Television cable providers in Lebanon criticized on Friday the state for failing to address the issue of broadcasting the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which has left several households unable to view the tournament that kicked off on Thursday.

General coordinator of the network of cable providers in Lebanon Mahmoud Khaled said during a press conference: “The state shied away from its responsibilities regarding this issue.”

France and Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna will join English Premier League champion Manchester City from next season.

Sagna's contract at Arsenal expires at the end of June, and his move from the Emirates Stadium was widely expected after he reportedly rejected a two-year contract extension.

Just one game into the World Cup, and referees are already in the spotlight.

The refereeing standards at the World Cup are always hotly debated, and Yuishi Nichimura made sure this one won't be any different after a controversial performance in the opening match on Thursday.

Neymar showed why he is carrying Brazil's hopes at the World Cup, scoring twice on Thursday to help the underwhelming hosts escape a disappointing start to the tournament.

With Brazil struggling and down a goal against a spirited Croatian team, Neymar came through to lead his team to a 3-1 win in the opening match, scoring once in each half. The killer goal to make the score 2-1 was a hotly contested penalty awarded by Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura.

The big rematch between Spain and Netherlands has come around quickly. The teams that played in the final of the last World Cup meet again on Day 2 in Brazil.

The 2014 tournament kicked off with host nation Brazil beating Croatia 3-1 after conceding an early own goal on Thursday. The Group B clash between defending champion Spain and Netherlands is one of three games set for Friday.

With his trademark shadow-boxing routine at the corner flag, Australia forward Tim Cahill may provide one of the iconic goal celebrations at this World Cup.

And if anyone is going to score in Brazil for the tournament's lowest-ranked team, it's most likely going to be Cahill.

Wire stadium fences were being unfolded, new X-ray security machines were being unpacked at entrances and clouds of dust billowed across roads leading to the World Cup venue.

There appeared to be a desperate sense of urgency among construction workers as Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador was being prepared to host a Group B game on Friday, a rematch of Spain's victory over the Netherlands in the 2010 final.

Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas said Thursday he has signed for English Premier League club Chelsea from Barcelona.

"I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice," the 27-year-old former Arsenal player said in a statement.

Roger Federer got his Wimbledon preparations fully underway on the grasscourts of Halle on Thursday, but he looked out of sorts before finally edging Portugal's Joao Sousa 6-7 (8/10), 6-4, 6-2 in a second round tie.

Playing for the first time since losing to Ernests Gulbis in the last 16 of the French Open, the six-time former winner of the German tournament started brightly but was soon on the backfoot against the improving Sousa.

The military junta that overthrew Thailand's elected government struck a blow for freedom Thursday — the freedom to watch football.

As part of its goal to "return happiness to the Thai people," the junta engineered a World Cup coup that will enable the country's many football fans to watch all of the tournament's 64 matches for free.