Brazil squeezed through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup after coming within a whisker of going out against an accomplished Chile side.

So still no sign of the Brazil this country wants and needs then, rather signs that won’t take the sharpness off nerves before the real stuff starts against Chile at the weekend.

BRAZIL 4 CAMEROON 1

Liverpool midfielders Phillipe Coutinho and Lucas Leiva, AC Milan playmaker Kaka, below, and Atletico Mineiro forward Ronaldinho were among the big names to miss out as Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari unveiled his 23-man World Cup squad yesterday.

AC Milan playmaker Kaka and Atletico Mineiro forward Ronaldinho were among the big names to miss out as Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari unveiled his 23-man World Cup squad today.

Arsene Wenger is convinced Arsenal remain attractive to top players as he prepares for a busy final 10 days of the transfer window.

Arsene Wenger is convinced Arsenal remain attractive to top players as he prepares for a busy final 10 days of the transfer window.

Arsene Wenger will not compromise on quality as he looks to bring only “top, top, top players” to Arsenal for the new season.

Bayern Munich 2 Juventus 0

Bayern Munich 2 Juventus 0

Bayern Munich 0 Arsenal 2

Bayern Munich 0 Arsenal 2 (Agg: 3-3, Bayern Munich win on away goals)

Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen was dropped to the bench for tonight’s Champions League last 16 second leg against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern Munich manager Jupp Heynckes maintains his side cannot switch off against Arsenal tomorrow night – even though they already have one foot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Real Madrid registered their first Primera Division victory of the season after a comfortable 3-0 win over Granada at the Bernabeu — but an unhappy Ronaldo suggested all is not well within the camp.

By Shaun Cronin (@ShaunCronin7)

For Roberto Di Matteo, being crowned champion of Europe might not be enough.

Bayern Munich chief executive officer Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is adamant Arjen Robben will extend his contract with the club.

UEFA will not change their rules on yellow cards for the Champions League for at least three years despite six players being suspended for the Chelsea v Bayern Munich final after being cautioned in the semi-finals.

Chelsea’s hopes of a reprieve for the trio of players suspended for the Champions League final have been dashed.

Chelsea captain John Terry will be able to lift the Champions League trophy and collect his medal should the Blues beat Bayern Munich, UEFA today confirmed.

Mario Gomez struck a 90th-minute winner to move Bayern Munich a step closer to appearing in the Champions League final in their own stadium with a narrow victory over Real Madrid in the Allianz Arena last night.

Bayern Munich 2 Real Madrid 1

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes his team will need to show the same courage and determination they displayed against Barcelona last week when the two teams meet tonight in the return leg of their Champions League quarter-final (7.45pm, live on TV3).

Real Madrid midfielder Kaka today earned a recall to the Brazil squad for the first time since the 2010 World Cup finals for the international friendlies against Gabon and Egypt.

Hoffenheim’s dream first season in the Bundesliga continues to get better as they moved three points clear at the top with a 3-1 win at Cologne this afternoon.