FRANCE Coach Marc Lievremont has rounded on journalists covering the French World Cup campaign, saying some of them take delight in seeing the French team lose.

Pavel Nedved is considering his club as well as his international future after seeing Juventus named as one of the clubs who could face sanctions over allegations of corruption on the day the Czech Republic were knocked out of the World Cup.

Former rugby World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward is to meet with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to discuss whether some of his training methods can be used to help develop the careers of players like Andy Murray.

Wayne Rooney vowed to use the disappointment of Euro 2004 as his driving force to win the World Cup next year.

Wayne Rooney was on his way back to England this morning for the scan that will decide his World Cup future.

Wayne Rooney has told Steven Gerrard he will play in the World Cup.

The German sex industry is gearing up for the 2006 World Cup, with up to 60,000 women from eastern Europe to be trafficked to the country and forced into prostitution unless firm action is taken by the authorities, according to a report today.

England’s players enjoyed a relaxing few hours on the golf course today, ahead of their final World Cup group game against Uruguay this weekend.

The Irish soccer team relaxed at a performance of the smash hit musical Mamma Mia! tonight ahead of flying out to Paris for their crunch World Cup qualifier match.

Ireland produced an impressive defensive display to defeat a more powerful Scottish side in the second match of their IRB U21 World Cup.

Ireland take on Estonia in a World Cup qualifying tie in Tallinn at 5pm today, with three points fully expected from the match.

Germany captain Philipp Lahm has retired from international football.

Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson has announced his retirement from international football after withdrawing from the England squad to face Hungary at Wembley on Wednesday.

Irish mobile network 3 today announced its customers will be able to enjoy free Ryder Cup action from the K Club.

Hawk-Eye technology is to be used at next month’s Rugby World Cup.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter today claimed the World Cup in South Africa has already proved the doubters wrong.

Ireland captain William Porterfield has branded the decision to exclude associate nations from the 2015 World Cup as “an embarrassment” and “a joke” and has warned it could kill the game in non-Test playing countries.

The Irish Women's Hockey team takes on world number five China, in their crucial crossover game at the World Cup Qualifying tournament in Rome at midday today.

Ireland manager Brian Kerr will not now announce his side to face Israel in tonight's World Cup qualifier at Lansdowne Road until half an hour before the 7.30pm kick-off.

Jeff Whitley is winning his fight to be fit for Northern Ireland’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on Saturday.