Germany won the 2014 FIFA Football World Cup beating Argentina 1-0

Germany on 13 July 2014 became the 2014 FIFA World Cup champion after defeating Argentina 1-0 at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The single goal of the final was made by Mario Gotze during the extra-time.

With this win, Germany lifted the trophy for the fourth time in the history of FIFA world Cup and first since 1990. The previous title was won by Germany in 1954, 1974 and 1990. Brazil with 5 wins is the country that leads the winning record. Germany also became the first European team to win a World Cup played in North or South America.

The following awards were given at the conclusion of the tournament
• Golden Ball - Lionel Messi of Argentina
• Golden Boot - James Rodriguez of Colombia
• Golden Glove - Manuel Neuer of Germany
• Best Young Player - Paul Pogba of France
• FIFA Fair Play Trophy - Colombia

To qualify into the finals, Germany led by Philipp Lahm defeated Brazil 7-1 in the semi-final, which was the worst defeat ever for Brazil. On the other hand, Argentina defeated Netherlands 4-2 on penalty shootout in the semi-finals and reached the final of the Football World Cup for the first time in 24 years.

About 2014 FIFA World Cup

F-Cube Technology to promote Football at ground level launched

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and TheFootballLink on 8 July 2014 jointly launched F-Cube, technology to promote football at the grass-root level. F-Cube technology was launched at the Weightlifting Auditorium of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

About F-Cube and its benefits
F-Cube is interactive software that has various entertaining and educational games and can create standardized test that can help SAI to recognise talented children and will also develop an athlete’s mental and physical attributes.
• F-Cube is an attractive medium that can entice children of all age-groups and economic backgrounds
• F-Cube will also act as a video coaching platform that will be an aid in the Technical and Tactical development of a Footballer through various educational and game/practice apps

Under-17 FIFA World Cup 2017 will be hosted by India and thus All India Football Federation is taking steps to scout talent with SAI’s assistance

Sports Authority of India (SAI)
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is an institute set up as a Society registered of Societies Act, 1860 on 25 January 1984. It is functional under Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India. It was formed with an objective to promote sports and games in India.
• SAI Director General - Jiji Thomson

TheFootballLink Sport Private Limited
TheFootballLink Sport Private Limited established in June 2012, is a Delhi based social enterprise. The organisation is involved in exploring and advancing the Football ecosystem across India.

Sania Mirza ranked career-best fifth in WTA doubles rankings

Sania Mirza, the Indian tennis ace, along with her Zimbabwean doubles partner Cara Black on 7 July 2014 were ranked career-best fifth in the latest WTA Doubles rankings.

This feat was achieved by the duo after displaying some consistent results on their tour to just concluded Wimbledon championships. Their appearance in the second round fetched them crucial 130 ranking points which was enough to push them under top-5.

Sania, who became a professional tennis player in 2003, entered the top-five chart for the first time in her career.

On the other hand in the ATP rankings, Somdev Devvarman was dropped by 10 places to 135 due to his poor performance. In the doubles Leander Paes remained unchanged at number 13. Rohan Bopanna was dropped three places to sit on the edge of top-20.

FIFA suspended Nigeria’s team from International football competitions

FIFA on 9 July 2014 suspended Nigeria from all international football competitions with immediate effect. Nigeria was suspended on account of government interference in running Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The Statement released by FIFA includes that during the period of suspension, the NFF may not be represented in any regional, continental or international competitions, including at club level, or in friendly matches.

The decision was taken after the Nigerian Government sacked the NFF executive committee and appointed a civil servant to manage NFF. FIFA had given Nigeria until 9 July 2014 to reinstate the sacked Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) executive committee.
Nigeria reached the second round of the World Cup 2014 in Brazil and this is the third time to reach second round of World Cup in their history (earlier in 1994 and 1998).

Rojer, Groenefeld win French Open mixed doubles title

PARIS (AP) -- Jean-Julien Rojer of the Netherlands and Anna-Lena Groenefeld of Germany won the mixed doubles title at the French Open by defeating eighth-seeded Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia and Julia Goerges of Germany 4-6, 6-2, 10-7 on Thursday.

Rojer was playing his first Grand Slam final while Groenefeld won the mixed doubles title at Wimbledon with Mark Knowles of the Bahamas in 2009.

''I gained a friend this week. I lost one, because I had to tell some other player that I'm not playing with her,'' Rojer said. ''So I hope she understands, especially now. But I apologized like 18 times to her.''

Rojer and Groenefeld were teaming up for the first time.

''Actually, I was asking around,'' Groenefeld said. ''No one wanted to play with me, and then he said yes.''