Soccer Live: Day Five

The U.S. government recognizes Kosovo, as do most European states, but getting football's ruling bodies to play ball has proved harder.

June 4, 2014 -- Updated 1504 GMT (2304 HKT)

National heroes don't always belong to one country. Ask France's World Cup hero Patrick Vieira, who is rediscovering his roots.

CNN's John Sinnott on the quiet Cambridge graduate behind Liverpool's resurgent campaign.

May 30, 2014 -- Updated 1519 GMT (2319 HKT)

They are the dispossessed -- stateless, and unrecognized by football's ruling body. But these teams will still play at their own World Cup.

Louis van Gaal will be a perfect fit for Manchester United the club, business and brand, says CNN's Patrick Snell.

May 19, 2014 -- Updated 1924 GMT (0324 HKT)

There's a new force in Spanish football -- and Atletico Madrid's ascendance is sharply contrasted by the fall from power of Barcelona.

May 13, 2014 -- Updated 1206 GMT (2006 HKT)

Rubber bullets, drones and FBI-trained riot police. Welcome to Brazil's 2014 World Cup -- will protests overshadow football's showpiece event?

May 9, 2014 -- Updated 1318 GMT (2118 HKT)

The former England international, who famously kicked a banana off the pitch 27 years ago, says education is the key to tackling racism.

May 7, 2014 -- Updated 1200 GMT (2000 HKT)

Of course not. But former Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed seems to think the removal of Michael Jackson's statue was a very "bad" idea.

May 7, 2014 -- Updated 1603 GMT (0003 HKT)

The Brazilian star's first season in Spain may have spluttered along, but the 22-year-old says he'll be firing on all cylinders at the World Cup.

April 30, 2014 -- Updated 1715 GMT (0115 HKT)

Former Soviet footballer Sergei Baltacha traveled from the land of the hammer and sickle to join The Tractor Boys and in doing so broke new ground.

April 29, 2014 -- Updated 0931 GMT (1731 HKT)

Villarreal football supporter who threw a banana at Barcelona's Dani Alves during league match handed a life ban by the La Liga club.