Having watched Pool A rivals Australia and Argentina make an unconvincing start to their World Cup in Sydney last night, Ireland stepped into the fray looking to confirm their status as the third best team on the planet.

Wales took a major step towards the IRB Under-21 World Cup semi-finals after beating Argentina 24-18 at Iffley Road, Oxford today.

Middlesbrough’s Brazilian World Cup winner Juninho will return to action tomorrow night for the first time since injury wrecked his Premiership homecoming.

Bolton midfielder Stig Tofting was today jailed for four months after being found guilty of assault at a Copenhagen restaurant.

The Minister for Agriculture is asking Irish football supporters to be conscious of the dangers posed by foot-and-mouth disease, as hundreds try to get the cash together to travel to the next round of the World Cup in South Korea.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce is confident of signing Aliou Cisse after agreeing personal terms with the midfielder.

South Korea captain Hong Myung-bo says his team don't fear anybody ahead of the World Cup semi-final against Germany.

Dundee defender Fan Zhiyi has denied claims that he, along with his international team-mates, threw China’s World Cup opener against Costa Rica for money.

Ireland have still to register a point at the women’s World Cup in Australia after slumping to their fifth successive defeat against Spain.

Graham Taylor is confident Ulises De La Cruz will complete his move to Aston Villa over the weekend.

Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy admits his team must get used to their new role as European heavyweights.

Robbie Fowler became the latest England World Cup hopeful to suffer an obscure injury as the Leeds striker limped out midway through the first half of Leeds’ meaningless clash at Derby.

ASTON VILLA defender Richard Dunne admits tonight’s Carling Cup semi-final first leg against Blackburn at Ewood Park is the biggest club game of his career.

Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, can postpone a renewal of his rivalry with Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United by delivering Chelesa into the Carabao Cup final.

"Let's hear it for the defence."

Ireland, who have won the bowl in their two previous world series events, will face Portugal - 19-14 winners over Zimbabwe with a ‘golden try’ - in the semi-finals later.

Louis van Gaal has been named as the next manager of Manchester United.

Frankie Dettori was left in a euphoric mood after bagging a fantastic big-race double in Japan this weekend.