Ireland’s hopes of reaching the final of the ICC World Cup qualifiers were hit by a 22-run defeat to Afghanistan in the first Super Eight match today.

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has been ruled out of Germany’s forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Finland.

England coach Fabio Capello is expected to return to London on Monday and has urged his side to build on their first friendlies under his leadership with the 2010 World Cup qualifiers starting in September.

Former England manager Bobby Robson has admitted he will lose his battle with lung cancer “sooner rather than later”.

Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Reid is desperate to win his place back in Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Inter Milan have denied receiving an offer from Tottenham or any other Barclays Premier League side for their Italy World Cup-winning defender Marco Materazzi.

This lull in the Rugby World Cup action seems to have gone on for years.

BRAZIL legend Pele has hit back in his war of words with Diego Maradona by ridiculing the Argentine’s ‘hand of God’ goal against England in 1986.

JOHN O’SHEA has backed the Republic of Ireland to qualify for the 2012 European Championship finals.

THE forthcoming round of European Championship qualifiers will not be subjected to the controversial drone of the vuvuzela after UEFA banned the instrument from all matches falling under its jurisdiction.

UTV Media, the North’s biggest broadcaster, said first-half profit rose on increased revenue and lower costs.

STRIKER Alexander Frei returns to Switzerland’s squad for their World Cup Group Four qualifier against Israel in Tel Aviv on October 9 following a two-game ban.

International Cricket Council chief executive Malcolm Speed has officially launched the ICC Trophy Ireland 2005.

RTÉ has secured radio and television broadcast rights to the RBS 6 Nations until 2009.

GERMAN Chancellor Angela Merkel said she opposed banning Iran from the soccer World Cup because of controversial remarks by Iran’s president, saying it would be wrong to punish the players for his words.

CHRISTY O’CONNOR, 84 last December, has become just the second Irishman to be elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame.

FORMER Chelsea coach Avram Grant has met the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) to discuss the vacant post of national manager but is unlikely to be appointed because of salary demands.

MARK VIDUKA is contemplating retiring from international football — for the sake of his children.