World goalkeeper of the year David Harte believes new-look Ireland are in an “exciting” place after they survived some tough tests to win World League 2 in Belfast yesterday.

After a low-key weekend in Europe, FEI World Cup action resumes this week, with Bordeaux in France staging what is the second-last qualifying round for riders competing in Europe.

Wales face Australia in a Pool D showdown at Tokyo Stadium on Sunday.

Cristiano Ronaldo's team-mates have been urged to follow his example and all grow lucky beards in a bizarre bid to help Portugal win the World Cup.

DECLAN KIDNEY remains fiercely optimistic Ireland can enjoy a fruitful World Cup despite a succession of pre-season defeats and the loss of one of his most influential players.

Marco Materazzi will have “strong grounds” for appeal if FIFA punish him for provoking Zinedine Zidane’s infamous World Cup final headbutt based on the France captain’s testimony alone.

World football’s governing body has agreed to fall into line with the global anti-doping programme – provided it can run its own show.

Reigning Irish champion Brian McElhinney (North West) will lead the three-man team to

In a statement, FIFA said it "takes the issue of working conditions and human rights in connection with the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar very seriously".

The Croatian federation has been fined 50,000 Swiss francs by FIFA for the "inappropriate behaviour" of the national team's fans during a World Cup qualifier against Kosovo on October 6.

Pascal Pape accepts France could be excused for feeling like World Cup outcasts as they prepare to tackle New Zealand in Sunday’s final.

Samir Nasri’s international exile continued today after he failed to win a recall to the France squad for the friendly against Japan and the crunch World Cup qualifier against Spain.

Ronaldinho has failed to make it into Brazil’s 23-man squad for the 2010 World Cup.

Manchester City forward Robinho would love to move to Barcelona this summer, according to his agent.

France have named an unchanged team for the World Cup semi-final against England in Paris on Saturday.

New Zealand prop Carl Hayman has confirmed he will join Guinness Premiership side Newcastle Falcons after the World Cup.

Captain Brian O’Driscoll could be a doubt for Ireland for the World Cup after being punched in the face in a warm-up game last night.

THE Republic of Ireland have jumped three places to 26th in the latest world rankings which were released by FIFA yesterday. Giovanni Trapattoni’s side continued their march up the ranking table after the 2-1 victory over Georgia in the FIFA World Cup group 8 qualifier last month.

IRELAND take a step into the unknown today with a first match against Afghanistan as the Super Eight phase of the 2011 World Cup qualifiers commences in Gauteng.