Netherlands thrash defending champions Spain 5-1 in the opening game of Group B, with two goals each for Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben.

US President Barack Obama says he will take several days to decide what action to take over the Iraq crisis, but says no US troops will be deployed.

Afghans are to decide whether former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah or former World Bank economist Ashraf Ghani succeeds President Hamid Karzai.

EU offers Moscow a role in discussions over its planned accord with Ukraine, in a move officials say reflects a "new climate" in the talks.

Who is playing? How can you watch the games? Who does our expert think will win? All the information you need on World Cup day three.

Former Conservative defence secretary Liam Fox says the possibility of sending British troops to fight in Iraq should not be ruled out.

Pro-Russian rebels shoot down a military transport plane in eastern Ukraine, reportedly killing 49 Ukrainian service personnel.

Torrential rain has led to the biggest water flow ever recorded over South America's Iguazu Falls.