European stalwarts won title for the fourth time when substitute Mario Goetze volleyed in a brilliant goal seven minutes from the end of extra time.
Chinese soccer fans turn their attention to gathering facts about the mascot for the world's biggest soccer tournament, and some claim it is related to Chinese pangolin.
The first kick at the World Cup opening ceremony will be made by a paraplegic wearing an Iron Man-like robotic bodysuit controlled by signals from the brain.
When visiting Brazil for the World Cup, soccer fans will be able to seize the chance to try out the local delicacies.
First-quarter sales figures indicate that domestic sportswear brands are showing signs of recovery, and companies expect further growth this summer to come from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
A labor court slapped fines on the subway workers union Sunday for a strike that has closed many stations and clogged the avenues of Brazil's largest city just days before it hosts the World Cup opening match.
Sponsors Adidas, Sony, Visa and Coca-Cola Sunday called on FIFA to deal thoroughly with allegations of bribery to secure the 2022 World Cup for Qatar, an issue overshadowing this week's kickoff in Brazil.
France heads to Brazil with its confidence high after rounding off its World Cup warm-up matches by thrashing Jamaica 8-0 on Sunday, with striker Karim Benzema scoring two and creating two in an impressive display of attacking football.
Ciro Immobile bagged a hat-trick as Italy warmed up for the World Cup with a 5-3 victory over Brazilian Serie A club Fluminense on Sunday.
FIFA's decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar came under further scrutiny as a British newspaper published new allegations that Mohamed bin Hammam used his wealth and top-level contacts to buy support for the oil-rich country's successful bid.
With pressure building after a four-game England goal drought, the striker bundled the ball over the line from close range against Ecuador on Wednesday for a goal that lacked finesse or power but was a timely confidence boost ahead of the World Cup.
Goals by Rodrigo Palacio, Javier Mascherano and Maxi Rodriguez led Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in a World Cup warm-up Wednesday.
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