Copa America Highlights: Chile 2 Ecuador 0

Highlights: England 3 Slovenia 1 & Spain 3 Belarus 0

After an uninspiring first half, Slovenia’s opener early in the second looked set to make it a miserable evening for Roy Hodgson at Wembley. But a Wayne Rooney penalty followed by Danny Welbeck’s brace helped secure a 3-1 win. 

Much like the World Cup group stages were hailed as a triumph, the European Qualifiers have proven surprisingly entertaining with the new format seeming to invigorate mid-ranking sides enlivened by the prospect of qualification. But while England appeared immune to the fun on offer in Brazil, they’ve also avoided any of the subsequent drama this season.

Germany, Spain, Netherlands and Portugal have all suffered defeats in Euro 2016 qualifying. Meanwhile, England’s 3-1 win over Slovenia makes it four wins from four in Group E. It may not have been exhilarating but it only requires a cursory glance at the results around Europe to appreciate that the Three Lions are faring better than most so far this season. 

Until they registered their unexpected three goals in just 13 thrilling minutes — with Danny Welbeck claiming two to take his tally to five in this qualifying campaign — this was certainly not the event that Rooney would have imagined and dreamt of and craved for as he was presented with that cap by Charlton prior to kick-off.

Jack Wilshere later said England were becoming horrible to beat. For a while they were simply horrible.

It appeared it would be all about England running out of ideas, looking flat and listless and showing precious few signs of progressing from their World Cup disappointment. Plus a deserved shoeing for the Football Association for chasing the dollar — quite literally — in allowing those American Football teams, the Dallas Cowboys and the Jacksonville Jaguars, with their huge, hulking players to run riot over the Wembley turf. So much for a sacred surface.

There were dark patches and scars all over the turf which, evidently, also cut up although not as roughly as England manager Roy Hodgson had feared.

Isco scored a sublime goal as Spain stayed three points behind leaders Slovakia in Group C of Euro 2016 qualifying with victory over Belarus.

The Real Madrid midfielder opened the scoring when he curled the ball home from 18 yards in the 18th minute.

Barcelona's Sergio Busquets drove in the second from outside the area almost straight from the restart.

And club-mate Pedro completed the scoring when he smashed a shot high into the net from inside the box.

Match Report & Highlights: Portugal 1-0 Armenia & Germany 4, Gibraltar 0.

Cristiano Ronaldo became the European Championship's all-time leading scorer when he grabbed the winner in the Euro 2016 qualifying victory over Armenia. 

The Real Madrid forward scored his 23rd goal in European qualifiers and finals when he scrambled home in the 71st minute after Portugal had struggled.

That took him past Denmark's Jon Dahl Tomasson and Turkey's Hakan Sukur, both of whom scored 22.

Portugal moved into second in Group I with six points from three games.

Apart from his goal, world player of the year Ronaldo had a poor game, highlighted when he fired three free-kicks into the Armenia wall.

Armenia had chances, with Borussia Dortmund's Henrikh Mkhitaryan forcing Rui Patricio into a great save in the 14th minute.

Midfielder Kamo Hovhannisyan also tested the Portugal goalkeeper in the opening half-hour.

Former Chelsea full-back Jose Bosingwa, 32, made his Portugal return after a four-year absence, while another ex-Blues player, 36-year-old Ricardo Carvalho, also started.

Germany 4 Gibraltar 0

Germany manager Joachim Low was critical of his side despite a comfortable win over minnows Gibraltar.

The 4-0 victory lifted the world champions, who had lost and drawn their previous two games, from third to second place, level on points with Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

Low said: "I am everything but satisfied with this. The team did not do what we wanted to do.

"We wanted to play as world champions and four goals are too few."

Thomas Muller scored twice before Mario Gotze and a Yogan Santos own goal sealed a comfortable win in Nuremberg. 

Former Portsmouth midfielder Liam Walker went close for the visitors with a dipping shot from 35 yards.

Gibraltar, Uefa's newest member nation, have lost all four qualifiers and conceded 21 goals without scoring but coach Allen Bula was delighted with his team.

He said: "It's a great result and we really needed something like this - 0-4, I could not have asked for more."

Highlights: Luxembourg 0 Spain 4 & Estonia 0 England 1

Luxembourg 0 Spain 4 

Estonia 0 England 1

Highlights: Poland 2 Germany 0 & France vs Portugal 2-1

Poland 2 Germany 0

France vs Portugal 2-1   

Highlights: Brazil 2 Argentina 0

Euro 2016 Qualification: Netherlands 3 Kazhakhstan 1 & Belgium 6 Andorra 0

Belgium 6 Andorra 0

Netherlands 3 Kazhakhstan 1 

Euro 2016 Qualification: England vs San Marino 5-0 & Slovakia vs Spain 2-1

England vs San Marino 5-0

Slovakia vs Spain 2-1

Highlights: Italy 2 Netherlands 0, France 1 Spain 0, Argentina 4 Germany 2 & England 1 Norway 0

Italy 2 Netherlands 0

France 1 Spain 0

Argentina 4 Germany 2

England 1 Norway 0

Highlights: Atletico Madrid 1 Real Madrid 0

Highlights: Chelsea 0 Werder Bremen 3 & AS Monaco 1 Arsenal 0

Chelsea 0 Werder Bremen 3

AS Monaco 1 Arsenal 0

Highlights: Man Utd 3 Real 1, Liverpool 2 AC Milan 0 & Man City 5 Olympiakos 6

Manchester United 3 Real Madrid 1 

Liverpool 2 AC Milan 0

Olympiakos 6 Manchester City 5

Highlights: Arsenal 5 Benfica 1

Yaya Sanogo scores 4 and Joel Campbell scores 1 as Arsenal beat Benfica 5-1. 

The Gunners lead the Emirates Cup table with eight points going into day two.

The French striker had failed to register for the club despite an encouraging first season in English football, but caught fire at a jubilant Emirates Stadium.

It was the first time that an Arsenal player has scored four in one game since Andrey Arshavin at Anfield in April 2009, and it was some statement from the 21-year-old.

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Manchester City 2 (1-3) 2 Liverpool Match Report & Highlights

Stevan Jovetic double not enough for Premier League champions as Reds have last laugh with shootout victory. Attendance at Yankee Stadium: 49,653. That's over 1,000 more people than the highest Yankee game this season.

Stevan Jovetic struck a brace, either side of Jordan Henderson's crisp finish for the Reds, before Raheem Sterling equalised in the 85th minute. After normal time finished 2-2, Brendan Rodgers' men were the better side in the shootout. Simon Mignolet was the penalty shootout hero as Liverpool claimed bragging rights over Premier League rivals Manchester City.

The Reds keeper denied Yaya Toure and Jesus Navas from the spot as Brendan Rodgers' side triumphed 3-1 on penalties in New York.

Earlier Man City defeated AC Milan 5-1 to begin campaign & Liverpool beat Olympiacos 1-0 in opening game. 

Highlights: Manchester City 5 AC Milan 1 & Liverpool 1 Olympiakos 0

 Manchester City 5 AC Milan 1




Liverpool 1 Olympiakos 0

Highlights: Argentina 0 (4) - (2) 0 Netherlands

Argentina are just 90 minutes away from lifting the World Cup in the Maracana after they edged past the Netherlands on penalties in Wednesday's semifinal at the Arena Corinthians. After an uneventful and goalless 120 minutes, the match went to a penalty shootout in Sao Paulo.

Argentina did not miss once and Sergio Romero saved from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder, meaning Alejandro Sabella's team clinched the showdown 4-2.

Argentina will now face Germany in Sunday's World Cup final at the Maracana -- the spiritual home of their fierce rivals Brazil, who were brutally knocked out by Germany on Tuesday night.

The last time the Argentines made it through to the final in 1990, they lost to the Germans. They also met in the 1986 final, which Argentina won. Germany will take encouragement from watching this performance from Sabella's side.

Germany, who battered Brazil 7-1 in Belo Horizonte, will take encouragement from watching this performance from Sabella's side.

Lionel Messi scored one of the penalty kicks, but he was otherwise quiet and Argentina failed to impress all night.

Louis van Gaal did well to snuff out Messi during normal time, but his team were also devoid of ideas in attack.

Van Gaal will now take charge of the Netherlands in Saturday's third-place play-off against the hosts before flying to England to take over at Manchester United.

The Dutchman may regret deciding against bringing on Tim Krul, who saved two penalties against Costa Rica in the previous round, as Jasper Cillessen was easily beaten from 12 yards.

After a mad opening half an hour in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday, both teams started cautiously on a cold night.

Messi drilled a low free-kick right at Cillessen and Ezequiel Garay headed just over for Argentina, but nothing else of note happened in the first period.

After the break, Argentina briefly upped the tempo. Vlaar blocked Messi as he advanced towards goal and substitute Daryl Janmaat denied Gonzalo Higuain.

Nigel de Jong, a surprise starter, was struggling to keep up with the game and he came off for Jordy Klasie with 28 minutes left.

Lucas Biglia and Janmaat both needed treatment after sliding into each other in a nasty challenge that made Argentina coach Sabella wince on the touchline.

There was no inkling of a goal until the final minute of normal time when Enzo Perez dashed down the right and delivered a pinpoint low cross to Higuain, who turned the ball inches wide.

The Argentina fans who saw the net ripple thought they had finally seen a goal, but the referee awarded a goal kick.

That proved to be Higuain's last contribution as he was replaced by Sergio Aguero. Sabella also threw on Rodrigo Palacio to boost his attack.

A few errant tackles started flying in as the game became sloppy. Martin Demichelis, already on a booking, took out Robben but the referee kept his cards in his pocket.

All of a sudden the Netherlands were presented with a chance to win the game.

Sneijder glanced a diagonal pass into the path of Robben, but luckily for Argentina, Mascherano came to the rescue and the game went to extra time.

In the 98th minute, the Netherlands mustered their first shot on target, an effort from Robben that flew into Romero's hands.

In his final substitution, Van Gaal brought Klaas-Jan Huntelaar on for Robin van Persie, meaning Krul would not be allowed on for the inevitable penalty shootout.

Cillessen jangled the nerves of the Netherlands fans when he performed an audacious turn to wriggle away from the advancing Aguero at the start of the second half of extra time.

Sabella was incensed with Palacio when he tried -- and failed -- to head over Cillessen from 10 yards in the dying minutes of extra time.

Dirk Kuyt fluffed a good chance at the other end and the match went to penalties.

Romero saved straight away from Vlaar. Messi, Garay and Aguero found the net while Romero saved to his right from Sneijder.

Dirk Kuyt slotted the Netherlands' fourth penalty away, but Maxi Rodriguez then beat Cillessen to send Argentina through to the final.

Highlights: Germany 7 Brazil 1

Brazil's dreams of making a return to a World Cup final in the Maracana were shattered in the most agonising manner as Germany inflicted on the hosts one of the most remarkable defeats in the 84-year history of this competition.

Tears flowed like water in the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte as before even half-an-hour had gone, Brazil were 5-0 down, and the final scoreline was 7-1, equalling their worst-ever defeat, 6-0 to Uruguay back in 1920 before the World Cup had even begun.

Two goals for Toni Kroos and Andre Schurrle , plus one each for Thomas Muller, Sami Khedira, and record-breaking 16th World Cup goal for Miroslav Klose saw the visitors delirious, while Brazil begins a period of soul-searching such as never before.

Germany will go into Sunday's World Cup final at the Maracana to face Argentina or Holland on the highest of highs.

The pain was so intense for Brazil, who had arrived at the Estadio Mineirao intent on honouring their missing talisman, Neymar.

They tried to use his absence as an inspiration, parading slowly onto the field linked in crocodile formation, with stand-in captain David Luiz and goalkeeper Julio Cesar clutching Neymar's shirt as they belted out the national anthem.

The opening period was always going to be a testing one for Germany, with the partisan crowd baying every Brazilian touch and tackle.

Marcelo was cheered wildly after sending a 25-yard shot skimming a couple of yards wide, but there was a frantic feel to it, as though the Neymar emotion had spilled over into a frenzy, with Germany capable of punishing any slackness.

That almost happened early on when Mesut Ozil delivered a sweet cross for Khedira to volley only for his shot to strike Kroos.

A break by Khedira then led to the corner from which Germany took the lead in the 11th minute. Kroos took it, and it was straightforward enough but Brazil's marking went into meltdown and Muller slotted it home low past Julio Cesar while David Luiz beat the ground in frustration.

Marcelo burst into the Germany penalty area and a pinpoint sliding tackle by Philipp Lahm stopped him in full stride but Brazil's high tempo only served to make them vulnerable on the break and Germany made them pay again, this time Klose becoming a World Cup's record-breaker.

A delightful passing move saw Muller lay the ball off and although Julio Cesar stopped his first effort, Klose buried the rebound.

Two minutes later and it was 3-0, Lahm's cross going all the way across the area for Kroos to slam home left-footed from 18 yards.

BRAZIL'S HISTORIC SEMIFINAL LOSS

• Miroslav Klose now highest scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals.

• Klose surpassed Brazilian striking legend Ronaldo to claim the record.

• Germany scored five goals in 29 minutes, the fastest any team has ever done so in the World Cup.

• Brazil had not conceded five goals in an entire World Cup since 1998.

• The Selecao conceded 4 in 5 matches in 2010, 2 in 5 in 2006 and 4 in 7 in 2002.

• Germany the first team to score five goals in a World Cup 1st half since Poland in 1974.

• Brazil had never trailed by 4 goals in any World Cup match before today. (102 previous matches)

• Germany now the all-time top scoring team in World Cup history with 221 goals.

• Brazil the first host nation to lose a World Cup game by more than three goals. 

Another two minutes, another goal. From a goal-kick Fernandinho was robbed by Khedira who unselfishly played in Kroos for a virtual tap-in for 4-0.

By this time Brazil fans were in tears and a few leaving their seats, but the German machine marched on mercilessly.

Less than half an hour gone and the hosts were 5-0 down. Mats Hummels strode forward and Ozil, who had come alive in this match, set up Khedira for a first-time finish.

All over the pitch, in the stands, the executive box where FIFA president Sepp Blatter watched, in the Fan Fests on the beaches and those tens of millions tormented on TVs throughout Brazil, there was sheer disbelief.

Scolari's half-time team talk must have been all about rescuing some pride, because it was a different Brazil who came out for the second half, with Paulinho on for the Fernandinho and Ramires for Hulk, with Low sending on Per Mertesacker for Hummels.

Neuer had been barely tested in the first half but only he prevented Brazil getting on the scoresheet, first defying Oscar and then Paulinho.

Julio Cesar had to be at his best to tip over Muller's curling effort from 25 yards, but Germany were not to be denied and Lahm's penetrating cross was struck home by substitute Schurrle.

It was Chelsea midfielder Schurrle who piled on the agony, a breathtaking finish into the top corner after pulling down Muller's instinctive cross.

Ozil should have made it an embarrassing eight but slid wide when through on goal before Oscar's crisp finish in the last minute provided a glimmer of light in the darkness.

If Brazil wanted to erase the memories of that 1950 final defeat in the Maracana they have done so: this pain would have been infinitely more excruciating.

Highlights: Argentina 1 Belgium 0

Argentina booked their place in the World Cup semifinals after a 1-0 victory over Belgium in Brasilia.

Argentina were ahead after only eight minutes, Gonzalo Higuain smashing home on the turn as the ball bounced up on the edge of the area, and proceeded to dominate the first half.

The Napoli striker should have added to his tally early in the second half when, after going clean through on goal, he saw his shot clip the top of the crossbar.

The Red Devils tried to force an equaliser but, other than a couple of aerial opportunities, struggled to create clear chances for much of the game.

Romelu Lukaku looked to have made space in the area deep into injury time but they could not take advantage as Alejandro Sabella's side progressed.

Highlights: Brazil 2 Columbia 1 & France 0 Germany 1

Germany reached their 13th World Cup semifinal as a goal from Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels saw Joachim Low's side beat France 1-0 at the Maracana.

Low, who also guided Germany to the last four in South Africa four years ago, sprung a surprise by starting Miroslav Klose up front and moving captain Philipp Lahm to right-back from the central midfield berth he had occupied for most of the tournament.

It was Klose's first start at this year's finals -- he did not feature at all in the round of 16 victory over Algeria -- but he was unable to grab the goal that would have seen him become the World Cup's outright all-time leading scorer.

Germany instead had a defender to thank for their winning goal as Hummels escaped the clutches of Raphael Varane to superbly head home Toni Kroos' 13th-minute free kick.

It was Hummels' second goal at the tournament following his strike against Portugal in the group stage.

Before going behind, France had come close to opening the scoring when Mathieu Valbuena teed up Karim Benzema, only for the Real Madrid man to slot the ball wide. Moments later, Antoine Griezmann -- replacing Olivier Giroud in the starting lineup --- sprung the offside trap but failed to cross for an unmarked Benzema.

With France's midfield trio of Yohan Cabaye, Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi struggling to exert the sort of influence they managed in previous games, Germany enjoyed the better of possession, though it was Les Bleus who had a real opportunity to equalise before half-time -- Manuel Neuer saving from Valbuena and Hummels preventing Benzema from bundling in the rebound.

After the interval, France gained a foothold in the game but struggled to break through Germany's resolute defence. Loic Remy was thrown on by Deschamps and he looked to make an early impact, chasing down a Varane pass and playing in Benzema, only for Les Bleus' No. 9 to see his shot blocked.

Matuidi went close for France as Neuer saved his half-volleyed effort before Germany should have put the game to bed -- a late three on two counter-attack resulting in Hugo Lloris making a smart save from Andre Schurrle. 

Benzema had one final opportunity in the fourth minute of stoppage time but Neuer produced an excellent save to preserve the 1-0 victory. 

Brazil 2 Colombia 1

David Luiz thundered home one of the World Cup's finest goals as Brazil progressed to the semi-finals, disposing of Colombia in an enthralling battle.

However, the 2-1 victory was tinged with concern after star man Neymar left the field on a stretcher in the closing stages. 

Brazil will be sweating on their star man's fitness ahead of their semifinal against Germany, which captain Thiago Silva will definitely miss after incurring a suspension for his booking at the Estadio Castelao.

The skipper played a key role in the Selecao's progression in Fortaleza, though, defending resolutely after opening the scoring inside seven minutes.

It was a lead Brazil worked hard to extend and, having seen a Mario Yepes goal ruled out for offside, they struck with aplomb midway through the second half when Luiz sent home an outstanding 35-yard free kick.

James Rodriguez, the competition's top scorer, added to his haul with a penalty but Brazil rode out a nervy final 10 minutes to progress.

Highlights: Belgium 2 USA 1

Kevin De Bruyne turned a heroic night for U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard into defeat on Tuesday with an extra-time goal and an assist that gave Belgium a 2-1 victory and a quarterfinal match against Lionel Messi and Argentina. 

With three extra-time goals total in a thrilling match, De Bruyne and substitute Romelu Lukaku gave Belgium a comfortable lead before Julian Green closed the gap with 12 minutes to go and made for a nervy ending.

Belgium's unyielding attacks for 90 minutes on Tuesday only highlighted the great performance of the 35-year-old Howard, but the goalkeeper's teammates finally wilted in the evening heat once extra time came.

Three minutes into extra time, Lukaku found space on the right and passed into the center. At first, the ball was poked out before De Bruyne gained possession. Belgium's creative genius still had the energy for a sharp turn, and his low shot finally missed the yellow foot of Howard and settled inside the post.

In the 105th minute, Belgium looked like they had put the game away. De Bruyne launched Lukaku into open space on the left, and the Everton striker beat his club teammate with a drive to the near post.

It wasn't over on a sticky, anxiety-ridden night, however. The Americans got late hope when Green pulled one back in the 107th minute with a sterling volley on the turn that Thibaut Courtois could only touch before he saw it fly into his net.

It always was going to be a physical battle between the two teams, but Belgium was the only one adding creative touches, underscoring their individual class.

When U.S. President Barack Obama started watching the game in the second half, all he could see was increasing one-way traffic facing his team. Divock Origi hit the bar with a header in the second half, two players totally missed the ball for what would have been a tap-in goal and Howard swatted away ever more balls.