Need a break from the serious stuff? We bring some of the quirky stories from around the world.

Thousands of people in southern Japan remained cut off by floods and mudslides triggered by torrential rains that have killed at least 28 people.

Most of the estimated quarter of a million people who fled flooding in south-west Japan were able to return home today, although the danger has not fully passed from record rainfall that led to at least 28 deaths.

Thousands of people in southern Japan remained cut off by floods and mudslides triggered by torrential rains that have killed at least 26 people, local authorities said.

Sony said today that it is suspending production at some plants in Japan which make popular consumer electronics like digital cameras and televisions due to shortages of parts and raw materials following the calamitous earthquake earlier this month.

THREE people were found dead inside a car parked outside a remote forest in southern Japan early yesterday in what police suspected was the country's latest group suicide.

A tropical storm has hit central Japan forcing thousands of people to be evacuated in two northeastern cities.

Sweden 1 Senegal 2 (Senegal win on golden goal)

Sweden 1 Senegal 2 (Senegal win on golden goal)

Sweden 1 Senegal 1

Sweden 1 Senegal 1

Freddie Ljungberg failed in his late bid to make a return to the Sweden side for the World Cup second-round clash with Senegal in Oita.

Freddie Ljungberg failed in his late bid to make a return to the Sweden side for the World Cup second-round clash with Senegal in Oita.

Emile Heskey believes England finishing second in their qualifying group could be an advantage as they bid to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 12 years.

Emile Heskey believes England finishing second in their qualifying group could be an advantage as they bid to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 12 years.

Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni believes his players have the spirit that could take them far in the World Cup.

Sweden 1

Croatia only have themselves to blame for suffering World Cup heartbreak - handing the lucky Italians a place in the knockout stages on a plate.

Croatia only have themselves to blame for suffering World Cup heartbreak - handing the lucky Italians a place in the knockout stages on a plate.

England's qualification prospects have become much clearer in the wake of the surprise outcome in Group A.

Senegal coach Bruno Metsu described it as ‘‘an historic day for Senegal’’ after the African nation reached the second round of the World Cup with a 3-3 draw with Uruguay.

France’s defence of the World Cup ended in dismal failure today after they became the first reigning champions since Brazil in 1966 to bow out of the tournament.

Belgium must now beat Russia to keep their World Cup dream alive after being held by Tunisia in their second Group H match in Oita today.

Belgium must now beat Russia to keep their World Cup dream alive after being held by Tunisia in their second Group H match in Oita today.

Tunisia 1 Belgium 1

The Italian Football Federation are considering launching an official protest to world governing body FIFA following the poor officiating during their controversial 2-1 defeat to Croatia.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre declared himself ‘‘not satisfied’’ with his side’s winning start to their World Cup campaign.

Cameroon fear the Roy Keane factor could count against them in Saturday’s World Cup opener against the Republic of Ireland in Niigata.

Japanese police today showed off a new weapon they may use to trap hooligans during this summer’s World Cup football finals.

Two Japanese military helicopters have crashed into a mountain during a night flight exercise, killing at least three crew members.