France coach Bernard Laporte has issued a defiant message that Les Bleus can “still play a key role” in the World Cup despite a stunning opening game defeat against Argentina.

The Netherlands are more streetwise now than when they tackled Spain in the 2010 World Cup final, according to national captain, Robin van Persie.

England striker Michael Owen is refusing to worry about his World Cup chances just yet despite reporting a problem with his previously-broken right foot on his return to competitive action.

A British member of the European Parliament is seeking support within the EU legislature for a letter to FIFA demanding that Iran be thrown out of the World Cup, the office of Conservative member Chris Heaton-Harris said today.

Scotland midfielder Paul Hartley believes facing France is the hardest task in international football, but he feels Walter Smith’s team have a chance on Saturday.

Alan Curbishley believes Sven-Goran Eriksson is likely to remain as England manager beyond the World Cup because the Football Association has “no Plan B”.

The Football Association of Ireland has announced two friendlies against China and Italy for this year.

Mercurial fly-half Ronan O’Gara stepped into the World Cup spotlight at a rain-drenched Aussie Stadium as Ireland looked to dispose of Namibia with the minimum of fuss.

Senegal coach Bruno Metsu described it as ‘‘an historic day for Senegal’’ after the African nation reached the second round of the World Cup with a 3-3 draw with Uruguay.

It may be just coincidental that as parts of the country were battered by Lorenzo yesterday Ireland’s rugby players made unexpectedly heavy weather of beating Russia in the tremendous heat and draining humidity in Kobe’s sweatbox to keep the World Cup dream alive.

The British Government have scrapped plans to hold the 2005 World Athletics Championships in London.

The ‘Big Brother’ housemates will be able to watch today’s England World Cup match against Germany.

This German effort about the West German team during the l954 World Cup, the first in Europe since the end of WW2, has a limited audience appeal.

New Uruguay boss Jorge Fossati has named Diego Forlan amongst 31 European-based players for a three-day training session in Madrid.

Stewart Cink, named as a wild card for America’s Ryder Cup team last Monday, made captain Hal Sutton feel even better about his choice when he won the NEC world championship in Akron.

Denmark midfielder Stig Tofting is determined Zinedine Zidane will not make up for lost time at the World Cup against his side.

Aidan O’Brien admits it would “mean the world” to win the Emirates Melbourne Cup at Flemington next week.