Van Gaal says Robben welcome at Man Utd

Dutch coach Louis van Gaal says Arjen Robben is welcome at Manchester United after the Bayern Munich forward helped Netherlands to a third place play-off finish in Brazil.

Van Gaal will take over as manager of English giants, Manchester United after the World Cup and is expected to lure Robben, 30, to Old Trafford. Robben has been one of the outstanding players for Netherlands at the World Cup and has been heavily linked with a move to England from Germany.

Scolari leaves decision on future to CBF

Luiz Felipe Scolari has left a decision on his future as coach of Brazil to the country’s federation after the World Cup hosts’ campaign ended in more disappointment.

“It is up to the president to decide. We will hand in a final report and then leave it to him to analyse what needs to be done,” said Scolari after Brazil lost 3-0 to the Netherlands in the third-place play-off in Brasilia on Saturday.

Germans ready to make history – Loew

Joachim Loew says Germany is ready to write history by winning Sunday’s final to become the first European side to win the World Cup in the Americas.

The Germans take on Argentina in the World Cup final at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracana Stadium with Loew hoping to win the nation’s fourth world title.

No European side has won any of the eight World Cups held in the Americas, but Loew says his side can write their names in the history books.

Argentina prays for Messi goals

Everyone in Rosario has a tale to tell about Lionel Messi, the Argentinian city’s most famous son who rivals Pope Francis as a national icon.
Messi’s link to the city has made the people of the port city doubly nervous about Sunday’s World Cup final when their country take on Germany in Rio de Janeiro. The Barcelona striker has only scored four goals in the tournament so far.
“I hope that Messi becomes his old self again Sunday and hits a goal,” said Monica Domina who once taught the football genius.