Sven-Goran Eriksson pulled out of a conference looking back at the World Cup because he was fed up with accusations of incompetence from his critics, according to UEFA president Lennart Johansson.

Togo’s players claim they still have not received money they claim they are owed for qualifying for the World Cup but the players have relented on their boycott threat and will travel to Cologne for their last Group G fixture with France.

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will take his time before deciding whether to retire from international football following Holland’s exit from the World Cup.

Substitute Francesco Totti scored an injury-time penalty to stun Australia and guide 10-man Italy to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Wayne Rooney will travel to Germany on Monday with England’s World Cup squad.

South Africa have hit prop problems in the build-up to Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final against Fiji at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.

Sol Campbell and John Terry are ready to forge a partnership at the heart of England’s defence with Rio Ferdinand – as expected – set to be the one to miss the World Cup qualifier against Austria at Old Trafford tomorrow.

Cologne want to end Jerzy Dudek’s stay at Liverpool and offer him a lifeline to save his World Cup dreams, according to the player’s agent.

Aston Villa full-back Ulises De la Cruz wants to leave the club after finding his first-team opportunities limited at Villa Park.

New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Chris Moller has refused to criticise France for their decision to tour the country with an under-strength side next year.

Ireland will return to their Polish training camp on Saturday as they step up preparations for the nation’s most eagerly-awaited World Cup campaign.

Wales’ World Cup plans have received a timely boost with fly-half Stephen Jones expected to play a full part in the tournament.

Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez looks certain to ring the changes tomorrow for the World Cup qualifier against Wales in Cardiff.

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Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie is adamant that Andrew Johnson still has a chance of making the England squad for the World Cup finals in Germany this summer.

Zinedine Zidane has publicly apologised for his sending-off in the World Cup final, but claimed he did not regret his actions against Marco Materazzi.

A Tonga forward is to be punished for suggesting the islanders would deliberately set out to injure All Black players in the World Cup.

Scotland arrived in windy Wellington today chasing their first Test win of the year as they take on Samoa.

England will discover this evening who they will have to beat to qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals – but Sven-Goran Eriksson’s attention may be diverted by FIFA’s promise to review Rio Ferdinand’s punishment for failing to attend a drugs test.

Six Nations champions Wales launched their IRB Under-21 World Cup campaign with a 37-19 victory over Scotland at Henley today.