Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni recognised the support that fans of the national team have given his side throughout the World Cup in Qatar

South Korea let their emotions pour out when they lost a five-goal thriller to Ghana this week, but they can expect no sympathy on Friday from Portugal, who are determined to clinch top spot in their World Cup group.

Brazil coach Tite is expected to rotate his World Cup squad for their final Group G match against Cameroon on Friday, with a view to keeping some players fresh for a likely last-16 match on Monday if they finish top of their group.

Spain coach Luis Enrique blamed five minutes of "total loss of control" for his team's shock 2-1 defeat by Japan on Thursday, which saw them qualify for the World Cup last 16 second from Group E.

Germany have enough quality to become a dominant force in football again but one thing that is currently missing is their strength in defending which helped them win four World Cups, coach Hansi Flick said after they were knocked out on Thursday.

Belgium should not blame Romelu Lukaku for their World Cup exit despite the striker's misses in the goalless draw against Croatia which sealed their fate on Thursday, said Timothy Castagne.

Germany forward Thomas Mueller said his country's exit from the World Cup at the group stage for the second tournament in a row on Thursday was an "absolute catastrophe".

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez is out after the Red Devils' exit from the World Cup on Thursday.

Croatia reached the last 16 of the World Cup after a tension-filled 0-0 draw with Belgium on Thursday that ensured the last hurrah of the Belgian 'golden generation' ended in a dismal group-stage exit.

Two first-half goals set Morocco on their way to top place in World Cup Group F but they had to hold on for a 2-1 win over Canada at the Al Thumama Stadium on Thursday after conceding an own goal that kept them nervous through the second half.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos said that Cristiano Ronaldo's availability is still in question for their closing Group H match against South Korea on Friday.

Pro-migrant, anticolonial discourse has been weaponised to support Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup

No wins in their opening two matches, including a 2-1 shock against Japan, have left Germany reeling at bottom of Group E, meaning they must win against Costa Rica and then rely on 2010 champions Spain to beat Japan in order to remain in contention for qualification.

You might be a great fan of football. A lot of people are; it’s the most popular sport on the planet for a reason, but players are even more ardent fans of the game and it’s no shocker. For us it’s a game, a thing to love. For them, it’s so much more. For the players, it’s a lifestyle. So, it’s no wonder that players love to celebrate their victories. Here are a few ways that players celebrate their victories and achievements.

From BNP rally to World, here's everything you need to know.

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Stephanie Frappart of France is set to become the first female referee to officiate a men’s FIFA world cup match, taking charge of the Germany vs. Costa Rica match. The 38-year-old will lead an all-female refereeing team for the Group E match of the World Cup, including Brazil’s Neuza Back and Mexican Karen Diaz Medina. This is also the very first time all the officials in a World Cup match will be officiated by an all-female team, making her a part of a historic achievement of women’s inclusion in the sport.

Costa Rica coach Luis Fernando Suarez said Wednesday the appointment of Stephanie Frappart to referee his team's crucial clash with Germany was a major milestone in a "sexist sport".

Luis Enrique said Spain will not count their chickens before they are hatched when they face Japan on Thursday, aiming to win and qualify for the World Cup knockout phase.

Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard had said the current generation would be forgotten about if they fail to make the last 16 of the World Cup but he may be having a rethink after fans showed their appreciation for his side despite their exit on Wednesday.