Sporting briefs

WCup 2014: Brazil and FIFA pledged to work together for the success of the 2014 World Cup after high-level fence-mending talks to end their public row over criticism of the country’s lagging preparations for the top sporting event. “We came to the conclusion that we will work together and we will be able to present the most extraordinary World Cup ever organised,” FIFA boss Sepp Blatter said after a meeting lasting nearly two hours with President Dilma Rousseff.

Wylde: Bolton have moved quickly to sign winger Gregg Wylde on a three-year contract following his voluntary departure from Rangers last week. The 20-year-old joins the Trotters on a free transfer after he was one of two players to leave crisis-hit club Rangers to help ease their financial worries.

Babbel: Hoffenheim coach Markus Babbel blamed “naive” defending after watching his side allow their former striker Vedad Ibisevic the room to score twice and help Stuttgart to a 2-1 win late Friday. “I think the team which was more naive lost,” said Babbel afterwards. “We left Ibisevic have the room he needed to score goals.”

Abidal: Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho yesterday gave his backing to Barcelona defender Eric Abidal, who had a tumour removed from his liver a year ago but now needs a full organ transplant. Mourinho said Abidal’s health situation was one where club rivalry was irrelevant. “It’s one of those cases when there’s no differences between clubs,” he said. “If we can show our support in any way, our players will do it.”