Fifa doesn’t allow non-rights holders such as Sky Sports access to any of its World Cup media centres, but a broadcasting colossus like Chris Kamara doesn’t need that kind of mollycoddling to make an impact in Brazil.

You could describe Louis van Gaal as a fortunate manager or a tactical genius.

Netherlands and Chile have already punched their tickets to the knockout round at the World Cup but each country is desperate to claim a good result as they square off today (kick-off 5pm) in Sao Paulo.

Getting stuck for words beside Nigel de Jong, chasing Robin van Persie on a beach, rubbing shoulders with Diego Maradona and discussing matters GAA with Roberto Martinez. Far from your ordinary trip has been Mike Griffin’s journey to the World Cup in Rio de Janeiro.

This season’s Premier League is one of the most exciting we have witnessed in many years.

Fenerbahce 0 Arsenal 3

Arsenal are without midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for tonight’s crucial Champions League play-off first leg away to Fenerbahce.

EUROPA LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL FIRST LEG

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew conceded his side faced a tough ask to qualify for the last four of the Europa League after a 3-1 defeat in their quarter-final first leg in Benfica.

Robin van Persie tops the Premier League transfers so far this summer. Here are this summer's confirmed deals so far:

Liverpool have agreed a fee with Roma for striker Fabio Borini and the player has arrived on Merseyside to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms.

Victory is the great redeemer.

Wesley Sneijder has sent the Netherlands’ angry and shell-shocked supporters a heartfelt apology for the way his team have performed so far at Euro 2012, indicating just how low the World Cup finalists have sunk in the space of two years.

When you are the favourites, you play with pressure.

Anything but a victory over Denmark would be a minor disaster for the Netherlands tomorrow.

Johan Cruyff wasn’t impressed by the Champions League final. For him there was no glory in Chelsea’s heroic defending and improbable success.

Dirk Kuyt insisted the appointment of Brendan Rodgers as Liverpool manager had nothing to do with his decision to join Fenerbahce.

Fenerbahce have announced the signing of Dirk Kuyt from Liverpool.

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt admits a number of clubs from Europe’s major leagues are interested in signing him.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan claims manager Roberto Martinez is meeting with Liverpool’s owners this afternoon.

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has ruled out a return to Feyenoord in the immediate future because he feels it would be a step back in his career.

Swansea 1 Liverpool 0

If ever there was an ideal fixture to mark the appointment of Roy Hodgson as England manager then this was it.

Liverpool 0 Fulham 1

If Carlsberg did Sunday afternoons for West Brom fans, it would probably pan out something like this one.

Liverpool 0 West Brom 1

Captain Steven Gerrard was the notable absentee from the squad as Liverpool registered four changes for the visit of West Brom and a first return to Anfield of former manager Roy Hodgson.

Having branded his old club a “laughing stock” in midweek, Saturday can’t have been a comfortable experience for John Aldridge — but neither will it have made him reconsider his opinion of Liverpool.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish was angered by referee Michael Oliver’s decision-making in their 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa.

Liverpool 1 Aston Villa 1

We’ve long passed the glory days when YouTube could claim a week as its own.

QPR captain Joey Barton admitted his performance in last night’s win against Liverpool was the worst of his career – but hit out those that booed him at Loftus Road.

Jamie Mackie scored a dramatic injury-time winner to move QPR out of the relegation zone to leave Kenny Dalglish stunned at Loftus Road last night.

QPR 3 Liverpool 2

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is well aware of the strengths of Stoke as he prepares for a fourth meeting against them this season, but he is not among their critics.

Sunderland 1 Liverpool 0

Logic dictates that there is more chance of Kenny Dalglish getting a belated birthday card from Alex Ferguson than there is of Arsenal overturning a 4-0 deficit against AC Milan in the Champions League.

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie admits his current goalscoring run is “insane” but paid tribute to his team-mates for making it possible.

England 2 Holland 3

The Carling Cup may be derided in certain quarters but for Dirk Kuyt, a losing finalist in the World Cup and Champions League, his first winners’ medal with Liverpool is special.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is confident that now his players have experienced that winning feeling they will want much more.

Cardiff’s Anthony Gerrard is devastated after missing the crucial penalty.

Liverpool have already set their sights on launching a new era of silverware at Anfield after finally ending a six-year wait for a trophy by beating Cardiff at Wembley.

His judgement has been questioned over these past four months.