JJB Sports said today it expected a “more positive” end to the year after comparisons with the 2006 World Cup dented first half sales figures.

The Irish men's hockey team has finished in 8th place at the BDO World Cup Qualifier,in Changzhou, China, having lost 2-1 this morning to Belgium in the 7th/8th play off.

TG4 has agreed a new three-year deal with Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup tournament organisers, ERC, to broadcast highlights of the two European club rugby competitions.

Godolphin are aiming ex-American-trained runner Grand Hombre at the Dubai World Cup on March 27.

Godolphin will have four representatives in Saturday's seventh running of the Dubai World Cup.

Ireland's opponents will be Croatia, Denmark, Italy or Switzerland.

This German fan was so busy playing up for the cameras she never spotted what was happening beside her.

Cristiano Ronaldo has given Portugal a boost on the eve of the World Cup by resuming training.

Pooch has become an instant internet hit.

England captain Lewis Moody will not play in the World Cup opener against Argentina after failing to recover from a knee injury in time for Saturday’s match in Dunedin.

Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino has resigned following his team’s elimination from the World Cup.

HALF TIME: Republic of Ireland 0 France 0

England kicked off their campaign to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022 with a launch party at Wembley Stadium today.

Birmingham midfielder Damien Johnson will captain Northern Ireland when he wins his 50th cap in tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier against Poland.

Damien Duff was tonight ruled out of the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Italy through injury.

Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has confirmed that Niall Quinn, who celebrates his 35th birthday on Saturday, will definitely be named in the starting 11 for the final World Cup qualifier against Cyprus.

Andy Cole's first international goal helped England to a priceless 3-1 World Cup win over Albania in Tirana.

Substitute Pierre van Hooijdonk scored twice last night as Holland ran riot in their World Cup qualifier against Andorra.

England striker Harry Kane leads the race for the Golden Boot after scoring six goals in the opening games of the World Cup in Russia, two ahead of his nearest rival, Belgium’s Romelu Lakaku.

One Paddy Power customer is €10,000 richer today after successfully predicting France v Croatia ’s half-time and full-time scores in the World Cup final.