Argentina and soccer superstar Lionel Messi will look to solidify their chances of finishing on top of Group F when they collide with Iran in their second match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup on Saturday at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
John Brooks of the U.S. celebrates his goal against Ghana with teammate Fabian Johnson (L) during their 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match at the Dunas arena in Natal June 16, 2014.
Balloons in Italy's national colours fly on the pitch next to Italy's Daniele De Rossi (front L) as he fights for the ball with Costa Rica's Celso Borges during their 2014 World Cup Group D soccer match at the Pernambuco arena in Recife June 20, 2014.
Carlo Costly of Honduras celebrates after scoring a goal during their 2014 World Cup Group E soccer match against Ecuador at the Baixada arena in Curitiba June 20, 2014.
Switzerland's Granit Xhaka reacts after scoring their second goal against France during their 2014 World Cup Group E soccer match at the Fonte Nova arena in Salvador June 20, 2014.
France's coach Didier Deschamps conducts a training session at the Arena Fonte Nova stadium ahead of their 2014 World Cup against Switzerland in Salvador, June 19, 2014.
Major stars are expected to shine at the World Cup, and this tournament has lived up to the top billing in that respect. Here are the players who have stood out in the first week of the tournament.
As the world celebrates the World Cup, Brazilian protesters hope to shine a light on the issues that have plagued the nation after taxpayers had to cough up nearly $11 billion in over-run costs to host the quadrennial soccer tournament. While many of the protests have been peaceful, the demonstration after Thursday's England-Uruguay game got ugly, as Black Bloc members destroyed luxury cars and banking institutes in Sao Paulo.
