The sooner today is over the better for Brazilian football fans, as jokers take advantage of the date to remind them of the thrashing Germany gave them in the World Cup.

Germany hotshot Thomas Mueller gave an unsuspecting bystander a taste of the shooting skills that have him favourite for the Golden Boot in this World Cup.

Belgian stars Eden Hazard and Laurent Ciman took some time out of training to make an elderly fan’s day yesterday.

Interim manager Rafael Benitez was today deciding how many changes to make for Chelsea’s Club World Cup semi-final against Monterrey.

The Football Association of Slovenia have reappointed Srecko Katanec as head coach of the national team following the resignation of Slavisa Stojanovic.

Ireland's cricketers have won their second World Cup qualifying encounter against the United Arab Emirates in Sharjah.

All the figures ahead of Friday's game

Some football fans, Irish and otherwise, still can’t forgive the Frenchman for the infamous handball 5 years ago that denied Ireland a place at the 2010 World Cup.

After a certain tweet this afternoon, the team could have gained a whole now following - among teenage girls.

“Female footballers have fought back for years, but now they finally admit it’s all true.”

Follow regular updates from Ireland’s final Rugby World Cup warm-up game on home soil. It promises to be an emotional day for Paul O’Connell who makes his final appearance in the green of Ireland at the Aviva.

The Ireland team had their first run out in the famous Carisbrook Stadium, Dunedin today ahead of their final Rugby World Cup Pool C game against Italy next Sunday.

England number eight Nick Easter failed a fitness test on his tight calf shortly before today’s World Cup warm-up clash with Ireland.

Shinji Kagawa has given Manchester United another injury worry after missing Japan’s World Cup qualifying victory over Iraq with a back injury.

Ian Thorpe continued to struggle in his comeback today with the Australian failing to qualify for the final of the 100 metres freestyle at the FINA World Cup meet in Beijing.

England captain Lewis Moody will be fined £4,800 if he is found to have worn a branded mouthguard in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat by France, the IRB have said.

Everton are close to agreeing a new long-term contract with inspirational midfielder Tim Cahill.

FIFA’s appeals committee has upheld bans on two executive committee members who had suspensions imposed following the Sunday Times investigation into World Cup bidding.

Irish showjumper Jessica Kurten won the latest Rolex FEI World Cup event held in Mechelen, Belgium today.

Brazilian side Flamengo have confirmed the signing of World Cup winner Ronaldinho from AC Milan.