With France, it’s always about the known unknowns.

Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan believes the Pacific Islands hold the key to establishing a more competitive World Cup.

Campaigners calling for a full reform of FIFA will meet in Brussels on Wednesday aiming to form a coalition for change.

Jay Rodriguez faces six months on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, extinguishing the Southampton attacker’s hopes of going to the World Cup.

Brazil coach Luis Felipe Scolari was less than impressed with taking only a point against Mexico as his side played out a frustrating goalless draw in Tuesday night’s World Cup Group A fixture at Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza.

Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe insists camaraderie rather than World Cup seedings will inspire Argentina to end a groundbreaking year on a triumphant note.

Germany coach Joachim Low has paid tribute to Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller, although the chances of him earning a call-up to the national team remain slim.

Wayne Rooney maintains getting to the World Cup again with England was all that mattered as the Manchester United forward continued his fine form in the 2-0 win over Poland at Wembley.

Head coach Declan Kidney insists the greatest challenge facing Ireland ahead of their crucial World Cup group clash with Australia is diffusing the team’s enthusiasm.

Bill Beaumont’s bid to replace Bernard Lapasset as chairman of the International Rugby Board will finally go to the vote in Los Angeles today.

Greece striker Theofanis Gekas is calling for the vuvuzelas to be banned by the World Cup organisers.

Germany coach Joachim Low believes that neutralising Andres Iniesta and Xavi will be the key to his side's hopes of upsetting Spain in tomorrow's World Cup semi-final in Durban.

The man who will operate on David Beckham’s injured Achilles tendon expects the former England captain to make a full recovery.

France midfielder Lassana Diarra has accused the Republic of Ireland’s players of “making up stories” following the altercation at the end of the World Cup play-off first leg in Dublin on Saturday night.

Uruguay 1 Costa Rica 1 (Uruguay win 2-1 on aggregate)

Switzerland secured qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa by claiming the point they needed in a draw against Israel in Basle tonight.

France will take “a spirit of revenge” with them into tomorrow night’s RBS 6 Nations clash against their World Cup conquerors England.

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.

WITH all eyes now focused on the European Championship finals next summer, there’s a reminder today that there are further big tests in store for Giovanni Trapattoni and his players come the autumn.

AUSTRALIA coach Robbie Deans has told his players their record against South Africa is meaningless at a World Cup.