Zinedine Zidane has been awarded the Golden Ball as the best player at the World Cup despite his sending off in the final last night.

England entered their third World Cup game today, knowing that victory over Pool C leaders Samoa would effectively seal a quarter-final place.

Spain captain Fernando Hierro will quit international football after this World Cup.

In World Cup football today, Ireland take on Cyprus at Lansdowne Road with a chance to qualify for next summer’s World Cup Finals at stake.

New Zealand avenged their dramatic 1999 World Cup semi-final defeat to France with a convincing victory in the one-off Test in Wellington.

The Czech Republic and Turkey both handed out thrashings to keep their World Cup qualification bids on course on Wednesday.

Brazil is trying to assure World Cup tourists that they will not face problems at airports, even though many upgrades will not be finished for kick-off time.

NEW ZEALAND will use the Grand Slam tour of the northern hemisphere to stake a claim to hosting the 2011 World Cup.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry predicts England’s failed Grand Slam attempt will make them a force at the World Cup.

Al Shaqab Racing has purchased a “significant interest” in the Coolmore-owned Ruler Of The World, last season’s Epsom Derby winner.

THE qualifying structure for future Rugby World Cups is to be changed to better reflect the modern game and increase the profile of one of the world’s largest sporting events, with the number of automatic qualifiers increasing to 12.

The Rugby Football League has signed an exclusive contract with James Gilbert Ltd to supply balls for the 2000 - 2001 Silk Cut Challenge Cup Final between Bradford Bulls and St Helens at Twickenham on Saturday, April 28.

Brazilian police have used tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse striking workers inside a subway station, adding to fears that labour troubles could disrupt the World Cup when it opens in six days.

Belmont Stakes winner Jazil has been ruled out of the Breeders’ Cup Classic and will now be prepared for a crack at next year’s Dubai World Cup.

Argentina star Carlos Tevez admits he cannot bear to think of losing to Germany in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final.

England football captain David Beckham telephoned World Cup-winning hero Jonny Wilkinson on Sunday to offer his personal congratulations.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has dismissed calls for the World Cup in Russia to be boycotted, claiming the tournament can help end the turmoil in the region.

ARGENTINA coach Marcelo Loffreda has made scrum-half Agustin Pichot captain for the Rugby World Cup after Lisandro Arbizu ruptured knee ligaments in training.

The two FIFA executive committee members allegedly caught up in a World Cup cash-for-votes scandal have been provisionally suspended pending a full hearing next month.