A mobile scanner designed to spot a 3D-printed plastic pistol hidden under a gunman's clothing is to be used in Brazil after threats by organised criminals to disrupt the World Cup.

Champions Spain will open their defence of the World Cup at next year's finals against the Netherlands, a repeat of the ill-tempered 2010 final.

Part of the stadium that will host the World Cup opener in Brazil next year collapsed today, causing significant damage and killing two people, authorities said.

From her office in a painted shipping container high up in Rio de Janeiro's biggest favela, the woman with the toughest police job in the city has a definitive view of the divided landscape.

Sky TV have confirmed it will screen every match of the 2014 soccer World Cup in Brazil live.

Paul the celebrated octopus has finally got his tentacles wrapped around a football.

From Tiger Woods admitting infidelity to Alberto Contador blaming a piece of meat, 2010 provided plenty of sound bites.