#COYGIG

The Irish team is through to the women's hockey world cup semi-finals after a nail-biting penalty shootout against India.

Aiden McGeady is out of Ireland’s World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Austria after suffering an injury setback.

Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz is hoping to be fit in time to play in his country’s opening game of the World Cup against England.

England suffered a scare ahead of the opening match of their Cricket World Cup when seamer Jimmy Anderson was taken to hospital with a fielding injury.

A courtroom date has been set for a libel action being brought by England star Wayne Rooney – just weeks before next year’s World Cup.

Manchester City striker Andy Cole will meet representatives of Ghana’s football assocation to discuss a possible coaching role at next summer’s World Cup.

The Ospreys have announced a new four-year contract for Wales star Ryan Jones - just 24 hours after he was ruled out of World Cup contention.

Lewis Moody has been ruled out of the England team for tomorrow’s World Cup warm-up clash against France at Twickenham.

New legislation which closes a loophole allowing some World Cup tickets to be legally touted comes into effect in Britain today.

Jonny Wilkinson has been named player of the year for the second year in succession by the International Rugby Players Association.

England today suffered a major double injury blow ahead of their World Cup showdown with South Africa.

Freddie Ljungberg has told of the anxious half hour when he thought his World Cup dream might be shattered.

Owen Hargreaves would regard it as ‘‘an honour’’ if he plays in England’s opening World Cup match against Sweden on Sunday.

Slovenia's star player Zlatko Zahovic was today kicked out of his country's World Cup squad following his bust-up with coach Srecko Katenec, Slovenian officials confirmed to AFP.

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has signed a five-year contract at Newcastle United.

Lucas Radebe has been included in the South Africa World Cup squad despite missing the entire season through injury.

The second single by Will Young has entered the charts at number one in the UK. It beat Ant and Dec's World Cup song, We're on the Ball, into third slot.

Mick McCarthy kept faith with his World Cup heroes as the Republic of Ireland kicked off their Euro 2004 qualifying campaign against Russia in the impressive 30,000-capacity Lokomotiv Stadium.