Get the latest news and notes from the World Cup in Brail ahead of Thursdays kickoff. Spains Diego Costa feeling "100 per cent" Diego Costa says he has fully recovered from a nagging hamstring injury and will be ready when Spain opens their World Cup campaign against Netherlands on Friday. "Im very motivated; I think Im 100 per cent and ready. I cant wait for the competition to start," Costa said. Costa scored 36 goals in all competitions for the Spanish champions Atletico Madrid. Uruguay coach says Luis Suarez status still uncertain Uruguay striker Luis Suarez is doing all he can to regain full fitness following surgery to his left knee. "We cant say right now when hell be in shape to play in a World Cup match," coach Oscar Tabarez said. "Meanwhile, reality tells us that if hes not up to playing at this level, he wont play." Uruguay faces Costa Rica in their Group D opener. After Costa Rica, they meet England on June 19, before completing their group games against Italy five days later. In the name of love ... and soccer Brazilians have been urged to celebrate its version of Valentines Day on Wednesday so Thursdays World Cup kickoff doesnt spoil anyones love life. Celebrated every June 12, Brazils Day of the Lovers is a major shopping day. For motels and restaurants, its one of the biggest days of the year. The Brazilian motels association said Tuesday its partnered with beer company Brahma to promote mottos such as "First I will kiss you, then my jersey." "We wanted to offer incentives so they know its better to do it a day earlier," said Antonio Carlos Morilha, director of the Brazilian Association of Motels. US coach repeats that winning the Cup not realistic Untied States coach Jurgen Klinsmann reiterated comments he made six months ago, saying it was not realistic to think that the U.S. could win the World Cup this year. "For us, talking about winning a World Cup right now is not realistic," Klinnsman said Wednesday in Brazil. Files from TSN.ca, ESPN and ESPN.com Clearance Nike Air Max 270 . The Brazilian driver had the second-best time in last months tests at Jerez and said the "good start" could play to his advantage when the season gets underway in Australia in March. Cheap Nike Air Max 270 . "Opinion: Womens World Cup is the best Soccer of the year," Hanks tweeted to his 8.73 million followers on Friday. "Hey FIFA, they deserve real grass. Put in sod. https://www.cheapnikeairmax270china.us/ . Jeff Carter had two goals and an assist as the Kings stretched their streak to seven wins in a row with a 4-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday. Nike Air Max 270 Outlet . The Redskins announced Monday that the quarterback who led the team to the Super Bowl championship in the 1987 season will serve as a personnel executive. Wholesale Nike Air Max 270 . - Joao Plata scored twice in the final 24 minutes, including the winner in stoppage time, to help Real Salt Lake remain unbeaten with a 3-2 victory over the winless Chicago Fire on Saturday night.MINNEAPOLIS -- Diagnosed with cancer in his neck, Minnesota Twins general manager Terry Ryan has taken leave from his job for treatment and recovery. The timetable for his return is unclear, but the prognosis is optimistic. Though sobered by and concerned about the news, the Twins expressed confidence in the ability of their front offices long-time leader to beat the disease and get back to running the team. "I dont doubt hell get this knocked out," assistant general manager Rob Antony said. "Hes a tough bird, as he would say." The Twins released a statement on Monday from Ryan, who thanked his doctors, friends and colleagues for their work and support. "Its my intention to see you back at the ballpark as soon as possible," Ryan said. During his recent annual physical exam, the 60-year-old Ryan asked team physician Dr. Vijay Eyunni to examine a hard lump on his neck about an inch in diameter that had appeared a few weeks earlier. Further tests revealed squamous cell carcinoma. The squamous cells are in several parts of the body, but Eyunni said the source and cause of the cancer was undetermined. All that was known, he said, was that it was in his lymph node but had not spread to anywhere else. "The good news is we caught it early," Eyuinni said, adding: "As you know, both mentally and physically, hes very strong. So with treatment and radiation, its going to help him a lot. Hell recover better than someone who is not healthy." Ryan was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and expected to have surgery on Tuesday. Radiation treatment will likely follow. But once removed, Eyunni said, this type of cancer does not come back. "It should be completely done. It does not regenerate anymore," Eyunni said. Despite the positive outlook for a full recovery, this close-knit organization felt a collective anxiety and letdown upon learning of Ryans condition. "My family is praying for Terry Ryan and his family. Cancer is a terrible thing and we are hoping for a fast recovery," reliever Brian Duensing said on Twitter. "Cancer news hit close to home today. Sickened to hear about one of the men I respect most. My prayers are with you Terry," closer Glen Perkins tweeted. Manaager Ron Gardenhire, in an email, said hes had a "rough few days" in regard to Ryans cancer.dddddddddddd "You wont find a better boss or a better friend," Gardenhire said. Ryans primary concern, his colleagues said, was with his wife and adult children and how they would take the news. "But beyond that, he took it really well," Eyunni said. "He says, Doc, lets move on. I want to get this done." Ryan initially became general manager in 1994, stepping down 13 years later, citing burnout. After serving as a special assistant to general manager Bill Smith for four seasons, Smith was reassigned, and Ryan reassumed the job in 2011. In his statement, Ryan expressed confidence in Gardenhire, Antony and the rest of the baseball operations department to keep the Twins on the right track. "I met with Terry last week when he told all of us what was going on, and I started asking him questions about how he wanted me to handle this and that, and he just looked at me and basically said, Youve been around here long enough. Youve been in all these meetings. You know what goes on in spring training. Just go down and do your thing," Antony said. "He said, You know what youre doing. So that felt good." In addition to vice-president of player personnel Mike Radcliff, a member of the organization since 1987, special assistants Smith and Wayne Krivsky and have each previously been major league general managers, Krivsky with Cincinnati. For now, theres no plan on when or how much to consult with Ryan regarding general operations and key decisions. Antony told Ryan to call him when he feels good enough to participate. The Twins start spring training in Fort Myers, Fla., next week. "All I want to hear is the call that he says he had his checkup and the thing is completely gone and now he can start getting back to a normal routine and life, and whether that comes in March or April or whatever, it doesnt matter," Antony said. "Its the end result more than anything." He added: "There comes a time you need to put your family and your personal health and everything in front of your job and the game, and hes a smart enough guy to know that this is the time to do that right now." ' ' '