Suarez banned 4 months for bite

RIO DE JANEIRO — Luis Suarez exits the World Cup with one of the longest bans in tournament history, and his reputation once again in tatters.

The Uruguay forward, widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, was banned by FIFA from all football for four months on Thursday for biting an Italian opponent in an incident that marred the team’s victory and progression to the second round.

It’s the third time he’s served a suspension for biting an opponent — after similar incidents at both Ajax in the Dutch league and Liverpool in England — and the second straight World Cup where Suarez exits in disgrace.

The four-month ban will sideline Suarez for the first two months of Liverpool’s season. He was also suspended for Uruguay’s next nine matches, which extends beyond the four months and rules him out of next year’s Copa America, where his team is the defending champion. The Uruguayan football federation said it would appeal.

Portugal 2 Ghana 1

BRASILIA, Brazil — Cristiano Ronaldo finally made his mark at the World Cup — but it came too late to spare Portugal an early exit from Brazil.

The world player of the year broke his scoring drought at the tournament with an 80th-minute winner against Ghana.

That result left the Portuguese level on four points with United States in Group G but with an inferior goal difference to the second-place Americans, who lost, 1-0, to Germany in Recife. Ghana also was eliminated, finishing bottom of the group.

Algeria 1 Russia 1

CURITIBA, Brazil — Algeria qualified for the World Cup knockout stages for the first time, with Islam Slimani’s heading in an equalizer in the 60th minute to give his team enough competition points to reach the second round.

Algeria placed second in Group H behind Belgium with four points, meaning it will meet Germany in the Round of 16.

Slimani’s equalizer came after Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev failed to catch a swinging left-foot free kick from Yacine Brahimi.

Belgium 1 South Korea 0

SAO PAULO — Reduced to 10 men for more than half the match, Belgium still edged South Korea to finish on top of Group H and eliminate the last Asian team from the World Cup.

Belgium made the difference in the 78th minute when defender Jan Vertonghen followed Divock Origi’s shot with a rebound.