The Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal is in talks to play the leading role in Goal! A planned trilogy of films about a young footballer’s rise to stardom.

Centre Tony Marsh looks like being France’s only injury concern for Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final clash with Ireland in Melbourne.

Marcus Horan today gave Ireland a timely boost ahead of Saturday’s first World Cup Pool A game against Romania by successfully completing a full training session.

Mark Viduka has pledged his future commitment to Australia and is determined to lead his country into the next World Cup finals.

Wayne Rooney faces a race against time to be fit for the start of the Premiership season.

Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout phase of the World Cup were in danger of being shattered after the first game as Patrick Mboma scored the 28th goal of his international career to give Cameroon the half-time lead.

The situation is now crystal clear for the Republic of Ireland following Cameroon’s 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.

Birmingham have finally secured the services of Paris St Germain midfielder Aliou Cisse in a £4.5m (€7m) package.

Brazil superstar Ronaldo wants to play in England.

Freddie Ljungberg failed in his late bid to make a return to the Sweden side for the World Cup second-round clash with Senegal in Oita.

By David Anderson

Retro chic has rocketed a 1980s TV show to the pick of the tops – as this year’s best selling T-shirt.

Damien Duff has finally signed a new four-year deal at Blackburn, who have also clinched the signing of David Thompson from Coventry.

By Ian Parkes

Mick McCarthy piled praise on his Republic of Ireland team after they reached the World Cup finals despite a 1-0 defeat by Iran in Tehran.

Wales manager Mark Hughes rued the amazing Ryan Giggs miss which virtually cost his nation their World Cup dream after the 2-1 defeat by Poland in Cardiff.

Andy Cole has vowed to win back his a place in Manchester United’s starting line-up - by scoring for England against Holland tonight.