All Blacks lock Ali Williams has a broken bone in his foot but has not been ruled out of next month's Rugby Union World Cup.

Northern Ireland defenders Chris Baird and Mark Clyde have been ruled out of the World Cup qualifier against Austria tonight at Windsor Park because of ankle injuries.

Manchester United captain Roy Keane has joined up with the Irish squad ahead of this Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Switzerland.

Former Lions legend and current assistant coach Jules Bocande believes Senegal have got what it takes to win the World Cup.

Germany's Rudi Voller has warned his side they cannot afford to take the United States lightly when they meet in the World Cup quarter-finals on Friday.

Muzzy Izzet could be ruled out of Turkey's second-round World Cup clash against Japan through injury.

Sir Bobby Robson will run the rule over two World Cup stars as he continues to build for the future.

Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has assured Mark Kinsella that he will have a place in Ireland’s World Cup qsuad, providing he remains fit for the rest of the season.

Nico Van Kerckhoven injured his left leg during training and joins fellow defender Glen De Boeck as a doubtful starter for Belgium's World Cup match against Japan.

The Department of Justice has said it is unlikely to grant permission for Irish pubs to open at 6am to facilitate soccer fans who want to watch the World Cup finals next year.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has retained the same starting line-up for the World Cup qualifier with Albania at St James' Park.

Two of Mick McCarthy's main injury worries ahead of next month’s final World Cup Qualifying game against Cyprus announced that they were well on the way to recovery.

Midfielder Steven Reid does not expect a two-leg play-off against Iran to trouble the Republic of Ireland side who knocked Holland out of the World Cup.

Many Brazilians are angry at what they see is a huge waste of money when large parts of the ountry are in poverty.

Mike Griffin has been in Brazil collecting signatures throughout the World Cup and last night put the icing on the cake with a signature from a newly crowned World Cup winner.

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has had preliminary discussions with the GAA about the availability of GAA grounds as part of a possible bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Germany captain Michael Ballack has been ruled out of the World Cup due to an ankle injury, the German Football Federation have confirmed.

South African World Cup chiefs insist preparations for the 2010 finals are on course and that there will be no need for England to step in as contingency hosts.

EDDIE JONES has been confirmed as technical advisor to the South Africa national side until the end of their World Cup campaign.