David Beckham has been immortalised in chocolate for his Japanese fans.

Manchester United captain Roy Keane has refused to confirm if he will play again for the Republic of Ireland.

Ireland’s under-19s are preparing for this evening’s showdown with England in the final qualifying round of the European Championships in Norway.

Blackburn and England striker Andy Cole has announced his retirement from international football.

According to reports, Mick McCarthy has signed a new contract that will keep him on as manager of the Irish soccer team until the European Championships in 2004.

Luis Figo has been named FIFA World Player of the Year.

Sporting bodies are waiting on tenterhooks following the announcement of two cases of foot-and-mouth in Co Louth.

A head injury prematurely terminated his playing career and a serious illness ended Jock Hobbs’ weighty off-field contributions to rugby before ultimately claiming his life.

TOP rugby referee Jonathan Kaplan has been rested from his August Test duties in order to maximise recovery from minor injuries sustained during a road accident last week.

Why always him, indeed.

Patrick Mboma has opened the scoring for Cameroon after 39 minutes in their first round Group E match against Ireland at Niigata.

David Beckham has put England ahead from the spot in their Group F clash against Argentina on 44 minutes.

Germany's Miroslav Klose has completed his hat-trick and Germany's fifth goal in the 69th minute of their match against Saudi Arabia.

Korea have shocked Italy with a golden goal from Ahn in the 117th minute to win in dramatic circumstances.

Lee has made a great save from Gattuso as Italy almost snatch a golden goal victory in the 22nd minute.

Both teams have made tactical substitutions.