An that will do us for today. It seems odd to not be waving you off to some enthralling World Cup fixture but hopefully it will be worth the wait when the quarter-finals get underway on Friday.

Tomorrow the build-up will intensify for those games so join us here again from 07:00 BST and we will have all the latest colour, quotes, tweets, quiz questions, you name it.

See you then and thank you for your company today.

Fifa's technical support group have seen no evidence of match-fixing at the 2014 World Cup.

Cameroon officials are to investigate claims that seven of their players were involved in the illegal practice at the tournament in Brazil.

Gerard Houllier - the former Liverpool manager who is a member of Fifa's technical support group - said in response to whether he had seen any evidence or had suspicions of match-fixing at the World Cup replied: "No, not at all."

Just over an hour until the day's first kick-off, oh no, wait, we are on a rest day aren't we?

Well anyway, take a look at some of the best skills from the World Cup so far to ease the lapse in live action.

A lot of fast feet and clapping for you to get stuck into. Enjoy.

BBC News magazine asks whether Tim Howard's Tourette syndrome explains some element of his superb reactions.

Previously, the Everton player has suggested that the fact he lives with Tourette's syndrome - a condition characterised by multiple motor tics, and at least one vocal tic - has made him a better athlete.

Studies have shown that individuals with Tourette's are "super-good at controlling their voluntary movements", says Georgina Jackson, professor of cognitive neuropsychology at the University of Nottingham.

Image source, AP

People are beginning to surface and wipe the sleep from their eyes in Brazil and one of them is former USA goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

The Tottenham keeper watched his country stage an extra-time fight-back only to fall to a 2-1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16.

"Time now for the US to concentrate on moving to next level and become just as intense attackers as we are defenders," says Friedel, who won 82 international caps., external "Thought Gonzalez, Besler and Howard were very good yesterday. Shame the ride is over but the boys did the US proud."

Belgium manager Marc Wilmots says he has "raised the bar" to challenge his side after their World Cup round of 16 win over USA.

An extra-time victory set up a last eight meeting with Argentina on Saturday.

"Now that we are in the quarter-final we have got to try and go all the way," Wilmots told reporters. "I have placed the bar high for my guys but now I'm going to make it even higher."

Image source, Opta

Central to France's hopes of reaching the semi-finals is Real Madrid frontman Karim Benzema.

The striker has been directly involved in 50% of France's goals at this World Cup (scoring three and assisting two); the highest proportion of any player in their squad.

BBC Sport's John Bennett:, external The Ghana FA have confirmed that head coach Kwesi Appiah will keep his job. The executive committee says it has "full confidence in his ability."

Appiah is under pressure after Ghana's first round exit from what was dubbed 'the group of death' at the 2014 World Cup. They were eliminated with Portugal as Germany and USA progressed.

Italian striker Fabio Borini has returned to Liverpool to stay following a loan spell at Sunderland, according to his agent.

Borini, 23, scored seven league goals for the Black Cats but is now back at Anfield, where he hopes to secure a role in the squad.

"Fabio goes back to Liverpool to stay there, as stated by the manager Rodgers a few weeks ago," his agent Marco De Marchi says in the Liverpool Echo.

Swansea City are poised to sign striker Marvin Emnes from Middlesbrough for a fee in excess of £1m.

The Dutchman has spent two loan spells at the Liberty Stadium, and is expected to seal the deal on Wednesday as the club begin pre-season training.

The Swans signed the 26-year-old on loan during the January transfer window until the end of the 2013-14 season.

BBC Sport's David Ornstein:, external Joel Campbell will report for pre-season with Arsenal late July early August & compete for a 1st team place.

Manchester City are willing to accept a knockdown fee for Micah Richards.

The defender, 26, made just two Premier League appearances for the club last season and has one year remaining on his contract.

The league champions are open to offers that would include significant add-ons based on appearances, given his injury history.

Image source, Getty Images

Oh to be German. The Autobahn, Oktoberfest and the certainty that your team will not only qualify for a World Cup but be a contender.

They have always been consistent performers at World Cups, having reached the semi-finals of the last three tournaments. But no nation has ever made the last four in four successive tournaments.

Also, Germany are unbeaten in 15 internationals (won 10 drawn 5), which is longer than any other side still involved in Brazil.

France enjoy playing in Brazil, losing just one of their last 10 games in Brazil.

Here are a few more stats to chew on. Les Bleus have hit the woodwork more often than any other team at this World Cup (6), which is the highest tally for a team since Poland and Argentina hit the crossbar six times each in 1982.

The Germans will also need to keep an eye on Karim Benzema because with 19 shots already in the bag the Real Madrid striker has fired in 12 more shots than any other French player during this tournament.

Former Netherlands, Ajax and Newcastle striker Patrick Kluivert has been celebrating his 38th birthday on the beach with Robin van Persie. Nice.

The Manchester United striker posted on Instagram: , externalCelebrating Patrick Kluivert b-day in style with some no look beach tennis #DoNotTryThisAtHome

Image source, Mats Humels

The German team have tweeted a picture, external of Mats Hummels relaxing on the beach, saying the defender is "almost back at 100%". The Germans were without the talented defender for the last-16 victory over Algeria because of illness.

BBC Radio 5 live's Phil Wye:, external Unexpected things to hear in departures at a Brazilian airport: "Manuel Neuer please proceed to gate 5..."

Costa Rica's 2014 World Cup record: Three wins, one draw, five goals, two conceded.

The shock outfit of the tournament are also the dirtiest team in the competition so far, committing 81 fouls in all, nine more than second-placed Uruguay.

All eyes on Bryan Ruiz: Fans of Fulham may be scratching their head at Ruiz's contribution to Costa Rica in the tournament. With two goals and an evident all-round impact, the 28-year-old has not looked anything like the player whose influence evaporated at Craven Cottage.

Image source, Getty Images

If you've set aside 90 minutes or so to watch the first quarter-final of the World Cup, which features France and Germany, then there should be plenty of goals.

There have been 17 scored in the three previous World Cup meetings between the two nations, an average 5.7 goals per game.

Germany have scored two or more goals in each of those World Cup matches and are unbeaten since their first World Cup clash with France in 1958 (3-6 defeat), having won the 1982 match on penalties (3-3) and in 1986 (2-0).

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Netherlands 2014 World Cup record: Four wins, 12 goals, four conceded.

Netherlands have converted 27.9% of their shots, a number only bettered by Colombia.

All eyes on Arjen Robben: He started the tournament with a scintillating display against Spain but is now shrouded in controversy after an apparent dive to win a last minute penalty and eliminate Mexico in the round of 16. The knives are already out for Robben but his mix of experience and brilliance is key for the Dutch.