Germany captain Philipp Lahm is confident the team will put on a good show in Hannover tonight when they begin their World Cup qualifying campaign against Group C minnows the Faroe Islands.

BARCELONA coach Pep Guardiola resisted the temptation to bask in Saturday’s electrifying 3-1 Clasico victory over Real Madrid after arriving in Japan for the Club World Cup.

IRELAND spinner George Dockrell admits the lure of Test cricket could one day tempt him to join the England ranks but for now his sights are set on beating Andrew Strauss’ side in Bangalore.

–Brazil striker Ronaldo was due back in training on Thursday despite being taken to a clinic late last night complaining of headaches and dizziness.

Chelsea’s wantaway defender William Gallas has refused to become embroiled in a public examination of his future plans by insisting that he is only concentrating on France’s World Cup hopes.

The United States earned a vital point as they battled to a 1-1 draw with Group E favourites Italy in a World Cup match with three red cards.

Former Argentina coach Carlos Bilardo has made it clear he would like to succeed Jose Pekerman as coach of the national team.

Former Arsenal and Manchester City striker Nicolas Anelka has earned a surprise recall to the France squad for the forthcoming friendlies with Costa Rica and Germany.

Mick Kinane hopes that Gold For Sale can be the one to break his Dubai World Cup meeting duck when the Saudi Arabian runner lines-up in Saturday’s UAE Derby.

The New Zealand Rugby Union have confirmed Tests against France and Canada as part of their preparations for next year’s Tri-Nations and World Cup.

Sven-Goran Eriksson admits he would name Wayne Rooney in his World Cup squad even if he might only be fit for the final.

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann is planning to continue his international career beyond the World Cup after insisting he feels “like a 26-year-old“.

Cristiano Ronaldo was briefly reunited with Wayne Rooney at Manchester United’s Carrington training complex this lunchtime.

Pizza delivery chain Domino’s Pizza today served up a 25% increase in profits thanks to the launch of its Simpsons branded pizza and the World Cup effect.

Chelsea clinched the title but Wayne Rooney was carried from the pitch on a stretcher with his World Cup dreams in doubt.

Mark Regan has become the eighth member of England’s World Cup-winning squad to retire from international rugby.

Diego Maradona believes Wayne Rooney can inspire England to lead the European challenge at the World Cup next summer.

England scrum-half Kyran Bracken has decided to retire from the international arena.

Ireland winger Denis Hickie has been ruled out of the World Cup after medics confirmed he will require immediate surgery on a serious Achilles injury suffered in yesterday’s nailbiting 17-16 defeat to Australia.