Germany 2 Sweden 0

Tony Vidmar has withdrawn from Australia’s World Cup squad because of medical reasons and admits his career may be at risk.

Roy Keane insists he has no regrets about his infamous World Cup exit following a row with Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy in 2002 and would “do it again tomorrow”.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has vowed to change the rules to ensure the 2010 World Cup final is not decided by penalties.

Liverpool striker Harry Kewell today pledged his loyalty to Australia after being named Oceania’s Player of the Year for a record-equalling third time.

Controversial football analyst Eamonn Dunphy has been sensationally suspended from RTE’s World Cup coverage this evening.

FIFA PRESIDENT Sepp Blatter has admitted Italy were knocked out of the World Cup by a catalogue of refereeing mistakes.

English football fans were today gathering in Greece for their crucial World Cup qualifying clash after the British Home Office cracked down on more than 450 suspected hooligans, ordering them to hand in their passports.

Ireland will face the winner of the Asian Football Confederation play-off should they reach the World Cup qualifying play-offs.

Now, this team would make the World Cup!

The military junta that overthrew Thailand’s elected government has told football fans that they can watch the World Cup for free.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has described working conditions in Qatar as “unacceptable” as pressure builds on football’s governing body to take action over concerns relating to the construction of the stadia to host the 2022 World Cup finals.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has ruled out revisiting the controversial vote that awarded the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar.

Ross Rennie is focusing on performing well in his first Scotland start this weekend, rather than the prize of a place in the Rugby World Cup squad.

Warren Gatland believes Wales and England taking black change kits to the World Cup next month is a mark of respect towards host nation New Zealand.

The Republic of Ireland Women's U-17 side went top of their group after defeating Canada 1-0 last night in the FIFA World Cup.

England’s 2018 World Cup bid leaders are gearing up for a 15-month campaign that they believe will be the most challenging of any such contest.

ALAN GAFFNEY is likely to return to Ireland as assistant to Leinster coach Michael Cheika — and not as backs coach with Ireland.

FRANCE are to keep the same coaching staff for the 2004 Six Nations championship but are to review the set-up in April as part of the overhaul planned for the build-up to the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

William Gallas has reignited the storm around Thierry Henry’s ‘Hand of Gaul’ handball in the 2010 World Cup qualifying play-offs, stating that an Irish player would have acted the same had he scored a goal in similar circumstances.