As World Cup qualification reaches the business end we look at how things stand in every group. 

Protesters have invaded Paraguay's parliament building after senators approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the election of a president to a second term.

The Croatian federation has been fined 50,000 Swiss francs by FIFA for the "inappropriate behaviour" of the national team's fans during a World Cup qualifier against Kosovo on October 6.

Argentina's stuttering World Cup qualifying campaign continued as they were beaten 1-0 at home by Paraguay.

Former AC Milan defender and Italy coach Cesare Maldini has passed away at the age of 84.

Luis Suarez scored on his Uruguay return as Brazil threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 in their World Cup qualifier and increase the pressure on coach Dunga.

Around the Argentina base in Santiago, there’s not much of a sense they’re on the brink of history, that they are “one little step” — as Leo Messi put it — from ending a 22-year wait for a trophy.

The Paraguayan government agreed to meet former workers who have nailed themselves to wooden crosses over a wage dispute.

France were held to a 1-1 draw with Paraguay after a dramatic finish to Les Bleus’ penultimate warm-up game for the World Cup.

“Of course Trapattoni would never be sacked. He’s a furbo,” said the butcher in my village yesterday.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic fired out a warning to the Republic of Ireland with a hat-trick in Sweden's 4-2 friendly defeat of neighbours Norway in Stockholm.

Barcelona coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino has made it clear that Cesc Fabregas will be part of his team next season, despite repeated interest from Manchester United.

New Barcelona coach Gerardo ’Tata’ Martino is certain Cesc Fabregas will be part of his team next season, despite repeated interest from Manchester United.

Lionel Messi insists he had nothing to do with the appointment of Gerardo Martino as Barcelona coach.

Luis Suarez once again hit the headlines for the wrong reasons as Chile put themselves back on track for a World Cup berth with a 2-0 home win over Uruguay.

Liverpool have “no desire” to sell Luis Suarez, according to managing director Ian Ayre.

Wigan defender Antolin Alcaraz is slightly ahead of schedule in his return from injury but manager Roberto Martinez will not rush him back.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has again voiced his frustration at injured striker Sergio Aguero’s recent international call-up, branding FIFA rules as “stupid”.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has again voiced his frustration at injured striker Sergio Aguero’s recent international call-up, branding FIFA rules as “stupid”.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew was today awaiting news of skipper Fabricio Coloccini after it emerged he has suffered an injury on international duty.

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has hinted that he could be involved in Argentina's World Cup qualifier against Peru on Tuesday despite not having played for his club since suffering a knee injury on the opening day of the season.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini claims it is “impossible” for injured striker Sergio Aguero to play for Argentina next month and “ridiculous” he has been called up.

Portugal manager Paulo Bento will be forced to field a weakened backline in tomorrow’s friendly against Panama at the Estádio Algarve after central defenders Pepe and Bruno Alves pulled out through injury.

Unlike four years ago, Spain haven’t exactly started this tournament in exhilarating fashion.

Paraguay’s Senate has voted to remove President Fernando Lugo from office in an impeachment trial, and the former priest said he would leave even though he considered his ouster as a blow to democracy.

Spain may have wowed the world over the last four years with their stylish passing football, but they would not be defending European, or World Cup, champions without [the interventions of keeper Iker Casillas.

An EU-Mercosur trade treaty feared by European farmers is on course to be derailed by radical protectionist moves by Argentina.

ACCORDING to FIFA and the Ballon d’Or voters, the coach of last year was Pep Guardiola.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter believes members of the organisation’s executive committee may find their positions untenable if they are found to have received payments from a now-defunct marketing company in the 1990s.

Wigan defender Antolin Alcaraz misses tomorrow’s crunch Premier League clash against fellow strugglers Blackburn through suspension.

Giovanni Trapattoni has named Kevin Doyle, Shane Long and Robbie Keane in his squad for Ireland’s European Championship qualification play-offs against Estonia next month.

THE build-up to Ireland’s European Championship qualification play-offs against Estonia next month gets off to an early start today when Giovanni Trapattoni unveils his squad at 9am in FAI headquarters in Abbotstown.

FIFA’s clean-up drive could see three senior football officials named as having received kickbacks from a company that sold World Cup TV rights.

THE agri-sector will remain a clear priority for the Government, Taoiseach Enda Kenny pledged yesterday.

Brazil’s 2014 World Cup party began in earnest today but against a background of bickering between organisers and the government, concerns over preparations and a protest by those who claim the tournament is adversely affecting the livelihoods of thousands.

The Argentinian Football Association have terminated the contract of the Albicelestes’ coach, Sergio Batista.

DIEGO FORLAN scored twice as Uruguay last night clinched a record 15th Copa America title with a comfortable win over Paraguay in Buenos Aires.

Venezuela coach Cesar Farias has criticised Paraguay for making fun of his team at the conclusion of last night's Copa America semi-final.

BRAZIL crashed out of the Copa America in dramatic fashion last night, failing to score a single one of their four penalties after their quarter-final with Paraguay went to a shootout after the game finished scoreless after extra-time.

FIFA’s corruption crisis deepened today after a dramatic announcement that vice-president Jack Warner and presidential candidate Mohamed Bin Hammam have been charged with offering bribes for votes.

The whistleblower at the centre of World Cup bid bribery allegations has agreed to come to FIFA to give evidence in person, Sepp Blatter said today.

ENGLAND’S Football Association will send a full dossier of the latest allegations of World Cup bidding corruption to FIFA as the world governing body’s president Sepp Blatter promised swift action to deal with the new claims.

Mohamed Bin Hammam, the FIFA presidential candidate who secured the 2022 World Cup for Qatar, today denied claims the country paid bribes for votes.