North Korea coach Kim Jong-Hun praised his players after they overcame the searing conditions of Riyadh to earn the goalless draw against Saudi Arabia that booked their place in the World Cup finals for the first time since 1966.

A HEARTBROKEN Sylvain Marconnet has set his sights on lifting the World Cup in 2011 after seeing injury rob him of the opportunity to claim rugby’s biggest prize this autumn.

Former England international Nick Beal is to retire from rugby at the end of this season.

West Ham have announced the signing of Pachuca striker Enner Valencia on a five-year contract, with the Ecuador international awaiting a work permit to complete the deal.

Franz Beckenbauer has promised to co-operate with FIFA’s ethics investigations into World Cup bidding and has asked for the provisional ban against him to be lifted.

New Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has admitted he faces a "huge task" reviving fallen giants South Africa.

The Football Association today repeated their “strong desire to see goal-line technology introduced as soon as possible”.

Ireland captain William Porterfield believes his side’s displays at the World Cup have proved they can overcome restricted qualification rules at future tournaments.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney insists his faith in the country’s young talent persuaded him to stay on beyond the end of this autumn’s World Cup.

FAI chief executive John Delaney is upbeat following last night's draw for the qualifiers of the 2014 World Cup, which pitted the Republic of Ireland with Germany, Sweden, Austria, Faroe Islands and Kazakhstan.

Gareth Southgate has told England’s players to play without fear and grab their chance against Belgium as they may only get one shot at the World Cup.

Extra flights have been added and bigger aircraft are being drafted in to Cork Airport ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland admits that he has some “tough calls” ahead as he applies the finishing touches to his 31-man World Cup squad.

Chris Henry insists he is back to his best and ready to prove he is worthy of a World Cup place, as Ulster attempt to effectively end Leinster’s season on Friday night.

IT seems only like the other day that the Irish World Cup squad in their hotel in Bordeaux heard that a potentially serious illness had befallen Simon Best, one of the most popular members of the entire party.

HIS first World Cup and, as he alluded to afterwards, possibly his last, was a disappointing affair admitted David Wallace.

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Fans who plan on travelling to the Rugby World Cup next year are advised to book now before prices are “doubled and tripled”.

Ger McCarthy looks at the winners and losers from the night.