Goals in each half saw Nigeria end Ireland’s two-year unbeaten home record in their last friendly before both teams go to the World Cup.

Seldom will a ridiculous 23-0 result in the Oceania Cup mean so much to those 17,000 kilometres away but Australia’s crushing of Papua New Guinea proved the outcome that confirmed the Irish women’s team will go to the 2018 World Cup.

The countdown continues to the first game of the 2018 World Cup.

They may have left the island but they've never really left Ireland behind.

Thierry Henry could miss the start of next summer’s World Cup finals after FIFA announced today they will refer his infamous handball to their disciplinary committee.

WALES star Gavin Henson’s World Cup dream is in ruins after he underwent surgery on a dislocated bone in his right wrist.

MANKIND’S greatest global sports festival opens in South Africa this afternoon when the hosts play Mexico in World Cup 2010’s opening game.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter will consider a rule change allowing three yellow cards before a suspension in future World Cups and has called for a crackdown on players feigning injury to disrupt matches.

Brazilian police have used tear gas to disperse about 100 striking subway workers from a station in central Sao Paulo, the city that will host the World Cup opener this week.

Ireland’s World Cup Pool C clash with Russia at Rotorua International Stadium in the Bay of Plenty this Sunday is set to a be a 26,000 sell-out following the thrilling 15-6 victory over Australia in Auckland last Saturday.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has indicated the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will take place in the summer, despite previously suggesting it could be held in winter.

Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba has been given the green light to play with a protective cast on his arm for the World Cup Group G match against Portugal match later today.

Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer has turned his anger on France after their dismal 2-0 defeat against Mexico last night left them on the verge of an early exit.

England manager Fabio Capello will be left to decide Gareth Barry’s World Cup fate after the Manchester City midfielder was sidelined for four weeks by an ankle injury.

Vision D’Etat has been given the green light to run in today’s Dubai World Cup.

Former Republic of Ireland defender Kevin Moran has backed the current central defensive pairing to impress in the upcoming World Cup play-off.

Irish rugby coach Joe Schmidt reflects on the need for squad balance in the run up to rugby World Cup and Paddy Jackson reflects on his return to Ireland duty after injury. Just a few of the highlights from last night’s post Barbarians match press conference. 

Referees in Premier League matches next season will use the vanishing spray that came to prominence in the recent World Cup in Brazil, it was announced yesterday.

Graham Poll has paid the price for his yellow-card blunder by being named among the 14 referees sent home from the World Cup.

Pakistan’s World Cup Group D match against Zimbabwe will go ahead as scheduled later today.