Hello and welcome to Sports Mole rolling news coverage from day three of the World Cup.
It is sure to be another jam-packed 24 hours of action in Brazil, with three more matches due to take place this evening.
Colombia take on Greece in Group C at 5pm before Group D gets underway at 8pm as Uruguay meet Costa Rica.
However, the match that has got everyone talking is due to start at 11pm when England face Italy in what is likely to be a crucial encounter for both teams.
Hello there and welcome to Sports Mole rolling news coverage from day three of the World Cup in Brazil. We've already had two days of incredible action so far, and today looks like it might be heading that way as well.
Colombia take on Greece in Group C at 5pm before Group D gets underway at 8pm as Uruguay meet Costa Rica. However, the big one is due to start at 11pm when England face Italy in Manaus.
Throughout the course of the day we'll be bringing you all of the latest news and gossip from Brazil.
Australia captain Mile Jedinak has admitted that he is "disappointed" by his team's defeat to Chile in their opening match of the World Cup. The Aussies were beaten 3-1 in Cuiaba on Friday night as their campaign got off to a losing start.
Sergio Ramos has backed Spain to recover following their 5-1 hammering by the Netherlands at the World Cup. The defending champions were thrashed by the Dutch on Friday night in one of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far.
Spain striker Fernando Torres has claimed that the team must not panic following their 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands. The reigning champions were torn apart on Friday evening as the defence of their crown got off to a disastrous start.
Chile midfielder Jean Beausejour has insisted that the team can play better following their 3-1 victory over Australia. Beausejour scored his side's third goal in Cuiaba on Friday as they got their campaign off to a winning start. The Chileans face Spain next on Wednesday.
Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera has hailed the unity of the squad ahead of their World Cup opener against Costa Rica. The Uruguayans face Costa Rica in Fortaleza tonight (Saturday) before taking on England and Italy in Group D.
Chile midfielder Jorge Valdivia has called on his teammates to "keep playing good football" following their win over Australia. Valdivia was among the goalscorers on Friday night as the Chileans opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 triumph against the Socceroos.
Switzerland defender Philippe Senderos has admitted that a lot is expected of the team at the World Cup. The Swiss, who play their opening match against Ecuador on Sunday, are currently in sixth place in the FIFA rankings thanks to a strong qualifying campaign.
Australia coach Ange Postecoglou has admitted that his players are deflated following their defeat to Chile. The Socceroos fought valiantly against their South American counterparts in Cuiaba on Friday before eventually going down 3-1 in their opening match of the tournament.
Brazil striker Fred has dismissed claims that he dived to earn his side a penalty during their 3-1 win over Croatia at the World Cup. The forward went to ground when he tussled with Dejan Lovren before Neymar scored from the spot to put the hosts 2-1 up.
Argentina defender Ezequiel Garay has singled out Edin Dzeko as Bosnia-Herzegovina's most dangerous player ahead of the two teams' encounter at the World Cup. The sides square off in the opening match of Group F on Sunday when they meet in Rio de Janeiro.
PREVIEWS! Right, ahead of tonight's games, here are a handful of previews to sink your teeth into.
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has claimed that there is no need to make sweeping changes to his side following their 5-1 thrashing by the Netherlands at the World Cup. The defending champions were humiliated by the Dutch on Friday night as their campaign started with a resounding defeat.
Former Italy striker Alessandro Del Piero has claimed that Mario Balotelli has the chance to show his maturity at the World Cup. The controversial forward, 23, is expected to start for the Azzurri tonight (Saturday) when they begin their campaign against England in Manaus.
Anyway, that's all from me for now. However, I will now be handing you over to the capable hands of Matt Law, who will guide you through the next couple of hours. Enjoy!
Thank you Jack! Matt Law here, I shall take you through the next couple of hours. Has anyone recovered from the Netherlands match last night? You just could not see it coming. Manchester United supporters would have enjoyed watching it as much as the Dutch. However, today is a new day and as Jack has mentioned, there are three more matches due to take place this evening.
Sticking with last night's events, Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal has claimed that Spain will fear his side in this summer's World Cup. The two nations meet on Wednesday and victory for the South American outfit would all but end La Roja's challenge. It seems incredible that the holders could be eliminated in the group stages, but last night's result against Netherlands was a serious blow.
Spain midfielder Xavi, meanwhile, has claimed that Friday's 5-1 defeat to Netherlands was "the hardest loss" of his sporting career thus far. The defeat in itself was not the major surprise, rather the manner of the loss. Had Netherlands taken all their chances, they might have scored six or seven times against the current European and world champions.
Looking ahead to tonight's match against Italy, England captain Steven Gerrard has claimed that Liverpool and international teammate Daniel Sturridge has the potential to become "one of the best strikers in the world". The Reds striker is expected to lead the English line against the 2006 champions.
Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon has claimed that England need Wayne Rooney to be at his best if Roy Hodgson's side are to beat Italy this evening. There had been talk of Hodgson leaving the Manchester United striker out of his XI, but Lennon does not share that opinion.
Reports in Italy have claimed that Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is OUT of tonight's match with England after limping out of training yesterday with an ankle injury. That could be a massive boost for Roy Hodgson's side. However, this is unconfirmed.
Sticking with England's clash with Italy this evening, Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton has lavished praise on Italy's Andrea Pirlo. The Juventus star really is a wonderful player and could dictate the pace tonight if allowed time and space on the ball.
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has claimed that Roy Hodgson's current squad is weaker than the 23-man party that he took to the 2006 World Cup. Anyone agree?
Moving away from England for a moment, Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel believes that Nigeria can cause a few surprises at the World Cup this summer. The holders of the Africa Cup of Nations open their Group F campaign against Iran on Monday.
That is just about it from me this afternoon, but I shall pass you back to Jack for the next couple of hours. Be sure to remain with us for all the build-up to tonight's three matches. Enjoy!
Hello again! Right, the team news for Colombia vs. Greece has just been released, so we will have that with you shortly.
Colombia: Ospina; Zuniga, Zapata, Yepes, Armero; Cuadrado, Sanchez, Aguilar, Rodriguez; Gutierrez, Ibarbo
Greece: Karnezis; Maniatis, Manolas, Samaras, Kone; Salpingidis, Torosidis, Gekas, Sokratis; Cholevas, Katsouranis
You can chekc out the full team news, including substitutes, for tonight's match right here.
Former England manager Glenn Hoddle has urged Roy Hodgson to start with Frank Lampard against Italy at the World Cup. The Three Lions get their campaign underway in just over six hours when they face the Azzurri in the city of Manaus.
Chile forward Alexis Sanchez has expressed his satisfaction at the team's 3-1 victory over Australia. The South Americans got off to a winning start on Friday as goals from Sanchez, Jorge Valdivia and Jean Beausejour helped them claim the three points.
Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli has described the prospect of his side's upcoming match with Spain at the World Cup as "electrifying". The Chileans got their campaign off to a winning start on Friday with a 3-1 victory over Australia, while reigning champions Spain were hammered 5-1 by the Netherlands. A win for Chile at the Maracana on Wednesday would all but put them through to the second round of the tournament and most likely dump the Spanish out in the process.
Russia midfielder Oleg Shatov has revealed that he is feeling optimistic about the team's chances at the World Cup. Shatov and his teammates play their opening match in Group H against South Korea on Tuesday before encounters with Belgium and Algeria.
UPDATE: Colombia are currently leading Greece 1-0 thanks to an early goal from Pablo Armero. You can following our live text coverage of that match right here.
Croatia midfielder Luka Modric is expected to be fit for his side's World Cup clash with Cameroon on Wednesday after picking up a foot injury. The 28-year-old suffered the problem during Croatia's 3-1 defeat to Brazil in the opening match of the tournament.
UPDATE: The half-time whistle has just gone in Belo Horizonte, where Colombia are leading Greece 1-0 thanks to that early goal from Pablo Armero. You can read our half-time report here.
The second half is just about to kick off between Colombia and Greece. You can follow the conclusion of that match with our live text coverage here.
UPDATE: Colombia have just doubled their lead against Greece thanks to an opportunistic goal from Teofilo Gutierrez. Follow our live updates here.
Right, that's all from me for now but I'm pleased to say that you'll be in the steady hand of Pascal Lemesre to guide you through the next couple of hours or so.
Thank you, JP. As he mentioned, Colombia are now 2-0 up but Gekas has just headed a sitter against the bar for Greece.
Here are the Colombia players doing a great team celebration after Armero's early goal:
Just 10 minutes to go in Belo Horizonte. Colombia are on their way to victory against Greece.
GOAL! Colombia score a neat third in injury time. Great start for them! @PCarrESPN tweets: "Colombia scores 3 goals in a World Cup game for the 2nd time, 1st since 1962."
Click here to read our match report on Colombia's comfortable win over the Greeks.
Just under an hour until kickoff in the opening Group D game between Uruguay and Costa Rica. Luis Suarez is out for Uruguay. Join us for live text coverage here.
Uruguay are without Luis Suarez tonight, but he is expected to return and torment England on Thursday. Here's tonight's team news.
BREAKING! According to the latest reports, Raheem Sterling WILL START for England tonight in a number 10 role! Does that mean that Wayne Rooney will be out on the left?
According to @StanCollymore on Twitter, this will be the England lineup tonight: Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Gerrard, Henderson, Lallana, Sterling, Rooney; Sturridge
Ignore that! Take Adam Lallana out of that team and replace him with Danny Welbeck. Seems odd that Rooney is being shifted out to the wing when a player more used to playing there takes his number 10 role.
KICKOFF in Fortaleza. Follow the Group D opener here.
Right, that's me done for the night. I'll now be passing you over to Giuseppe Labellarte, who will guide you through until 11pm.
Thanks Pascal! Giuseppe Labellarte here, and I'll be taking you through the next couple of hours. The game between Uruguay and Costa Rica is already proving to be quite lively in these early stages, but it's still goalless.
Uruguay's Diego Godin has bundled the ball into the Costa Rica net, but the linesman has raised the offside flag, so it won't count! Game still goalless after 15 minutes.
UPDATE: Edinson Cavani fires a low penalty past Keilor Navas to put Uruguay 1-0 up against Costa Rica after 23 minutes. Follow the Group D opener here.
Good news for Portugal fans as goalkeeper Eduardo claims that Cristiano Ronaldo will start against Germany on Monday. Full story here.
HALF TIME: Uruguay 1-0 Costa Rica
According to Sky Sports News, England have opted to start Raheem Sterling in tonight's opening game against Italy. Read the report here.
It's half time between Uruguay and Costa Rica, and the 2010 World Cup semi-finalists are leading 1-0, thanks to Edinson Cavani's penalty midway through the first half. Read the half-time match report here.
Big news regarding this evening's match between England and Italy: Gianluigi Buffon has confirmed via his Twitter account that he won't be taking part in the Manaus game, with Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu set to take the 2006 World Cup winner's place.
Costa Rica are now level against Uruguay after Joel Campbell lashed the ball past Fernando Muslera following a cross from Cristian Gamboa. 10 minutes into the second half and it's 1-1. Follow game here.
Did I say 1-1? Make it 2-1, because just two minutes after Costa Rica's first goal, Oscar Duarte's diving header has just put Los Ticos a goal ahead against Uruguay!
Some reaction from the Group C clash between Colombia and Greece, which finished 3-0 to the South Americans. While Jose Pekerman has declared himself satisfied at the result, Fernando Santos was left to rue the Euro 2004 winners' missed chances, even though he claimed that they "played well".
It's now 3-1 to Costa Rica after Marco Urena's strike gives the Central Americans a two-goal advantage against Uruguay! What a match!
FULL TIME: Costa Rica have come from behind to see off Uruguay in a sensational 3-1 win against the 2010 World Cup semi-finalists, who had Maxi Pereira sent off in injury time for a scything tackle on Joel Campbell. What a result for the Central Americans, who have previously only won three World Cup games in their history. Full match report here.
Raheem Sterling has been named in the starting XI for England in tonight's match against four-time champions Italy, who are without Gianluigi Buffon after the veteran goalkeeper suffered an injury in training. Full team news for the Group D clash in Manaus here.
Time now for some reaction from the Brazil and Spain camps. Oscar has admitted that the Selecao need to improve by 'fixing things' in their gameplay, while Jordi Alba has defiantly claimed that La Roja will get their act together against Chile on Wednesday.
Less than five minutes to go until England get their 2014 World Cup campaign underway in Manaus against Italy. Follow the Group D game here.
Just before I go, I'll leave you with one final story: Alan Shearer has claimed that this will be Wayne Rooney's most important game in an England shirt. No pressure then!
I will now leave you in the safe hands of Shane Callaghan as he takes over from me. Be sure to remain tuned in to Sports Mole as England get underway against Italy in Manaus!
Good evening ladies and gentlemen! Well, Uruguay certainly endured a disappointing curtain-raiser, didn't they! You can find our match report for their shock 3-1 defeat to Costa Rica here.
That was the appetiser, though, something to whet the appetite for the main course that is England vs. Italy, which has just kicked off in Manaus. Follow Sports Mole's live commentary of the event here.
And, in keeping with the food analogy, if you aren't full of the World Cup for one day then Sports Mole also has dessert for you in the form of Ivory Coast vs. Japan, kickoff for which is scheduled for 2am. It's been a four-course meal, folks! We've been spoiled today, we really have.
Some build-up to Germany's World Cup opener with Portugal on Monday, as Lukas Podolski insists that his teammates will not focus solely on combating the "exceptional" Cristiano Ronaldo.
GOAL! England 0-1 Italy (Marchisio) Roy Hodgson's side fall behind in Manaus on 35 minutes as Claudio Marchisio rifles his shot beyond the reach of Joe Hart from outside the box. Andrea Pirlo, believe it or not, had a role by playing an excellent dummy to allow Marchisio time to pick his spot.
GOAL! England 1-1 Italy (Sturridge) What do they say about teams being most vulnerable just after scoring? Daniel Sturridge levels up the score with an immediate riposte, tapping home Wayne Rooney's excellent cross.
HALF-TIME It's 1-1 in Manaus, folks. Daniel Sturridge cancels out Claudio Marchisio's 35th-minute opener. Click here for our half-time match report. In less optimistic news, physio Gary Lewin is reported to have sustained a broken ankle shortly after the equaliser. As ever, we will bring you more on this as it develops.
GOAL! England 1-2 Italy (Balotelli) The pendulum has swung the way of the Italians again in Manaus ladies and gents, as Mario Balotelli heads an Antonio Candreva cross past his former Manchester City teammate Joe Hart on 50 minutes.
Having just lost 5-1 to the Netherlands on Friday, Spain boss Vicente del Bosque warns his players that there will be changes for Wednesday's now-crucial Group B clash with Chile.
In a cruel twist of irony, England physio Gary Lewin has sustained a dislocated ankle after celebrating Daniel Sturridge's equaliser against Italy. Here, my colleague Chris O'Keefe brings you the latest on the incident.
Was Joel Campbell the star of the show? Was it a game to forget for Maxi Pereira? Click here to read Sports Mole's Alex Meyers' take on who excelled and who didn't in Costa Rica's 3-1 win over Uruguay earlier today.
England still trail Italy 2-1 in Manaus. With 76 minutes on the clock, the time is running out for Roy Hodgson's side to steal what could prove to be a priceless point. Catch the remainder with Sports Mole's minute-by-minute coverage
FULL-TIME Mario Balotell's goal is enough to give Italy a 2-1 win over England in Manaus this morning. Click here for our match report on the clash.
England may have lost but the show must go on. And by the show I mean the World Cup. Ivory Coast vs. Japan is scheduled to kickoff in about 45 minutes, and my colleague Simon Sinclair is bringing you regular updates from the encounter. All you have to do is click here
TEAM NEWS! Yaya Toure is passed fit to face Japan in Ivory Coast's World Cup opener in Recife this morning, but Didier Drogba starts on the bench. For full lineups, click here
England boss Roy Hodgson has lept to the defence of Wayne Rooney for his performance in the 2-1 defeat to Italy in their World Cup opener this morning. The Manchester United ace started on the flanks and Hodgson refutes suggestions that he looked out of his comfort zone.
'Don't write us off yet' was the message from England captain Steven Gerrard, who was quizzed over his team's chances of making the last-16 of the World Cup following their defeat to Italy.
Are we still awake? Good, because Ivory Coast vs. Japan still needs to be decided. Join Simon Sinclair for regular updates of the clash by clicking here
GOAL! Ivory Coast 0-1 Japan (Honda) Japan take a 1-0 lead over Ivory Coast, courtesy of a great strike from AC Milan ace Keisuke Honda. Ivory Coast have never progressed from the group stages of the World Cup, and unless they get their act together here they'll have a hard time ending that hoodoo.
Sports Mole's Barney Corkhill has taken his magnifying glass out and has had an in-depth look at England's 2-1 defeat to Italy in their World Cup opener this morning. Check it out
HALF-TIME Honda's 16th minute thump is enough to earn Japan a slender half-time lead over Ivory Coast in Recife. Sitting on the bench, Didier Drogba has cut a disconsolate figure any time that the camera has panned on him. Can you ever really relax when a player of that calibre is on the bench? Click here to see how the second half pans out.
Was Rooney wasted on the wing? Did Sterling do himself justice on his competitive England debut? Click here to see Sports Mole's player ratings in the Three Lions' 2-1 defeat to Italy in Manaus this morning.
GOAL! Ivory Coast 1-1 Japan (Bony) Midway through the second half and Wilfried Bony gets Ivory Coast back on level terms with an excellent glancing header.
GOAL! Ivory Coast 2-1 Japan (Gervinho) Oh my word. Ivory Coast have well and truly turned this game on its head. Gervinho heads home his nation's second goal in as many minutes as Sabri Lamouchi's side lead in Recife with 23 minutes left. Japan's goalkeeper perhaps should have done better. Gervinho won't care, nor will the hoards of Ivory Coast fans in attendance.
FULL-TIME That's it in Recife! Two quickfire headers from Wilfried Bony and Gervinho have proved enough to stun Japan and register a 2-1 win for Ivory Coast. Our match report can be found here
Well, that's it from us for another day ladies and gents. We hope that you have enjoyed Sports Mole's all-day coverage of the World Cup and be sure to check back in tomorrow where we'll be bringing you Switzerland vs. Ecudaor, France vs. Honduras and Argentina vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina. Previews for all three can be found here. Goodnight and god bless.
