13th minute: Pauleta has opened the scoring for Portugal in their match against Poland in Group D of the World Cup. Latest score: Portugal 1, Poland 0.

A David Beckham first-half penalty saw England defeat Argentina for the first time in 36 years in World Cup competition.

A David Beckham first-half penalty saw England defeat Argentina for the first time in 36 years in World Cup competition.

Saudi Arabia have sent out a World Cup warning to group opponents Ireland with an impressive win against Senegal.

The Republic of Ireland have drawn 2-2 with Italy in World Cup qualifying Group Nine, securing a spot in the qualifying round for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Sweden 2 Senegal 1

Senegal 3 Uruguay 0

Japan 0 Russia 0

Spain could stage the next IAAF World Cup in two years’ time after the sport’s world governing body revealed the United States has declined the opportunity to stage the 2006 meeting.

FIFA have admitted they have taken out insurance in case the 2010 World Cup does not go ahead in South Africa.

Brazil 2 0 Germany

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has confirmed for the first time that there is a ’plan B’ for the host nation of the 2010 World Cup.

Brazil have formally submitted their application to host the 2014 World Cup, presenting a letter to FIFA at the Club World Cup in Japan.

Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o has threatened to pull out of the World Cup after being criticised by legendary countryman Roger Milla.

The Australian Rugby Union has officially withdrawn from the bidding process for the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.

Holland have been drawn in the same group as Argentina in the 2006 World Cup.

The Football Association of Ireland has announced that it will commission an independent review of its preparations for the World Cup once the competition is over.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be a 32-team tournament as originally planned, FIFA has announced.

Germany's Miroslav Klose has received a yellow card for a foul after eight minutes of the World Cup final.