Russian fans dances in the streets of Kaliningrad on the Baltic and kissed strangers in Vladivostok in the Far East after their team defied all expectations to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

Russian police says they had received multiple bomb threats in the World Cup host city of Rostov-on-Don, causing bars and restaurants to be evacuated across the city.

Ronaldo carried Portugal through their first two group games, hitting a memorable hat-trick in a 3-3 draw with Spain before netting the winner in a gritty 1-0 victory over Morocco.

Argentina and Nigeria will be battling it out for a last-16 spot of Group D in the World Cup at the Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg.

"We are not here to watch him (Messi) playing. We are here to make a result, we are professionals" says Gernot Rohr.

Maradona posted a picture of him with Messi and captioned the image with a short dedication that read `Happy Birthday, Leo Messi’

As England thrashed Panama 6-1 on Sunday Prince William, the president of the Football Association, was flying into Jordan for a historic Middle East tour.

Diego Maradona requests a meeting with Argentina's players in an attempt to inspire the struggling squad ahead of their crucial final World Cup group game against Nigeria.

England coach Gareth Southgate is keeping his feet firmly on the ground after England's 6-1 World Cup group-stage rout of Panama, declaring "I didn't particularly like the performance".

Veteran Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano insists relations between the players and coach Jorge Sampaoli are not strained after reports of unrest within the team camp.

France midfielder Paul Pogba says the finals in Russia might be his last World Cup but he hopes he will be fit for more.

Roberto Martinez reveals that Romelu Lukaku is an injury doubt for Belgium's World Cup blockbuster tie against England after the in-form striker picked up an ankle injury.

Lionel Messi and Argentina hit the training ground today with renewed hope of qualifying for the World Cup last 16.

A 90th minute run from Xherdan Shaqiri broke the deadlock and handed Switzerland a 2-1 win over Serbia in their 2018 World Cup Group E match at the Kaliningrad Stadium.

What a shocker it was! No football buff, I believe, saw this coming. Argentina, the powerhouse of world football, are on the brink of elimination this early from the World Cup in Russia.

Sweden's preparations for their World Cup clash against Germany hampers by a stomach bug that prevents three players from travelling to Sochi, where Saturday's game will be played.

Argentina denied reports that players want coach Jorge Sampaoli sacked before their final World Cup group game against Nigeria after a humbling 3-0 defeat by Croatia.

Extra time goals from Philippe Coutinho and Neymar handed Brazil a 2-0 win over Costa Rica in their 2018 World Cup match at Saint Petersburg stadium.

"We can't sleep, we can't talk, we can't do anything," said Sebastian, a 34-year-old lawyer who had travelled to Russia from Rosario.

Brazil fans mock Lionel Messi and celebrate Argentina’s defeat as they sing `Messi Ciao’ (Goodbye Messi) in St. Petersburg.