World Cup

With Argentina’s back up against the wall in a must-win match to close out Group D, Lionel Messi finally showed up. The Messi goal vs Nigeria put La Albiceleste on top 14 minutes into the game and the reaction from Diego Maradona was priceless.

Messi, who is trying to pass Maradona as Argentina’s all-time greatest player with a World Cup title, made a great run spotted by midfielder Ever Banega. The lofted through ball, the first touch and the finish were all sublime for the Messi goal vs Nigeria.

England vs Belgium kicks off Thursday, June 28, at 2:00 p.m. ET on FOX and Telemundo, with the winner taking top spot in Group G. With both nations sitting on six points and with a goal difference of +6, it’s possible a draw could see FIFA fair-play points determine who wins the group. (England currently has one less yellow card than Belgium.) 

The Paolo Guerrero goal on Tuesday was a happy epilogue to all the drama that surrounded the Peruvian striker's participation in the World Cup.

After helping Peru clinch a spot in the intercontinental qualifier against New Zeland, Guerrero failed a doping control test, and that's where a whole nation's odyssey started.

He was first banned from all FIFA competitions for one year, which meant he would miss the World Cup. 

One of Uruguay’s nicknames is La Garra Charrúa. Garra meaning claw in Spanish, the nickname signals Uruguayans' relentless disposition; the fact they are willing to use nails, teeth and claws to get what they want.

Former Uruguay player and international star Diego Forlán once told the following anecdote referring to Uruguay’s traditional tough play.

Manager Óscar Washington Tavárez would sometimes tell his players “let’s end this match playing with 11 men,” in an effort to prevent them from playing too harshly and getting a red card.

It’s been 36 years of waiting for Peruvians to see La Blanquirroja at a World Cup. Their first two matches at the tournament were nothing short of heartbreak. Their first match was a dominating performance against Denmark that will forever be remembered for Christian Cueva’s horrendous penalty miss. Peru lost 1-0. Their next match against powerhouse France was more of the same, as no Peru goal developed and the country's World Cup dreams ended.

This is where the introduction usually goes but fire the torpedoes!

The final match day for Groups C and D kick off tomorrow. In the morning, Australia will face an already eliminated Peru team. The Socceroos must beat Peru and hope France beats Denmark in addition to making up goal difference. Then Lionel Messi and Argentina will somehow try to find their way into the knockout stage when they take on a Nigeria team who also has a good chance to advance.