A GROUP of German scientists have predicted the outcome of the World Cup and, unsurprisingly, it sees England bow out in the quarter-finals.
Boffins from various universities in Germany have predicted the outcome of every game in the tournament, using several methods, including FIFA rankings, historical performances and playing strengths.
England are said to top their tricky Group D, before overcoming Ivory Coast in the last 16 ahead of a clash with Spain in the quarters.
But La Roja are going to have too much for the Three Lions, as they defeat Roy Hodgson's side on the way to becoming back-to-back world champions.
ENGLAND'S recent tournament nemesis Andrea Pirlo is set to retire from the Italian national team after this summer's finals.
Despite the mercurial midfielder signing a fresh two-year deal with club side Juventus this week, Pirlo, 35, has told a news conference ahead of the Manaus clash that he thinks this will be his last tournament.
Pirlo said: "I think I'll finish after, I'm at a certain age now where it's time to move over and leave room for the others.
He was in bullish mood ahead of that opener, saying: "Italy can win the World Cup.
"Italy against England have always been great games, they've improved with some young players since the Euros, but we've always done well against them."
LA LIGA winner and Spain international Diego Costa was booed by Brazilian fans as the Spanish team trained in Curitiba.
Costa is Brazilian-born and even played for his national side twice, before switching allegiances to his adopted nation, which led to the chants of "traitor, traitor, traitor!".
The Atletico Madrid, soon to be Chelsea, forward is set to lead the line against Netherlands on Friday night, and has claimed he is "still liked" in Brazil, despite his controversial decision.
FORMER FIFA president Joao Havelange has been released for hospital after a respiratory infection.
The 98-year-old Brazilian was in a Rio medical centre for six days, but was cleared by doctors on the eve of the tournament.
Havelange , who was head of FIFA between 1974 and 1998, was credited with bringing the 2016 Olympics to the city, but has been embroiled in corruption scandals over the past few years.
AN American pub has caused mixed reactions with its "homemade favela" created to allow fans to enjoy the World Cup.
Favelas house millions of Brazil's poorest and deprived citizens but have become iconic for their ram-shackled appearance.
The Nomad World Pub in Milwaukee even described its area as a "shanty town", which has led to mass criticism for the pub.
IN yet more protesting chaos, Rio airport staff have walked out on the eve of the World Cup.
After overcoming various protests and strikes by Sao Paulo metro staff, this latest news will be another blow for the country's government as they attempt to run a smooth tournament.
Check-in counter clerks, baggage handlers and janitorial staff have been demanding pay-rises of 5.6% for the past few months, and have decided to strike on the opening day of the finals.
