Eto'o likes to play off target man Patrick Mboma and does so with great effect.

Defending champions New Zealand have announced their 31-man squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup, with Waisake Naholo included but Israel Dagg and Cory Jane among those to miss out.

FIFA has lodged a criminal complaint with the Swiss attorney general over “possible misconduct” by individuals in connection with the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke hailed “a kind of revolution” as the football world prepared for today’s introduction of goal-line technology.

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.

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.

THE all-Ireland bid to stage the 2023 Rugby World Cup will be officially unveiled today in Armagh.

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.

Spain and Portugal boast “ideal” venues for the World Cup and have a strong chance of being elected as tournament host, according to the head of FIFA’s inspection team.

The failure by Uruguayan officials to award England a valid goal in their World Cup last-16 clash with Germany yesterday has been described as a “gross error” by a newspaper column in the South American country.

Marcello Lippi insists he will not renew his contract before the World Cup finals, prompting speculation over the Italy coach’s future.

Wales fly-half Stephen Jones looks set to miss next Saturday’s World Cup warm-up clash with England after pulling a groin muscle.

Coach Philippe Saint-Andre urged French rugby supporters to cast aside their doubts about him and rally behind his squad as they head to England for the rugby World Cup.

MICK McCARTHY yesterday celebrated five years at the helm with Wolves and revealed he would love to take the Republic of Ireland to another World Cup.

Lewis Moody has announced his retirement from international rugby in the wake of England’s disappointing World Cup showing.

Bold Silvano will miss the Dubai World Cup after he pulled out sore today following a workout yesterday.

Luis Fabiano has agreed a two-year contact extension with Sevilla, the Primera Division club confirmed today.

England’s Word Cup-winning rubgy team are to be given the Freedom of the Borough which gave the sport its name.