The French sports minister urged the national football team on Thursday to make themselves heard amid a row over FIFA's threat of sanctions for the "OneLove" armband.

Uruguay faltered in their World Cup opener against a lively and energetic South Korea after they were held to a 0-0 draw in Group H on Thursday in a contest where both teams struggled to find the clinical edge.

I do not remember there being a World Cup where the Brazilian team was not one of the favourites. Even on their worst days they were expected to win and this World Cup season they have got a great team, and certainly are one of the favourites. Without a doubt, the samba dance is one of the most popular dances in Brazil and has become a symbol of its cultural identity. The dance transcends colour and class and is a representation of Brazilian culture. With Brazil under the spotlight, we focus on the samba dance.

We know that football players work extraordinarily hard to reach the heights of success and the payment they receive for it often makes us feel extraordinarily poor. Not only do we swoon over their lifestyle, some footballers’ tastes, as reflected in their homes, have left us speechless more than once. So, here are 5 most beautiful houses of footballers that make us wish we could live there:

Footballers mingling with celebrities are nothing new as people from both sides often cross path, creating friendships between stars. From being friends with A-list Hollywood actors, and singers, even with players of other sports, footballers sure know how to keep the limelight on themselves even when they are off the field. So, let’s take a look at some of the celebrity friends of famous footballers.

Its belated move for media rights came with a hefty bill

Russia's national football team wished Serbia good luck in their World Cup campaign, which they kick off later on Thursday against five-time champions Brazil.

Gareth Southgate says England captain Harry Kane is fit to face the United States on Friday after his World Cup injury scare.

While of course, you can always enjoy the FIFA Football World Cup matches in the comfort of your own home, there is something to be said about coming together as a community and watching them on screens across restaurants, burger joints, lounges, etc. across Dhaka City. As a rule of thumb, it is safe to assume that almost everywhere with a TV screen will stream matches, however, if you want someplace specific, here are some starting points as well as deals and offers to look out for!

1930 and 1950 winners, Uruguay, will take on South Korea in their World Cup Group H opener on Thursday.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s astonishing record speaks for itself: 117 goals in 191 appearances for Portugal mean the 37-year-old remains all-but undroppable for Fernando Santos as the 2016 European champions gear up for their challenge in Qatar.

The Germany-Japan World Cup match on Wednesday prompted record access numbers for Japanese online streaming platform Abema, while viewership in Germany more than halved from the national team's opening match four years ago, data showed.

Switzerland hope to secure early points in a tough Group G when they face Cameroon in their World Cup opener on Thursday after a year of solid performances on the European stage.

Portugal will be keen to let their football do the talking when they face Ghana in their World Cup opener on Thursday amid controversy over Cristiano Ronaldo's comments about Manchester United and tensions between the squad and the media.

Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic dismissed rumours of Brazil spying on their training sessions using a drone, saying on Wednesday the South American superpower would gain nothing from filming their workouts.

Five-time champions Brazil are keeping their cards close to their chest under the spotlight of being the odds-on favorites as they prepare to face Serbia in their World Cup Group G opener on Thursday.

Spain midfielder Gavi's goal in his team's 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica on Wednesday made him the youngest World Cup scorer since Brazil great Pele in 1958.

Japan produced a stunning comeback to shock Germany in their World Cup opener on Wednesday after the four-time champions staged a powerful protest against FIFA's refusal to allow rainbow-themed armbands, while Spain started in style by putting seven past Costa Rica.

Belgium’s aging "Golden Generation" will begin their final shot at World Cup glory against Canada on Wednesday, but do so without talismanic forward Romelu Lukaku, who has been central to their success in recent years.

The first upset was of course, Qatar losing the opening game as the host country. This is a first in the history of FIFA World cup (although we can’t really say we were surprised). The next one was not far behind when Argentina were beaten by Saudi Arabia. Instantly creating the buzz of ‘Harjentina’ (portmanteau of the words har as in loser, and Argentina).