Henrik Larsson and his Swedish side have sent Nigeria packing out of the World Cup and have made England's prospects of progression that bit harder after a 2-1 win over the Africans.

Coach Bruce Arena saluted an ‘‘outstanding’’ performance after his unfancied side stunned World Cup dark horses Portugal with a 3-2 win in Suwon.

Miroslav Klose proved he can score against quality opposition to leave the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup hopes on the ropes at the Kashima Stadium in Ibaraki.

Wives and girlfriends of England’s soccer players were today planning trips to join their partners in Japan - if England can get past Denmark in Saturday’s second round World Cup match.

Mick McCarthy has hailed the Republic of Ireland's next opponents Spain as potential winners of the World Cup.

Mick McCarthy has hailed the Republic of Ireland's next opponents Spain as potential winners of the World Cup.

Costa Rica coach Alexander Guimaraes paid tribute to China’s battling performance after his side’s 2-0 win in Gwangju.

Saracens star Thomas Castaignede was the shock omission from France’s World Cup squad as versatile three-quarter Brian Liebenberg came in to replace him in the 30-man party.

Wales will be awarding caps to players in all four World Cup preparation matches in August.

South Korea coach Guus Hiddink was living a dream after his side knocked out Spain in a penalty shoot-out to move into the World Cup semi-finals.

Brazil 0 0 Germany

Team sheets for the world Cup final

Malaysian police have smashed a World Cup soccer related illegal betting operation.

Ireland 0 Spain 1

David Beckham is hoping to beat Brazil at their own game should the South Americans be England's next opponents at the World Cup.

World Cup coach John Kear will take an emerging England team on an end-of-season tour of the Pacific.

The BBC has scored the opening goal over ITV in the battle for TV audiences during this summer's football World Cup.