From the Back Pages, June 29: James Rodriguez leads the Golden Boot race as he scores a second

Brazil on the brink before Neymar and Julio Cesar answer a nation’s prayers. (The Times)

Luis Suarez has had direct talks with Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers since his expulsion from the World Cup. (The Mirror)

LUIS SUAREZ insists he did not deliberately bite Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup, telling FIFA he ‘lost his balance’. (The Express)

A tournament apparently immune from major surprises underwent a second, more seismic shock in as many days, when Serena Williams followed Li Na out of the women’s singles, beaten by Alize Cornet of France 1-6, 6-3, 6-4. It is the first time in the open era that the top two seeds have both taken their leave from Wimbledon before the fourth round. (The Independent)

Federer eases through to week two after Giraldo win. Centre Court favourite glides to trouble-free, straight-sets victory over Colombian world number 35. (The Telegraph)

x Sacked batsman Kevin Pietersen has attacked Alastair Cook’s England side, saying the team’s series defeat to Sri Lanka showed senior players were still shell-shocked from the 5-0 Ashes whitewash. (The Guardian)