FIFA said on Monday it had opened disciplinary proceedings against the Serbian football association following the team's bad-tempered World Cup clash with Switzerland.

Croatia have performed wonders to punch above their weight for so long in international football and are determined to keep their reputation going against Japan in their last-16 match at the World Cup on Monday, coach Zlatko Dalic said.

France head into Saturday's heavyweight World Cup quarter-final clash with England well aware that their hopes of carrying on in Qatar and retaining the title rest on the shoulders of Kylian Mbappe.

The Japanese football team, also known as the Samurai Blue, is raving about the World Cup stadium in Qatar in ways few expected. The discipline and coordination they carry as a nation consistently garner respect from their neighbours. Japan has all of the ingredients to be a football powerhouse: the world's third-largest economy, a population of 125 million people, a national passion for football, a prominent domestic league, and the infrastructure that comes with co-hosting its own World Cup.

With over 30 nations participating in this year’s World Cup, the field has once again become a melting pot of cultural expression. Particularly, South Korea and Brazil have made an impact in bringing a significant piece of their home to an international platform, giving fans from all over the opportunity to indulge in their cultural practices. The World Cup being watched by millions all over the globe not only presents the chance for teams to exhibit their skills, talent and sportsmanship, but also breaks cultural barriers.

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The game of football is a class apart, and so are some of the players — not just in terms of their athletic prowess while playing the game, but also in their fashion game — they stand apart. Some have a formal style, some prefer casual, and some straight up flamboyant.

Following a shock loss to Cameroon, Brazilian coach Tite will be delighted to welcome a plethora of first-team starters against South Korea in their last 16 clash.

In one of the most poignant off-field moments at the Qatar World Cup, Wojciech Szczesny was seen comforting his distraught child.

France beat Poland 3-1 in a record-smashing World Cup last-16 clash on Sunday that saw Olivier Giroud become France's outright all-time top scorer and Kylian Mbappe score a magnificent double.

Olivier Giroud scored against Poland in their World Cup last-16 clash on Sunday to become France's all-time top scorer with 52 goals.

Neymar will play for Brazil in their World Cup last-16 match against South Korea, coach Tite said on Sunday.

France will start their World Cup last-16 clash as overwhelming favourites on Sunday but opponents Poland are well equipped to derail Les Bleus' title defence at the Al Thumama stadium.

While his accolades and achievements make him look far away from us, Kylian Mbappé’s words of wisdom resonate with everyone. The following quotes transcend the football field and are words we all need to hear. Values of sportsmanship, teamwork, individuality, and motivation are different for everyone. Yet, the essence of these values and how it pushes us to keep striving for what is best and right is the same for everyone.

Argentines are willing to bond with Bangladeshi people through cricket.

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The round of 16 kicks off with Group A champions Netherlands taking on the runners-up of Group B USA. 

Brazil ended the first round of the World Cup with a defeat against Cameroon – a first-ever defeat for the Selecao against any African side -- but there are good things to take into account.

For decades tattoos have been used to turn the human body into a canvas. For many tattoos symbolise their personal hardships and challenges, have been used to honour their families, embody their individuality in artistic forms, and act as a reminder to keep doing what they do. Footballers are no different. Many beloved football players have graced their bodies with ink with heartfelt tattoos and with sentimental value. It puts into perspective how despite the fame and glory, they remain grateful and in touch with where they started and came from.

Football fans all around the world, alongside in Europe are synonymous for their love of the term — football. It’s after all the continent where football is the undisputed number one sport, with England being the birthplace of the game. So, it can be understandable if the rest of the world also follows suit and practically sneers at anyone who uses the term, soccer.