England’s patient waiting game continued tonight over potential fall-out from the Dan Luger 16th player saga.

Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy has admitted he was "ecstatic" when it became clear there was no way back for skipper Roy Keane into the World Cup finals after the bust-up between the two men during the team’s preparations in Saipan which led to the Manchester United skipper storming off home.

Brazil provided yet more evidence that they can win the World Cup as they maintained their 100% record on a rollercoaster day for Costa Rica.

Bristol fly-half Felipe Contepomi today dedicated Argentina’s stunning victory over Six Nations champions France to a country engulfed by economic catastrophe and World Cup depression.

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce believes Youri Djorkaeff can provide the spark needed to drag the club clear of the relegation zone.

Andy O’Brien may not get to kick a ball in the World Cup finals, but nothing will wipe away the constant grin he has on his face.

Henrik Stenson believes playing with Robert Karlsson at the Ryder Cup this year gave Sweden the edge over other countries as they combined to secure the Omega Mission Hills World Cup yesterday.

MUNSTER coach Tony McGahan has made no promises to front-line players ahead of tomorrow night’s RaboDirect Pro12 clash with arch-rivals Leinster.

BRIAN ASHTON has revealed he expects the speculation to continue about his future as England head coach.

Tottenham were today waiting to learn whether their Egyptian striker Mido will make himself available for selection for Sunday’s Barclays Premiership clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Ireland full-back Geordan Murphy should be available to face Australia on Saturday despite suffering a hamstring strain.

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.

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.

Joe Schmidt has insisted revenge will not be a motivation for Ireland when they face their World Cup conquerors Argentina at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

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.

Argentina will go into their World Cup Pool D clash with Georgia in Lyon having risen to fourth in the latest International Rugby Board world rankings – their highest position.