Stella Artois and Budweiser brewing giant AB InBev today toasted a World Cup boost from thirsty football fans as UK beer volumes rose by almost a fifth between April and June.

Ivory Coast are anxiously awaiting the results of tests on Didier Drogba after the striker suffered an injury during today’s friendly with Japan in Sion.

HALF TIME: France 0 Ireland 1

Ireland will be seeking their first win in the Super Eight stage of the World Cup when they face in-form New Zealand this afternoon.

Connacht will play South Africa at The Sportsground on August 21 as part of their World Cup build-up to France.

The schedule for Ireland's World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign has been announced by the FAI today.

Gareth Jenkins has been sacked as Wales head coach after his side crashed out of the World Cup.

Ireland are due to face French side Bayonne this evening as part of their warm-weather training programme for the upcoming World Cup.

HOWARD WEBB’S appointment as referee for the World Cup final has been greeted with dismay by the Spanish press.

FRANCE coach Raymond Domenech will reportedly receive a €862,000 bonus after his team qualified for next year’s World Cup.

Irish Examiner rugby writers Brendan O'Brien and Simon Lewis look ahead to Ireland's World Cup meeting with Japan, along with local journalist Rich Freeman.

Mathieu Bastareaud has retired from international rugby after his omission from the French World Cup squad.

Former France full-back Bacary Sagna reckons Paul Pogba will "shine" at the World Cup in Russia.

The draw for the World Cup play-offs in Europe is due to be made later today.

Trinidad and Tobago 0 Sweden 0

England 0 Ecuador 0

HT Croatia 1 Australia 1

British actor John Cleese has decided to release his own World Cup song in aid of this summer's German-hosted soccer championships.