World Cup fatigue will stop Chelsea fielding their strongest line-up for the first three matches of the new season, according to Jose Mourinho.

In one brief but ground-breaking announcement from the Australian Rugby Union, George Smith, Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell were offered the hope of reviving their Wallabies careers in time for this year’s World Cup.

Juan Cuadrado has joined Chelsea in what is likely to be the biggest deal of deadline day.

Savo Milosevic is set to achieve a personal milestone at the World Cup this afternoon.

Rob Kearney is looking forward to staking his claim for a place in Ireland’s World Cup squad after being handed his debut against Argentina on Saturday.

Psychic Uri Geller is hoping to use his powers to help the Republic of Ireland football team secure a victory in their final must-win World Cup qualifier, it emerged today.

Frank Lampard is backing England to lift the World Cup next summer – and wipe out the memory of their disappointing exit from Euro 2004.

Soccer fans today warned internet booking for World Cup tickets could open the floodgates for hordes of hooligans to hijack Germany 2006.

Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan admits tomorrow’s final World Cup warm-up clash with Scotland at Murrayfield will provide the toughest test for his players.

Ryan Giggs can expect to learn tomorrow whether he will miss the start of Wales’ World Cup 2006 qualifying campaign.

JUST a little reminder that Ireland start their World Cup campaign on Saturday against Cameroon, the most talented side in Africa.

It has now emerged that the FAI and Mick McCarthy were close to brokering a deal, which would have led to the return of Roy Keane to Ireland’s World Cup squad, until last night’s RTE television interview.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is determined to sign veteran defender Martin Keown on a new contract this summer, although a compromise deal may have to be reached.

Tiger Woods made it plain and simple today – winning the Ryder Cup next week means less to him than claiming another world title and another million dollars this Sunday.

Arsene Wenger yesterday dangled the carrot of a fresh contract in front of David Seaman and insisted: ‘‘You’re still England’s number one.’’

CELTIC and Republic of Ireland midfielder Colin Healy is determined to put the disappointment of the World Cup behind him as he aims for the European Championships.

A trip to the toilet cost England World Cup winner David Carter a two-shot penalty on the opening day of the ANZ Championship in Sydney today.

West Ham's £10m double swoop for their former star Don Hutchison and Czech Republic international defender Thomas Repka has been delayed by World Cup demands.

FIFA’s referees chief has come to the defence of Swedish official Jonas Eriksson after he was accused by Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini of favouring Barcelona.

Declan Kidney is satisfied Ireland's preparations for the World Cup are on track.