Neymar and Firmino are on target as Brazil beat Mexico 2-0 in their World Cup last 16 clash to earn a quarter-final against either Belgium or Japan.

Colombia coach Jose Pekerman says star midfielder James Rodriguez does not have a serious injury and hopes he will be fit to face England in the last 16 of the World Cup.

The whole team and their fans provided the inspiration for Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev’s stellar performance in the host’s shock penalty shootout win over Spain in their World Cup round of 16 match.

Brazil brought in Filipe Luis at left back for their World Cup last 16 encounter with Mexico with regular starter Marcelo failing to fully recover from a back injury.

Spain's media flayed the team's unimaginative style after their shock World Cup elimination by their lowly ranked hosts Russia but federation president Luis Rubiales escaped the bulk of criticism despite the abrupt sacking of coach Julen Lopetegui.

Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio believes an unfettered attacking approach can help El Tri beat old rivals Brazil to advance to their first World Cup quarter-finals.

Croatia president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic finds Russia a worthy opponent as the two countries face off in quarterfinals.

Several Mexico players decide to dye their hair blonde before the World Cup Round of 16 clash against Brazil.

Brazil coach Tite has provided his squad with a plan A and plan B for the match against Mexico in Samara, one which had originally been formed with 2014 nemesis Germany in mind.

Croatia's elated coach Zlatko Dalic lauded his captain Luka Modric who missed a penalty in extra time but then scored another in a shootout victory over Denmark that put them in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Five-time World Champions Brazil will face a formidable Mexico outfit in the Round of 16 match of the World Cup at the Samara Arena today.

Shorn of a superstar since Zlatan Ibrahimovic's retirement, Sweden were not expected even to make it to the World Cup but now they are within reach of their first quarterfinal for 24 years.

Moscow parties late into the night as the World Cup hosts booked a place in the quarterfinals, defeating Spain on penalties at Russia's flagship stadium.

Croatia's elated coach Zlatko Dalic lauds his captain Luka Modric who missed a penalty in extra time but then scored another in a shootout victory over Denmark that put them in the World Cup quarterfinals.

Spain's World Cup roller-coaster ride finally grinds to a halt and the finger-pointing begins after their third consecutive failure at a major tournament.

Senegal's football federation (FSF) has asked FIFA to reconsider its fair play ruling after their accumulation of more yellow cards than World Cup group rivals Japan made the African side the first country to be eliminated by the new regulation.

Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta calls time on his remarkable international career after his team's surprise World Cup exit at the hands of hosts Russia.

Croatia beat Denmark 3-2 in a penalty shootout to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup after the round of 16 clash finished deadlocked at 1-1 after 90 minutes and extra time.

Argentina football legend Diego Maradona has been a constant presence during the World Cup matches of the freshly eliminated two-time world champions in Russia. After La Albiceleste won the first-round match against Nigeria to ensure their passage to the round of 16, a red-faced Maradona was shouting abuse at the Nigerian fans.

It was an amazing scene at the Samara Arena's make-shift press centre moments after Russia won their round of 16 World Cup match against Spain on penalties. The whole facility erupted, with a few Russian journalists running for joy and volunteers embarking on emotional hug.