Colin Montgomerie's manager says the Scot is relishing the chance to make up for last year's disappointment at the World Matchplay Championship at Wentworth.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has rejected allegations of corruption at football’s governing body after Russia and Qatar won the right to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, calling England “bad losers” for their reaction.

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime.

Catch up on this morning's headlines...

RIVALDO was in unrepentant mood after FIFA’s disciplinary committee fined him £4,500 with £680 costs for feigning injury during Brazil’s 2-1 win over Turkey.

DERBY hero Workforce is far from certain to return to Epsom for the Investec Coronation Cup in June.

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.

Australia’s maverick fly-half Quade Cooper did little to quash his status as New Zealand’s “public enemy number one” as he cranked up the pressure on the All Blacks ahead of Sunday’s World Cup semi-final.

Brian O’Driscoll believes New Zealand have faltered since last year, offering encouragement ahead of a possible quarter-final showdown at the World Cup.

SOUTH KOREA have saved the World Cup from anonymity in this part of the world by their success.

Music store HMV has withdrawn "Anyone But England" World Cup window displays from its Scottish stores.

Kevin Kilbane has equalised for Ireland after Andorra gave the home side a shock on the half-hour.

Ireland have taken the lead against Portugal through skipper Roy Keane.

During the Brazil versus Switzerland game an inflatable red balloon wandered onto the pitch, with Brazilian goalkeeper Alison not seeing the funny side.

Argentina booked their passage into the last 16 with a stunning show in Group C.