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Live Coverage: World Cup live: June 20 - as it happened

:Headline: Live Coverage: World Cup live: June 20 - as it happened: ID:160895: from db_amp
Sports Mole brings live coverage of all the action and reaction on day nine from the World Cup in Brazil.

Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of day eight of the 2014 Brazil World Cup.

As we have done for the previous eight days, we will be keeping you on top of the latest news, reaction and rumours to come out of yesterday's matches.

We also look ahead to the next set of games, which includes Italy's clash with Costa Rica where anything but an Italian victory would see England exit the tournament at the group stage.

So with that, we bring another fasinating day of World Cup action to a close. Jack Prescott will be in the chair from 11:00am this morning to bring you the latest news and reaction from Brazil 2014. Among those in action tomorrow are well-fancied Argentina and Germany, so Saturday should prove no less exciting. Until then, good night!
You can also read Sports Mole's player ratings for that game here.
In the same group as France and Switzerland, Ecuador came from behind to beat Honduras with Enner Valencia scoring twice for El Tri, to give the South Americans hope of reaching the second round.

France continued their impressive start to the World Cup in Group E by hitting five past Switzerland. Indeed, Les Bleus could have scored more and even saw Karim Benzema's first-half penalty saved. The result moves France to the brink of last-16 qualification.

Before we bring Day 8 of the World Cup to as close. We'll recap a busy day of football, starting with the big shock in Group D as Costa Rica stunned Italy thanks to a Bryan Ruiz goal. The Central Americans' victory confirmed England's early exit from the tournament.

Meanwhile, Moussa Sissoko says that France are capable of having a good World Cup after a win 5-2 against Switzerland. Sissoko scored the fifth for Les Bleus with a fiercely struck sidefoot effort.

Switerzland boss Ottmar Hitzfeld struggled to hide his disappointment after his side were emphatically beaten by France. The Swiss are now third in Group E behind Les Bleus and Ecuador, who edged out Honduras. However, Hitzfeld's side will qualify if they can better Ecuador's result, next week.
Honduras narrowly lost to Ecuador in an absorbing encounter in Curitiba. Sports Mole's own Matt Domm highlights where the Group E clash was won and lost here.
More reaction to England's early World Cup exit. Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku says that England players were under a lot of pressure in the build-up to the tournament. The striker even suggested that some of the Three Lions squad looked "a bit scared" in the months before the competition.
France manager Didier Deschamps must find press conferences easy to negotiate at the moment. He was again full of praise for Les Bleus as they registered a second comprehensive win of the World Cup, beating Switzerland 5-2. Surely there are very few in the press room that can find fault with his side at the moment?
FULL TIME: Honduras 1-2 Ecuador - Enner Valencia is the star for La Tri as they secure three points in their quest for a last-16 berth. Carlo Costly had given the Central American side the lead just after the half-hour mark, but it was not to be for Los Catrachos.

One team not in danger of heading home too early are the Netherlands. Having secured qualification with a win over Australia, Robin van Persie insists that Holland need to focus on finishing in top spot in Group B and try to avoid better teams until later in the tournament.
More fallout from England's World Cup exit (I know, sorry again). Paul Parker, one of the Three Lions side that played in their 1990 semi-final loss to West Germany, has called for coach Roy Hodgson to step aside and labelled England's campaign "a complete farce".

"We need a new manager in who is going to inject some dynamism into the squad, who can be trusted to bring the youngsters on. I don't think Roy is the man to do it for England moving forward. This tournament has not been kind to his, or his team's capabilities," Parker told Eurosport.

GOAL! Ecuador are ahead against Honduras, having trailed earlier on. Enner Valencia is on target again for the South Americans. Remember, the winners could still be in with a chance of reaching the knockout phase.
Earlier on Friday, Costa Rica pulled off a stunning shock when they beat four-time World champions Italy 1-0, thanks to a Bryan Ruiz goal. Azzurri boss Cesare Prandelli didn't hold back in his assessment of his team's performance.
Incidentally, the second half in Curitiba is underway. Can Honduras or Ecuador emerge victorius and move closer to the last-16? We will keep you updated, I promise!
This game has taken on greater importance after Switzerland's defeat to France opened up the chance of one of tonight's teams qualifying for the next phase. You can read Sports Mole's player ratings for the seven-goal thriller here.
HALF TIME: Honduras reach the interval level with Ecuador. However, their players appeared to miffed with the referee's decision to disallow Jerry Bengston's goal in stoppage time. It must be said, TV replays appears to show that Bengston was offside when he scored and looked to have handled the ball.
GOAL!: The lead lasted a matter of minutes as Enner Valencia brings Ecuador back on terms in Curitiba. Brayan Beckeles appeared to switch off at the back post for Honduras, but Valencia didn't seem to mind when he tucked the ball home. Entertaining game developing in Group E!
GOAL! Honduras have taken the lead against Ecuador and it was route one in the build up. The ball breaks to into the path of Carlo Costly and the striker smashes the ball into the back of the net.
USA will face Portugal on Sunday evening, knowing a win will likely put the Stars and Stripes into the knockout phase. Speaking ahead of the game, Michael Bradley suggests that his teammates realised that they could grind out victory against Ghana without playing fast-flowing football.
UPDATE: Just past the 15-minute mark in Curitiba and Honduras are goalless with Ecuador. You can follow live commentary of this now crucial game in Group E here.
Fresh from last night's victory over England (Sorry for bringing it up again, but it was bound to happen), Luis Suarez has been declared fit to face Italy in the winner-takes-all Group D clash on Tuesday. Remember, Costa Rica are already through to the last 16 after beating the Azzurri 1-0 earlier today.
Thanks Sian. Good evening! The game between Honduras and Ecuador in Curitiba has just got underway. In the wake of Switzerland's defeat to France, will one of these side seize the opportunity to get their World Cup campaign back on track with victory. Sports Mole bring you the key updates from Curitiba.
Well that's all from me this evening, but stay right there as Chris O'Keefe will be along in just a moment to keep you up to date with all the action from Honduras vs. Ecuador as well as all the latest news from Brazil.
The Netherlands will be without captain Robin van Persie for their final group game on Monday as he has picked up yellow cards in both of their games so far. However, the Manchester United striker is still keen to ensure his side finish top of Group B in a bid to avoid a last 16 meeting with host nation Brazil.
FA chairman Greg Dyke confirmed that Roy Hodgson will remain in charge of England until Euro 2016, a move which has been backed by former Three Lions striker Emile Heskey.

The USA play their second match of the tournament on Sunday when they will face Portugal. Jurgen Klinsmann will have to make at least one change, as Jozy Altidore will miss the match with a hamstring strain, but striker Aron Johannsson admits that the team do not know who will take the place of the Sunderland forward.
TEAM NEWS! The starting lineups have been announced for Honduras's game against Ecuador and both sides have made two changes following their defeats in their opening matches. Honduras are without captain Wilson Palacios, who is suspended, while Walter Avoyi returns for Ecuador.
If you're not completely exhausted by that seven-goal thriller, there's still more action to come this evening. The final game of the day kicks off in just under an hour, with Honduras facing Ecuador. Depending on the result, France may be able to secure their last 16 spot at the end of the night. Our live coverage is already underway.
FULL TIME! Well there was a bit of late drama as Benzema thought that he had added a sixth for France, but he was too late! However, it's still a convincing 5-2 win for the French team, who are all but guaranteed a spot in the last 16. Here's out match report from Salvador.
GOALS! Switzerland are making the scoreline a little more respectable in the closing stages with Blerim Dzemaili and Granit Xhaka both finding the target inside the final 10 minutes. There are still a few minutes still to play in Salvador.
Following Spain's elimination from the World Cup, Xabi Alonso questioned whether the squad was prepared and focused on winning the event again. The comments have not gone down well with striker Diego Costa, who insists that the squad wanted nothing more than to retain their title.
GOAL! It just keeps getting better for France as Moussa Sissoko extends their advantage to 5-0, and there's still almost 20 minutes to go!
GOAL! Well any hopes Switzerland had of a comeback are now well and truly over. Karim Benzema finds the target to make it 4-0 to France.
Switzerland defender Steve von Bergen lasted less than 10 minutes against France this evening after picking up a nasty-looking cut near his left eye. The centre-back has since had to go to hospital to receive treatment for a suspected fractured cheekbone.
If you watched Mexico's opening game of the tournament against Cameroon, you may remember the performance of assistant referee Humberto Clavijo, who ruled out two goals which seemed perfectly fine when looking at the replays. Well, FIFA has announced that he will play no further part in the World Cup.
KICKOFF! The second half between France and Switzerland has just got underway. Don't forget there's live commentary of all the action on Sports Mole this evening.
HALF TIME! It looks like France are cruising to top spot and a place in the last 16 this evening as they lead Switzerland 3-0 after the opening 45 minutes. If you want to catch up with the action so far, why not read out half-time report.
GOAL! With just a couple of minutes until half time, Mathieu Valbuena has made a 3-0 to France. We'll have a report on all the first-half action online shortly.
Away from the current match, you may have heard the sad news earlier today that Ibrahim Toure, the younger brother of Ivory Coast stars Yaya and Kolo Toure, passed away at the age of 28. Yaya's agent, Dimitri Seluk, has said that he expects the duo to remain at the World Cup for their final group match against Greece next week.
GOAL! France double their lead just a few moments later through Blaise Matuidi.
GOAL! It's advantage France as Arsenal's Olivier Giroud marks his return to the starting lineup with a header for the opening goal against Switzerland.
Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto has been praising his side following their victory over Italy earlier this evening, which has ensured their progression to the knockout stage of the tournament.

"The people of Costa Rica deserve it. This is for them. We controlled the game. It was as I expected it. We've beaten a great team," BBC Sport quotes the Colombia-born coach as saying.

KICKOFF! The second match of the day is just getting underway. Don't forget you can follow updates from the game with Sports Mole throughout the evening.
Another player struggling with an injury at the moment is Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo. It was reported earlier this week that the Real Madrid talisman was on the verge of being ruled out of the rest of the tournament with a knee problem. However, it's been more positive today, as Ronaldo was able to take part in some light training with the rest of the squad while wearing a knee brace. Portugal are in action again against the USA on Sunday.
One of the dark horses of the tournament, Belgium, play their second match later this weekend. There's a bit of an injury worry for Marc Wilmots as defender Vincent Kompany has been struggling with a groin problem since their 2-1 win over Algeria in their opening match, resulting in him missing training for a second day today. However, Belgium are optimistic that he will be able to play against Russia on Sunday.
So both sides make two changes for the second of the three World Cup matches today. For France, the big news is that Paul Pogba misses out. The Juventus midfielder was booked in the first game so Didier Deschamps may just be making sure that he is available for their final group game next week. Meanwhile, both of Switzerland's goalscorers from their opening match against Ecuador start this evening, having scored off the bench in the 2-1 win.
Thanks Alex! Good evening, it may be all over for England but there is still plenty more action to come tonight. In the next few minutes we'll have the team news for France's match against Switzerland. Our live commentary for that match is already underway, which you can follow here.
I'll leave you with the match report from Recife, following a stunning result, as I hand over to Sian Cowper, who will be bringing you the latest news for the next few hours.
FULL-TIME Unbelievable! What a story we have here, as Costa Rica hold on to beat Italy. They are through to the last 16, but I'm afraid it means that England are heading home.
We are into the last five minutes in Recife, with Costa Rica still ahead against Italy. Bryan Ruiz's goal looks like sending his team through to the last 16 in what would be one of the shocks of the tournament.

Japan midfielder Keisuke Honda has said that his side lacked ideas during their World Cup clash against Greece. Their goalless draw means that they will go out of the tournament if they fail to beat Colombia in their final Group C match and Honda wants to see a more aggressive performance from his teammates.
Bosnia-Herzegovina manager Safet Susic had said that his side are yet to reach top form in the World Cup.

"We haven't shown everything we are capable of yet," Susic told reporters. "I hope that Argentina will win their other two games, because if they do then the second spot will be between Iran, Nigeria and Bosnia. I am convinced that we still have everything to play for."

Some news now that will concern England fans, as Football Association chairman Greg Dyke says that Roy Hodgson will remain as the manager until 2016.

"We are supportive of Roy - he came to do a four-year cycle. I already see people asking the question, 'Will he stay?' The answer is yes," he told BBC Sport.

SECOND HALF: We are back underway in today's early match, with Italy surprisingly behind against Costa Rica. The Italians have made one change at the break, with Antonio Cassano coming on for Thiago Motta.
HALF-TIME: We could be in for another shock as Costa Rica go into the break a goal ahead against Italy. Many felt that they would not pick up a single point from the group, but they have shown great courage and belief in the tournament so far. Here's our half-time report on all of the action so far.
GOAL! Stunning moment as Costa Rica take the lead against Italy. With just a minute of the half left to play a header from Byran Ruiz has moved them on to six points in the group table and leaves England's hopes hanging in the balance.
Greece manager Fernando Santos had said that his side could have won their World Cup match against Japan had they not been reduced to 10 men. Konstantinos Katsouranis was sent off for the Greeks in the first half of their Group C match, but they managed to hold on and claim a goalless draw.
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has said that his side are focused on their World Cup Group A meeting with Croatia. The 28-year-old made a string of impressive saves to keep out Brazil and he will need to be at his best again to help his country make it out of the group stages.

KICK OFF! We are now underway in today's first World Cup match in Recife. Can Costa Rica cause another upset in Group D? You can find out all of the latest with our minute-by-minute live commentary.
Some more now from Paul Scholes, who has said that England manager Roy Hodgson made a mistake by not including Ashley Cole in his World Cup squad.

He told Paddy Power:"Not bringing Ashley Cole was probably a mistake – not so much for his attacking qualities – but more his defensive ones. I think Baines and the whole of the back four have been found out a bit. It's been argued that John Terry could have steadied the ship and taken command – but he's not getting any younger either."

Former England international Paul Scholes has had his say on last night's defeat against Uruguay.

"Going into the tournament we all feared the back four were never not going to concede goals – and now it has been proven," he told Paddy Power. "England just weren't good enough. I thought they were poor in the first half and gave the ball away too much.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has claimed that England were unlucky to lose their Group D match against Uruguay last night.
Do remember that you can keep up to date with the match with our live commentary, which is underway now.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: The teams have been named for this afternoon's match in Recife and I can confirm that Gianluigi Buffon has returned for Italy. You can read the full lineups for each team here.
Mario Gotze has said that Germany will be in for a tough match against Ghana on Saturday. The Germans began their campaign with a stunning 4-0 win over Portugal, but Gotze says that his country will have to be at their best to keep out the African side.
Japan manager Alberto Zaccheroni has said that his team were not brave enough in their World Cup Group C match against Greece. Having lost their first group match, they now need to beat Colombia next Tuesday and hope that the Ivory Coast don't beat Greece in order to reach the knockout stages.
Portugal midfielder Miguel Veloso has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo is fully fit. The Real Madrid star was the subject of reports earlier this week saying that his tournament was over, but his teammate believes that there is no cause for concern.
Thank you Darren. Yes I will be here until 7pm and in that time we will find out if England's World Cup hopes will last for another week. Italy's match against Costa Rica kicks off at 5pm and the team news from that encounter should be arriving within the hour.
On that note, I will hand you over to Alex Meyers, who will take you through the next four hours. Over to you, Alex.
There were calls for goalkeeper Julio Cesar to be dropped from Brazil's starting lineup after his lack of playing time for Queens Park Rangers and Toronto, but after two solid performances against Croatia and Mexico, the 34-year-old believes that he has justified his inclusion.
After losing heavily to Germany at the start of the week, Portugal must respond with three points against USA on Sunday night. However, they are still sweating on the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues to undergo treatment on a knee problem.
Despite their contrasting fortunes in their opening fixtures, Germany's Per Mertesacker has insisted that his team must avoid any complacency when they face Ghana on Saturday evening. The Arsenal defender is likely to win his 100th cap for Germany during that game, which, at the age of 29, is an excellent achievement.
Nigeria could only record a 0-0 draw against Iran on Monday evening, but Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu is remaining positive. The former Arsenal striker, who earned 87 caps for his national team, believes that the current squad have the ability to beat both Bosnia-Herzegovina and Argentina.
France aren't considered as one of the main contenders to win this year's World Cup, but former defender Lilian Thuram disagrees. The most capped player in France's history believes that the current squad have the "quality and experience" to win their first World Cup for 16 years.
Leighton Baines is the latest England player to give his take on his team's performance in Brazil, and the Everton man doesn't believe that he and his fellow defenders deserve to receive criticism in the wake of back-to-back defeats. Do you agree with Baines? Read his comments here.
Another of Sunday's fixtures sees South Korea take on Algeria in Porto Alegre. A win for South Korea would see them take a giant step towards the last 16, while defeat for Algeria would result in them suffering elimination from the tournament. You can read our preview here.
It's not often that the President of Russia takes a trip to Brazil, but that's exactly what Vladimir Putin will be doing next month to take part in the World Cup closing ceremony after the final in Rio de Janeiro.
We are still 48 hours away from Belgium's match with Russia at the Maracana, but you can find out the early team news by clicking here.
In the aftermath of England's defeat to Uruguay last night, striker Daniel Sturridge tweeted that he felt "sick and "heartbroken" after seeing his side move to the brink of elimination. Don't we all, Daniel. Don't we all.
After Spain's exit from the tournament on Wednesday evening, there has been plenty of speculation regarding the future of coach Vincent del Bosque. However, it looks like the World Cup winner is being backed by his football federation. The English FA should take note - no knee-jerk reactions...
It's all pretty negative from an England perspective...

Hodgson left "disappointed" after defeat

Hodgson: 'I have no intention to resign'

Gerrard: 'England are clutching at straws'

Suarez: 'I have dreamt of this moment'

As you can imagine, it was a busy night at Sports Mole towers, with plenty of reaction coming in from the match in Sao Paulo. I've got a hunch that some of you may have missed out on that, but don't worry, reaction from the likes of Roy Hodgson, Steven Gerrard, and the other guy who might have something to say after scoring two goals last night is coming up in the next post...
Morning everyone! Have we all gotten over last night yet? Thought not, but we aren't out of the World Cup yet, so let's be positive...for a few hours at least!
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