Keito Nakamura was not guaranteed to start for Japan at the World Cup. But his is now emerging as a pivotal figure.

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder and current NOS TV commentator Rafael van der Vaart apologized Wednesday after making an ill-advised comment while breaking down the Netherlands' 2-2 draw with Japan on Sunday.

Japanese soccer fans have gone viral once again for tidying up the stadium after their team’s World Cup soccer match against the Netherlands this week, only to prompt a meme criticizing the country’s men for not applying the same standards of behavior while at home.

Japan, Germany's rout, Ivory Coast, and Spain's outlook.

New Tunisia head coach Hervé Renard held his first practice with the squad on Tuesday, shortly after replacing Sabri Lamouchi, who was fired after the team’s 5-1 thumping to Sweden. The 57-year-old Frenchman had four days to get the team prepared for its second Group F game against Japan on Saturday.