Wayne Rooney admits he was “disappointed” by Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo’s actions during the controversial World Cup semi-final between England and Portugal but has forgiven him.

A man and a woman were being questioned today about the gunning down of six men as they watched the World Cup in a pub in the North 12 years ago.

Italy’s Alessandro Nesta is confident he will return to play for the Azzurri again in this World Cup but will not be ready until the semi-finals.

Australia and Japan have signed an historic accord designed to promote co-operation between the two rugby football unions.

Irish captain Keith Wood has provided his fellow World Cup squad members with a tremendous psychological boost by declaring that they are the best he has played with.

France were short-handed but in an upbeat mood as they trained at Brisbane’s Ballymore Stadium today.

Australian international Toutai Kefu has called for England to be docked points over the Dan Luger 16-man saga.

Newly-appointed Blackburn manager Mark Hughes is delighted he will be allowed to remain in charge of Wales for their World Cup qualifiers against England and Poland next month.

Birmingham striker Clinton Morrison has set himself a 10-goal target in the hope of earning a place in the Republic of Ireland’s starting line-up for the 2006 World Cup qualifiers.

The job of All Blacks head coach is up for grabs after New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs invited applications for the role.

Argentina have named 19 foreign-based players in their squad for the first two matches in their South American qualifying round for the 2006 World Cup.

British Lions and Wales number eight Scott Quinnell is poised to announce his retirement from international rugby because of a persistent knee injury.

GLENN HODDLE yesterday followed revelations that Irish World Cup star Robbie Keane is on Tottenham's shopping list by confirming his plans to delve into the transfer market.

Brazil overcame a sluggish start to beat Chile 2-0 in their World Cup qualifier and improve their chances of reaching next year's tournament.

Craig Brown insisted Scotland could still make it through to the World Cup finals after being held to a 2-2 draw by Belgium at Hampden Park.

Ireland manager Mick McCarthy was involved in a confrontation with Portuguese counterpart Antonio Oliveira after the sides drew 1-1 in a World Cup qualifier at Lansdowne Road.

Captain William Porterfield believes Ireland’s quest to become more than just World Cup giant-killers is being hamstrung by a chronic lack of matches against full-member nations.