Argentina coach Marcelo Bielsa sent another clear signal that Hernan Crespo will be his first-choice striker at the World Cup.

Roy Keane has suggested that his World Cup bust-up with Mick McCarthy was over allegations that he had faked injuries.

Robbie Fowler and Nicky Butt has resumed training with the England World Cup squad after apparently overcoming their injuries.

Irish manager Mick McCarthy will wait until just before kick-off before naming his team to face Germany in the World Cup group stages later today.

Ex-England skipper Tony Adams today told of his fear that Sven-Goran Eriksson’s World Cup bid will be wrecked by Steven Gerrard’s absence.

Five Irish players sat out training in Seoul today ahead of the team’s World Cup second-round clash against Spain on Sunday.

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has congratulated the Irish football team on its qualification for the knock-out stages of the World Cup finals.

South Africa midfielder Benni Mnguni has returned home from the World Cup after the death of his brother.

Paolo Maldini’s father Cesare, the Paraguay boss, is the oldest coach at this World Cup aged 70, while Paolo is one of the few players at the tournament who also played in Italia 90.

Nico Van Kerckhoven injured his left leg during training and joins fellow defender Glen De Boeck as a doubtful starter for Belgium's World Cup match against Japan.

The Ireland squad assembled in the Glenview Hotel in Wicklow yesterday evening to begin their preparation for the Rugby World Cup qualifier against Russia next Saturday.

Wales have been awarded fifth place in the recent International Rugby Board Under-21 World Cup after France were found guilty of failing to provide suitably experienced cover following injuries to two front-row players during their victory over the Welsh.

The Football Association of Ireland has reacted angrily to claims in an evening newspaper that it paid €20,000 for a bar bill during the World Cup finals last summer.

Senegal World Cup star Khalilou Fadiga is not on his way to Anfield, despite what has been reported.

Turkish defender Hakan Unsal is set to miss Wednesday's World Cup semi-final clash against Brazil due to an ankle injury.

Giovanni Trapattoni says he will not resign, despite Italy's World Cup exit against South Korea.

The Pepsi World Cup-themed ad featuring Britney Spears has been posted online.

The FAI has refuted claims that Mick McCarthy's current contract expires after the Cyprus game next month.

Ireland captain Roy Keane is expected to link up with his team-mates in Dublin later this morning after receiving treatment on his injured knee at Old Trafford this week.