Louis van Gaal claims he 'taught Sergio Romero how to save penalties' when he managed the Argentina goalkeeper at AZ Alkmaar - and now the stopper's shoot-out saves have seen Holland knocked out of the World Cup.

The coach is happy that his side have reached the World Cup final for the first time in 24 years and has praised his players for their performance in the triumph over Netherlands.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari described Brazil's 7-1 World Cup semi-final loss to Germany as "the worst day of my life", and said he took responsibility.

Brazilians cried, cursed their president and covered their faces in shame after their beloved football team's humiliating 7-1 thrashing by Germany in the World Cup semi-finals Tuesday.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari says his side will cope without injured striker Neymar when they face Germany in Tuesday's World Cup semi-final.

The Selecao official has been suspended for three matches by Fifa following a clash with the Chile forward during the the second-round game between the sides on June 28

The World Cup semi-finals start Tuesday. Here are five that have already left a mark on football history:

The injured Brazil star has given an emotional address to the nation’s supporters following the news that his World Cup is over.

James Rodriguez has stolen the advantage in the race for the World Cup Golden Boot after scoring his sixth of the tournament in the quarter-final against Brazil.

Brazil striker Neymar was ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup on Friday, dealing the hosts a crushing blow just hours after they battled through to a semi-final showdown with Germany.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari says his team have one hand on the World Cup as he rounded angrily on his critics ahead of Friday's quarter-final against Colombia in Fortaleza.