Latest from Football World Cup

Football: Neymar urges teammates to restore Brazilian pride

Football: Brazilians left to pick up pieces after loss

The party is over. The carnival that has gripped Brazil over the past month has come to a shuddering, embarrassing halt.

Sam Malcolmson: Detail and defence keys to final victory

Little things have every chance of winning or losing the World Cup final. But first, let's address the big things.

Sibling rivalry reaches fever pitch

For brothers Liam, 10, and Ryan, 7, sibling rivalry has reached its peak ahead of Monday's World Cup final. Liam is backing Germany while Ryan is supporting Argentina.

Football: Javier - he'll try for thee Argentina

Pope v Pope in Brazil's Cup finale

The "hand of God" proved decisive when Maradona's goal put paid to England's World Cup dream in 1986.

Editorial: Football's magic snares even the non-believers

Editorial: The past month has shown once again the hold of the tournament, even on people who spare not a thought for football at any other time.

Friday playlist: Ten great FIFA songs

The FIFA World Cup final is upon us. Football fans across the world will be biting their nails when Germany go head to head with Argentina.

Is this the best World Cup ever?

Herald football writer Steven Holloway and his father Bruce, two-time NZ football writer of the year, argue over whether the 2014 World Cup is the best edition ever

'The worst day of my life' - Brazil coach

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari says his side's stunning 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany in their World Cup semi-final is the worst day of his life.

Football: Brazil humiliated by Germany

Germany handed Brazil its heaviest World Cup loss ever this morning with an astounding 7-1 rout in the semifinals that stunned the host nation.

Michael Burgess: A truly woeful display

After the 1950 World Cup final, which Brazil lost 2-1 to Uruguay in Rio, the country's football was plunged into such deep despair the national team didn't play again for two years.

Football: Heavyweights ready to battle

Brazil and Germany collide in a heavyweight clash of continental superpowers as the World Cup semi-finals get under way this morning.

Dana Johannsen: Reflecting on Cup half full of itself

As the Fifa World Cup draws near its glorious finale, the calls of "best tournament ever" have been thrown around wildly.

The real story behind Brazil's 'greenest World Cup'

This year's World Cup was supposed to be the "greenest ever", with FIFA taking measures to account for the event's greenhouse gas emissions.

Brazil vs Germany: Three things

Michael Burgess looks at three talking points ahead of tomorrow's semifinal clash between hosts Brazil and Germany.

Football: Germany cry foul over Brazil bullies

World Cup shootout history

As the World Cup heads into towards its climax, don't be surprised to see one of the biggest games decided by a penalty shootout.