Germany defender Jerome Boateng has labelled the team’s World Cup as a “disaster” after their worst performance in 80 years.

Flanker Tom Croft has labelled speculation over Martin Johnson’s future as England manager “disgusting”.

Two own goals from captain Kakha Kaladze gifted Italy victory over a toothless Georgia in Tbilisi tonight to keep the visitors out in front at the top of the World Cup qualifying Group Eight table.

Portugal manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has indicated his willingness to work with Kia Joorabchian, the man linked to a takeover of West Ham, at some stage in the future.

Pre-tournament favourite Paul Casey was today battling to get into contention in the third round of the Volvo China Open.

The start of the NEC World Golf Championship in Akron – penultimate qualifying event for Europe’s Ryder Cup team – was delayed by over three hours today.

Ireland began their World Cup preparations with a five-wicket defeat to Sydney grade club Randwick Petersham.

Despite being branded a jinx for the football teams he backs, Mick Jagger is refusing to take the blame for Brazil’s World Cup thrashing on Tuesday, which he watched live in Belo Horizonte.

Sports stars, politicians, pundits and broadcasters joined forces to wish the Irish women's rugby team good luck in the World Cup.

Ghana’s two biggest stars have been suspended from the team just hours ahead of their crucial World Cup match.

England’s departure for the World Cup was hit by a moment of farce today when comedian Simon Brodkin gatecrashed the travelling party as they arrived at Luton Airport.

Chelsea have signed Olivier Giroud from Arsenal, with Michy Batshuayi leaving Stamford Bridge to join Borussia Dortmund on loan.

Ronan O'Gara insists he is thriving off his battle with Leister's Jonathan Sexton for the Irish number 10 jersey.

Striker Fernando Torres has brushed aside questions about his Liverpool future but admitted the club needed to improve issues off the field.

Ghana midfielder Andre Ayew has won the praise of his team-mates after the Black Stars booked a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Dirk Kuyt admits he is unsure about his future at Liverpool.

Fabio Capello has confirmed England midfielder Gareth Barry will start Friday’s World Cup match against Algeria in Cape Town.

Joachim Low has virtually ruled Cacau out of tomorrow’s World Cup quarter-final with Argentina in Cape Town.

Tottenham defender William Gallas claims he has “drawn a line” under his international career having not featured in any of national coach Laurent Blanc’s squads to date.