Hosts Qatar made a poor start to the World Cup when they were outplayed by Ecuador to slip to a 2-0 defeat at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on Sunday writes Nick Said in Doha.
Belgium wing back Timothy Castagne says they are not expecting captain Eden Hazard to sparkle in the early stages of the World Cup as hasn't played much for Real Madrid this season.
Ballon D'Or winner Karim Benzema has been ruled out of the World Cup in Qatar after tearing a muscle in his left thigh, the French Football Federation has confirmed.
France hopes that Karim Benzema and Raphael Varane will be ready to play in their first World Cup game against Australia.
Senegal forward Sadio Mane has been ruled out of the World Cup due to a leg injury he sustained while playing for Bayern Munich.
A brace by Vincenzo Grifo helped his side earn a routine 3-1 friendly win over Albania on Wednesday night ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
A late goal from debutant Niklas Fuellkrug inspired Germany to a narrow 1-0 victory over Oman in their final World Cup warm-up friendly on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria starred as Argentina trashed the United Arab Emirates 5-0 in their final World Cup warmup match.
There have been some legendary stars from the African continent who have graced the World Cup down the years, and more will get the opportunity to write their names into the history books in Qatar this year.
There have been some legendary stars from the African continent who have graced the World Cup down the years, and more will get the opportunity to write their names into the history books in Qatar this year.