Manager Didier Deschamps has "turned France around" according to Germany boss Joachim Low.

The sides meet at 17:00 BST on Friday in the first of the World Cup quarter-finals and Low has hailed his opposite number's impact, external since taking charge in 2012, two years after France were knocked out of the tournament in the group stages.

"Everyone can dream, including me, but I'm a pragmatist and a realist, Friday is the only thing that counts," said Deschamps. "We're not going there as tourists."

Image source, Getty Images

Alvaro Negredo wants to leave Manchester City, Manchester United have been told they can sign Sporting Lisbon's defensive midfielder William Carvalho and Everton have rejected an approach from Tottenham for their England international defender John Stones. It's the BBC gossip column.

Argentina striker Sergio Aguero is back in training but will not feature in their World Cup quarter-final with Belgium, reports Marca, external

The Manchester City striker sustained a thigh muscle injury during their group match against Nigeria on 25 June.

Image source, Getty Images

So, as the quarter finals approach the race for the golden boot intensifies. The last-eight stage throws up some intriguing battles. Karim Benzema versus Thomas Muller. Neymar versus the competition's top scorer, James Rodriguez, while Lionel Messi and Robin van Persie are also in action.

But, who do you think is going to win the golden boot? Have your say at #bbcworldcup

Manchester City attacking midfielder Samir Nasri will extend his contract with the Premier League champions when he returns for pre-season training.

Nasri, 27, featured in 34 of City's league matches last season, scoring seven goals, and club officials are keen for him to commit his future to the club.

His existing deal expires in 2015 but a verbal agreement for a four-year extension is in place.

Image source, Getty Images

Away from the World Cup and Liverpool striker Luis Suarez could be on the verge of a move to Spanish giants Barcelona.

Reds chief executive Ian Ayre spent much of Wednesday in discussions with senior Barcelona officials in London with talks described a "productive".

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is fighting to keep Argentina's match-winner in their victory over Switzerland - Angel Di Maria.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Arsenal but Spanish newspaper Marca, external report Ancelotti is keen to resolve Di Maria's ongoing contract situation at the Bernabeu.

Colombia's place in the World Cup final may seem a long way off, but the country are sure to be represented at the showpiece event.

Image source, Reuters

Pop singer Shakira will perform her 'La La La', external track at the closing ceremony alongside Brazilian percussionist and singer Carlinhos Brown.

It will be Shakira's third consecutive appearance at world football's showpiece game.

Ghana's players will sign contracts ahead of major tournaments in future in order to avoid the issues faced at the 2014 World Cup.

Around $3m (£1.74m) was flown to Brazil to appease players after they took strike action due to not being paid ahead of the tournament.

Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng were sent home early for physical and verbal assaults respectively, as Ghana exited at the group stage.

Image source, Getty Images

As the World Cup nears its conclusion, the pressure intensifies on and off the pitch. The sight of Brazil's players in tears during their national anthem and their dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Chile have become some of the most iconic images of the 2014 World Cup.

So with that in mind Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari summoned the squad's psychologist to his side's training base as they look to keep a lid on the emotional toil that this World Cup is having on the hosts.

Image source, Reuters

"Tim, I don't know how you're going to survive the mobs, you're going to have to shave your beard, man."

United States president Barack Obama sits in the White House and expresses his gratitude during a phone call with the country's World Cup stars Tim Howard and Clint Dempsey.

Obama praises the impact the USA's performance in reaching the last-16 - where they were beaten by Belgium - had on the country.

"I know it's disappointing, but what you guys accomplished is really significant," he added.

Image source, Getty Images

So, one day down, just another 24 hours to go and the greatest* World Cup of all time is back in our lives. How did you spend your 'rest day' and how are you going to get through today? Let us know at #bbcworldcup

*open to debate (#bbcworldcup)

Image source, Getty Images

Symptoms: Sweats, racing heart, palpitations, muscle tension, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, tremors, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Cause: World Cup rest day mark two.

Solution: BBC World Cup Sportsday.