FIFA World Cup News December 2013 One Day International Cricket News 2013

Brazil, Croatia to kick off 2014 FIFA World Cup

1.       The much-awaited draw for 2014 FIFA World Cup was completed for next year`s finals in the Brazilian resort of Costa do Sauipe.

2.       Brazil will play Croatia in the opening match of the 2014 World Cup on June 12 in Sao Paulo.

3.       Brazil, who hosted the tournament last in 1950 would want to make the home fans proud this time with a sixth World Cup title.

4.       Mexico and Cameroon are the other two teams in their group.

5.       England soccer fans won't be delighted with the draw, as their team will kick off their campaign against Italy, who knocked them out of Euro 2012, in Manaus.

6.       On the other hand, defending champions Spain will begin their campaign in the World Cup with a rematch of the 2010 final against the Netherlands in Salvador on June 12 next year.

7.       Spain had defeated Netherlands 1-0 in the final in South Africa, as a result of an extra-time goal by Andres Iniesta.

 Second One Day International Cricket match between India and hosts South Africa will be played at Durban tomorrow.

1.       Cricket South Africa has confirmed that the India-South Africa ODI series will continue as scheduled.

2.       South Africa dedicated the three-match rubber to Nelson Mandela.

3.       Ahead of the first ODI, Dhoni had spoken about pressure on the team that loses in Johannesburg.

4.       He had said that there would not by any time to recover for the side who loses the opening match.

Football World Cup winner’s prize money rises to $35 million

1.       The 2014 World Cup champions will receive $35 million in prize money, world football’s governing body FIFA announced in Salvador on Thursday.

2.       The value represents a 17 per cent increase in the prize money handed to Spain for winning the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

3.       FIFA will award the second placed side $25 million while the third will receive $22 million.

4.       Each of the tournament’s 32 teams will receive $1.5 million before the tournament begins to help cover their preparation costs.

5.       Another $70 million have been set aside for indemnity payments to clubs who will be without their players during the month-long tournament.