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

IRISH football fans who complain about the renaming of Lansdowne Road should perhaps be grateful that they don’t have to get behind a team called the Aviva Green Boys.

STEVE THOMPSON is convinced England are heading on the right track towards next year’s World Cup defence, despite their patchy form since conquering planet rugby in 2003.

Wales coach Steve Hansen insisted there remained great merit in rugby’s smaller nations competing in the World Cup despite the tournament opening with a series of one-sided matches.

Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan has confirmed Geordan Murphy will miss next month’s World Cup after his inspirational full-back broke his leg in today’s 29-10 win over Scotland at Murrayfield.

Brazilian international defender Juliano Belletti has joined Spanish League side Villarreal.

The deepening row over Ireland’s bitter World Cup defeat to France after the “Henry handball” scandal risked turning into a diplomatic dispute tonight.

“Dad, I’m cheering for England in the World Cup!”

AFTER the excitement of the Race to Dubai and Lee Westwood’s successes on Sunday, the attention switches to the World Cup of Golf which starts Thursday at the Mission Hills Golf Club in China.

THE ATTENDANCE at yesterday’s final Irish World Cup press conference said it all about the hugely favourable impression the management and players have made on the media.

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.