Brazil relied on its star Neymar for two early goals to beat Cameroon 4-1 Monday and reach the World Cup’s knockout stage for a South American showdown against Chile. (AP-Yonhap)

FOZ DO IGUACU, Brazil (Yonhap) ― The young South Korean squad at this year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil may be lacking leadership, but the players shouldn’t make an excuse out of their plight, one of the team’s stars said Monday.South Korea lost to Algeria 4-2 on Sunday in Group H, a loss that left the Asian side in last place among four teams with one point with the final group match versus Belgium set for Thursday.Back at the South Korean base camp of Foz do Iguacu, winger Son Heung-min said the

FOZ DO IGUACU, Brazil (Yonhap) ― After securing just one point in its first two Group H matches at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Brazil, South Korea faces a must-win situation against the heavy favorite Belgium in Sao Paulo on Thursday.The match between No. 57 South Korea and the 11th-ranked Belgium will kick off at 5 p.m. Thursday (5 a.m. Friday in Seoul) at Arena Corinthians.The South Koreans have their backs against the wall after getting picked apart by the ruthless Algerian offense in their

LONDON (AP) ― It had been, famously, more than 75 years since a British man arrived at Wimbledon as the defending champion.So Andy Murray took a moment ― and, really, only a moment ― to take in the sights and sounds Monday at Centre Court as nearly 15,000 spectators, including Shaquille O’Neal up in the Royal Box, rose to greet him with a raucous standing ovation.Murray’s parents and grandparents were present. So, of course, was his much-discussed recent choice as coach, Amelie Mauresmo. The oth

The young South Korean squad at this year's FIFA World Cup in Brazil may be lacking leadership, but the players shouldn't make an excuse out of their plight, one of the team's stars said Monday.South Korea dropped to Algeria 4-2 on Sunday in Group H, a loss that left the Asian side in last place among four teams at one point with the final group match versus Belgium set for Thursday.Algeria scored three goals in a 12-minute stretch midway through the first half and the match was even more lopsid

Without star midfielder Arturo Vidal, Chile looked nothing like the powerhouse that knocked defending champion Spain out of the World Cup.One of the most attacking and attractive teams at the tournament thus far, Chile started out with its trademark style but faded quickly as the Dutch established their dominance and earned a 2-0 victory Monday.Netherlands` Nigel de Jong stops Chile`s Alexis Sanchez`s attack during the group B World Cup soccer match between the Netherlands and Chile at the Itaqu

Defending champion Spain salvaged some World Cup pride on Monday with a convincing 3-0 victory over Australia in their last match at the tournament.Spain`s David Villa fires wide with a shot during the group B World Cup soccer match between Australia and Spain at the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, Brazil, Monday. (AP)After losing their previous matches in Group B to the Netherlands and Chile, both teams took to Arena da Baixada in the southern Brazilian city of Curitiba knowing they could not adv

Neymar knew the responsibility was his. An increasingly anxious host nation was relying on him to ensure Brazil avoided the almost inconceivable prospect of going out in the group stage of a World Cup on soil.The 22-year-old Barcelona striker delivered on the weighty expectations Monday, setting the Selecao on course to clinch its place in the knockout stage with two precision first-half goals in a 4-1 rout of Cameroon.“I have the responsibility to go out there and help my teammates, said Neymar

PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil ― South Korea’s defensive problems returned to the fore as it fell 4-2 to Algeria in Porto Alegre on Sunday, giving the African country its first World Cup victory in 32 years.Facing a far more aggressive opponent than in its opening match with Russia, Korea displayed a less careful and more desperate game against a heavy defense and speedy offense. Midfielder Son Heung-min and captain Koo Ja-cheol softened the blow with second-half goals, but the team’s weak defense could n

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) ― Teenage forward Divock Origi turned a listless Belgian performance into a late 1-0 win over Russia on Sunday, enough to qualify for the next round of the World Cup with two straight victories.Belgium barely contained a reinvigorated Russia for most of the match, yet struck with a blistering final spurt of class and opportunism to turn a bad situation into a wild celebration for coach Marc Wilmots in the 88th minute and hugs all around at the fulltime.“It was not easy, but w