany forward scored five times in South Africa 2010 and already has three goals to his credit in Brazil.
Team-mate Miroslav Klose is only one strike behind Ronaldo’s all-time record of 15, the older Muller thinks it is only a matter of time before the Bayern Munich attacker surpasses both.
“I’m sure that Thomas Muller will surpass the World Cup scoring record because he still has another one or two World Cups ahead of him,” the legend told Sport Bild.
“He will defend his Golden Boot title."
Klose recently overhauled Muller's record of 68 goals for his country, but the latter did accumulate those goals in only 60 internationals, compared to the Lazio striker's 132.
Meanwhile, Thomas Muller has struck 20 times for Germany in 50 caps, with seven of those coming in the final stages of the World Cup.
He is expected to have the opportunity to add to his tally when his side meet Ghana in their second group game in Fortaleza on Saturday, having previously seen off Portugal 4-0.
Van Persie's grandfather joins in on #Persieing trend
By Peter McVitie
Jun 18, 2014 12:50:00 PM
The swan-dive header from the Oranje striker has become an internet sensation, with people across the world replicating it - even the striker's 93-year-old relative
Robin van Persie's magnificent leap to meet Daley Blind's pinpoint pass and send it looping over Iker Casillas and into the net in Netherlands' 5-1 win over Spain has become the iconic goal of the World Cup so far.
The emphatic swan dive has developed into an internet sensation, becoming the subject of thousands of vines, videos and internet memes in the last few days as #Persieing trends worldwide.
And now the striker's 93-year-old grandfather, Wim Ras, has joined in on the craze, with his own Van Persie impression.
"I thought it was a great landing," Ras told Omroep Brabant.
The 93-year-old spoke of his pride at seeing his grandson score such an impeccable goal and insists it was a very difficult thing to pull off.
"A belly landing, is not always fun, huh? I used to do gymnastics and I know what it is like, but in gnymnastic those moves are planned and intended," he said.
"Robin only needed a fraction of a second to make the jump.
"To get such an exquisite delivery in such a situation and then to score, that is a hell of an achievement.
"The attack went well, but getting up there was very difficult. Obviously, because it is not a movement that you do every day."
The country was thrown into mourning as more than a dozen fans were killed and 26 injured at a World Cup viewing centre during the Brazil-Mexico game on Tuesday night
Tragedy struck Nigeria on Tuesday when at least 14 football fans were killed in a suicide-bomb attack while watching a World Cup game in Damaturu, capital of Yobe state.
The explosion occurred during the match between hosts Brazil and Mexico, which ended in a 0-0 draw.
According to Channels TV, the explosives were transported on a tricycle before being set off at the outdoor viewing centre.
The explosion also left around 26 fans injured, with as many as 15 others in critical condition.
Survivors are presently receiving treatment at the Sani Abacha Specialists Hospital in Damaturu with the incident being investigated by the Nigeria Police Force.
Prior to the start of the tournament, some states in the country had banned football viewing centres from showing any World Cup games in order to avoid attacks from the Boko Haram insurgents in the country's north-east.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the bombing.
The Bayern Munich man helped himself to two goals, following strikes from Ivica Olic and Ivan Perisic
Mario Mandzukic scored twice as Croatia dumped 10-man Cameroon out of the World Cup with a 4-0 thrashing in Manaus.
Olic made the breakthrough 10 minutes into the first half, before team-mate Perisic sealed all three points following a brilliant solo run shortly after the break.
Mandzukic added some gloss to the score line in the 60th and 73rd minutes as Croatia won their first World Cup match since 2002, having lost three and drawn two.
Niko Kovac's men have now collected three points from two games and are one point adrift of Mexico, who are level on points with host nation Brazil heading into their final group game, while Cameroon remain winless and out of contention.
Attempting to respond to their defeat to Mexico, Cameroon coach Volker Finke was forced into a change up front, with captain Samuel Eto'o ruled out with a knee injury. Defender Cedric Djeugoue also made way for Joel Matip.
Croatia made three changes to the team that lost to Brazil last week. Mandzukic returned from suspension and he was joined in the line up by Danijel Pranjic and Sammir as Nikica Jelavic, Sime Vrsaljko and Mateo Kovacic dropped out.
The African side settled the quickest out of the two teams, though Croatia eventually found their groove to open the scoring in the 11th minute.
Perisic slipped the ball across the six-yard box for Wolfsburg team-mate Olic to fire home from close range - his 19th international goal since making his debut in 2002.
Cameroon's task was made a lot tougher just five minutes before the half-time interval, when midfielder Alex Song saw red for an off-the-ball incident.
The Barcelona player lashed out at Mandzukic, striking the forward on the back as Croatia pressed ahead on the counter attack.
It went from bad to worse for the Indomitable Lions three minutes after the break as Croatia doubled their advantage through Perisic.
The midfielder went from provider to goalscorer, driving into the area before placing the ball beyond goalkeeper Charles Itandje.
Cameroon's numerical disadvantage was evident and they almost went three goals behind following a swift counter-attacking move, however Mandzukic saw his effort go wide of the post.
The Bayern star finally got his goal on the hour-mark, rising highest to nod home Croatia's third from a corner and his 14th on the international stage.
The striker put the African nation to the sword again in the 73rd minute, tapping home an easy rebound after goalkeeper Charles Itandje's attempted save fell straight to the feet of the 28-year-old.
