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Cameroon's Alex Song gets his marching orders just before half-time in the game against Croatia. Photo: AP
Fifa expressed “substantial doubts” about a German magazine’s claims that a World Cup game could have been fixed and asked the publication to provide evidence to back up its report that a renowned match-fixer accurately predicted details of the match hours before it kicked off.
Fifa said it wants Der Spiegel to provide details of all its conversations with convicted match-fixer Wilson Raj Perumal to prove its claim that Cameroon’s 4-0 loss to Croatia on June 18 may have been fixed.
“The article has put the integrity of Fifa World Cup matches in question, which is a serious allegation,” Fifa director of security Ralf Mutschke said in a statement read out at a briefing at the Maracana Stadium by spokeswoman Delia Fischer.
Fifa said it had no indication from betting markets that any of the 56 games so far at the World Cup were suspicious and has “substantial doubts about the alleged manipulation published by Der Spiegel”.
The weekly magazine claimed that Perumal told it in a Facebook chat hours before the Cameroon-Croatia group game that he knew what was going to happen.
Der Spiegel said Perumal – a Singaporean who is arguably the best-known fixer in football – correctly predicted that Croatia would win 4-0 and Cameroon would have a player sent off in the first half. Cameroon midfielder Alex Song was red-carded just before half-time.
Perumal has denied he made any such predictions.
Suspicious betting activity around a game is an indication that it may have been fixed for illegal gambling syndicates. That could include an unusually large amount of money being bet on the game or wagers being placed at unusual times during the game or on specific happenings – like a first-half red card, for example.
But Fifa said it had found no suspicious activity around Cameroon-Croatia or any other game in Brazil. Football’s world body has access to information from hundreds of betting operators through its Zurich-based EWS, or “Early Warning System”.
A man searches for match tickets at Copacabana beach. Photo: EPA
Brazilian authorities investigated whether members of the Brazilian, Argentine and Spanish football federations were involved in the illegal sale of World Cup tickets after police dismantled a scalping gang.
The brother and agent of Brazilian football star Ronaldinho, Roberto de Assis Moreira, will be questioned in the case, though he is not under investigation, said Marcos Kac, the Rio de Janeiro prosecutor in charge of the investigation.
Police arrested 11 people on Tuesday accused of selling tickets that may have been obtained through a contact at Fifa, the world football governing body, authorities said.
The tickets were the type handed out by Fifa to sponsors, football federations, players and non-governmental organisations.
Fans hold up signs seeking to buy tickets as they travel on a train to Sao Paulo. Photo: Reuters
“Ronaldinho’s brother told some of his friends that they could buy tickets through this system,” Kac said.
“If we see that he has any relationship with this group, if we see that he collaborated in any way, then he would be involved. For now, he isn’t.”
The ticket ring was led by an Algerian suspect identified as Mohamadou Lamine Fofana, who had been under investigation for three months, he said.
Rio newspaper O Dia said it had access to a police wiretap of a conversation between Lamine and Ronaldinho’s brother taped on June 17.
In the discussion, de Assis asks Lamine if he received a call from one of his friends who wanted a ticket. Lamine suggested he sold mainly VIP tickets.
De Assis also tells Lamine he is trying to negotiate his famous brother’s possible transfer to a club in Qatar for “10 million,” without specifying the currency. Lamine offers to discuss the possible deal with officials in Qatar and Dubai.
Ronaldinho, a 2002 World Cup winner who was not called up to play in this year’s tournament, plays for Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro.
Nine of the ticket ring’s suspects were detained in Rio, including Lamine, and two in Sao Paulo.
“The group charged a lot of money for each game,” Kac said. “It was 1,000 tickets per game, with a basic price of 1,000 euros (US$1,365).”
Chile fans look for scalped tickets, with a sign written in Spanish that reads: "We buy tickets for Chile/Spain". Photo: AP
Lamine obtained tickets that Fifa distributed to football federations, players, operators and companies, Kac said.
“There are suspicions that he had contacts with somebody at Fifa, but we are investigating,” the official said.
Fifa said it was awaiting detailed information from local authorities to examine the seized tickets and determine their origin before taking any action.
Authorities have arrested dozens of illegal ticket sellers outside stadiums since the tournament started on June 12. On Tuesday, scalpers were selling tickets to the Argentina-Switzerland last-16 game for US$1,500.
The 22-year-old insists his team can't win every game 5-0 and says the players have to make results a priority over dazzling and thrilling performances
Brazil star Neymar says his team have to be effective and not care about playing entertaining football if they want to win the World Cup.
Despite the Selecao remaining favourites to win the competition and having progressed to the quarter-finals, they have failed to impress so far in the tournament.
Neymar, though, says the priority is to win games instead of dazzling with flashy performances, insisting the best way to get to the final is through being effective.
"You can't always enjoy yourself and win 4-0 or 5-0," he said. "Football nowadays is so difficult, so even, that the team who is most committed on the pitch ends up winning.
"I don't want a show. That's the last thing we are trying to do. We are not necessarily here to produce a spectacle. We are here to run to the end, until we are tired, and come out as winners.
"I would be happy to do nothing in this game if Brazil won 1-0. That would be marvellous."
Luiz Felipe Scolari has experimented briefly during the tournament and Neymar insists he will be able to play in any system the coach employs.
"I can fit into any formation. We have an excellent coach whose job it is to decide how the team will play. With or without a centre-forward, we have to play football."
The midfielder will not engage in a public war of words and has asked those carrying out an investigation into his alleged misconduct to reveal the true answers behind the episode
Michael Essien has urged Ghana's Football Association to "tell the truth" after being accused of misconduct prior to their final group game against Portugal at the World Cup.
The AC Milan man is reported to have refused to warm-up ahead of the game, which ended 2-1, and the case is now being reviewed by the nation's FA after coach Kwesi Appiah cited the episode in his technical report.
The ex-Chelsea midfielder has urged “decent dialogue” to resolve issues over appearance fees and training ground indiscipline instead of “destructive and vicious attacks and counter attacks on individual members of the team".
He said in a media statement: “I hold the view that we can investigate and resolve these issues without further destroying the team.
“I therefore urge all of us who continue to make public comments on the team’s painful experience of leaving the tournament as early as we did to be circumspect in our discourse.
“I also urge all involved to please remain calm and allow state authorities interested in investigating the issues at stake to do their jobs without any interference and come out with the truth.
"It is only then that we can learn from our mistakes and reform all aspects of our preparations for major football tournaments in order to restore the pride and glory of Ghanaian football. I strongly believe that it is absolutely the right thing to do for the good and prosperity of our nation's football.”
Essien added: “It is in keeping with the positions stated above that I have decided to refrain from responding to the GFA’s allegation that I had displayed acts of indiscipline before and during the Portugal game in Brazil.
"In deciding not to respond to the allegations, I am convinced that in the fullness of time, all the facts surrounding the entire episode will become public for the good people of Ghana to judge my guilt or otherwise.”
Kevin-Prince Boateng was sent home from the competition for an alleged verbal attack on Keshi, while Sulley Muntari was also ordered to leave the camp over a reported unprovoked assault on a Ghana official.
The African nation finished fourth in Group G with just a point and failed to make it to the knockout stage of the competition for the first time in the last three World Cups.
Don't blame Messi if Argentina fail, says Maradona
Jul 03 2014, 8:21 am EDT (Reuters)
Retired Argentine soccer player Diego Maradona gestures during a news conference in Sao Paulo September 4, 2013. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker Jul 03 2014
BELO HORIZONTE Brazil (Reuters) - Argentina are playing far below their best, are over-reliant on Lionel Messi and must improve if they are to beat Belgium in their World Cup quarter-finals, according to Diego Maradona.
"We still haven't got started," Maradona, who won the 1986 World Cup with Argentina, said in a withering analysis of the team's performances so far at the tournament in Brazil.
"They need to get it into their heads that we can't be 'Sporting Messi'. Maybe he can score a great goal ... but if it doesn't come off for the kid, we can't jump on him tomorrow as if he's guilty of the Argentine disaster."
Maradona, Argentina's coach at the last World Cup where they went out in the quarter-finals, was speaking on Venezuelan TV after Argentina's defeat of Switzerland this week. His comments were widely reported in Latin American media on Thursday.
He said Argentina's big name team were playing at only 40 percent of their capacity and criticized them for only squeaking past Switzerland 1-0 with a last-gasp goal in extra time.
"Man-for-man, and collectively, Argentina are better. They (the Swiss) may make good watches but they have few footballers," the always controversial Maradona said.
Argentina, who were to train behind closed doors on Thursday at their camp in Belo Horizonte before flying to Brasilia for Saturday's game versus Belgium, won all three group games before beating the Swiss in the last 16.
Messi has won man-of-the-match in each game, and scored four of Argentina's seven goals. But the wins have all been by one-goal margins and have masked some subdued individual performances by other players expected to make bigger contributions.
"The kid (Messi) is very alone ... The team doesn't have a change of rhythm, movements in its strikers," added Maradona, saying the players lacked a give-it-all attitude.
"I feel something very strong inside, like bitterness, rage, frustration, because Argentina can play much, much better ... The coach has to impose this." If they do not improve against Belgium, "we're in trouble," he said.
Argentina have won the World Cup twice and would dearly love to lift it for a third time on the soil of their great rivals Brazil. Tens of thousands of blue-and-white-clad Argentines have flooded across the border to cheer them on.
(Writing by Andrew Cawthorne, Editing by Nigel Hunt)
Members of the media take part in a minute's silence in memory of the daughter of Argentinian journalist Miguel "Titi" Fernandez, at the team's training center in Belo Horizonte city, July 2, 2014. REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado Jul 02 2014
By Karolos Grohmann
VESPASIANO Brazil (Reuters) - Argentina players canceled a news conference on Wednesday, a day after their World Cup round of 16 victory over Switzerland, to mourn the death of a reporter covering the tournament.
Maria Soledad Fernandez, a reporter and daughter of prominent Argentine journalist Miguel 'Titi' Fernandez, was killed in a car crash on her way back to Belo Horizonte from Sao Paulo. Two of her colleagues were injured in the crash.
"The players are extremely saddened by this death because they also feel affected as they are also children and they also have children themselves," Argentina Football Association General Secretary Juan Carlos Crespi told reporters.
"She was much loved."
Team officials and reporters held a minute's silence, with many in tears and clapping.
"I would like to apologize to media but we will not hold a press conference," Crespi said. "Old people like me are also affected because children normally bury their parents, not the other way around."
Earlier on Wednesday Argentina player Sergio Aguero, recovering from a thigh strain since their group game against Nigeria, trained lightly with the ball for about 15 minutes, to see the extent of his progress, a team official told reporters.
Argentina, who booked their quarter-final ticket on Tuesday with an 1-0 extra-time win over the Swiss, next face Belgium.
(Reporting by Karolos Grohmann, editing by Alan Baldwin)
South Korea's coach Hong Myung-bo gestures to his players during their 2014 World Cup Group H soccer match against Belgium at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo June 26, 2014. REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado Jul 03 2014
By Narae Kim
SEOUL (Reuters) - Hong Myung-bo will continue as coach of South Korea's national soccer team despite their early exit from the World Cup, the Korean Football Association (KFA) said on Thursday.
Hong's position came under scrutiny after South Korea, who reached the semi-finals in 2002 on home soil, finished bottom of their group and earned just one point. It was the first time they had failed to record a win in the group stage since 1998.
Huh Jung-moo, KFA vice president, said Hong had tendered his resignation after Korea's 1-0 loss to Belgium in their final group game but KFA President Chung Mong-gyu had talked him out of stepping down.
"I don't think Hong's resignation would have solved the problem so we decided to continue to trust him," Huh told reporters at a news conference on Thursday.
"Hong said he intended to resign but Chung Mong-gyu persuaded him to keep his post until the Asian Cup (in 2015).
"Based on the failure at the World Cup, I am sure Hong will lead the team well at the Asian Cup."
South Korea have been drawn in the same group as hosts Australia for the Jan. 9-31 Asian Cup next year. Hong's contract expires at the end of the tournament.
Hong, who led the South Korean Olympic team to a bronze medal in London, has only been in the job a year after taking over from Choi Kang-hee at the end of a woeful World Cup qualifying campaign.
KFA Vice President Huh said the association had to shoulder much of the blame for the team's poor showing in Brazil after giving Hong just 12 months to prepare.
"The preparation period was short and insufficient," continued Huh. "Just because he is the head of the national squad we don't think it's right for him to take all the responsibility. We will continue to support and trust him."
'KOREAN SOCCER IS DEAD'
South Korea's most capped player with 136 appearances, Hong skippered the Guus Hiddink-coached team on their run to fourth place in 2002, the best finish by any Asian team at a World Cup.
After taking the helm of the national team, Hong tinkered with formations and personnel but could not get his team firing on all cylinders in the buildup to Brazil.
His decision to stick with misfiring striker Park Chu-young in Brazil drew criticism from fans, while his failure to sort out Korea's defensive woes led to an embarrassing 4-2 loss to Algeria that virtually eliminated them from the tournament.
Korea's only point came from a 1-1 draw in their opening Group H game against Russia.
When the squad arrived back home on Monday they were pelted with candy, an insult in Korea, and met with fans holding a placard declaring "South Korean soccer is dead".
Much of the public anger over Korea's failings in Brazil, however, has been channelled towards the KFA and a poll released on Thursday showed 52 percent of respondents said Hong should remain in the job, with 31 percent saying he should resign.
South Korea was not the only Asia region team to struggle in Brazil. The other three Asian Football Confederation sides - Japan, Australia and Iran - also finished bottom of their groups and exited the tournament in the first round without a victory among them.
Alberto Zaccheroni has since stepped down as coach of Japan and Iran coach Carlos Queiroz also quit.
Australia, the fourth team from the Asian confederation, also lost all three of their games but appeared the most competitive despite being in a group that also included Spain, the Netherlands and Chile.
(Writing by Peter Rutherford; Editing by Greg Stutchbury/Sudipto Ganguly)
By Greg Stobart at Estadio Maracana
Jul 3, 2014 10:09:00 PM
Seven players have been struck by flu-like symptoms, but the coach is confident that all will be available for selection against France in Friday's World Cup quarter-final
Germany's preparations for their World Cup quarter-final match against France have been hit by a flu-like illness sweeping through the squad, coach Joachim Low has confirmed.
Seven of the Germany squad have complained about the same illness that caused defender Mats Hummels to miss the last 16 victory over Algeria on Monday.
Low confirmed in his pre-match press conference that one third of his squad have been hit by the bug, but believes they will all be available for selection at the Maracana on Friday.
"One-third of our team were complaining about sore throats and perhaps we were contaminated because of different temperatures and air conditioning," he said.
"Mats Hummels ran a fever but yesterday and today all players were able to train. They still have a slight cold but there is no feeling of exhaustion. I hope it doesn't get worse overnight."
Germany have been criticised for their performances so far in the tournament, especially after they scraped past Algeria in the last round with a 2-1 victory after extra-time.
Low has found himself under particular scrutiny for his use of captain Philipp Lahm in central midfield rather than right-back, but the 54-year-old says he will not be swayed by the opinions of other and is not concerned by speculation over his future.
"I don't think it's out of the ordinary that people discuss my future," Low said. "In South Africa, people were asking the same after the second match. I couldn't care less what people say.
"In other countries where they have gone home and are on holidays, it's fair enough to talk about the coach. But we are here, we are in the last eight and want to reach the semi-finals.
"We wonder how we can win, not what might happen if we lose. I've had pressure before at various tournaments and I know there are dissenting views.
"I don't think we have shown a great performance so far. We have not delivered our best and we were very bad in the first half against Algeria.
"I don't any team in the World Cup has reached their peak performance. We've had a lot of extra-time and late goals. It's not always possible to deliver top performances. It's not a computer game."
Matuidi: Germany are favourites to win quarter-final clash
By Vaishali Bhardwaj
Jul 3, 2014 3:10:00 PM
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder says Germany's recent successes give them the edge ahead of Friday's clash and praised Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller
Blaise Matuidi has labelled Germany as “favourites” ahead of France's World Cup quarter-final clash against Joachim Low’s side on Friday.
The two sides will attempt to qualify for the semi-finals of the tournament when they face each other at the Maracana, with Didier Deschamps' men having arguably been the more impressive of the two teams.
But Matuidi insists France are underdogs in Rio de Janeiro because of their lack of success in recent years compared to a Germany side who have finished third at the past two World Cups and were runners-up in 2002.
"Germany are favourites because of their recent past,” Matuidi said.
“But in a match, anything can happen – you could see that in the last 16 round.
“There is currently no favourite team. This is a very tough competition. In a match, anything can happen.
“We will make sure to cause them problems and do everything to qualify.”
The Paris Saint-Germain star highlighted Germany pair Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller – who has scored four goals so far in Brazil – as the key players who have made the difference for Low’s side at the World Cup this summer.
“Germany are very strong in all compartments. They have a very good goalkeeper (Manuel Neuer), perhaps the number one today,” he said.
“This is a cohesive team with a great goalscorer (Thomas Müller), who is currently scoring at the World Cup.
“But all teams have weaknesses. There is no perfect team.”
While praising les Bleus’ quarter-final opponents, Matuidi also revealed his admiration for fellow midfielder Paul Pogba, who has impressed for France at the tournament.
"It's so impressive because he is only 21-years-old. See what he can do at his age, what he does every day. He has a great maturity. He is calm, he listens," Matuidi said.
"And it's true that I would have loved to have his talent."
The coach was in confident mood in his pre-match press conference ahead of Friday's World Cup quarter-final clash at the Maracana
By Greg Stobart at the Estadio Maracana
France coach Didier Deschamps insists his players are not afraid of Germany and are favourites for the World Cup quarter-final clash at the Maracana on Friday.
Les Bleus take on their European rivals in a repeat of the famous 1982 semi-final and Germany’s general manager Oliver Bierhoff has claimed that Deschamps’ side are favourites to reach the semi-finals.
“Of course, I agree,” said Deschamps when asked in his pre-match press conference whether he agrees with Bierhoff.
“Nobody is afraid. Germany are very strong, with a lot of experience, but it’s a pleasure.
“There is no pressure. I have nothing to tell the players. History is in the past and tomorrow we will try and write a new page.”
France comfortably finished top of Group E before beating Nigeria 2-0 in their last-16 match, but Deschamps accepts that Friday’s clash against Jochim Low’s side will provide their biggest test.
He added: “When you advance in this competition, it gets more difficult. I have a lot of respect for Nigeria but the German team is better. It will be more demanding.
“We have played a very good World Cup. Germany is used to playing quarter-finals and semi-finals, they are very experienced but we will give it our all as well.
“Our players are very competitive, playing for top level major European clubs. We had to make them more united behind the same philosophy and same objectives. To be in the France team means they have a number of duties and responsibilities.
“Spirit has been very high since the start of the preparation and this has been very important.”
By Robin Bairner at Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza
Jul 4, 2014 1:00:00 AM
The hosts may have the burden of expectation on their shoulders before Friday's quarter-final, but the Argentine expects them to shake it off
Colombia coach Jose Pekerman expects Brazil to at their best level when the two sides clash in the second World Cup quarter-final on Friday.
The Selecao have been criticised in the local press for their performances at the competition thus far, but particularly after their narrow last-16 victory over Chile, which was only achieved after a penalty shootout.
Pekerman does not expect the hosts to feel the burden of pressure in Fortaleza, however.
"To progress to the semi-finals is a high leap and this is a defining match because both teams will be at their peak of their performances," he told the media.
"On both sides, we can observe great players, and when you have great players on both sides of the pitch, the match will be interesting and very even."
It has even been suggested in Brazil that the weight of expectation on the hosts makes Colombia favourites to progress, though Pekerman would not back those claims.
"Our team always tries to look ahead," he explained. "For Colombia, each match is a new challenge and a new demanding opponent. So we can't look at the past. We must play our match, in keeping with what we've done. The key is not to feel that there is a favourite. We'll take it as we have taken our matches before."
Colombia have never previously qualified for last eight of the World Cup, and their Argentine coach has admitted that they are trying to build for the future as well as attaining success today.
"We always had great talents [in Colombia] but perhaps we were not able to have consistency," he stated. "In football, you have great teams that stand out because they permanently work. They never relax. Weight of history tells these players to come out onto the field and win.
"They have a winning mentality, firstly because of their talents, and also because of their constant work, and they have a conviction to play at the best level.
"We're on that track – it's a learning curve. We still have a long way to go. I know my players will not keep it at this level and will keep improving."
The South Americans are the only side left at this World Cup to have won all of their matches during the regulation 90 minutes and will be aiming to cause a major upset by eliminating their hosts in Fortaleza.
Neuer: Germany not happy with form but winning all that matters
By Mark Doyle
Jul 4, 2014 12:40:00 AM
The Bayern Munich No.1 concedes that Joachim Low's men have proven inconsistent in Brazil and is wary of a "dangerous" France side in the quarter-finals
Manuel Neuer has admitted that Germany are "not happy" with their performances at World Cup 2014 but argued that "winning is all that matters".
The three-time champions opened their campaign in Brazil with a stunning 4-0 demolition of Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal but have since underwhelmed, drawing with Ghana, edging out United States 1-0 and then scraping past Algeria in the last 16 after extra-time.
Consequently, Joachim Low and his players have come in for some criticism back home and Neuer says that he and his team-mates share that sense of frustration.
"We are not happy either with our performances," the goalkeeper told reporters on Thursday. "But, at the end, we've always come out as deserved winners. It's the winning that matters."
Neuer acknowledges, though, that Germany will need to be at their best if they are to overcome quarter-final opponents France in Rio on Friday.
"We're all thrilled to have the chance to play at the Maracana. It's going to be fantastic, but France are a very dangerous side," the Bayern Munich shot-stopper added.
"They're strong and versatile even if, like us, they have [yet to] put in a perfect game at the tournament."
'You can go to hell' - Scolari rants at local media
By Robin Bairner at Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza
Jul 3, 2014 8:56:00 PM
The building pressure around Brazil's World Cup challenge has mounted on the coach, who was critical of the domestic press ahead of Friday's quarter-final meeting with Colombia
Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has hit out at local journalists, who have been critical of many aspects of the Selecao’s World Cup last-16 victory over Chile.
The hosts needed penalty kicks to overcome their South American rivals and ahead of Friday’s quarter-final with Colombia this was the topic that dominated the press conference.
Scolari’s side have come under fire for many different reasons, ranging from captain Thiago Silva crying after the Chile success, to their use of a psychologist and the coach’s impromptu get together with a handful of members of the press.
“If you don’t like my leadership, you can go to hell,” the coach told the press after a lengthy rant.
The tension mounted from the first question, when Scolari was probed about claims he had said he would like to have changed a member of the squad.
“That’s not what I said,” he stated. “What I said was that at this time of the competition, I could add a player with different characteristics for the matches we have forthcoming. If you could ask all the coaches, for one reason or another, they would like to add someone.
“And when you add someone then you have to replace someone. But when you name you’re 23, that’s what you have, you have you’re 23 to compete for the cup.
“We could work in a different way or with a different tactic. If it were the first match, I wouldn’t change anything.”
The bullish nature of Brazil’s challenge for a sixth world title was also challenged, though the former Chelsea boss was unrepentant over this.
Scolari explained: “I asked Paulinho if he wanted us to play our challenge down. He said: ‘No professor, no.’
“We’re going onto the fifth step – there are seven. Our population, our supporters, don’t expect anything different. They want us to tell them what we want and how we’re going to get it.”
When the subject of Colombia was breeched, the coach forecast a very different match to the one just past.
“It’s an issue of technique,” Scolari stated. “Colombia are more technical. Chile are better grouped at the back and have strength and play with spirit.
“Colombia are a better team, a much better team. But they play playable football. There’s no war with Colombia. Our wars are with Uruguay, Chile and Argentina.
“Our matches against Colombia are friendly, happy matches. They have strength and energy, each team seeks their space, but there’s no big rivalry.
“And when we don’t have that war, our players feel more at ease.”
Brazil’s last four encounters against Colombia have all ended as draws and another tight encounter is forecast for Castelao on Friday.
The player's father is once again in the headlines after Brazilian media linked him with an investigation into ticket touting, but the Barcelona forward has slammed the story
Barcelona star Neymar has leapt to the defence of his father after a Brazilian newspaper claimed he is part of an investigation into the illegal resale of World Cup tickets.
Folha de Sao Paulo reported on Thursday that police have arrested 11 people in relation to the investigation and that a number of football figures - including Neymar's father and former Brazil star Dunga - could initially be called as witnesses to testify in court.
Neymar has lashed out at the story on his official Instagram account by insisting that linking his father - who hit the headlines this year after it was revealed he earned €40 million on the 22-year-old's move from Santos to Barca - was merely sensationalism.
"The journalist is misinformed and irresponsible," Neymar wrote. "Show your proof or, even better, speak the truth!"
It is suggested that Neymar Sr, and many Brazilian former World Cup stars, have been in contact with one or more of the 11 arrested in relation to the ticket resale investigation.
One of the reasons that many former Selecao stars are considered to be potential witnesses is allegedly because they attended a party in Rio celebrating the 1970 campaign at which the reported head of the group, French-Algerian Mahamodou Lamine Fofana, was present.
Neymar's family published a swift rebuttal on their website after the story went live on Thursday, stating: "We are sick of gossip and lies that are unsupported, but only help to sell newspapers."
Fifa has pledged to assist with Brazilian police in the investigation, while football associations from Brazil, Argentina and Spain were unable to comment.
The shot-stopper was in stunning form for Jurgen Klinsmann's men, despite their World Cup elimination against Belgium, but he may not appear again on the international stage
USA goalkeeper Tim Howard has cast doubt on his international future after admitting he is contemplating retirement.
Howard produced a heroic man-of-the-match performance against Belgium in the last-16 clash in Salvador on Tuesday but it could not prevent USA from bowing out of the World Cup following a 2-1 defeat in extra-time.
The 35-year-old broke the World Cup record for number of saves made in a single match, eclipsing the 13 set by Peru's Ramon Quiroga in 1978.
But, with Howard advancing in years, the 2018 World Cup in Russia may be a bridge too far for the 104-cap Everton veteran.
"What happens going forward with the national team, I don't know," Howard told reporters.
"Everything's a bit raw at the moment. I don't think it's black and white to be honest.
"There's no doubt barring injury that I'll be fit and willing to keep going, but there's a lot more things that go into that decision than just my physical health, so it's something that in time I'll decide on."
If the Everton shot-stopper, who signed a new four-year deal with the Premier League club in April, does not make it through to the next World Cup, he has already earmarked Aston Villa keeper Brad Guzan - capped 25 times - as the man to take his place.
"I would imagine at the moment the way things look, I think Brad Guzan," Howard said.
"He's a top Premier League goalkeeper, a dear friend and his talent is incredible."
The LA Galaxy forward criticised the way the USA team were set up to play at the World Cup in Brazil and said he would have challenged the coach if he had been picked for the team
Landon Donovan has criticised USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann for his tactical approach during the World Cup.
The Americans were eliminated from the tournament in Brazil after being beaten 2-1 by Belgium in extra time on Tuesday.
Despite being knocked out in the second round, Klinsmann's team gained plenty of praise for their passionate performances in Brazil.
However, Donovan – who is the USA's all-time leading goalscorer – felt that Klinsmann did not adopt the right approach during the competition.
The 32-year-old LA Galaxy forward, who was overlooked by the German coach for USA’s World Cup squad, said: "It's certainly a missed opportunity.
"The thought of having a game on Saturday – the day after July 4th – against [Lionel] Messi and Argentina, with what was already a swelling audience, would have been incredible.
"I think we're all disappointed in what happened yesterday. I think the most disappointing is we didn't seem like we gave it a real effort, from a tactical standpoint.
"I thought the guys did everything they could, they did everything that was asked of them, but I don't think we were set up to succeed yesterday, and that was tough to watch."
Donovan added: "It's a results-oriented business, and so, results-wise, you can hold your head high.
"But, if you really look at the performances, there were some good performances by guys, some not-so-good performances by guys. As a whole, I think tactically, the team was not set up to succeed.
"They were set up in a way that was opposite from what they've been the past couple years, which is opening up, passing, attacking – trying to do that. And the team's been successful that way.
"Why they decided to switch that in the World Cup, none of us will know. From a playing standpoint, I think the guys will probably be disappointed in the way things went."
Donovan – who scored 57 goals in 156 international appearances across three World Cups – admitted he would have questioned Klinsmann over the team's formation if he had been picked for the squad in Brazil.
"If I'm in that locker room before that game – before the Germany game, before the Belgium game – and the coach walked in and said we're playing a 4-5-1 and Clint [Dempsey] is up top by himself, I would have been disappointed.
"Because I would have said 'Let's go for it. I want a chance to go for it and try to win the game'."
By Ben Hayward in Belo Horizonte
Jul 3, 2014 9:12:00 PM
At least two people have died after an overpass in Belo Horizonte gave way on Thursday, crushing part of a bus and trapping a car
Two people have died and many more were left injured after an overpass collapsed in World Cup host city Belo Horizonte on Thursday.
The road section, which was still under construction, gave way and crushed part of a bus, killing two and injuring a further 22, with further fatalities still thought to be possible after a car was trapped underneath.
Construction works on the viaduct were supposed to have been finalised before the start of the competition, with efforts stepped over the last few days in preparation for next week's World Cup semi-final.
Belo Horizonte has hosted five World Cup games so far and its last-four match on Tuesday could feature hosts Brazil (if they beat Colombia) against either Germany or France.
The capital of Minas Gerais is also home to Argentina in this World Cup, with Alejandro Sabella's side based just 10 kilometres from the collapsed overpass, which was supposed to relieve traffic to the Estadio Mineirao.
The tragedy comes just one day after the daughter of a well-known Argentine journalist was killed in a car crash just outside the city.
Brazil haven’t impressed me so far in the World Cup. Technically, they could be much better. Against Chile, they were out of rhythm, their opponents looked fitter and although they eventually won on penalties, they risked a lot.
Brazil v Chile: Round of 16 - 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil
However, they have good players, of course. And in defence, where I look much of the time, they have the best in the world. They might need that against James Rodriguez and Colombia. I like David Luiz very much, I believe he forms together with Thiago Silva the most talented defensive pair of them all.
In fact, Thiago Silva is the best defender in the world. Surely he is. I remember when he arrived in Italy, nobody knew him but we immediately understood he was a strong player. I remember he didn’t play immediately, he was forced only to train for six months, but once he did play, he proved how strong he was.
He’s the perfect defender in modern football: he can play well with the ball, he’s very fast, his concentration is excellent, and he is careful. He’s a complete player.
OK, they have experienced some difficulties in defence but not because of their form, rather it is thanks to the open, offensive attitude of the teams in this tournament. That’s why they, like all defenders, might be exposed to some trouble. Don’t forget, there were a record number of goals scored in the group stages in Brazil. But taken individually, these two are very strong.
I get asked if my old team-mate at AC Milan, Kakà, should have been selected for Brazil. Well, he is among the many good players from which they can choose. The fact he was so close to the call-up clearly proves it. I think so (he could have made it), he could have fitted well into this Brazil team.
Kaka could have brought a little more experience, as he has already played at World Cups and in other top-level football. But his competitors were extremely qualified, too, so Luiz Felipe Scolari made his choice among many quality players.
Overall in this tournament, there’s much more attention paid to the entertaining side of the game, the teams play with a much more offensive mentality. Forwards may get more space and score more goals.
And they’re playing at the end of a long season: the players are tired, sometimes they might lack concentration, and at this level you simply can’t afford it. Luckily that’s what helps make this World Cup very entertaining.
Is the climate playing a role? A little bit, yes. South American teams are playing well, as they’re more used to these levels of heat and humidity. Four European teams managed to make the quarter-finals, but they struggled. Germany needed extra-time to beat Algeria, who are much less skilled and took advantage of the climate.
The quarter-finals are shaping up to be excellent, intriguing games for us to enjoy.
Neymar: Brazil's showdown against Colombia is not about me and James
By Vaishali Bhardwaj
Jul 4, 2014 9:04:00 AM
The 22-year-old insists that his team-mates need to be wary of the whole Cafeteros side on Friday and described the pressure on the Selecao as "inhuman"
Brazil star Neymar believes James Rodriguez will be Colombia’s key threat in their quarter-final clash on Friday, but has played down the hype surrounding the two players.
The Selecao will need to defeat an impressive Colombia side in Fortaleza to keep their hopes of winning a sixth World Cup title on home soil alive.
Both players have shone for their respective sides in the tournament so far, with James currently sitting top of the scoring charts with five goals to his name – one more than Neymar.
The Barcelona forward has praised the Monaco winger but insists that the quarter-final match is not about him and James.
“Colombia are another tough South American opponent after Chile and it won't get any easier,” Neymar told The Times of India.
“Also, it isn't a match between Neymar and James Rodriguez but a game between Brazil and Colombia.
“We will once again have to perform as a team. James is a dangerous player and he has shown what a talent he is with a brilliant left foot and great vision. We need to give him little to no space or otherwise he will spell danger for us.”
When asked if the game in Fortaleza would be tough, Neymar said: “Yes, without a doubt.
“Against Chile we really suffered. In the end it was pure emotion. My tears after the game were those of sheer happiness. But we also know that the game against Chile was not one of our best matches, but the desire to win and get through to the next round was huge.
“It was the most I have ever suffered in football. We need to repeat all of this against Colombia to make it into the semi-finals.”
Neymar has been recovering from a thigh problem, which he suffered during the last-16 win over Chile, and revealed that he was “undergoing treatment for a heavy knock to the right knee and a smaller knock" to his left hamstring.
However, the 22-year-old confirmed that he would be ready and fit enough to play against Colombia, insisting that the pressure on Brazil to win the World Cup was keeping him focused.
When asked about the expectations on Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team, Neymar said: “It’s massive. It's inhuman.
“We have a very big responsibility as we represent a country of 200 million Brazilian people, all of whom are hoping to see us lift the title for a sixth time.
“Only that would give our country and our people much-needed happiness and better days.”
The former Selecao star called on his country to ease the tension of fans by beating Colombia in 90 minutes, and admitted his delight that the tournament has gone to plan so far
Former Brazil international Bebeto has urged the current Selecao players to seize victory in 90 minutes in their quarter-final clash against Colombia.
The Brazilian is the nation’s fifth highest goalscorer with 39 goals in 75 caps and was part of the team that won their fourth World Cup title in 1994.
With Brazil requiring extra-time and penalties to overcome Chile in their last-16 tie, Bebeto has admitted that the players need to concentrate on doing everything that they can to secure victory in Fortaleza in normal time.
"Now it is the knockout stages, which is another championship. One cannot play for Brazil and not know your responsibility. If we will win, we do not know, but we have a good group focused on their goal, as it has to be, with commitment to wear the shirt,” he told Goal.
“If we win 1-0 then okay, but preferably in normal time, because the heart cannot take it [otherwise].
“Brazil are winning. If we lose, I would say that the boys were not prepared. The boys are doing everything to bring us the sixth [World Cup title].
“Football has changed a lot, even with the running of it too. With this globalisation, we all know how Brazil play, the other teams know how to play them, then all matches are tough and many have gone into extra-time. And that's going to be so until the end.”
Bebeto, who turned to politics following his retirement from football, is part of Rio's World Cup organising committee.
With the build-up to the tournament in Brazil being marred by protests over the cost of hosting the competition and fears about the possibility of the stadia not being ready in time, the 50-year-old has admitted that he was relieved the World Cup had gone to plan.
“As a member of LOC, I can say that I am very satisfied, especially with regards to the stadia, including the Parana, which most scared us, but I always believed that we had time,” Bebeto said.
“Thank God it was all right, we could deliver the stadium of Parana, Atletico Paranaense, and everything is a success.
Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team will be hoping win their record sixth World Cup on home soil this summer but will first have to defeat Colombia in their quarter-final match in Fortaleza on Friday.
