More World Cup News
All news for June, 2006
Archived News:
Month: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
Year: 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006
Two goals from Toni seals Italian win (Jun 30, 2006 16:00 GMT)
With defenders like this, Italy didn't really need spectacular offense to get past Ukraine and into the World Cup semifinal.
Germany wins penalty shootout against Argentina (Jun 30, 2006 16:00 GMT)
There's no end to Germany's resourcefulness and tenacity at this World Cup.
Referee chief backs his officials against criticism (Jun 30, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The head of FIFA's referees committee said tournament officials are doing a great job.
Tottenham sign Ivory Coast midfielder Zokora (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ivory coast midfielder Didier Zokora has joined Tottenham Hotspur from French Ligue 1 team St Etienne, the English Premier League club said on Friday.
Sheva bemoans Ukraine's lack of quality (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ukraine captain Andriy Shevchenko said his side lacked a playmaker like former AC Milan team mate Andrea Pirlo after bowing out of the World Cup to Italy on Friday.
Italy can't spoil the party (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy's win over Ukraine is a mere sideshow to the party atmosphere in Hamburg and across Germany, reports John Brewin.
Lippi hails defensive after Ukraine victory (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy's scorer Gianluca Zambrotta paid tribute to an 'extraordinary performance' which has taken them to a World Cup semi-final showdown with Germany in Munich on Tuesday after brushing aside Ukraine
Coach Pekerman quits after Argentina defeat (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Jose Pekerman has resigned as Argentina coach following the penalty shoot-out efeat to Germany in the quarter-final of the World Cup.
Ugly player fracas follows German penalty win (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Players of both teams clashed on the pitch after Germany beat Argentina on 4-2 on penalties to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup on Friday, the match having finished 1-1 after extra-time.
'We deserved our sensational win,' says Ballack (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany captain Michael Ballack said on Friday that the hosts deserved to beat Argentina after winning their quarter-final 4-2 in a penalty shootout.
Kaka, Emerson cleared for Brazil training (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazilian midfielders Emerson and Kaka, who have been treated for pain in their right knees, will take part in Friday's practice at the Waldstadion, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said.
Argentina drop Saviola for Tevez (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Argentina coach Jose Pekerman surprisingly dropped striker Javier Saviola for Friday's World Cup quarter-final against Germany and replaced him with Carlos Tevez.
Sorry I turned you down, Scolari tells England (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Portugal manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has apologised to the Football Association after claiming he had turned down the England job.
Aragones signs two-year contract extension (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Luis Aragones will continue as Spain coach until Euro 2008.
Rooney: This is the biggest match of my life (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Wayne Rooney will prepare for England's World Cup quarter-final against Portugal like any other game - but admits the match is the biggest of his life.
Portugal's Ronaldo misses training again (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Cristiano Ronaldo's chances of facing England in tomorrow's World Cup quarter-final looked to be fading after he missed another Portugal training session on Friday.
Blokhin invites Ukraine president to match (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Coach Oleg Blokhin, striker Andriy Shevchenko and Ukraine's top soccer official want President Viktor Yushchenko to attend Friday's match with Italy to help boost a joint bid to hold the 2012 European
Figo: We know England's pros and cons (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Luis Figo is banking on England coming up with no nasty surprises when they meet Portugal in the quarter-final of the World Cup in Gelsenkirchen on Saturday.
Maradona reminds squad of 1990 heartache (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Argentina legend Diego Maradona has reminded the current squad of the agony Germany put the nation through in the 1990 World Cup final.
Italy keeper Buffon dreading shoot-out (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is haunted by club side Juventus' defeat to AC Milan on penalties in the 2003 Champions League final and is desperate to avoid a similar situation in the Azzurri's Wo
Juninho: France rematch not personal duel (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazil midfielder Juninho has warned the World Cup quarter-final clash with France should not be seen as a personal battle between Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane.
Henry acknowledges five-star Brazil (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France striker Thierry Henry admits world champions Brazil are the only five-star team in world football but claims playing against the South Americans in a World Cup quarter-final on Saturday excites
Club boss Whelan takes final dig at Eriksson (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan cannot wait for the day Steve McClaren takes over as England boss.
Neill backed to be next Australia captain (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Lucas Neill would be an ideal candidate to captain Australia if current skipper Mark Viduka calls time on his international career, according to assistant Socceroos coach Graham Arnold.
England braced as Scolari eyes hat-trick (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sven-Goran Eriksson gets his last chance as England coach to outsmart Luiz Felipe Scolari in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final with Portugal after twice coming off second best.
Klinsmann earns Argentina's respect (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Argentina coach Jose Pekerman has praised Jurgen Klinsmann - his opposite number in Friday's World Cup quarter-final - for putting the spark back into Germany.
England's Lampard trains after injury scare (Jun 30, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England midfielder Frank Lampard was set to train with the rest of the squad on Friday after shaking off a twisted ankle before their World Cup quarter-final with Portugal.
English ref quits int'l soccer after World Cup gaffe (Jun 29, 2006 16:00 GMT)
English referee Graham Poll, who showed a Croatian player three yellow cards before sending him off in a World Cup match, is quitting international officiating.
Chang: World Cup quarterfinals preview (Jun 29, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Down to the last eight of the World Cup, so far the tournament has gone largely as expected, writes Jen Chang.
Stefanovic signs new deal with Portsmouth (Jun 29, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Portsmouth captain Dejan Stefanovic has signed a new contract which will keep him at Fratton Park until June 2008.
We're not finished yet, insists Blokhin (Jun 29, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Debutants Ukraine have already exceeded expectations but said they wanted to extend their World Cup run by upsetting Italy in the quarter-finals on Friday.
FIFA clear Arsenal over Beveren loan (Jun 29, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Arsenal have been cleared by FIFA of any breach of rules concerning their relationship with Belgian club Beveren.
Beckham considers a playing spell in MLS (Jun 29, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England skipper David Beckham has insisted he wants to continue playing at the top level for the forseeable future but admits he may end his playing days in the United States.
Poll retires from international refereeing (Jun 29, 2006 11:00 GMT)
English referee Graham Poll said on Thursday he had decided to retire from international tournaments after his high-profile blunder at the World Cup.
Poland coach jumps before being pushed (Jun 29, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Polish coach Pawel Janas has resigned rather than wait for an official decision on his future in two weeks, senior football association (PZPN) official and member of parliament Ryszard Czarnecki said
Lippi laughs off 'lucky Italy' tag (Jun 29, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy coach Marcello Lippi has laughed off the claim that his team has enjoyed a slice of good luck at the World Cup.
Zidane misses training, but France aren't worried (Jun 29, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France captain and playmaker Zinedine Zidane missed training on Thursday but should be fit to play Brazil in their World Cup quarter-final on Saturday in Frankfurt, a team spokesman said.
Neville fit again and 'desperate to play' (Jun 29, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Gary Neville insists it will not be a risk for England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson to bring him back for Saturday's quarter-final against Portugal after missing the last three games with a calf injury.
Phil Ball: Spain leave Germany as tragic heroes? (Jun 29, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Phil Ball dissects the invigorating World Cup performance of a young Spanish side.
Italy tribunal adjourns match-fixing trial (Jun 29, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The presiding judge in a tribunal considering match-fixing charges against four top Italian soccer teams on Thursday adjourned the trial until July 3 to give five second-tier squads time to prepare th
England's high profile to help Portugal - Pauleta (Jun 29, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Portugal's all-time record goalscorer Pauleta believes English football's high profile could work against them in their World Cup quarter-final.
Play on the ground to beat Germany - Messi (Jun 29, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Argentina star Lionel Messi has urged his team-mates to keep the ball on the ground if they want to beat Germany.
Confident Klose feels for 'unlucky' Argentina (Jun 29, 2006 11:00 GMT)
In-form Germany striker Miroslav Klose pities Argentina for their 'bad luck' in having to play the hosts in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Shevchenko aims to break Italian hearts (Jun 29, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko is the main threat to Italy's hopes of reaching the World Cup semi-finals but at least they know all about him.
Cannavaro dismisses Italy's 'lucky' tag (Jun 29, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro insists luck has had nothing to do with his team reaching the World Cup quarter-finals.
France will be our toughest opponents - Juninho (Jun 29, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazil midfielder Juninho believes the holders' World Cup quarter-final with France will be their most difficult match of the tournament.
No dignity in losing to Brazil - Domenech (Jun 29, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France coach Raymond Domenech is amazed at suggestions that a quarter-final elimination for Les Bleus at the hands of world champions Brazil would be a dignified exit for his side.
World Cup reward for Guantanamo's non-rioters (Jun 29, 2006 11:00 GMT)
A few dozen Guantanamo prisoners who refused to take part in a riot were rewarded with a chance to watch three World Cup soccer matches, their American captors said on Wednesday.
FIFA gives two refs 'red cards' for officiating gaffes (Jun 28, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Senior English and Russian referees were cut from the World Cup roster Wednesday after their controversial handling of previous matches.
Brazil's injured trio improving, doctor says (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazilian midfielders Emerson and Kaka, who are being treated for pain in their right knees, improved significantly on Thursday, team doctor Jose Luis Runco said.
Eriksson happy to be winning ugly (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sven-Goran Eriksson admits he will be unconcerned about England's level of performance in Germany if they go on to win the World Cup.
Viduka considers international retirement (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Mark Viduka is contemplating retiring from international football - for the sake of his children.
Blokhin says Ukraine's £4.4m bonus is deserved (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ukraine's players will receive a shared £4.4million bonus for reaching the World Cup quarter-finals and coach Oleg Blokhin said on Wednesday hard work should always be well rewarded.
Blatter hits out at erratic refereeing (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has launched a fierce attack on the standard of refereeing at the World Cup.
Poll and Ivanov sent home (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Graham Poll has paid the price for his yellow-card blunder by being named among the 14 referees sent home from the World Cup.
Downie: Pragmatism proving unpopular in Rio (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Fans in Rio have not been impressed by an underwhelming Brazil, reports Andre Downie.
Domenech refuses to comment on Henry 'dive' (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France coach Raymond Domenech has refused to comment on the incident which led to his side's crucial second goal in last night's 3-1 World Cup last 16 win over Spain.
Jolly: Picks a team of the departed (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Richard Jolly spares a thought for those players whose performance did not merit elimination.
Germans unworried by Ballack, Klose knocks (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany captain Michael Ballack and striker Miroslav Klose are suffering from minor injuries, although the coaching staff are confident both players will be fit for Friday's quarter-final against Arge
Nesta admits he won't play vs Ukraine (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy defender Alessandro Nesta ruled himself out of Friday's World Cup quarter-final against Ukraine but said he hopes to be fit for the semi-final, should the Azzurri make it.
Klose: Argentina unlucky to draw the hosts (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Argentina have been unlucky to draw hosts Germany in the World Cup quarter-finals, striker Miroslav Klose said on Wednesday.
Aragones to quit despite Spanish backing (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) hope coach Luis Aragones will continue to lead Spain despite being knocked out of the World Cup finals 3-1 by France at the last 16 stage.
Sven: England will get revenge on Portugal (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sven-Goran Eriksson reiterated his belief England will triumph in their World Cup quarter-final against Portugal.
World Cup over for injured striker Voronin (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ukraine striker Andriy Voronin will miss the rest of the World Cup because of a thigh injury, leaving the team to find a new partner for Andriy Shevchenko ahead of Friday's quarter-final against Italy
Criticism for Aragones, praise for starlets (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Spain's World Cup exit to French 'dinosaurs' was greeted with criticism of coach Luis Aragones but also optimism about the young team's future.
Rooney always confident he could play (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England striker Wayne Rooney said on Wednesday he had not been rushed back to play in the World Cup finals.
Alex Chick: French faith comes flooding back (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Victory over Spain has instilled a new sense of belief around the French team, says Alex Chick.
Adopted son to be cast aside? (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Roberto Gotta gives his thoughts on the Mexican side he followed around Germany.
Gary Neville back in England training (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England defender Gary Neville returned to World Cup training on Wednesday for the first time in two weeks after a calf injury.
France revenge not on Brazil's mind - Parreira (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazil, beaten 3-0 by France in the 1998 World Cup final, will not be thinking of revenge when the two sides meet against in Saturday's quarter-final, coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said.
Lucio, Emerson, Kaka undergoing treatment (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazilian defender Lucio and midfielder Emerson and Kaka were all undergoing treatment following Tuesday's 3-0 second win over Ghana.
Wilson: Sympathetic for Australia - just this once (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Steve Wilson admits to a temporary change of heart after Australia's unlucky exit.
Spain win has French nation in raptures (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
French fans and media hailed the 3-1 victory over Spain as their side's best World Cup finals performance since winning the title in 1998.
Socceroos want Euro Hiddink replacement (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australia's crestfallen soccer players believe another big name European coach should continue the good work started by Guus Hiddink at the World Cup finals.
German chief wants Klinsmann to stay on (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
German FA president Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder hopes Jurgen Klinsmann will continue his work after the World Cup.
Vieira issues Brazil warning (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Man-of-the-match Patrick Vieira warned France's last eight opponents Brazil that Les Bleus can still improve on a pulsating 3-1 win over Spain which set up a World Cup quarter-final between the last t
Crestfallen Raul wants to play on for Spain (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Spain captain Raul was devastated following his team's exit from the World Cup in the second round after a 3-1 defeat to France.
Ghana coach: Brazil heading for a fall (Jun 28, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazil are going to be toppled from their World Cup throne, according to Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic. He was unimpressed by the reigning champions.
Zidane's goal, assist leads France past Spain (Jun 27, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Zinedine Zidane's farewell tour with France continues. Spain's World Cup agony never ends.
MLS supporters lash out at Arena and league critics (Jun 27, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Some Americans are telling Bruce Arena to think before he speaks.
Ronaldo leads Brazil to quarters by beating Ghana (Jun 27, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Brazil advanced past newcomer Ghana with three streaking goals Tuesday, the first an early flash by Ronaldo that made him the most prolific scorer in World Cup history.
Ronaldo breaks all-time World Cup scoring record (Jun 27, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Ronaldo netted his 15th World Cup goal Tuesday to become the tournament's all-time scoring leader.
Ref made crucial mistake, says Spain's Puyol (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Spain defender Carles Puyol said the free kick that led to France's second goal in their 3-1 World Cup win on Tuesday should have been given the other way.
Spain paid price for inexperience - Aragones (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Spain coach Luis Aragones pointed to inexperience in top level international competition as the key to his young side's downfall against former world champions France.
France coach hails his 'patient old men' (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France playmaker Zinedine Zidane said the 1998 winners had confounded their doubters after defeating Spain 3-1 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday.
Zidane back in the starting lineup for France (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France playmaker Zinedine Zidane returned to the starting lineup for his side's second round match against Spain in Hanover on Tuesday after serving a one-match suspension in the final group match aga
Petkovic waves goodbye to S&M role (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The Serbia and Montenegro Football Federation have decided not to renew Ilija Petkovic's contract as head coach of the national team.
Goal record no big target for me, says Ronaldo (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ronaldo broke a World Cup record by scoring his 15th finals goal in Brazil's 3-0 second-round defeat of Ghana but said the new mark had not been a particular target for him.
England defender Neville returns to training (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Gary Neville returned to training today in a solo session with England physio Gary Lewin.
Brazil's Ronaldo achieves striking greatness (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ronaldo became the leading scorer in World Cup finals history when he struck early in Brazil's last-16 match against Ghana in Dortmund.
Swiss keeper has no plans to quit team (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Switzerland's World Cup keeper Pascal Zuberbuehler said on Tuesday he had no plans to quit international football.
Nesta unlikely to be able to face Ukraine (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy's injured central defender Alessandro Nesta is very doubtful for Friday's World Cup quarter-final against Ukraine.
Germans no plans to man-mark Riquelme (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany have no plans to man-mark Argentina dangerman Juan Roman Riquelme when they meet in the World Cup quarter-finals, midfielder Torsten Frings said on Tuesday.
Russian ref defends himself after 20-card game (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Russian referee Valentin Ivanov said the stormy World Cup match between Portugal and Netherlands was the most difficult of his professional career.
Cannavaro dismisses talk Italy were lucky (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro said he was 'annoyed' by suggestions that his team had been lucky to beat Australia in Monday's World Cup second round match and said their opponents had been the fortuna
Italian media blasts Lippi, praises Totti (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italian media have criticised coach Marcello Lippi after the Azzurri needed a controversial late penalty to edge past Australia 1-0 at the World Cup.
Clean sheets not enough for desolate Swiss (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
A perfect defensive record during a four-match unbeaten World Cup run offered small consolation to Switzerland's players as they began packing their bags for home on Tuesday.
Klinsmann talking on Lehmann's terms (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Jens Lehmann speaks to Kevin Palmer about Germany, Klinsmann and his goalkeeping rival.
Van Der Sar undecided over Holland future (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will take his time before deciding whether to retire from international football following Holland's exit from the World Cup.
Bidwell: Dispatches from the press box (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Nick Bidwell catches some German feelgood factor and some mixed Portugese feelings.
Ballack and Klose miss training but are OK (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany captain Michael Ballack and striker Miroslav Klose did not train with the rest of the German squad on Tuesday but a DFB spokesman said their absence was not due to any injury.
Deco misses England after FIFA snub (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Portugal will definitely be without midfielder Deco when they face England in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday after FIFA told them to not to bother appealing against the red card he received a
Joe Cole: Wives and girlfriends no distraction (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Joe Cole has insisted the presence of wives and girlfriends in Germany has not been a distraction to England's hopes of World Cup glory.
Australia united in anger over Italy penalty (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australia was in a state of disbelief on Tuesday after the Socceroos' incredible World Cup journey ended in heartbreak.
Torres hoping to put an end to Zizou's career (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Spain striker Fernando Torres expects to win his showdown with Zinedine Zidane when his side take on France in the second round of the World Cup.
Eriksson: England not here to be entertainers (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sven-Goran Eriksson insists teams do not win the World Cup with an exhibition of flair football.
Now pitches blamed for England's poor play (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Paul Robinson claims the dry German pitches are hurting England's passing game. Robinson admits the team has not played well during their World Cup campaign and believes the best is yet to come.
Sheva tells Italy: We're tough to beat (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Andriy Shevchenko vowed the Ukraine will be 'tough to beat' after they booked a place in the World Cup quarter-finals courtesy of a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Switzerland.
Cech has post-World Cup shoulder surgery (Jun 27, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has undergone shoulder surgery following the Czech Republic's World Cup exit.
Ukraine wins penalty shootout against the Swiss (Jun 26, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Ukraine made the quarterfinals in its first World Cup by blanking Switzerland for 120 minutes Monday night.
Totti penalty seals Italy's win (Jun 26, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Francesco Totti's penalty kick on the last play of the match lifted Italy into the quarterfinals of the World Cup.
Soccer's top official joins criticism of referees (Jun 26, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The record stream of yellow and red cards in the World Cup has soccer's highest official issuing his own caution -- to the referees.
It was like Russian roulette, says Ukraine coach (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin disappeared to the changing rooms during his team's 3-0 penalty shootout win over Switzerland at the World Cup on Monday.
Terrible way to lose, says Switzerland's Magnin (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Switzerland defender Ludovic Magnin said their 3-0 penalty shootout defeat by Ukraine on Monday was a terrible way to go out of the World Cup.
Portugal to appeal Deco's red card (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Portugal plan to appeal against the red card handed to playmaker Deco in the stormy second round win over the Netherlands, coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said on Monday.
Aragones opts for Raul, Fabregas v France (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Spain captain Raul and young midfielder Cesc Fabregas will be in the team for the World Cup second round clash with France, coach Luis Aragones said on Monday.
Kewell was sidelined by gout for Italy match (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Harry Kewell's surprise absence from Australia's World Cup defeat by Italy on Monday was the result of gout, his team mates told reporters.
Lippi has 'no doubts' over controversial penalty (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Coach Marcello Lippi hailed 10-man Italy's determination to beat Australia 1-0 on Monday and said their winning penalty was rightly given.
Blackburn sign goalkeeper Brown from Gills (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Blackburn have signed goalkeeper Jason Brown from Gillingham on a four-year contract.
Hiddink upset at nature of Socceroos exit (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australia coach Guus Hiddink has launched a bitter attack on Italy after seeing his dreams of leading the Socceroos into the last eight of the World Cup killed off by Francesco Totti's penalty in the
Bouwes: Bright side of the road to nowhere for Holland (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ernst Bouwes was embarassed by Holland's exit but looks for positives.
Card-sharp refs spoiling the spectacle (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Norman Hubbard considers the referees in danger of tarnishing the tournament.
Italy drop Totti, Australia make three changes (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy coach Marcello Lippi sprang a surprise by dropping forward Francesco Totti in favour of Alessandro Del Piero for their World Cup second round game against Australia on Monday.
Ballack fit for Argentina quarter-final clash (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany captain Michael Ballack has recovered from a minor foot injury and is fit to play in the World Cup quarter-final against Argentina, coach Jurgen Klinsmann said on Monday.
Raul and Fabregas set to face France (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Spain captain Raul and young midfielder Cesc Fabregas will be in the team for the second round clash with France, coach Luis Aragones said on Monday.
Klinsmann pours cold water on US speculation (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann said on Monday he was not interested in any other job, dousing speculation he might be the next United States coach.
Thigh injury forces Robinho out of Ghana match (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazil forward Robinho will miss Tuesday's World Cup second round match against Ghana due to a thigh injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Monday.
'Boulahrouz deliberately injured me' - Ronaldo (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Cristiano Ronaldo believes Holland defender Khalid Boulahrouz deliberately injured him during Portugal's ill-tempered second round victory in Nuremberg.
Lampard rues missed chances (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Frank Lampard is confident he will rediscover his goal touch for England before the end of the World Cup.
Italy's Luca confident of ending goal drought (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Luca Toni is confident he will end his goal drought for Italy if he returns to the starting line-up against Australia in their World Cup showdown.
S.Korea go Dutch again with new coach Verbeek (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Dutchman Pim Verbeek was on Monday named new coach of South Korea's soccer team.
Ronaldinho urges Brazil to push the tempo (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho believes Brazil need to speed up their game if they are to beat Ghana for a place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
Blatter shows yellow card to record-breaking ref (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Russian referee Valentin Ivanov was given a resounding vote of no confidence by players, coaches and even FIFA president Sepp Blatter after he lost control of Portugal's 1-0 win over Netherlands on Su
Selection dilemma for Blokhin ahead of Swiss test (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin admits the worst thing about being a team boss is feeling the pain of his players as he prepares for today's match with World Cup Group G winners Switzerland.
Beckham content to win 'ugly' (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
David Beckham admits England scraped into the last eight of the World Cup the 'ugly' way.
'All I need is a goal', insists Rooney (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Wayne Rooney believes he could soon be back to his best after helping England reach the World Cup quarter-finals with his first 90-minute performance for two months and claimed: 'All I need is a goal.
Eriksson confident of England improvement (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sven-Goran Eriksson insists England will step up another gear when they meet Portugal in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Gelsenkirchen on Saturday.
Figo free to face England despite headbutt furore (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Luis Figo will be available to face England on Saturday after FIFA ruled out disciplinary action against the Portugal forward for his headbutt on Holland's Mark van Bommel.
Cahill warns Italy not to underestimate Australia (Jun 26, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Tim Cahill has warned Italy to underestimate Australia at their peril in Kaiserslautern today.
Portugal triumphs in game marred by fouls (Jun 25, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The World Cup turned ugly Sunday as Portugal, down to nine men in a game of brutal fouls, held off the Netherlands 1-0.
Beckham's free kick seals England win (Jun 25, 2006 16:00 GMT)
David Beckham bent the ball over the wall and squeezed England into the World Cup quarterfinals.
Russian ref may be blackballed by Blatter (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
FIFA President Sepp Blatter said the referee could have been yellow-carded himself after sending off four players and handing out bookings to eight others in Portugal's World Cup 1-0 win over the Neth
Maniche hails Portugal's 'tasty win' (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Portugal match-winner Maniche said his team's superior spirit had finally proved the difference in their 1-0 World Cup second-round win over the Netherlands which finished nine-a-side.
Scorned Blanco wants La Volpe sacked (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Mexico's gifted but volatile forward Cuauhtemoc Blanco, left out of the World Cup squad, ridiculed the national coach on Sunday after the team was knocked out of the tournament by Argentina.
Ukraine running out of defensive cover (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ukraine said on Sunday their main problem going into Monday's World Cup knockout game here against Switzerland was a lack of defenders.
Ecuador coach praises defeated players (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ecuador coach Luis Fernando Suarez hailed his players despite their World Cup exit after giving England a testing time in their 1-0 defeat in Stuttgart.
Van Nistelrooy dropped for Portugal clash (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ruud van Nistelrooy was dropped from Holland's starting line-up to face Portugal in Nuremburg tonight.
Jolly: England yet to flag up true quality (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Richard Jolly says England's performances could be losing the heart of the nation.
Roberto Carlos: Spies key to Brazil success (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Roberto Carlos extolled the virtues of the Brazilian team on Sunday, saying the world champions were ahead of the rest even when it came to spying on the opponents.
Robinho injury worry (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazil striker Robinho is doubtful for Tuesday's World Cup second round match with Ghana, team doctor Jose Luis Runco said on Sunday.
France unworried by Spain being favourites (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France, automatic favourites against anyone not so long ago, feel they will be the underdogs when they face Spain in the second round of the World Cup on Tuesday and like it that way.
Lagerback won't quit despite media criticism (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sweden coach Lars Lagerback said on Sunday he would not quit after his team's World Cup exit and said media expectations back home had been too high.
Beckham inspired by pals (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England captain David Beckham revealed a ribbing from Wayne Rooney and text message from Roberto Carlos inspired his match-winning free-kick against Ecuador.
Lagerback has no thought of quitting Sweden (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sweden coach Lars Lagerback said on Sunday he would not quit after his team's World Cup exit and said media expectations back home had been too high.
Rooney alone up front, Carrick starts (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Midfielder Michael Carrick will make his competitive England debut and Wayne Rooney will be a lone striker in Sunday's World Cup second round clash with Ecuador.
Brazil's Robinho doubtful for Ghana clash (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazil striker Robinho will miss training on Sunday because of a problem with his right thigh, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said.
Ballack misses training with foot problem (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany captain Michael Ballack did not take part in fitness training due to a small problem with his foot on Sunday, the day after his side's 2-0 World Cup second round win over Sweden, team manager
Now you'll see the real France - Malouda (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France midfielder Florent Malouda admits Les Bleus are relieved to be in the knockout phase of the World Cup - but insists the team can now take on a new dimension for the last 16 match against Spain.
Phil Ball: Tough road ahead for Spanish success (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
If Spain reach the World Cup final they will have done it the hard way, as Phil Ball explains.
Switzerland's Senderos facing six-weeks out (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Switzerland and Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos will not be able to play again for five or six weeks, according the the medical staff of the Swiss national team.
Kahn attacks Klinsmann over keeper debate (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Bayern Munich's Oliver Kahn has said Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann still owed him an explanation for replacing him as first-choice goalkeeper for the World Cup, though he did not expect to get one.
German police 'not worried' by fan trouble (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
German organisers have played down trouble involving England fans in Stuttgart and insisted the scale of the problem is small compared to the numbers of supporters at the World Cup overall.
FIFA credit Crespo for Argentina goal v Mexico (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Argentina striker Hernan Crespo was credited by FIFA's Technical Study Group (TSG) as the scorer of their first goal against Mexico on Saturday even though he appeared not to have made contact with th
Tears flow across Mexico after agonising exit (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Mexicans cried on Saturday after exiting the World Cup with a 2-1 loss to Argentina but took heart from a display that forced one of the tournament favourites to struggle into extra time.
Aussies axe keeper Kalac, Kewell doubtful (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australia have dropped goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac while forward Harry Kewell is struggling to be fit for Monday's World Cup second round clash with Italy in Kaiserslautern.
Shearer 'may be interested' in England job (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Alan Shearer admits he could be interested in a coaching role with England 'in the future' - but maintains no formal approach has been made by Steve McClaren, who takes over as manager after the World
Argentina win through to meet Germany (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Argentina were forced into extra time by Mexico on Saturday before winning 2-1 to set up a quarter-final against World Cup hosts Germany, while the party mood was soured by trouble involving English a
Carrick cannot wait for England chance (Jun 25, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England midfielder Michael Carrick is looking forward to the biggest game of his career after being told he will play against Ecuador in Sunday's World Cup second round.
Rodriguez's stunning strike ends Mexico's run (Jun 24, 2006 16:00 GMT)
It took a blast of brilliance by Maxi Rodriguez to separate Argentina from Mexico in a World Cup classic Saturday night.
Police break up disturbances involving English fans (Jun 24, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Police broke up two brief but violent disturbances involving English soccer fans Saturday.
Podolski powers Germany past Sweden (Jun 24, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Germany is starting to get that championship look.
Canales: Arena's destination unknown (Jun 24, 2006 16:00 GMT)
In the wake of the U.S. team's failure to win a game and advance in group play, Bruce Arena's future is cloudy, writes Andrea Canales.
Hopkins: On the U.S. team's future (Jun 24, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Depsite the World Cup flameout, the outlook for the U.S. team is bright with lots of young talent waiting in the wings, writes Allen Hopkins.
Pekerman salutes both teams after classic (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Argentina coach Jose Pekerman said their familiarity with Mexico helped serve up the World Cup second-round classic they won 2-1 in extra time on Saturday.
Fans detained after skirmishes in Stuttgart (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Riot police detained more than 150 England soccer supporters on Saturday after they clashed with German fans, throwing bottles and chairs and trading punches in a square in the centre of Stuttgart.
Klinsmann 'proud and satisfied' after progress (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann was a proud man after watching his team eliminate Sweden from the World Cup as two goals from Lukas Podolski moved the hosts into the quarter-finals.
Van Basten regrets publicly criticising Ruud (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Netherlands coach Marco van Basten said on Saturday that he regretted publicly criticising Ruud van Nistelrooy saying he should have spoken to him first.
Wilson: Owen's injury could help England (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Rather than hindering England Steve Wilson argues Michael Owen's injury could help their World Cup hopes.
Saviola back for Argentina against Mexico (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Argentina coach Jose Pekerman has left out his youthful prodigies Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi for the clash with Mexico.
Podolski: Germany team work the key to win (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany's two-goal match-winner Lukas Podolski said the hosts were growing as a team and in confidence after cruising into the World Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 defeat of Sweden on Saturday.
Tunisia unhappy at Shevchenko 'dive' (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Andriy Shevchenko has been accused of diving for the penalty that put Ukraine into the last 16 of the World Cup.
England will do better, insists Eriksson (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is convinced his players will produce their best performance of the World Cup so far against Ecuador in the last-16 clash in Stuttgart on Sunday.
Domenech supports Zidane's no-show (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France coach Raymond Domenech has defended the decision of suspended pair Zinedine Zidane and Eric Abidal not to watch the 2-0 Group G victory over Togo from the bench or the stands.
Ghana counting on spirit and teamwork (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ghana face a daunting task to beat world champions Brazil in the second round of their debut World Cup but their ability to work as a team could see them through, coach Ratomir Dujkovic said on Saturd
Derek Rae: Aussies sow the seeds of doubt (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australia can be counted on to sow seeds of doubt in the minds of the Azzurri, says Derek Rae.
Ferdinand fit but Neville causes concern (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Gary Neville's hopes of playing again in the World Cup are in jeopardy after the England right-back suffered a reaction to his first training session since sustaining a calf injury.
Ibrahimovic returns to face Germany (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic returns for Sweden in their last 16 clash with Germany.
Injured Nesta will miss Australia game (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy defender Alessandro Nesta has been ruled out of Monday's World Cup second round match against Australia with a muscle injury.
Perrotta would rather play Brazil than Socceroos (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy midfielder Simone Perrotta would rather have faced Brazil in the second round than Monday's opponents Australia, he said on Saturday.
Swiss star Senderos ruled out of the World Cup (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Switzerland defender Philippe Senderos will miss the rest of the World Cup after dislocating his shoulder in Friday's win over South Korea, team officials said on Saturday.
Alex Chick: The sweet smell of success? (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
They came up smelling of roses in Cologne, but Alex Cick wonders how France will re-accomodate Zinedine Zidane.
Roberto Gotta visits Casa Azzurri (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
It's not only the Azzurri that have traveled to Germany, a piece of Italy has gone with them, Roberto Gotta explains.
Houllier in talks about Socceroos job (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Gerard Houllier is still in talks with Australian officials over the job of succeeding Guus Hiddink as national team boss.
Italy defend Totti and deny player rift (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy's players have jumped to the defence of forward Francesco Totti after his place in the side was questioned by Italian media.
Zidane and France to fight another day (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Zinedine Zidane and France have avoided a nightmare scenario by booking a spot in the last 16 but still have everything to prove at the World Cup.
'We can take the heat,' says Lahm (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany defender Philip Lahm believes the hosts can cope with the uncomfortable heat when they face Sweden in Munich today.
Rooney set to light our fire - Terry (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
John Terry believes Wayne Rooney is ready to set the World Cup alight as he is desperate to make up for lost time after recovering from his broken metatarsal.
Blundering Poll made to wait until Wednesday (Jun 24, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Graham Poll will discover on Wednesday whether his yellow-card blunder means the end of his World Cup.
Arena uncertain about future after U.S. World Cup ouster (Jun 23, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Bruce Arena sounded more like a man ready to say goodbye than a coach eager to sign on for another World Cup.
Swiss beat South Korea en route to second round (Jun 23, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Absent from the World Cup since 1994, Switzerland reached the second round on its return with a 2-0 victory over South Korea, sending the 2002 semifinalist home.
France avoids elimination, advances to round of 16 (Jun 23, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Teetering on the edge of another embarrassing first-round elimination from the World Cup, the 1998 champion beat Togo 2-0 to advance to the final 16 for a game against Spain.
Canales: U.S. ignored warning signs (Jun 23, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The U.S. flameout at the World Cup shouldn't come as a complete surprise, the warning signals were already evident, writes Andrea Canales.
Spain eases into second round (Jun 23, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Spain coach Luis Aragones told his fringe players to make his life difficult, and some of them lived up to the challenge
Shevchenko leads Ukraine into the second round (Jun 23, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Andriy Shevchenko scored on a penalty kick in the 70th minute to lead the Eastern Europeans to a 1-0 victory over Tunisia on Friday.
Reyna retires from international competition (Jun 23, 2006 16:00 GMT)
U.S. captain Claudio Reyna retired from international competition Friday.
Italy's De Rossi gets four-match ban from FIFA (Jun 23, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi was suspended for four matches and U.S. defender Pablo Mastroeni received a three-match ban.
Galarcep: Donovan fails to deliver (Jun 23, 2006 16:00 GMT)
He was expected to make his mark in the 2006 World Cup, but in the end, Landon Donovan failed to deliver when his team needed him most, writes Ives Galarcep.
Senderos in serious doubt after shoulder inury (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Switzerland central defender Philippe Senderos is unlikely to play in the World Cup second round match against Ukraine next week after suffering a bad shoulder injury, coach Kobi Kuhn said on Friday.
'The luck was with us' (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Switzerland said luck was on their side in the 2-0 World Cup win over South Korea which gave them top spot in Group G on Friday.
'Now watch us go,' says relieved Vieira (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France midfielder Patrick Vieira celebrated his 30th birthday in style by scoring one goal and setting up another as France finally won a World Cup game.
Saudi cap centurion pair hang up boots (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohamed Al Deayea and striker Sami Al Jaber both retired from international football on Friday after the 1-0 defeat by Spain ended their World Cup hopes.
Blokhin unsatisfied with performance (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin was less than satisfied with the 1-0 win over Tunisia on Friday, even though it earned his World Cup debutants a place in the last 16.
Downie: Reserves show the real Brazil (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazil's greenhorns have won rave reviews back home. Andrew Downie on the reaction to their Japan win.
Trezeguet starts for French in Togo test (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France coach Raymond Domenech, missing playmaker Zinedine Zidane and defender Eric Abidal through suspension, paired David Trezeguet with Thierry Henry in attack for a game the French must win by two
Johnson: Shevchenko the history man in Berlin (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Dale Johnson doesn't allow Tunisia v Ukraine to stop his enjoyment of Berlin's Olympiastadion.
Australia would have made Poll protest (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
A top Australian official said the Socceroos would have asked for a replay of their World Cup match against Croatia if they had missed out on a place in the second round because of a referee's mist
Reyna brings his USA career to an end (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Manchester City midfielder Claudio Reyna has confirmed his retirement from international football after the United States' exit from the World Cup.
Sheva: 'We kept our belief' (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ukraine match-winner Andriy Shevchenko said his team mates had always kept their belief despite a disastrous start to their World Cup campaign to claim a second-round berth on Friday.
Fringe players benefited, says Spain's Juanito (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Spain goalscorer Juanito said the 1-0 World Cup win over Saudi Arabia on Friday proved valuable experience for the fringe players in the squad.
Ibrahimovic set to return (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is likely to return to lead Sweden's attack against Germany if he suffers no further fitness setbacks, coach Lars Lagerback said on Friday.
Unfamiliar foes on the biggest stage (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Holland's meeting with Portugal conjures up memories of falling short to Ernst Bouwes.
Disciplinary body to open Togo case after finals (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
FIFA's Disciplinary Committee will examine how the Togolese FA conducted itself at the World Cup finals after a chaotic two week involvement in the tournament, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on Frid
Last eight exit would be 'disaster' - Klinsmann (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann raised the pressure a notch on his players on Friday, saying it would be a disaster for a great football nation like his to be knocked out of their own tournament befor
Flat out like a lizard drinken (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Norman Hubbard says Australia's success is all down to hard work, team spirit and chaos theory.
Robben's value becomes clear to Holland (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Arjen Robben's absence from Wednesday's goalless draw with Argentina underlined the value of the winger to the Dutch World Cup team.
Improve or lose, Terry warns England (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Defender John Terry predicted that England would be knocked out of the World Cup by Ecuador unless they improved on their group stage performances.
No extra insurance for Rooney, FA tell Toon (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The Football Association has dismissed claims they took out extra insurance to cover any injury to Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney at the World Cup finals.
Beckham: We can solve defensive problems (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
David Beckham insists England can put a 'bad day' behind them on Sunday and reach the last eight of the World Cup.
Terry: No more blunders (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
John Terry insists England have been working hard on defending from set-pieces ahead of their World Cup second-round game against Ecuador on Sunday.
Juventus face relegation in Italy scandal say media (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Champions Juventus almost certainly face relegation as a result of Italy's match-fixing scandal while AC Milan may receive lighter punishment, media said on Friday.
Czechs in shock after World Cup exit (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Football-mad Czech Republic was in shock on Friday after the national team were unceremoniously dumped out of the World Cup finals after the group stage of the tournament.
Italy's De Rossi banned for four games (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi was suspended for four matches at the World Cup on Friday after being sent off for elbowing U.S. striker Brian McBride last week.
Rio, Neville doubts (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Rio Ferdinand remains a fitness doubt for England's World Cup second-round clash with Ecuador in Stuttgart on Sunday.
Poll facing World Cup exit (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Graham Poll's World Cup looks to be over after the referee blundered by giving one player three yellow cards in last night's match between Australia and Croatia.
Italian squad rocked by club scandal charges (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy had little time to savour qualification for the second round of the World Cup - within hours of their victory over the Czech Republic two spectres returned to haunt them.
Togo dream of World Cup upset (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Togo's crazy debut World Cup campaign comes to an end today with a Group G clash with France - and coach Otto Pfister is not writing off his team's chances of creating another sensation, this time on
South Korea hold no surprises - Senderos (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Switzerland defender Philippe Senderos has told South Korea they can no longer rely on the element of surprise.
Van Basten 'expects more' from Ruud (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Marco van Basten has challenged Ruud van Nistelrooy to recapture the form which made him the most feared striker in Europe.
France's Thuram set for record cap (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France coach Raymond Domenech has praised central defender Lilian Thuram, who is poised to make history with his 117th cap for Les Bleus against Togo in their final World Cup Group G match.
Banned Essien slams ref (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
A heartbroken Michael Essien slammed German referee Markus Merk for a 'ridiculous' early booking which will keep the Chelsea star out of Ghana's second-round clash with Brazil.
Sven to utilise Neville know-how (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sven-Goran Eriksson insists Gary Neville will have a key role for England against Ecuador, even if he is not fit to play.
Crouch ready to fill Owen void (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Peter Crouch is confident his partnership with Wayne Rooney can flourish during the World Cup and compensate for the loss of Michael Owen.
Blunder keeper Kalac fears World Cup axe (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australian blunder goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac admits he is likely to be axed for the Socceroos World Cup knockout clash against Italy on Monday.
Aragones has faith in Spainish reserves (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Spain coach Luis Aragones is confident his reserve team will not let him down when they take on Saudi Arabia in Friday's last Group H clash.
Shearer plays down England rumours (Jun 23, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Alan Shearer admits the idea of joining England's coaching team is 'flattering' but claims to know nothing about it.
Kewell saves the day for Australia (Jun 22, 2006 16:00 GMT)
A pulse-stopping 2-2 draw with Croatia sent Australia into the second round, alongside Group F winner Brazil.
Ronaldo answers critics against Japan (Jun 22, 2006 16:00 GMT)
After a lackluster World Cup start, Ronaldo scored two goals Thursday night to lead Brazil to a 4-1 victory over Japan to clinch first place in Group F.
U.S. captain Reyna hints at possible retirement (Jun 22, 2006 16:00 GMT)
U.S. captain Claudio Reyna has called time on his international career after the team's World Cup exit on Thursday.
Carlisle: U.S. vs. Ghana recap (Jun 22, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The loss against Ghana was a microcosm of the U.S. team's entire tournament, namely untimely defensive miscues and an impotent offense, writes Jeff Carlisle.
Drehs: Officiating partly to blame (Jun 22, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The dubious penalty decision wasn't the sole reason that the U.S. was eliminated, but it certainly didn't help, writes Wayne Drehs.
Four clubs indicted in Italian soccer scandal (Jun 22, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Juventus, AC Milan, Lazio and Fiorentina were ordered to stand trial in a sports court and face possible demotion from Serie A.
Arena critical of referee for penalty kick (Jun 22, 2006 16:00 GMT)
U.S. coach Bruce Arena was critical of a penalty kick call that led to Ghana's winning goal Thursday and elimination from the World Cup for the Americans.
U.S. fails to advance with loss to Ghana (Jun 22, 2006 16:00 GMT)
There was no glory for the United States at this year's World Cup, only frustration and failure.
Reyna leaves before halftime (Jun 22, 2006 16:00 GMT)
U.S. captain Claudio Reyna injured his knee about midway through the first half of Thursday's must-win game against Ghana.
Parreira hails return of record-breaker Ronaldo (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira hailed Ronaldo after the burly centre forward struck twice to equal Gerd Muller's World Cup scoring record in his side's comfortable 4-1 victory over Japan in Dort
Viduka and Kewell hail Socceroos' fighting spirit (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australian scorer Harry Kewell said the Socceroos' unquenchable fighting spirit had taken them to the World Cup second round for the first time after a thrilling 2-2 Group F draw with Croatia on Thurs
Ronaldo happy with his 'significant improvement' (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazil striker Ronaldo said he was running into form after scoring twice in the 4-1 World Cup win over Japan in Group F on Thursday.
'Patience is the key', says Ronaldo (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazil striker Ronaldo said he was running into form after scoring twice in the 4-1 World Cup win over Japan in Group F on Thursday.
Scolari to coach England? 'One day, why not' (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Luiz Felipe Scolari insists it is still possible for him to eventually become England manager after revealing how World Cup commitments to Portugal ruled him out of the running to take over from Sven-
Kewell back for Socceroos against Croatia (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australia coach Guus Hiddink recalls Harry Kewell to the starting XI for the clash with Croatia.
Germans wary of Swedes' set-piece expertise (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany's set-pieces have not been good enough at the World Cup and must improve against Sweden, assistant coach Joachim Loew said.
Yezersky doubt for Ukraine (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ukraine defender Volodymir Yezersky is doubtful for Friday's World Cup Group H match against Tunisia with a thigh injury, coach Oleg Blokhin said on Thursday.
Senderos aims for hat-trick of clean sheets (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Switzerland defender Philippe Senderos will look to continue his team's flawless rearguard performance on Friday when they seek a third successive clean sheet in their World Cup Group G decider with S
'We did it for Africa', says Ghana's Essien (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ghana midfielder Michael Essien said on Thursday they had qualified for the second round of the World Cup on behalf of the whole of Africa.
Lippi lauds Italy's 'terrific' team spirit (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Coach Marcello Lippi was fulsome in his praise of Italy's unity after they beat 10-man Czech Republic 2-0 on Wednesday to finish top of World Cup Group E.
Van Nistelrooy to be left on subs' bench? (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Netherlands striker Ruud van Nistelrooy could be left out of the starting lineup for Sunday's second-round World Cup match against Portugal, coach Marco van Basten told reporters on Thursday.
Big Sam's shopping list (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Alex Chick composes a shopping list for Bolton bargain hunter Sam Allardyce.
Czechs gamble on Baros in Group E D-Day (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The Czech Republic have gambled on the returning Milan Baros in attack against Italy.
Salgado set for belated World Cup debut (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Spain right back Michel Salgado said his World Cup debut against Saudi Arabia in Group H on Friday would fulfil a career ambition on Friday.
Uli Hesse-Lichtenberger: All hail the German entertainers! (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Uli Hesse-Lichtenberger is proud to support the most attacking team in the tournament.
Squad strength pleases Pekerman (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Argentine coach Jose Pekerman goes into Saturday's World Cup second round match against Mexico in Leipzig knowing he has a solid first-choice defence with equally reliable back-up.
Mexicans look for improvement (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Having limped through in uninspiring style, Mexico are determined to make the most of their place in the last 16 of the World Cup.
Angola want to build on enjoyable finals (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves said Angola's valiant attempt to reach the World Cup second round on their debut showed African soccer had made progress but there was still room for improvement.
Rusol's dad cashes in on Ukraine's win (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The father of Andriy Rusol, who stroked Ukraine's first goal in their 4-0 World Cup rout of Saudi Arabia, won nearly $445 -- three times the average monthly wage in the ex-Soviet state -- after bettin
Figo: Holland no fear for improving Portugal (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Portugal have improved in every group game, performing their best yet in their World Cup Group D 2-1 win over Mexico but whether they have what it takes against much tougher opposition remains to be s
Iran seek new direction after coach departs (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Iran were left to find new leadership on Thursday, a day after their hopes for at least one victory at the World Cup were shattered by finishing bottom of their group with one point.
O'Neill blasts international duty situation (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Martin O'Neill believes national associations 'get away with murder' when players are injured on international duty.
Hiddink tells Roos to go for the throat (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australia coach Guus Hiddink will again tell his team to attack as they aim for the win or draw which will book their passage to the last 16 of the World Cup.
Rooney subbed because of Owen injury (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Wayne Rooney was taken off against Sweden because Sven-Goran Eriksson was concerned about Michael Owen's injury.
Vieira fears yet another early exit (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France's stand-in captain Patrick Vieira is adamant Les Bleus can still win the World Cup - but he also fears a second consecutive elimination at the first hurdle.
Van Basten prepares for penalties (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Marco van Basten is planning to put his Holland side through their penalty paces in readiness for their testing World Cup encounter against Portugal on Sunday.
Iniesta hopes for place in Spain's midfield (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta is looking to cement his place in Spain's squad by shining against Saudi Arabia in Friday's World Cup Group H clash.
Dindane sacrificed hat-trick for friendship (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ivory Coast's two-goal hero Aruna Dindane passed up the chance to get the first hat-trick of the 2006 World Cup - and put it all down to friendship.
Milosevic hangs up his S&M boots (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Serbia and Montenegro striker Savo Milosevic has confirmed he is quitting international football.
Angry reception for Costa Rica (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
After losing all its World Cup final matches in Germany, a disgraced and jetlagged Costa Rican soccer team had to face taunts from a group of angry hecklers when it arrived home on Wednesday.
Toon chief complains about Owen compo cash (Jun 22, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd said on Wednesday that the compensation the club will receive from the English FA's insurers for the injury Michael Owen suffered at the World Cup will be far
Win and get help: Scenarios for USA to advance (Jun 21, 2006 16:00 GMT)
For the Americans to advance, they must defeat Ghana in their last game. In addition to beating Ghana, the U.S. team needs one of seven scenarios to take place.
Argentina draws with Dutch as both move on (Jun 21, 2006 16:00 GMT)
In his debut as a World Cup starter, Lionel Messi did everything but give Argentina victory.
Hopkins: On Jimmy Conrad (Jun 21, 2006 16:00 GMT)
From humble origins as a college walk-on, Jimmy Conrad has earned respect and playing time through sheer hard work, writes Allen Hopkins.
Carlisle: U.S. vs. Ghana preview (Jun 21, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Regardless of all the potential qualification scenarios revolving around goal differential, the main priority for the U.S. against Ghana is to simply win, writes Jeff Carlisle.
Drehs: Ghanaian pride (Jun 21, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Whether it's just pride or overconfidence, the Ghanaian team already is operating under the assumption that Brazil will be its next opponent, writes Wayne Drehs
Angola scores first Cup goal, draws with Iran (Jun 21, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Angola's first World Cup goal wasn't nearly enough to send the Black Antelopes into the second round of the tournament.
Portugal edges Mexico; both teams advance (Jun 21, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Portugal fielded its 'B' team and still won.
Torn ACL ends Owen's World Cup with England (Jun 21, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Michael Owen will miss the rest of the World Cup after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Canales: Donovan needs to be selfish (Jun 21, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Often lauded for his vision and ability to make the assist, Landon Donovan needs to be more selfish at this World Cup, writes Andrea Canales.
Croatia make two changes for Australia (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Croatia made two changes to their team for Thursday's World Cup Group F clash with Australia.
Michel delighted as his tenure ends on a high (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ivory Coast coach Henri Michel savoured the country's first ever World Cup win - a 3-2 comeback with against Serbia and Montenegro in a Group C match between two sides already eliminated - but lament
Disappointed van der Sar wanted top spot (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Captain Edwin van der Sar was disappointed the Dutch failed to clinch top spot in World Cup Group C after a 0-0 draw with Argentina on Wednesday.
WIN! Seats at the new Wembley Stadium! (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Club Wembley are offering one lucky football fan the opportunity to win two Club Seats for the opening year at the awe-inspiring new Wembley Stadium.
Ukraine need midfield aggression, says Sheva (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Striker Andriy Shevchenko said Ukraine needed the midfield to drive them to victory over Tunisia on Friday, even though a draw is likely to be enough to seal a place in the last 16 of the World Cup.
Perrotta fit to face the Czechs (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy midfielder Simone Perrotta, who had been doubtful with a leg injury, said he would be fit to face Czech Republic in Thursday's World Cup Group E match.
Van Basten and Pekerman ring the changes (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Marco van Basten has rested five of his six booked players for the Group C decider with Argentina.
Cole praises 'top-class' Hargreaves (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Joe Cole has hailed the much-criticised Owen Hargreaves for his display as England's holding midfielder against Sweden.
Suarez glad to put Ecuador on the map (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ecuador coach Luis Fernando Suarez has achieved one of his ambitions by showing the world another side to South American soccer.
Birthday boy Vieira aims to supply presents (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Patrick Vieira turns 30 when France play Togo in their final Group G match on Friday and wants some Thierry Henry goals as a present.
Scolari breaks record for World Cup victories (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Portugal's 2-1 win over Mexico on Wednesday earned Luiz Felipe Scolari a World Cup record of 10 successive victories as a coach.
Coach proud of his Black Antelopes (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Angola coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves said he was proud of his players after the African debutants scored their first goal at the World Cup on Wednesday.
Behrami fit for Switzerland crunch (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Switzerland's Valon Behrami should be fit to return for Friday's crunch Group G World Cup match with South Korea, the Swiss team doctor said on Wednesday.
Ghana coach eager to end USA's tourney (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brimming with confidence after dismantling the Czech Republic, Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic was convinced his side could beat the United States in Thursday's decider and go far in the World Cup.
Swiss anger at Domenech (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Switzerland have accused French coach Raymond Domenech of playing mind games following his comments that the Swiss have benefited from favourable World Cup refereeing.
Sven: We'll survive without Mike (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sven-Goran Eriksson insists England's World Cup bid can survive the devastating loss of Michael Owen.
Silvestre to replace Abidal (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France defender Mikael Silvestre said on Wednesday he would play in his team's final World Cup Group G match against Togo on Friday in Cologne.
Bruckner will wait for Baros fitness test (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The Czech Republic plan to wait before deciding whether striker Milan Baros will be fit enough to start against Italy in Thursday's Group E match, coach Karel Brueckner said on Wednesday.
Pfister eager to end France's tournament (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Fearless Togo coach Otto Pfister said his team can bring down the curtain on a golden era for France when they meet the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 champions in Group G on Friday.
United Spain aren't favourites: Torres (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Striker Fernando Torres said the unity in the Spain camp was the reason for the team's excellent start to the World Cup.
Top scorer Klose sees the light (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Whenever Germany striker Miroslav Klose has a quiet moment at home, he tries to shoot a ball at the light switches in his house and turn them on or off.
Boosts for Neville & Rio (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sven-Goran Eriksson received an encouraging injury update on Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville today.
Jolly: Sven the Swedish half-time sedative? (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Richard Jolly wonders just what Sven does to his players at half-time.
World Cup tourists no more (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Nick Bidwell learns that England should not underestimate Ecuador in Stuttgart.
Hiddink urges Australia to go for a win (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australia coach Guus Hiddink has ordered the Socceroos to go for broke in their World Cup clash with Croatia on Thursday, telling them it was too dangerous to try to hold out for a draw.
Injured Owen ruled out for five months (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Newcastle today confirmed Michael Owen has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee after the England striker was ruled out of the rest of the World Cup.
Poland count cost of another early exit (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Poland left the World Cup on Wednesday and after two poor defeats they do not know when they will be back again at one of football's major tournaments.
Sweden aiming to spoilt German party (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sweden feel they have a realistic chance of knocking out the hosts in the second round of the World Cup, even though they have not beaten Germany since 1978.
Ruiz has few regets after Paraguay exit (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Paraguay coach Anibal Ruiz said his team should not be ashamed to play their own way following their first-round elimination at the World Cup.
Phil Ball: Dark horses Spain getting lighter (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Are the Spanish starting to believe in themselves? Phil Ball reports.
Portugal set to call on their reserves (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is already planning for the World Cup knockout stages - but claims the reserves he will use in the last Group D fixture with Mexico could play their way into his fir
Wanchope hangs up Costa Rican boots (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Paulo Wanchope bowed out of international football and said : 'It was a very emotional day for me.'
Ballack unworried by minor foot injury (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Michael Ballack picked up a minor foot injury in Germany's 3-0 victory over Ecuador but insisted it was nothing to worry about.
Big Phil: Brazil are doing just fine (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari believes Brazil have started the World Cup well despite criticism of their two opening performances.
Germany exit may spell end for Yorke (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Dwight Yorke has revealed he may end his international career in the aftermath of Trinidad and Tobago's world cup exit in Kaiserslautern.
Arena: Essien key for Ghana (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
United States coach Bruce Arena has warned that Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien 'could make the difference' in Thursday's decisive clash against Ghana in Nuremberg.
Cannavaro fears Nedved (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro has identified playmaker Pavel Nedved as the biggest threat in their World Cup clash against the Czech Republic on Thursday.
Rooney: 'I could have played for longer' (Jun 21, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Wayne Rooney insists he could have played longer for England but was relieved to be back in the starting line-up.
U.S. hopes offense gets going vs. Ghana (Jun 20, 2006 16:00 GMT)
U.S. shots at the World Cup have been scarcer than tickets. The Americans have just one shot on goal in their first two games.
England can't break Swedish drought, still wins group (Jun 20, 2006 16:00 GMT)
England finally got a result against Sweden it can live with.
Own goal knocks Trinidad and Tobago out of World Cup (Jun 20, 2006 16:00 GMT)
This own-goal went in Paraguay's favor and knocked Trinidad and Tobago right out of the World Cup.
England's Owen likely out for rest of World Cup (Jun 20, 2006 16:00 GMT)
England striker Michael Owen was injured two minutes into the World Cup match against Sweden on Tuesday and taken off on a stretcher.
Dell'Apa: U.S. vs. Ghana preview (Jun 20, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The U.S. is going to need some help against Ghana if it hopes to advance to the second round of the World Cup, writes Frank Dell'Apa.
Poland leaves Cup with victory over Costa Rica (Jun 20, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Poland's first 2006 World Cup victory again came too late.
Germany routs Ecuador for best start in 36 years (Jun 20, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The strikers are scoring, the defense is holding and Germany is off to its best World Cup start in 36 years.
De Rossi letter to FIFA apologizes for McBride elbow (Jun 20, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi sent a letter Tuesday to FIFA's disciplinary committee explaining his elbow to an opponent's face.
Carlisle: U.S. finishing a concern (Jun 20, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Ahead of the game against Ghana, the U.S. team still has major concerns, namely the inability of the offense so far to score goals, writes Jeff Carlisle.
Raynor: A view to a thrill in Cologne? (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Dom Raynor battles gamely in Cologne to take in England's group finale against Sweden.
Yorke mulls over retirement after T&T exit (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Dwight Yorke has revealed he may end his international career in the aftermath of Trinidad and Tobago's world cup exit in Kaiserslautern.
Gerrard and England rally round dejected Owen (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Steven Gerrard insists the England team would rally behind Michael Owen after his World Cup almost certainly came to an agonising end.
Eriksson fears Owen's World Cup may be over (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson fears Michael Owen's World Cup has come to a heartbreaking end.
Angola coach ready to take more risks (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Angola coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves said on Tuesday his side might favour a riskier strategy in their quest for goals against Iran on Wednesday.
Rooney joins Owen in attack as Hargreaves starts (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Wayne Rooney makes his first start of the World Cup against Sweden in Cologne.
Gygax blow for Swiss for French clash (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Switzerland will be without attacking midfielder Daniel Gygax for Friday's crunch World Cup Group G match against South Korea.
Karimi faces Iran axe in disciplinary measure (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Iran playmaker Ali Karimi may be dropped for their final World Cup group game with Angola for disciplinary reasons, coach Branko Ivankovic said on Tuesday.
Adriano aims to draw Italy and exact revenge (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazil striker Adriano hopes the world champions can face Italy in the next round of the World Cup and give him the chance to settle a few scores.
Klinsmann hails Germany's extra man (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann said the crowd in Berlin's Olympiastadion had helped to drive his team to a 3-0 World Cup win over Ecuador on Tuesday.
Poland happy with improvement in set-pieces (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Poland coach Pawel Janas said the players had responded to his tactics as they finally picked up points with a 2-1 win over Costa Rica in Group A on Tuesday.
Scolari set to rest Portugal's cautioned five (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has confirmed he is to rest all five players who have received a yellow card during the World Cup for Wednesday's final Group D clash with Mexico.
Too early to judge our potential - Pekerman (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Argentina coach Jose Pekerman said it was too early to tell if his side could win the World Cup.
'France penalised by refereeing' - Domenech (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France have been the victims of several controversial refereeing decisions in the World Cup, coach Raymond Domenech said on Tuesday.
A disservice to African football? (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Norman Hubbard considers the implications of the controversy surrounding Togo's World Cup debut.
Deschamps asked to coach Juve if relegated (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Former France captain Didier Deschamps said he has been asked to coach Juventus if the Serie A team are relegated in the match-fixing scandal that is shaking Italian football.
Baros may play for Czechs against Italy (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Czech Republic striker Milan Baros returned to full training on Tuesday after struggling with a foot injury and could play in Thursday's Group E match against Italy
Togo's long-running payment saga about to end (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The long-running saga over the outstanding wages and bonuses owed to Togo's players will be resolved in the next few days with FIFA ensuring they are paid.
'Brazil don't frighten us', says Japan's Zico (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Japan coach Zico, whose side face an early World Cup exit, has said tournament favourites Brazil do not scare his side ahead of Thursday's Group F clash.
Blokhin calls for calm from Ukrainian team (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ukraine must come back down to earth quickly after Monday's 4-0 crushing of Saudi Arabia if they are to get past Tunisia and secure a place in the second round at their first World Cup.
FIFA clear Kewell to face Croatia (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australia forward Harry Kewell has been cleared by FIFA to play in their final Group F World Cup match against Croatia on Thursday after he was reported for confronting the referee after their 2-0 def
Sweden won't play for a draw: Lagerback (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sweden coach Lars Lagerback insisted his team would not settle for the draw they need against England to progress to the knockout stage of the World Cup.
Jurgen and Sven hope to avoid early meeting (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany and England know each other too well to relish a World Cup meeting in the last 16 and the rivals will be desperate to stave off another emotive clash when they play their final group games on
Scan could mean World Cup heartbreak for Neville (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England defender Gary Neville is bracing himself for the possibility of more World Cup heartbreak.
Klose denies rift with strike partner Podolski (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Miroslav Klose has dismissed reports about a potential rift between him and attacking partner Lukas Podolski following the future Bayern Munich star's dip in form.
Hong Kong gripped by World Cup betting (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Hong Kong may not have a team at the World Cup but that has not stopped interest reaching stratospheric proportions because of the craze for soccer betting.
Raul champions Spain's resilience (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Raul played down his individual contribution after his second-half goal inspired Spain to a 3-1 triumph over Tunisia and a place in the knock-out stages of the World Cup.
Viduka dismayed by Australia's 'aggressive' tag (Jun 20, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Mark Viduka has condemned the critics who have labelled Australia as over-aggressive.
Spain rallies past Tunisia, runs unbeaten streak to 24 (Jun 19, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Spain is emerging as a serious candidate for the World Cup title after rebounding from a goal down to beat Tunisia 3-1.
Staying alive: Donovan could be key (Jun 19, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Landon Donovan kept getting advice, not goals after coach Bruce Arena criticized his play in the opening loss to the Czech Republic.
Rooney's name instills fear, says Eriksson (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sven-Goran Eriksson expects to send a ripple of fear across the World Cup when he writes Wayne Rooney's name on the teamsheet on Tuesday.
Nedved fears World Cup Czech-out (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Pavel Nedved believes the Czech Republic need a miracle to qualify for the second round of the World Cup.
Ghana apolgise for Paintsil's flag celebration (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ghana Football Association officials have apologised after Hapoel Tel Aviv defender John Paintsil waved an Israeli flag to celebrate the World Cup win over the Czech Republic.
Spain coach Aragones says changes paid off (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Three second-half changes helped Spain come from behind to beat Tunisia 3-1 in their World Cup Group H game on Monday, coach Luis Aragones said.
Saudi Paqueta coach blames rain for rout (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Saudi Arabia coach Marcos Paqueta said steady rain and a slippery pitch hurt his team the same way stifling heat had troubled Ukraine against Spain last week.
Australia claim referees treating them unfairly (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australia fear they are being unfairly treated by referees at the World Cup because of their reputation as a tough physical team.
Blokhin sees his 'Cinderellas' arrive at the ball (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin waxed lyrical after his side thumped Saudi Arabia 4-0 in World Cup Group H on Monday.
Blokhin delighted with thumping Ukraine win (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin waxed lyrical after his side thumped Saudi Arabia 4-0 in World Cup Group H on Monday.
Togo to be paid (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
A relieved but disappointed Togo squad will finally receive pay cheques from the national football association on the day their World Cup ended after two defeats.
Swiss subs help Kuhn clinch Togo win (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Switzerland coach Koebi Kuhn deployed three second half World Cup substitutes to devastating effect on Monday and then sought to downplay talk of his tactical astuteness.
Downie: The magicians' assistants not bad either (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The stars are yet to shine but Brazil can call on a stout group of other players, says Andrew Downie.
Asamoah's booking stands (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
FIFA has no plans to reverse a yellow card which rules Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan out of Thursday's crucial World Cup match with the United States, a FIFA spokesman said on Monday.
Bouwes: Reliving memories of '78 and '98 (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The prize on offer when Holland play Argentina is not as large as in previous meetings, says Ernst Bouwes.
Frei grateful for second (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Switzerland striker Alex Frei said the second strike in their 2-0 win over Togo on Monday was vital as they moved top of Group G on goal difference.
Klinsmann unconcerned about England (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany have no preference over their second round World Cup opponents, coach Juergen Klinsmann said on Monday.
Bullish Barthez: 'It's still in our hands' (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France goalkeeper Fabien Barthez urged his team mates not to let their heads drop after two draws left the 1998 champions in danger of another early World Cup exit.
Podolski suffers sense of humour failure (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany's World Cup striker Lukas Podolski will take legal action against national broadcaster ARD over a local radio show that makes fun of him in a spoof 'Lukas's Diary' segment.
Leaden boots chasing Golden Boot (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
A host of big-name strikers are struggling in Germany, says Richard Jolly.
Saudi Arabia collect win bonus - for drawing (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Delighted Saudi Arabian soccer officials have awarded each player 100,000 riyals ($26,670) after the team's 2-2 draw against Tunisia at the World Cup - a prize they had initially promised only for
Golmohammadi injury blow for Iran (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Iran defender Yahya Golmohammadi will miss his team's last World Cup match against Angola and will be out for the next three to four weeks, the side's team doctor Sasa Jankovic said on Monday.
Chick: France living the nightmare again (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Alex Chick on how 2006 is turning into a reprise of 2002 and 2004 for France.
Birchall pins T&T's hopes on Rooney (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England's fit-again Wayne Rooney can be the key to help Trinidad and Tobago reach the second round of the World Cup, the Caribbean team's midfielder Chris Birchall said on Monday.
Poland boss Janas to learn his fate on July 14th (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Pawel Janas' future as Poland coach will be decided on July 14, it was confirmed today.
Kewell faces ban after insulting referee (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Harry Kewell could miss Australia's final group match after being charged by FIFA with insulting referee Markus Merk following the 2-0 defeat by Brazil.
French get a mauling from the press (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
French newspapers were left in despair after Les Bleus's embarrassing 1-1 draw against South Korea in their World Cup Group G match on Sunday.
Ballack urges Klinsmann to stay on (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Juergen Klinsmann should continue to coach Germany after the World Cup because he was good for the team's long-term development, the country's captain Michael Ballack said in a newspaper interview on
Italy wait on Perrotta fitness update (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy are hopeful midfielder Simone Perrotta will be fit in time for Thursday's crucial World Cup Group E clash against the Czech Republic.
Van Basten may ring changes against Argentina (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Holland boss Marco van Basten is considering resting players for Wednesday's World Cup Group C decider against Argentina.
Owen planning final showdown with Germany (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Michael Owen has admitted he would prefer to meet Germany in the World Cup final as Wayne Rooney prepares for his first start since breaking his metatarsal seven weeks ago.
Blokhin confident Ukraine will get off mark (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ukraine manager Oleg Blokhin is confident his World Cup debutants are quick learners, and will prove so against Saudi Arabia.
Ghana cautious ahead of USA clash (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic has told his players to get down to work as they prepare for the most vital game in the country's history.
Kawaguchi takes studious approach to penalties (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Japan goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi had studied videotapes of Croatian penalty taker Darijo Srna's routine before saving the spot-kick which kept his team's slim hopes of qualifying for the second r
Bouazizi out to shock favourites Spain (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Tunisia captain Riadh Bouazizi believes his team can make amends after their disappointing start to their World Cup by beating mighty Spain today.
Pfister admits he's powerless to stop Togo turmoil (Jun 19, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Togo coach Otto Pfister insists he does not have the power to quell the mutiny in the ranks of his team who are threatening to boycott today's Group G match with Switzerland.
Galarcep: U.S. team needs a repeat performance (Jun 18, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The U.S. team captivated fans with its gutty performance against Italy, but the challenge now is to keep the momentum going, writes Ives Galarcep.
U.S. soccer team gets the day off after tie (Jun 18, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Heart. Courage. Grit. Determination. Never has the U.S. soccer team sounded so proud of a tie.
England's Owen tired of being singled out for poor play (Jun 18, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Michael Owen is getting fed up with being the focus of England's lackluster World Cup form.
Canales: CONCACAF report card (Jun 18, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Led by fan favorite, Trinidad and Tobago, CONCACAF teams have earned a measure of respect so far at this World Cup, writes Andrea Canales.
Red and yellow cards warranted, FIFA says (Jun 18, 2006 16:00 GMT)
FIFA is pleased players and spectators have noticed World Cup referees producing plenty of yellow cards for sliding tackles and reds for elbowing. The message is getting through.
France nets first goal since '98, but lets S. Korea tie (Jun 18, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Thierry Henry scored France's first World Cup goal since the 1998 final, only to see South Korea's Park Ji-sung tie it in the 81st minute in a 1-1 draw Sunday.
Blah-zil: Uninspiring win over Aussies clinches second round (Jun 18, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Adriano got the first goal in the 49th minute and the defending champions hung on to defeat Australia 2-0.
Hopkins: U.S. earns its stripes against Italy (Jun 18, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Never has a tie felt so much like a win, but after the heroics against Italy, the U.S. team has a real shot to qualify for the next round, writes Allen Hopkins.
Italy bracing for harsh De Rossi punishment (Jun 18, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Italy coach Marcello Lippi expects Daniele De Rossi to receive some harsh punishment for elbowing U.S. forward Brian McBride in the face.
Japan stops Croatia on penalty kick, forces draw (Jun 18, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Croatia couldn't find the net again Sunday and even missed a penalty kick in a 0-0 tie with Japan that endangered both teams' stays at the World Cup.
South Korea parties through night for draw (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Hundreds of thousands of South Koreans partied outdoors through the night and greeted Monday with cheers and dancing in the streets after seeing their team grab a 1-1 World Cup draw with 98 champions
Referee frustrates Aussies in close defeat (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australia's players struggled to disguise their frustration at a series of refereeing decisions that went against them in Sunday's World Cup 2-0 Group F loss to Brazil.
We were denied valid goal, fumes Domenech (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Coach Raymond Domenech said he was disappointed after France were held to a 1-1 draw by South Korea in Group G on Sunday.
Ferdinand: Long balls were over the top (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Rio Ferdinand acknowledged England fell into a long-ball trap in their World Cup Group B clash against Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday.
Togo players threaten to boycott Swiss match (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Togo's players could boycott Monday's World Cup Group G match with Switzerland if money they have been promised has not been transferred into their bank accounts, according to defender Jean-Paul Abalo
Parreira stands by out-of-form Ronaldo (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira will continue to stick with the out-of-form Ronaldo as his main attacker at the World Cup despite the huge impression made by substitutes Robinho and Fred durin
Beenhakker set to drop in-form Hislop (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Kelvin Jack looks set to start in goal for Trinidad & Tobago against Paraguay on Tuesday, with Shaka Hislop dropping to the bench, sources within the camp said on Sunday.
Dutch may rest the booked six (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Dutch coach Marco van Basten said on Sunday he was likely to rest as many as six players who are on one yellow card for the final group match against Argentina on Wednesday.
I won't hold back: Booked Ballack (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Michael Ballack said on Sunday he would play his usual aggressive game against Ecuador in Germany's final group game, even though he is threatened by suspension after picking up a yellow card.
Zico blasts kick-off times, Kranjcar praise (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Japan coach Zico said it was criminal that his team had to play another afternoon match in hot weather when they drew 0-0 with Croatia on Sunday.
Phil Ball: A happy Finnish after Ukraine crushing (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Spain's crushing win over Ukraine had Phil Ball celebrating in Scandinavia.
van der Sar chases Dutch dream (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Record-breaker Edwin van der Sar wants to celebrate becoming the most-capped Dutch player of all time by turning the world orange.
Sitting back in our DNA - Lippi (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy are at their best when the pressure is on and not when they are basking in success, coach Marcello Lippi said on Sunday.
Aragones wary of Tunisians (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Spain coach Luis Aragones feared a backlash from Tunisia after the north Africans failed to live up to World Cup expectations in the 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia.
Baros begins fitness race (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Czech striker Milan Baros, who has missed the first two World Cup games with a foot injury, has been cleared to start running again, a team spokesman said on Sunday.
Lame Perotta to miss Czech decider? (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy midfielder Simone Perrotta is doubtful for Thursday's group E game against the Czech Republic due to a leg injury, the team's doctor said on Sunday.
Sven: Rooney will start (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sven-Goran Eriksson has confirmed Wayne Rooney will start for England against Sweden in Cologne on Tuesday.
Aussie players cleared over gambling claim (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
FIFA have cleared Australia players of any wrongdoing after squad members bet among themselves on who would score the country's first World Cup goal.
'Hargreaves to be trusted in midfield role' (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Owen Hargreaves is expecting to play in his preferred midfield role for England during Tuesday's World Cup clash with Sweden in Cologne.
FIFA bigwig given boot for ticket touting (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The senior FIFA figure at the centre of a World Cup ticket scandal faces becoming the first person to be kicked off the organisation's executive committee in its 102-year history.
Phone-pest Yorke tips T&T win (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Trinidad & Tobago captain Dwight Yorke intends to text or call as many England players as possible, urging them to win against Sweden and help his country to progress from World Cup Group B alongside
Metzelder an injury doubt for Germany (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany defender Christoph Metzelder was forced to miss training on Sunday but should recover in time to play in Tuesday's game against Ecuador, according to assistant coach Joachim Loew.
Sent-off de Rossi to face Lippi's wrath (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Marcello Lippi plans to tell Daniele De Rossi to mend his ways after the midfielder was sent off for an elbow during Saturday's 1-1 draw with the United States, the Italian coach said on Sunday.
FIFA try to persuade reluctant Togo to play (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
FIFA intervened on Sunday to persuade Togo's players not to boycott their World Cup game with Switzerland as unrest simmers in the Togolese camp.
Ghana struggle to calm down for USA clash (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The hardest task facing World Cup debutants Ghana will be bringing themselves down from the high that followed Saturday's 2-0 win over Czech Republic.
Press hit out at 'madmen' of Italy (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy's sports press hit out at the national team and coach Marcello Lippi on Sunday after the Italians were held to a 1-1 World Cup draw by the United States in a match marred by three red cards.
Right place, right time for Ljungberg (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sweden saviour Freddie Ljungberg wants to beat England to top Group B, he tells Kevin Palmer.
Michel expects to leave Ivory Coast job (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ivory Coast coach Henri Michel said on Sunday he considered their final World Cup Group C game against Serbia & Montenegro on Wednesday to be his last in charge, in line with his contract.
Downie: Robinho is a gifted second fiddle (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Robinho is the man to step in if Ronaldo should falter again, reports Andrew Downie.
Owen: I still believe I'll find my best form (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England striker Michael Owen is confident he can deliver the goods if he is given the chance against Sweden in Tuesday`s Group B clash.
Bloodied McBride is our hero: Keller (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
United States goalkeeper Kasey Keller praised the courage of team mate Brian McBride after the big striker's battling and bloodied World Cup display against Italy on Saturday.
Refs favour football superpowers: Arena (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
United States coach Bruce Arena believes the world's established footballing powers still get an easier ride from match officials.
Injured Neville misses England training (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England defender Gary Neville missed the start of training on Sunday and is a real injury doubt for their final World Cup Group B game against Sweden.
Will Togo turn up for Switzerland match? (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Togo did not leave their team base Wangen on Sunday on time for a planned departure to their next World Cup group match.
Czechs short ahead of Italy crunch (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The Czech Republic not only need to work out how to beat Italy to guarantee World Cup survival but to do it with a much depleted squad.
Messi unburdened by being history man (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Lionel Messi said he took little notice of statistics after discovering he had become the sixth youngest goalscorer in the history of the World Cup and the youngest Argentine to play in the tournament
De Rossi contrite after red card (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi apologised for catching U.S. striker Brian McBride with his elbow in Saturday's 1-1 draw in World Cup Group E.
Fabregas not afraid of the world stage (Jun 18, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas feels the experience of reaching the Champions League final has equipped him to deal with the pressure of Spain's World Cup bid.
Carlisle: U.S. heroics against Italy keep hopes alive (Jun 17, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The tie against the Italians was a result of some magnitude for the U.S., yet the Americans had every chance to win, writes Jeff Carlisle.
Drehs: Playing with a purpose (Jun 17, 2006 16:00 GMT)
With two players sent off, it was hard to envisage a positive result, but in the end the U.S. team delivered a heroic performance, writes Wayne Drehs.
U.S. World Cup advancement scenarios (Jun 17, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Scenarios under which the United States advances to the second round of the World Cup
U.S. ties Italy in game marred by ejections (Jun 17, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Bloodied but not beaten, the United States bounced back to hold Italy to a 1-1 tie Saturday night in an ugly World Cup game with three ejections.
U.S., down two players, holds on for 1-1 draw with Italy (Jun 17, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The United States bounced back to hold Italy to a 1-1 tie Saturday night in an ugly World Cup game with three ejections.
Mastroeni, Pope and De Rossi ejected (Jun 17, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Italian midfielder Daniele De Rossi was ejected in the 28th minute of Italy's World Cup match against the United States on Saturday night.
Ghana pulls World Cup's biggest upset, stun Czechs (Jun 17, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Ghana pulled off the biggest upset of the World Cup to date, stunning the Czech Republic 2-0 on goals by Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari.
Deco's goal lifts Portugal into second round (Jun 17, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Deco scored with a powerful first-time shot from outside the penalty area in the 63rd minute and Cristiano Ronaldo made a penalty kick as Portugal beat Iran 2-0, advancing to the second round for the
Top FIFA official admits reselling tickets (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
A member of FIFA's executive committee has admitted selling World Cup tickets at three times their face value and has been ordered to leave Germany as soon as possible, world soccer's governing body s
USA delight at 'backs-to-the-wall' performance (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
U.S. coach Bruce Arena praised his team for gaining a World Cup point on Saturday after playing most of the second half with nine men against Italy, who themselves had a player sent off.
Holland: The end of Iran's world in Frankfurt (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Phil Holland was in Frankfurt as Portugal ended Iran's World Cup dream.
Cech saved Czechs from a drubbing - Dujkovic (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic said only an outstanding display from goalkeeper Petr Cech saved Czech Republic from a drubbing on Saturday.
Metzelder a doubt with a twisted knee (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Christoph Metzelder suffered a knee injury in training on Saturday, leaving him a doubt for Germany's final Group A game against Ecuador on Tuesday.
Ivankovic laments inexperience as Iran crash (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Coach Branko Ivankovic blamed Iran's World Cup elimination on inexperience and injuries after their 2-0 defeat by Portugal on Saturday.
Cocu and Heitinga suffer knocks (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Philip Cocu and John Heitinga missed the Netherlands' first training session on Saturday after the 2-1 win over Ivory Coast that took them into the second round of the World Cup.
Domenech defends misfiring France stars (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France coach Raymond Domenech has defended his under-fire team and insisted they can answer their critics against South Korea tomorrow.
Gerrard: 'We've the talent to improve' (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Steven Gerrard has insisted England will become a bigger force as the World Cup progresses as he set his sights on ending a 38-year stretch without a win against Sweden in Tuesday's final group encoun
No rift in Croatia camp, insists Kovak (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Captain Niko Kovac has played down talk of another bust-up within the Croatia camp just 24 hours before his team face Japan in their crucial Group G game in Nuremberg.
Nakamura recovered to face Croatia (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Japan playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura is expected to be fit for Sunday's Group F match with Croatia after recovering from a bruised thigh and a fever.
Gray to miss T&T clash with Paraguay (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Trinidad & Tobago defender Cyd Gray will miss their final World Cup Group B match against Paraguay on Tuesday.
Youthful approach from exiting Poles? (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Poland could go for youth in their final Group A game with Costa Rica despite an improved performance in Wednesday's defeat by Germany.
We imposed our quality, says Portugal boss (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Portugal reached the World Cup second round for the first time in 40 years on Saturday after a quality display, said coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Dutch fans watch match in their underwear (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Hundreds of Dutch fans had to watch their team's 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast in their underwear in Stuttgart on Friday after stewards at entry points to the stadium rumbled an ambush marketing ploy.
Messi thanks Maradona for dream debut (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Lionel Messi has thanked Diego Maradona for his support after a World Cup bow that fired the imagination.
Owen blames lacklustre England for goal drought (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Michael Owen has sent a thinly-veiled message to Sven-Goran Eriksson - play the right way, and I will score goals in this World Cup.
Hubbard: Argentina's embarassment of riches (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Argentina's S&M thrashing has Norman Hubbard wondering if they even had their best team out.
Croatia's Kovac to start against Japan (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Croatia captain Niko Kovac was still in pain on Saturday after injuring his ribs in the opening World Cup match but he expected to play against Japan on Sunday.
Togo's Adebayor: 'We'll score and we'll win' (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Togo talisman Emmanuel Adebayor insists the African side will be going all out for a win when they face Switzerland in Dortmund on Monday.
Ibrahimovic doubt for England game (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sweden team doctor Anders Valentin doubts striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be fit enough to take part in the crucial Group B showdown with England.
Angola target knockout stages after 0-0 draw (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Angola coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves insisted his team would target a place in the last 16 of the World Cup after holding Mexico to a draw.
Kaji's time has come as Japan eye Croatia scalp (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Gamba Osaka defender Akira Kaji will make his first World Cup appearance for Japan on Sunday as coach Zico rings the changes for a must-win clash with Croatia in Nuremberg.
Black stars eye goals bonanza against Czechs (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ghana coach Ratomir Djukovic believes the Black Stars are just hours away from making their mark in the World Cup finals.
Arena: Keller needs mighty match against Italy (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
United States coach Bruce Arena has put the onus on goalkeeper Kasey Keller to lead his team to World Cup victory over Italy on Saturday afternoon.
Mexico boss Lavolpe rues Angola stalemate (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Mexico's players and coach Ricardo Lavolpe alike felt that last night's draw with Group D rivals Angola was a bitter pill to swallow.
Gazza offers eager Rooney words of wisdom (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Paul Gascoigne has urged Wayne Rooney to let his England team-mates take the strain in England's next World Cup match.
Don't get in to a fight with Oz, coach tells Brazil (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Champions Brazil are determined not to get dragged into a physical battle with Australia in Sunday's World Cup Group F match.
Birchall: Lennon will do better job than Becks (Jun 17, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Chris Birchall believes England would be more effective with Aaron Lennon on the right flank rather than David Beckham.
This could be auf wiedersehen for Americans (Jun 16, 2006 16:00 GMT)
They know Claudio Reyna and DaMarcus Beasley and that's about it, the rest of the U.S. World Cup players are mostly no-names to some of their Italian counterparts.
Angola earns surprising draw with Mexico, stays alive (Jun 16, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Joao Ricardo frustrated Mexico with a some dramatic saves and Angola, down to 10 men for the final 11 minutes, drew 0-0 with the heavily favored Mexicans on Friday night to keep alive hopes of a secon
Brenner: U.S. revels in the underdog role (Jun 16, 2006 16:00 GMT)
So far, the U.S. team has shown none of the heart and energy that encapsulated their '02 World Cup run, writes Jordan Brenner.
Argentina routs Serbia and Montenegro (Jun 16, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Two-time champion Argentina is starting to sense something special.
Carlisle: U.S. vs. Italy preview (Jun 16, 2006 16:00 GMT)
There's no doubt the U.S. team will be the clear underdogs against a powerhouse Italian squad that most observers favor to win, writes Jeff Carlisle.
Canales: Back to the beginning for the U.S. (Jun 16, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The U.S. team is better when it plays with something to prove, which is exactly the attitude the players take into the game against Italy, writes Andrea Canales.
Netherlands advances with win over Ivory Coast (Jun 16, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robin Van Persie scored first-half goals as the Netherlands advanced to the second round of the World Cup with a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast.
Drehs: A boost for morale (Jun 16, 2006 16:00 GMT)
A strong U.S. performance against Italy would provide a significant morale boost for U.S. military personnel living in the neighboring Kaisterslautern region, writes Wayne Drehs.
Galarcep: Arena's legacy in doubt (Jun 16, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The U.S. game against Italy could very well prove to be the defining moment of Bruce Arena's coaching career, writes Ives Galarcep.
Rodriguez nets pair as Argentina routs Serbia-Montenegro (Jun 16, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Three first-half strikes, two by Maxi Rodriguez and another by substitute Esteban Cambiasso, led Argentina to a 6-0 victory Friday over Serbia-Montenegro.
Hopkins: U.S. needs to get mental (Jun 16, 2006 16:00 GMT)
For the U.S. team to have a chance against Italy, the players need to come out with a more positive attitude, writes Allen Hopkins.
U.S. heads to military base (Jun 16, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The U.S. team left Hamburg on Thursday on a charter flight for Ramstein Air Base.
Messi happy to shown his mettle to the world (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Barcelona wonderkid Lionel Messi has sent out a message to the rest of the world he is back in business.
Sanchez laments missed chances, Angola joy (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Mexico goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez bemoaned his team's failure to kill off Angola despite having most of the possession in their World Cup Group D tie on Friday.
Tunisia to lose Dos Santos for Spain game (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Tunisia's leading striker Francileudo Dos Santos will miss Monday's World Cup Group H match with Spain and has only a 50 percent chance of playing against Ukraine.
Zambrotta set to return against Team USA (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy coach Marcello Lippi said defender Gianluca Zambrotta was likely to return after injury for Saturday's World Cup Group E game with United States.
Ivory Coast not good enough - coach Michel (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
World Cup debutants Ivory Coast were not good enough to compete at the highest level, coach Henri Michel said after they crashed out on Friday.
Van Basten happy for team to celebrate (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Netherlands coach Marco Van Basten excused his players their exuberant celebrations after a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast on Saturday sent them into the last 16 of the World Cup.
Ecuador coach has no fear of England (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ecuador coach Luis Fernando Suarez said on Friday he did not mind if his team play England or Sweden in the second round of the World Cup, adding he believed they could beat anyone
Gonzalez expects to return soon (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Argentina midfielder Luis Gonzalez said the groin injury he sustained in Friday's 6-0 rout of Serbia & Montenegro was nothing serious.
S&M chief calls for changes (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
erbia & Montenegro Football Association president Tomislav Karadzic said their 6-0 World Cup Group C demolition by Argentina required a 'thorough analysis' and wholesale changes.
Simpson take over Preston North End hotseat (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Paul Simpson is set to be named as the new manager of Coca-Cola Championship Preston.
Sagnol: 2002 ghosts still linger (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France felt pressure in their World Cup opener because they feared a repeat of their 2002 fiasco, defender Willy Sagnol said on Friday.
Malouda declared fit to play for France (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France midfielder Florent Malouda, whose World Cup adventure started in pain, said on Friday he was fully fit and ready to play.
Tevez praises team effort after 6-0 rout (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Argentina striker Carlos Tevez praised a great team performance for the 6-0 thrashing handed out to Serbia & Montenegro in Friday's Group C match.
Poland coach Janas gets reprieve - for now (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Polish chiefs said on Friday they would wait until mid-July before deciding on the future of coach Pawel Janas after the eastern Europeans' first round exit from the World Cup.
Rooney injury was not 'typical' (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Wayne Rooney made a speedy return to football because his injury was not a typical metatarsal break.
Eriksson: Experience told me Rooney was ready (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sven-Goran Eriksson claims 30 years as a coach convinced him Wayne Rooney was ready for the World Cup.
Kewell: Socceroos not frightened of Brazil (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The days when Australia's players were terrified of just lining up against Brazil are long over, according to striker Harry Kewell.
Aussies work on secret plans (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australia coach Guus Hiddink took the Socceroos behind closed doors on Friday to start piecing together his master plan to beat world champions Brazil.
FIFA criticised for choice of World Cup sponsors (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Health experts criticised organisers of the World Cup on Friday for choosing a fast food giant, a brewer and soft drinks maker as official sponsors of soccer's showcase event.
Organisers full of praise for England fans (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England's fans, so often the pariahs of world football, are making headlines again at the World Cup - for all the right reasons.
Troussier: Japan need more individualism (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Japanese players need to go overseas and become more individualistic, a vital characteristic lacking in the team that suffered a shocking defeat to Australia in their World Cup opener, their former co
Spain are serious contenders, says Villa (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Spain striker David Villa said the 4-0 demolition of Ukraine in their opening match has proved they are serious contenders to win the World Cup.
Paraguay to seek fresh talent after early exit (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Veteran midfielder Roberto Acuna said Paraguay needed an injection of younger blood to rejuvenate the team after they lost their opening two matches without scoring and crashed out of the World Cup.
Ibrahimovic waits on groin injury check-up (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed the groin injury which forced him to withdraw midway through Sweden's 1-0 World Cup victory over Paraguay was sustained prior to kick-off.
Pine riding okay by out-of-sorts Owen (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England striker Michael Owen accepts he could be left out of the starting line-up for the final World Cup group game against Sweden.
Knee injury may end Behrami's World Cup (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Switzerland midfielder Valon Behrami's World Cup may be over after failing to overcome a knee injury.
Scolari prepared to risk injured stars for Iran (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Injured midfielders Deco and Cristiano Ronaldo are likely to play against Iran on Saturday as Luiz Felipe Scolari urges his players to make sacrifices ahead of 'the most difficult group match'.
Milosevic to win 100th cap against Argentina (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Savo Milosevic is set to achieve a personal milestone at the World Cup this afternoon.
Wanchope announces international retirement (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Paolo Wanchope put on a brave face after seeing his Costa Rica side crash out of the World Cup with a second straight defeat.
Defeat can inspire victory, claims Drogba (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Didier Drogba is convinced the pain of defeat can spur the Ivory Coast to victory against Holland tonight.
Mexico defender Mendez urges improvement (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Mexico defender Mario Mendez admits the Tricolores will have to step up their game if they are to beat Angola and, possibly, book their place in the last 16 of the World Cup with a game to spare.
Bierhoff eager to avoid date with England (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany coach Oliver Bierhoff is keen to avoid a clash with England in the second round of the World Cup.
Crouch: England will get better (Jun 16, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Peter Crouch has insisted England will raise their game and overcome either Germany or Ecuador in the second round of the World Cup after struggling to overcome Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 in Nuremberg.
Sweden finally scores, knocks out Paraguay (Jun 15, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Fredrik Ljungberg scored on an 89th-minute header, giving Sweden a 1-0 win over Paraguay.
Crouch's late goal lifts England into second round (Jun 15, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Peter Crouch ended England's second-half drought and sent his team into the second round of the World Cup in a 2-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago.
This Bud's not for us: Saudis decline beer-sponsored award (Jun 15, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Saudi players who are chosen as FIFA's man of the match during their World Cup games will refuse the award from sponsor Anheuser-Busch.
Ecuador advances to first-ever second round (Jun 15, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Carlos Tenorio and Agustin Delgado scored their second goals of the tournament, and Ecuador cruised past Costa Rica 3-0 Thursday and into the second round of the World Cup for the first time.
Carlisle: Arena mulls lineup changes (Jun 15, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The lineup options are varied for Bruce Arena, although it remains to be seen whether he will do what was previously considered unthinkable and bench Landon Donovan, writes Jeff Carlisle.
Rooney returns from injury, gives England a boost (Jun 15, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Hours after he was cleared to play, England striker Wayne Rooney came in as a substitute Thursday, completing his surprising comeback from a broken foot.
Dell'Apa: U.S. vs. Italy preview (Jun 15, 2006 16:00 GMT)
A more offensive mindset will be needed against Italy, but at the same time the U.S. can't afford to throw caution to the wind, writes Frank Dell'Apa.
Ljungberg: England match massive for Sweden (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Midfielder Freddie Ljungberg said Sweden and England will be battling to prove who is the best team in World Cup Group B when they meet on Tuesday.
Crouch pulled up over controversial goal (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Peter Crouch's goal against Trinidad and Tobago was the centre of controversy on Thursday night when television replays showed he pulled Brent Sancho's dreadlocks as he won the header.
Ecuador's success no surprise to Brazil coach (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ecuador's good start to the World Cup has come as no surprise to Carlos Alberto Parreira, coach of champions Brazil.
Richard Jolly: It ain't what you do... (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England cannot kid themselves that Wayne Rooney's return will solve everything, says Richard Jolly.
Kaviedes pays tribute to Ecuador's Spiderman (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Striker Ivan Kaviedes cemented his superhero status among delirious Ecuador fans by donning a Spider-Man mask to celebrate his goal against Costa Rica in their Group A clash on Thursday.
Going out is deeply painful, says Paraguay coach (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
World Cup elimination was hard to swallow for Paraguay coach Anibal Ruiz after his side lost 1-0 to Sweden on Thursday, their second defeat in a row in Group B.
Skipper Beckham defends below-par England (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Captain David Beckham defended another under-par England performance after beating Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 to book their place in the last 16 of the World Cup.
Switzerland delay decision on injured Behrami (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Switzerland will wait until next week to decide if injured defender Valon Behrami should remain with the World Cup squad.
S&M boss Petkovic plays down reported rift (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Coach Ilija Petkovic has denied there is a divide in the Serbia and Montenegro camp after Dejan Stankovic and Danijel Ljuboja were reported to have had a bust-up in training on Wednesday.
Uli Hesse-Lichtenberger: Germany's Big Bang theory (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Uli Hesse-Lichtenberger explains why his Big Bang theory has him unsure of a German failure.
Ecuador have achieved nothing yet: Tenorio (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Carlos Tenorio said Ecuador had achieved nothing yet after he scored along with fellow striker Agustin Delgado in a 2-0 win over Costa Rica on Thursday that takes the South Americans into the World Cu
Domenech demands more flair from France (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France need to add a touch of Gallic finesse to their trademark defensive displays if they are to go a long way at the Word Cup, coach Raymond Domenech said on Thursday.
US team an unknown quantity for Italy (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy face the United States in World Cup Group E on Saturday but Marcello Lippi's players admit they have little clue about who they will be up against.
Refs happy clampdown on fouls has worked (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Referees are happy with their performance at the World Cup so far and said a campaign to cut down on foul play and diving had worked but said on Thursday things could change as the games get more impo
Hiddink wary of Brazilian backlash (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australia said on Thursday they feared they could pay the penalty for the mounting criticism over Brazil's unimpressive start to the World Cup when the teams meet in Munich on Sunday.
Australia may rest players against Brazil (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australia are considering fielding a weakened team in Sunday's World Cup match against Brazil to avoid the risk of losing key players to suspension for their final Group F game with Croatia.
Tense Serb coach rounds on scornful media (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
A nervous-looking Serbia and Montenegro coach Ilija Petkovic has criticised the media for putting his team under pressure ahead of the crunch Group C match against Argentina in Gelsenkirchen on Friday
Messi trains with Argentina but avoids ball (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Argentina's Lionel Messi trained with his country's World Cup squad on Thursday but avoided kicking the ball while recovering from a slight foot injury.
Arena regrets Beasley row but no hard feelings (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
US coach Bruce Arena said on Thursday he regretted having a public slanging match with his versatile midfielder DaMarcus Beasley following their 3-0 loss to the Czech Republic.
'No unrest in Sweden camp' - Allback (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sweden go into their must-win match against Paraguay tonight insisting their World Cup hopes are not being undermined by unrest in the camp.
'We were a little bit lucky' - Ballack (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Michael Ballack admitted hosts Germany were 'a little bit lucky' to beat Poland in their second match of the World Cup - but he and Jens Lehmann both believed the late winner was richly deserved.
Police charge 96 fans over Dortmund clashes (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Police have charged 64 people with criminal offences following clashes ahead of Germany's World Cup match with neighbours Poland on Wednesday in by far the worst outbreak of trouble at the tournament
Rooney passed fit by medical experts (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England striker Wayne Rooney has been cleared to play in the World Cup following his broken foot after two independent medical experts examined him on Thursday.
Brazil gambling on Ronaldo after scare (Jun 15, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said he was prepared to gamble on Ronaldo for Sunday's game against Australia after the striker suffered an illness scare.
Convey: U.S. players dazed and unsure (Jun 14, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Bobby Convey came up with a rather stunning analysis of the United States' horrible opening World Cup loss to the Czech Republic
Johnson compares World Cup to war (Jun 14, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Eddie Johnson likened playing in the World Cup to going to war, a metaphor that came up after the U.S. forward was asked about the team's visit to a U.S. military base.
Germany stuns Poland 1-0 with injury-time goal (Jun 14, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Shot after shot was turned away by Poland's goalkeeper and the crossbar. Germany kept firing and got the payoff just in time Wednesday night.
Over 300 German hooligans arrested in clash with police (Jun 14, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Five days of opening World Cup calm ended with a volley of bottles and chairs as dozens of German hooligans clashed with police Wednesday before their country's pivotal win over Poland.
Tunisian goal in injury time leads to 2-2 tie vs. Saudis (Jun 14, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Tunisia made sure the first round of the World Cup wasn't a total loss for Africa.
Villa's two goals power Spain to World Cup rout (Jun 14, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Spain routed struggling newcomer Ukraine 4-0 Wednesday, a sizzling start in search of a title after 11 futile, often disheartening attempts.
Drehs: Keller aims to pick up his game (Jun 14, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Kasey Keller is not your average goalkeeper, in fact the U.S. stalwart is unique in many respects, writes Wayne Drehs
Nick Bidwell: France stars facing Korea crisis? (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Nick Bidwell gauges French concern after a stuttering start.
Never write us off, insists Klinsmann (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Jurgen Klinsmann claimed that Germany's last-gasp winner against Poland proved his team's mettle.
Messi winning fitness race for Serbia clash (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Argentina forward Lionel Messi should be fit for Friday's Group C clash with Serbia & Montenegro, despite hobbling out of training today with a foot injury
Irate Pfister threatens to sue Togo F.A (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Togo coach Otto Pfister may sue the head of the West African country's football association for comments he made about the German after his surprise return to manage the squad earlier this week.
Jaidi leveller leaves Lemerre relieved (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Tunisia coach Roger Lemerre was a relieved but disappointed man after seeing his team salvage a 2-2 draw in their World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia thanks to Radhi Jaidi's injury-time equaliser
Gonzalez poised for Argentina start (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Luis Gonzalez is likely to start for Argentina in Friday's World Cup Group C match against Serbia & Montenegro, giving his team a more attacking option in midfield.
Brewin: Takes cover as Tunisia meet Saudi Arabia (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
John Brewin takes cover as emotions run high between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.
Al Jaber rues late equaliser (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Saudi Arabia's record-breaking striker Sami Al Jaber struck what he thought was the winner before an injury-time Tunisian 2-2 equaliser on Wednesday but he insisted his team's World Cup hopes were
US feel at home in K-Town (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The U.S. will face Italy in the heart of Germany on Saturday but the Americans are already looking forward to a World Cup homecoming in Kaiserslautern close to a major U.S. air base.
We're still a work in progress, insists Kuhn (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Switzerland coach Koebi Kuhn said on Wednesday that his young team remained eager to prove themselves after coming close to pulling off a major World Cup upset.
No Dutch masterplan to halt Drogba (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Marco van Basten insists he has no special plans for Didier Drogba on Friday.
Ribery lives the dream on first French start (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France's Franck Ribery said he could not believe his eyes when he made his World Cup debut alongside the players he worshipped as a teenager.
Ernst Bouwes: Van Basten In search of harmony (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Marco van Basten is using a harmonious approach to success, as Ernst Bouwes explains.
Portugal praise 'captain charisma' Figo (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Portugal captain Luis Figo commanded respect and admiration from his players despite being the oldest member of the World Cup squad, midfielder Costinha said on Wednesday.
Blokhin blasts thrashed Ukraine (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ukraine manager Oleg Blokhin apologised to his nation's fans after their World Cup debut ended in a 4-0 thrashing by Spain.
Hiddink the real hero, Australians agree (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Tim Cahill might have scored twice and received the Man of the Match award but the real genius behind Australia's historic World Cup victory over Japan was undoubtedly coach Guus Hiddink.
Andrew Downie: The demise of Ronaldo (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The vultures are circling in Brazil for the out-os-sorts Ronaldo, says Andrew Downie.
Our plans are in ruins, Serbs admit (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
BILLERBECK, Germany, June 14 (Reuters) - Serbia & Montenegro assistant coach Goran Stevanovic said the withdrawal of Nemanja Vidic had left his defensive plans in ruins.
Villa savours Spain's superb start (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Two-goal hero David Villa said he hoped Spain's thumping 4-0 win over World Cup debutants Ukraine on Wednesday would set them up for a good tournament.
Pirlo graduates to central role for Azzurri (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo, the bright hope who looked unable to live up to his youthful promise, now finds himself at the heart of the Azzurri's World Cup challenge.
Argentina's my anthem: Camoranesi (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy's Argentina-born midfielder Mauro Camoranesi admitted on Wednesday he did not know the Italian national anthem and referred to the Argentine anthem as his 'own'.
Sven can't win us World Cup: Fowler (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Former England striker Robbie Fowler believes if Sven-Goran Eriksson's side win the World Cup this summer it will be the players - and not the coach - who deserve all the credit.
Ghanaians still suffering after Italy defeat (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ghana's players are still down two days after their 2-0 World Cup Group E defeat by Italy in Hanover.
Aragones leaves Raul on the bench (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Luis Aragones has left Spain's record goalscorer Raul on the bench for their opening World Cup match against Ukraine.
Lampard wary of T&T two (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Frank Lampard believes shackling Trinidad and Tobago stars Dwight Yorke and Stern John holds the key to England's passage into the World Cup knock-out stages.
French succumb to fear factor (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The best part of France's performance was the national anthem, says Alex Chick.
Big Ron will eat up my record: Muller (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany goalscoring legend Gerd Muller believes Ronaldo is about to make World Cup history despite a woeful performance from the Brazil striker against Croatia in his country's opening game.
Brazil blasts overweight, out of touch Ronaldo (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazil striker Ronaldo was given dismal reviews by the Brazilian media on Wednesday after his lumbering display in the 1-0 win over Croatia.
Baros recovery delayed (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Aston Villa striker Milan Baros is still suffering from a foot injury and is uncertain when he will be available to play for the Czech Republic in the World Cup.
Les Bleus disappoint French (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
French newspapers were critical of Les Bleus' dull display after they drew 0-0 against Switzerland in their World Cup Group G opener on Tuesday.
Puyol denies rift with Ukraine's Shevchenko (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Spain defender Carles Puyol insists there is no bad blood between himself and Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko.
Beenhakker slams dead-ball England (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Leo Beenhakker insists England are little more than a dead-ball team.
Rooney in, Neville out for England? (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Trinidad and Tobago's physical style could convince England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson to delay Wayne Rooney's comeback.
'Heavy' Ronaldo will start (Jun 14, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira stood by Ronaldo after the striker's lacklustre performance against Croatia on Tuesday, promising he would keep his place for the next match.
Brazil a bit shaky in 1-0 win over Croatia in opener (Jun 13, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Heavily favored Brazil got off to a solid start with a 1-0 win over Croatia on Tuesday.
France fails to score in tie with Switzerland (Jun 13, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The star-studded French were held to a 0-0 tie by Switzerland on Tuesday.
South Korea makes history with win over Togo (Jun 13, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Togo got its coach back for its opening World Cup match, and even took a halftime lead, then everything fell apart in a 2-1 loss.
Galarcep: Beasley's starting spot in doubt (Jun 13, 2006 16:00 GMT)
U.S. stars Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley were invisible against the Czech Republic, something that may cost Beasley his starting position, writes Ives Galarcep.
Hopkins: U.S. reverts to Plan B (Jun 13, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The U.S. team that showed up against the Czechs appeared to be uninspired and unmotivated, in complete contrast to the '02 team, writes Allen Hopkins.
Impressive Croatia not humbled (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Croatia's fans lit flares and celebrated at the end of their 1-0 defeat to Brazil in their opening World Cup match at the Olympiastadion on Tuesday to show just how proud they were of their team.
Beckham hits out at German family insults (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
David Beckham insists the German slurs against his family will not distract him from the World Cup.
Goal hero Kaka calls for improvement (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazil's matchwinner Kaka admitted the reigning champions were less than convincing in their 1-0 victory over Croatia.
Poland set to drop midfield general Szymkowiak (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Poland coach Pawel Janas is likely to drop playmaker Miroslaw Szymkowiak for Wednesday's crunch Group A clash with Germany in Dortmund.
France coach refuses to blame referee (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France coach Raymond Domenech criticised a 'fussy' referee after watching his side fail to break their eight-year World Cup goal drought against Switzerland on Tuesday in a 0-0 draw in Group G.
Aragones dismisses Spain's unbeaten run (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Going into the World Cup with the longest unbeaten record of any of the 32 participants is irrelevant, Spain coach Luis Aragones said on Tuesday.
Doubts over future of Togo coach Pfister (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Togo said on Tuesday they would decide within 24 hours whether to stick with Otto Pfister as coach after a chaotic build-up to the World Cup was followed by a 2-1 defeat in their opening game.
Czechs bouncing in Germany (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The Czech Republic have justified their position as the world's number two side, explains Norman Hubbard.
Sebastian Contursi: Positive thoughts for Argentina (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
After an opening performance of much promise, Sebastian Contursi senses success for Argentina.
Korea can make last 16, insists Advocaat (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Dick Advocaat believes South Korea have a fighting chance of making the last 16 after storming back to defeat Togo.
Hiddink to risk yellow-carded players against Brazil (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australia have ruled out the prospect of fielding a weakened team in their next World Cup match against Brazil to protect their players from being suspended for their final Group F game with Croati
Leg injury keeps Borgetti out of Group D qualifiers (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Mexican striker Jared Borgetti will miss the rest of his country's World Cup Group D games, the team's doctor said on Monday.
Beckham singles out Yorke (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England captain David Beckham warned on Tuesday that his former Manchester United team mate Dwight Yorke will provide the World Cup threat when they face Trinidad & Tobago.
Roberto Gotta: 'Moggi told us we will win' (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Roberto Gotta put the scandals of calcio behind him to find some positives in Italy's opening match.
Confident Hargreaves ignores the naysayers (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Owen Hargreaves is adamant he has full confidence in his own ability despite criticism from sections of the England support and from the media.
Uli Hesse-Lichtenberger: Don't believe the hype (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Uli Hesse-Lichtenberger rounds on the World Cup's harbingers of doom and looks ahead to Germany's game against Poland.
Knee injury ends World Cup for Serbia's Vidic (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Serbia & Montenegro centre back Nemanja Vidic will miss the remainder of the World Cup after damaging knee liggaments in training on Monday.
Bayern confirm interest in Van Nistelrooy (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Bayern Munich president Karl-Heinz Rumenigge admits the club is considering a swoop for Manchester United misfit Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Injury boost for Czech giant Koller (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The question over injured Czech Republic striker Jan Koller's return to his team's World Cup bid on Tuesday became 'when' rather than 'if', relief for the side whose perfect start was soured by worrie
Pfister named as Togo coach for opener (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Otto Pfister was named as Togo coach on the official team sheet for the side's World Cup debut against South Korea on Tuesday after days of confusion over who would be in charge.
Weary but jubilant Aussie fans celebrate win (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Bleary-eyed but jubilant Australians straggled into work on Tuesday after staying up late to watch Australia score their first ever World Cup finals win.
Ronaldo eyeing records warns Parreira (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has insisted Ronaldo's critics will be forced to eat their words.
Ghana's Kuffour disconsolate after Italy howler (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ghana defender Samuel Kuffour begged his country for forgiveness after his mistake allowed Italy to seal victory in the first round of Group E matches.
'Dream come true' for Italy's Iaqunita (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy striker Vincenzo Iaquinta celebrated 'the best moment of my career' after scoring against Ghana in his team's World Cup opener.
Focus on Brazil as champions meet Croatia (Jun 13, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Champions Brazil, patiently watching and waiting for the first four days of the World Cup, launch their attempt to win the competition for the sixth time on Tuesday.
Pope injures hand; x-rays negative, can play vs. Italy (Jun 12, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The United States' disappointing 3-0 loss to the Czech Republic on Monday might have cost them the services of defender Eddie Pope, too.
Canales: U.S. faces uphill struggle (Jun 12, 2006 16:00 GMT)
With the loss to the Czech Republic, the U.S. faces the unenviable position of having to win or go home, writes Andrea Canales.
Carlisle: U.S. vs. Czech Republic recap (Jun 12, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Following the debacle against the Czechs, the U.S. will need to make changes in both its lineup and attitude, writes Jeff Carlisle.
Stylish Italy eases past Ghana (Jun 12, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Italy's "danger man" came through for the Azzurri.
Drehs: Five disappointing minutes (Jun 12, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The U.S. team was surprisingly listless and flat during the game against the Czechs, writes Wayne Drehs.
Cahill the hero for Australia (Jun 12, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The wait for a World Cup goal -- and a win -- is over for Australia.
Rosicky leads Czech rout of U.S. (Jun 12, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Routed 3-0 by the Czech Republic on Monday night, the United States might have a very short World Cup stay this year.
Bush calls U.S. World Cup team with good luck wishes (Jun 12, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The U.S. World Cup team got good luck wishes from the world's most powerful sports fan Monday when President Bush called before the Americans' opening match against the Czech Republic.
Tournament over for Paraguay keeper Villar (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar's World Cup is over after a scan confirmed the extent of his leg injury.
Italy had little bit extra, says Lippi (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italian coach Marcello Lippi said he was very satisfied with his team's 2-0 win over Ghana in their World Cup Group E opener on Monday.
Hamstring injury could sideline Borgetti for a week (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Mexican striker Jared Borgetti, who limped off injured in Sunday's 3-1 World Cup victory over Iran, could be out of action for seven to 10 days, the Mexican team doctor said on Monday.
Arena's men left with scars and strife (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
U.S. coach Bruce Arena ripped into his players after they were thrashed on the pitch by the Czech Republic on Monday and singled out his key player Landon Donovan for an especially harsh public tongue
Jolly: No need for nationalism with coaches (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Hiddink and Scolari prove that talent is much better than blind nationalism, says Richard Jolly.
Czechs' delight tempered by Koller injury (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
A bad thigh injury sustained by striker Jan Koller took the gloss off Czech Republic's 3-0 victory over United States in their opening Group E game on Monday.
Paraguay keeper Villar to have decisive scan (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar will undergo a scan on his right leg to discover whether he will play any further part in the World Cup.
Ribery handed start as Domenech names XI (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Exciting newcomer Franck Ribery will start a match for France for the first time when they open their World Cup campaign against Switzerland at the Gottlieb Daimler Stadion on Tuesday.
Japan keeper shell-shocked by late blitz (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Japan goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi was shell-shocked after a 3-1 defeat by Australia in their World Cup opener on Monday.
Derek Rae: Cahill gives Socceroos true belief (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Surrogate Aussie Derek Rae was in Kaiserslautern to see a famous comeback.
Zidane wants to evoke Spirit of '98 (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Zinedine Zidane, who will retire after the World Cup, said he hoped to recapture the spirit of 1998 when he inspired France to their triumph on home turf.
Sheva trains, but fitness doubts remain (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Captain Andriy Shevchenko did not appear troubled by his knee injury at training on Monday but it remained unclear whether he would be fit for Ukraine's World Cup opener against Spain on Wednesday.
Cahill hopes for Socceroos recognition (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australia's two-goal scorer Tim Cahill said the remarkable 3-1 victory over Japan on Monday would put the Socceroos on the same level as the country's cricketers and rugby players.
Swiss youth hope ageing French will wilt (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Switzerland coach Koebi Kuhn is hoping that the hot weather forecast for Tuesday's Group G match against France will work in favour of his young side.
Pfister makes u-turn to return as Togo coach (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Otto Pfister, who quit as coach of the Togo team last week, will return to take charge of the debutants for their first-ever World Cup match on Tuesday.
Argentina's Maxi: Kezman man to watch (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Serbia & Montenegro striker Mateja Kezman is a moody player but can be extremely dangerous when on form, Argentina's World Cup winger Maxi Rodriguez said on Monday.
Coach row 'a national disgrace' (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Togo's media voiced shame over the team's demands for hefty bonus payments at the World Cup, with one newspaper branding the row 'a national disgrace'.
Ljungberg-Mellberg spat rumours dismissed (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sweden have strongly denied media reports suggesting a rift within their camp ahead of their crucial Group B game against Paraguay on Thursday.
Poles urged to change tactical approach (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Poland coach Pawel Janas is under mounting pressure to make radical changes to his lineup for Wednesday's game against Germany in Dortmund.
Ballack hopes to shore up leaking defence (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Captain Michael Ballack will seek to create order from chaos in the Germany defence and midfield when he returns for their second Group A game against Poland in Dortmund on Wednesday.
Djoruou on standby to start for Switzerland (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Johan Djourou is standing by to play for Switzerland against Arsenal club-mate Thierry Henry tomorrow as the Swiss prepare to open their campaign against France.
FIFA turn heat on smoking La Volpe (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
FIFA will write to Mexico's colourful coach Ricardo Lavolpe asking him to stop smoking during Mexico's World Cup matches.
Kewell in, Cahill out for Australia (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australia coach Guus Hiddink has left midfielder Tim Cahill on the bench for the Socceroos' first World Cup match for 32 years. But Liverpool winger Harry Kewell, who had also been a fitness doubt, is
Ivankovic laments gift of a goal (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Iran keeper Ebrahim Mirzapour gifted Mexico a goal when he failed to clear in Sunday's Group D match but their coach insists there will be no more presents.
Dutch defence delights Cocu (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Dutch midfielder Phillip Cocu said his team showed the defensive strength needed for a successful World Cup in the 1-0 win over Serbia & Montenegro in Group C on Sunday.
FIFA to close Frankfurt roof for Korea match (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The roof will be closed at Frankfurt's Waldstadion for Tuesday's Group G match between South Korea and Togo, FIFA confirmed on Monday.
Marquez calls for calm (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Mexico captain Rafael Marquez called for calm and commonsense after the players and fans celebrated a 3-1 win over Iran in their opening Group D game.
Real life amidst death (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Norman Hubbard enthuses about Group C, where excellent fare has so far been on offer.
De la Cruz eyes England in second round (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ecuador full-back Ulises De la Cruz would love to face England in the last 16 of the World Cup.
Iran talisman Daei a doubt (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Iran striker Ali Daei could miss his team's next match against Portugal on Saturday due to a back injury, his coach Branko Ivankovic said on Monday.
Angola want win to accompany moral victory (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Angola can breathe a sigh of relief after emerging from the biggest came they have ever played with their dignity intact and renewed self-confidence.
Andrew Downie: Weighty issues best avoided (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Andrew Downie reports on Brazil's president's faux pas of mentioning Ronaldo's waistline.
Stern John: T&T ready to shock England (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Coventry striker Stern John believes Trinidad and Tobago can surprise England on Thursday in Nuremberg.
Skipper Viduka hopes to end goal drought (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australian skipper Mark Viduka admits he is concerned by his lack of goals in recent internationals as he prepares for the Socceroos' World Cup opener against Japan in Kaiserslautern.
Figo blasts critics that 1-0 was enough (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Portugal captain Luis Figo hit back at the critics who insisted a 1-0 win over World Cup debutants Angola represents a poor start to the Group D campaign.
Togo coach confusion (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Coach Winfried Schaefer did not think on Monday that Togo would be able to meet his conditions to step in as coach during their debut World Cup finals.
World Cup broadcast across Korean divide (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
South Korea has begun sending TV signals of soccer's World Cup finals to North Korea for delayed broadcasts in the communist neighbour, a South Korean official said on Monday.
Walcott injury places further pressure on Sven (Jun 12, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England's striking options have been further hit after Theo Walcott suffered a calf injury.
Portugal makes hard work of Angola (Jun 11, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The early cheers for a classy goal soon faded to jeers for Portugal.
Bravo's brace eases Mexican nerves (Jun 11, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Mexico gave its raucous fans a reason to celebrate and a grieving Oswaldo Sanchez a reason to smile
Carlisle: On Bobby Convey's progress (Jun 11, 2006 16:00 GMT)
After going from afterthought to a potential key contributor in midfield, Bobby Convey's star is on the rise, writes Jeff Carlisle.
Robben nets winner for the Dutch (Jun 11, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The orange fans ruled the stands, and Dutch winger Arjen Robben reigned on the field.
Drehs: A team of confidence (Jun 11, 2006 16:00 GMT)
On the eve of its opener, the U.S. team is brimming with confidence, thanks largely in part to coach Bruce Arena, writes Wayne Drehs.
Carlisle: U.S. vs. Czech Republic preview (Jun 11, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The U.S. faces a dinged-up foe in its opener, but Bruce Arena still expects the Czech Republic to be dangerous, writes Jeff Carlisle.
Rooney may play against T&T, hints Eriksson (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sven-Goran Eriksson is 'optimistic' Wayne Rooney could play some part for England against Trinidad and Tobago.
Scorer Pauleta admits Portugal must do better (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Scorer Pauleta said Portugal would have to improve after struggling to kill off Angola's challenge before winning their Group D opener 1-0 on Sunday.
Iran coach blames lack of fitness (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Iran coach Branko Ivankovic bemoaned the lack of fitness of his key German-based players after his side tailed off in the second half and suffered a 3-1 loss to Mexico in their opening Group D match
Totti to feature against Ghana - Lippi (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy coach Marcello Lippi has confirmed that playmaker Francesco Totti will play in Monday's World Cup opener against Ghana.
La Volpe confident after Mexico's Iran victory (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Mexico coach Ricardo Lavolpe had the last laugh over his critics on Sunday when he made two tactical halftime substitutions and steered his team to a convincing 3-1 triumph over Iran.
Czechs won't take a risk on Baros' fitness (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner has vowed not to risk Milan Baros by playing him when he is not 100% fit.
Heinze full of beans after injury all-clear (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Gabriel Heinze was able to breathe a sigh of relief as Argentina took their first tentative steps towards World Cup redemption - and he emerged unscathed.
Rooney straining to get in to the action (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Wayne Rooney's first taste of World Cup action was to sit on the bench and watch England grind out a scruffy win.
Shevchenko's fitness still in doubt (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Captain Andriy Shevchenko's fitness for Ukraine's World Cup opener against Spain remained in doubt on Sunday even though he trained, a team spokesman said.
Chilavert blasts 'worst-ever' England display (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Jose Luis Chilavert has criticised Paraguay's display against an England side he describes as the 'worst in history'.
Australia upset at pressure on match officials (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australia coach Guus Hiddink has accused Japanese officials of unfairly trying to influence the refereeing of Monday's Group F opener at the World Cup after his Socceroos were labelled a 'dirty' team.
I can play even better, boasts Robben (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Tricky Netherlands winger Arjen Robben gave the Serbia & Montenegro defence a torrid time as he scored in Sunday's 1-0 win but said he could still improve.
Lemerre extends Tunisia stay until 2008 (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Tunisia coach Roger Lemerre has signed a new contract to stay with the north African side until at least 2008, the President of the Tunisian Federation said on Sunday.
Saudis offered large incentive to qualify (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Saudi Arabia's players could earn up to 600,000 riyal ($160,000) each if they reach the last 16 of the World Cup, a team spokesman confirmed on Sunday.
Croatia name team and hope for Brazil draw (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Croatia's players and coach would be pleased to launch their World Cup campaign with a draw against champions Brazil in Berlin on Tuesday.
Van Basten springs a surprise (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Netherlands manager Marco van Basten has left Dirk Kuyt and Rafael Van der Vaart out of his team to face Serbia and Montenegro.
Phil Ball: All Quiet on the Spanish Front (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Spain know better than to expect much from Germany 2006, says Phil Ball.
Cole happy for more striking duties (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Joe Cole is ready to be England's fifth striker by playing off Michael Owen or
Peter Crouch if he is asked to again by Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Ayala laments Argentina's substitutions (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The presence of Gabriel Heinze
in the heart of Argentina's defence helped the twice champions
to hold off the challenge of Ivory Coast in World Cup Group C
but the team's overall performance left room
Ballack will return: Klinsmann (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany captain Michael Ballack
will return for the host's second World Cup Group A game against
Poland on Wednesday, coach Juergen Klinsmann said on Sunday.
Goal-shy Swedes reflect upon T&T blank (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sweden have yet to win a
match this year having scored only two goals and face an uphill
battle after a 0-0 draw against Trinidad & Tobago on Saturday.
Drogba rues missed chances in Ivorian loss (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ifs, buts and maybes count for
nothing at the World Cup finals and the Ivory Coast must take
that lesson into their remaining two games in Group C, after
they were beaten 2-1 by Argentina.
Sweden is our final now: Paraguay's Valdez (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
FRANKFURT, June 11 (Reuters) - For the first 20 minutes of
their 1-0 defeat by England on Saturday Paraguay resembled a
side not really believing they were ready to mix it with the
heavyweights of wor
Iran hope to replace injured Zare (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
NUREMBERG, June 11 (Reuters) - Iran are waiting for FIFA to
approve their request to replace injured defender Sattar Zare
with Hadi Shakoury, a team official said on Sunday.
Swiss striker Streller survives scare (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Switzerland
striker Marco Streller has been given the all-clear by team
doctors after a training ground scare on Saturday.
Kosowski doubtful for Poles against Germany (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
A strained hamstring may keep Poland midfielder Kamil Kosowski out of Wednesday's Group A game against Germany in Dortmund, a team spokesman said on Sunday.
Costa Rica defender Martinez out of tournament (Jun 11, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Costa Rica defender Gilberto Martinez is out of the World Cup with a knee injury, a team official said on Sunday.
'Party mood' reigns in Germany on second day of play (Jun 10, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The off-the-field calm of the World Cup's opening day extended into Saturday, thanks to intensive security and a party mood after England's first win.
Argentina holds off late Ivory Coast surge (Jun 10, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Argentina kept the Elephants from
dancing in their World Cup debut.
Togo's coach quits over money issues (Jun 10, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Something is undoing what tiny Togo built
in its improbable run to the World Cup. That something is money.
Hislop heroics earn Trinidad and Tobago a draw (Jun 10, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Dwight Yorke led his Trinidad and
Tobago teammates around the perimeter of the field, saluting their
fans and savoring a moment few thought could ever happen.
Koller poses aerial threat to U.S. (Jun 10, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Jan Koller is perched at the top of the
Czech offense, sticking out like a redwood, a 6-foot-7½-inch target
towering above defenders and teammates.
England beats Paraguay 1-0 off own goal (Jun 10, 2006 16:00 GMT)
England got the win, and didn't even
need to score a goal.
Paraguay captain Carlos Gamarra headed in an own-goal in the
third minute Saturday.
Winner: Arena's policies keep the U.S. team relaxed (Jun 10, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Bruce Arena's liberal policies allow the U.S, national team to stay loose on eve of World Cup, writes Andrew Winner.
Conrad's Corner: First few days in Hamburg (Jun 10, 2006 16:00 GMT)
What does a U.S. national team player get up to while in Hamburg for the World Cup? Jimmy Conrad fills us in.
Schaefer on verge of becoming Togo coach (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Former Cameroon coach Winfried Schaefer has postponed until Monday a decision to coach World Cup finalists Togo but said he would do the job if his conditions are met.
Pekerman lauds Crespo (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Argentina captain Juan Pablo Sorin was pleased with the approach of his team in their 2-1 win over Ivory Coast on Saturday.
Dead leg ends Costa Rica defender's tournament (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Costa Rica defender Gilberto Martinez's World Cup is over due to a leg injury.
Grieving Sanchez given time to decide (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Mexico have given grieving goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez the night to sleep on the decision of whether he is ready to play at the World Cup.
Croatians hopeful Olic can play a part (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Croatia forward Ivica Olic will not start their World Cup opener against Brazil on Tuesday but could make it to the substitutes' bench, coach Zlatko Kranjcar told reporters on Saturday.
Swiss striker crisis after Streller twists knee (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Switzerland striker Marco Streller twisted his knee in training and could be a doubt for Tuesday's Group G opener against France in Stuttgart.
Iran defender Zare set for Cup KO (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Iran defender Sattar Zare is expected to miss Sunday's Group D match against Mexico in Nuremberg and could be out of the World Cup with an injury, Iran coach Branko Ivankovic said on Saturday.
Richard Jolly: A tale of two Owens (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sven's favouring of a fading striker and a jobbing midfielder baffles Richard Jolly.
Swedes look back on missed chances (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sweden rued wasting a hatful of chances during their surprise 0-0 draw with World Cup Group B's outsiders Trinidad & Tobago on Saturday, according to midfielder Kim Kallstrom.
Viduka returns to boost Socceroos (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Striker Mark Viduka rejoined the Australians at training on Saturday as they began putting the final touches to their preparations for Monday's World Cup clash with Japan in Kaiserslautern.
Cocu and Sneijder risk-free and ready to start (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Dutchmen Phillip Cocu and Wesley Sneijder were set to start the World Cup opener against Serbia & Montenegro on Sunday after coming through a final training session on Saturday.
Paraguay coach takes positives, despite loss (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Paraguay coach Anibal Ruiz blamed a terrible opening 15 minutes for his side's 1-0 defeat by England in the Group B opener at the World Cup on Saturday.
Injured Paraguay keeper likely to sit out remainder (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar is likely to miss the rest of the World Cup after limping off early in their 1-0 defeat by England on Saturday.
Nick Bidwell: Difficult to please Deutschland (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Nick Bidwell gauges a cautious German reaction to a goal-glut.
Lehmann declared fit for Poland clash (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Jens Lehmann has been declared fit for Germany's World Cup match with Poland on Wednesday despite twisting his ankle on Friday.
Sven happy despite drab 2nd-half showing (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson expressed satisfaction at his team's opening World Cup victory but admitted the performance left room for improvement.
The hosts with the most (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germans: Free-scoring, liberal in defence and quite the party animals. It's true, says Uli Hesse-Lichtenberger.
Tunisia sweating on dos Santos injury (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Tunisia are waiting to find out whether their leading striker Francileudo dos Santos will play any part in the World Cup as he still struggles with a shin injury.
Germany play down Lehmann injury fears (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Jens Lehmann has been declared fit for Germany's World Cup match with Poland on Wednesday despite twisting his ankle yesterday.
Injured Malouda doubtful for France opener (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Midfielder Florent Malouda could miss France's World Cup opener against Switzerland on Tuesday because of an injury, France coach Raymond Domenech said on Saturday.
Lahm hits out at Germany's critics (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany's Philipp Lahm, scorer of a spectacular first goal in the 2006 World Cup, hit out on Saturday at critics of the home nation's defensive failings in their 4-2 win over Costa Rica.
Ballack focuses on fitness training (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany captain Michael Ballack, who missed the host nation's opening World Cup game due to a calf injury, did fitness training and some running on Saturday, the German Football Association said.
Ghana coach Dujkovic confident of reaching semis (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
World Cup debutants Ghana are cpable of reaching the semi-finals and are not overawed at the thought of meeting world champions Brazil in the first knockout round, their coach said on Saturday.
Poland skipper plotting way Bak (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Poland captain Jacek Bak admits his team are planning a 'Great Escape' from the Group A after losing 2-0 to Ecuador.
Baros losing battle to be fit for Czech opener (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Czech Republic striker Milan Baros looks certain to miss Monday's World Cup opener against the United States.
Gerrard passed fit to start against Paraguay (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Steven Gerrard was declared fit to start for England in their World Cup opener
against Paraguay in Frankfurt.
Brazil president sorry for branding Ronaldo fat (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazil president
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has apologised to striker Ronaldo for
asking whether the player was fat during a video-conference with
the national team on Thursday.
Italy's Nesta gets go-ahead to face Ghana (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy defender
Alessandro Nesta has been given the all-clear for Monday's World
Cup Group E game with Ghana.
Compensate Reds for Cisse injury: Benitez (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez wants FIFA regulations changed and his club to be compensated for the broken leg suffered by their France striker Djibril Cisse in a friendly match against China.
Mawuena takes over Togo (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Kodjovi Mawuena has taken over
as coach of the Togolese national team after Otto Pfister walked
out overnight in a World Cup pay dispute between officials and
the squad, a team spokesman said on Satu
Wanchope remains hopeful of going through (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Paulo Wanchope believes Costa Rica can still reach the second round of the World Cup finals despite losing Friday's opening match 4-2 to hosts Germany.
Togo coach Pfister walks out over pay row (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Togo's debut appearance in the World Cup lay in tatters tonight after coach Otto Pfister, who had only been in the job since February, dramatically resigned over a pay dispute.
England await final check on Gerrard (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sven-Goran Eriksson will check on Steven Gerrard's fitness before he finalises his team for today's World Cup clash with Paraguay.
Santa Cruz vows to inspire Paraguay (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Roque Santa Cruz is confident he can inspire Paraguay to a shock victory over England in their World Cup clash in Frankfurt today.
Ballack dismisses talk of row with Klinsmann (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Michael Ballack has played down speculation about a potential rift between him and Jurgen Klinsmann.
Tenorio confident Ecuador will advance (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ecuador goalscorer Carlos Tenorio is adamant the South Americans can go far in
their second World Cup campaign - but would like qualification to be achieved
before their final group A match with hos
Gerrard recovers to take place in England side (Jun 10, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Steven Gerrard is winning his battle to be fit for England's World Cup opener with Paraguay in Frankfurt today.
Ecuador proves credentials with win over Poland (Jun 9, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Agustin Delgado and Ecuador proved
they are World Cup worthy far away from the comforts -- and high
altitude -- of home.
Drehs: The other opening day (Jun 9, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The World Cup is one big party that is quite unlike any other sporting event anywhere, writes Wayne Drehs.
Germany opens tournament with win over Costa Rica (Jun 9, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Germany responded to the pressure as the
World Cup's host nation with a 4-2 victory over Costa Rica in the
tournament opener Friday.
Sanchez expected back for Mexico's opener (Jun 9, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez will
rejoin the Mexican national team in time for its World Cup opener,
the team's trainer said.
Delgado warns elated Ecuador to stay grounded (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Striker Agustin Delgado, one of the goal-scorers in Ecuador's 2-0 World Cup win over Poland on Friday, said his side must keep their feet on the ground after the surprise result.
Totti still not fit, but ready to give his all (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy forward Francesco Totti said on Friday that he was not yet fully fit but was still ready to start against Ghana in the Azzurri's opening World Cup Group E game.
Costa Rica upbeat, despite opening loss (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Costa Rica coach Alexandre Guimaraes found reasons to be optimistic despite his team's 4-2 defeat by Germany in the opening game of the World Cup.
Ankle injury may force out Lehmann (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Jens Lehmann might face a stint on the sidelines after picking up a painful ankle injury in Germany's 4-2 victory over Costa Rica.
Lahm celebrates thrilling goal in curtain-raiser (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Philipp Lahm, who fired hosts Germany to a dream start at the World Cup with the first goal in a 4-2 win over Costa Rica in Friday's opening game, praised the noisy home fans for their support.
Klinsmann: Playing Ballack too high a risk (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann said he could not risk playing captain Michael Ballack in the World Cup opener against Costa Rica on Friday.
Iranian Zandi set to miss Mexico clash (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Iran's German-based midfielder Ferydoon Zandi has been ruled out of his country's World Cup opener with Mexico on Sunday, coach Branko Ivankovic said on Friday.
T&T's Andrews breaks down in training (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Rangers centre-back Marvin Andrews has been ruled out of Trinidad and Tobago's opening game against Sweden after suffering a recurrence of a knee
injury.
Mexico keeper crisis after family death (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Jose de Jesus Corona will take no pleasure from replacing Mexico's number one goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez in Sunday's World Cup opener against Iran.
Hiddink wants Roos on best behaviour (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Coach Guus Hiddink has warned Australia's players to be on their best behaviour in their opening World Cup match against Japan, fearing any ill-discipline could derail their campaign.
Deco a Portugal doubt for Angola opener (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari says there is a doubt about Portugal midfielder Deco's fitness for Sunday's World Cup game with Angola.
Signs look bad as Baros limps out early (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Czech Republic striker Milan Baros's return to training on Friday lasted a mere 15 minutes before he sat out the rest of the session on the bench with a foot injury.
Croatia's Olic could miss opener against Brazil (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Croatia forward Ivica Olic is set to miss his country's World Cup opener against Brazil as he is struggling to shake off a thigh strain.
'Winning is the only option' (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Leonardo, Brazilian veteran of two finals, tells Kevin Palmer there will only be one winner.
Ukraine squad land in Germany, coach upbeat (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ukraine's squad touched down at Berlin's Tegel Airport on Friday, the last of the 31 visiting World Cup teams to arrive on German soil.
Vidic to sit out Serbia & Montenegro opener (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Serbia and Montenegro will have to play their first match in what is unquestionably the toughest group in the World Cup without their Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic.
Heinze: I owe World Cup place to Sir Alex (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sir Alex Ferguson's motives over Wayne Rooney's World Cup participation may have been questioned but Gabriel Heinze has no doubt he will owe the Manchester United manager a big debt when he runs out a
Beautiful losers no more? (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Marco Van Basten's team may well reflect an outbreak of pragmatism in Dutch football, says Ernst Bouwes.
Argentina name team for Ivory Coast debut (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Argentina coach Jose Pekerman named on Friday the following team for their opening World Cup Group C match against Ivory Coast in Hamburg on Saturday
Lippi waits for injury news on Nesta (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy coach Marcello Lippi will wait as long as possible before naming his side for their World Cup opener against Ghana on Monday in the hope that Alessandro Nesta will have recovered from injury.
England hatch novel plan for penalties (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England are using a ploy in training that would make every goalkeeper's World Cup penalty dream come true.
Brazil president joins 'is Ronaldo fat?' debate (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazil president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva joined in the speculation over Ronaldo's weight by jokingly asking if the striker was fat during a video conference with the team.
Suarez: No sex please, we're Ecuadorean (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ecuador coach Luis Fernando Suarez had no qualms about imposing a World Cup sex ban on his players.
Deco doubtful for Portugal opener (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Deco is an injury doubt for Portugal's World Cup opener against Angola on Sunday.
Skipper Ballack misses Costa Rica opener (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany captain Michael Ballack was left out of the World Cup opener against Costa Rica in Group A on Friday, despite having declared himself fit on the eve of the match.
China TV expects 10 billion to tune in for finals (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
China's state television service CCTV is expecting an audience of 10 billion for their World Cup coverage, even though most of the matches will take place in the middle of the night and the national t
Beenhakker: We'll be fresh despite late friendly (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Leo Beenhakker has shrugged off criticism that Trinidad and Tobago will be worn out come their opening game against Sweden here on Saturday.
Ibrahimovic reveals Harmony in Sweden camp (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Juventus striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes Sweden's team ethic gives the nation cause for optimism at the World Cup.
Departing Defoe praised for positive attitude (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Wayne Rooney's return to full training has proved a big boost for everyone in the England camp except Jermain Defoe.
Win! How England won the World Cup! (Jun 9, 2006 11:00 GMT)
World Cup 2006 fever has already begun, and what better way to get in the spirit and support the England Squad than to re-live the victorious moments of the 1966 World Cup.
Sanchez returns to Mexico with status uncertain (Jun 8, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez returned
to Mexico on Thursday to be with his family after the sudden death
of his father.
Chang: World Cup overview (Jun 8, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Brazil are once again the heavy favorites to win the World Cup, but the Selecao aren't the only thing worth keeping an eye on, writes Jen Chang.
Rooney trains with England after return to Germany (Jun 8, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Wayne Rooney practiced with England
on Thursday, hours after returning to Germany on a late-night
flight and being cleared by doctors to play in the World Cup.
Drehs: The World Cup path of Clint Dempsey (Jun 8, 2006 16:00 GMT)
On his path to stardom, Clint Dempsey has taken an atypical route and owes as much to his family as he does to his natural talent, writes Wayne Drehs.
Klinsmann defends Ballack over injury row (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann has jumped to the defence of injured talisman Michael Ballack in the heated debate over what has been dubbed the 'calf of the nation'.
Viduka suffers injury scare (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australia captain Mark Viduka was forced to sit out his team's practice session on Thursday after injuring his leg while warming up.
'I'm fit to face Japan', Kewell (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Harry Kewell declared himself fit and ready to play in Australia's opening World Cup match with Japan after clearing two major hurdles.
Costa Rica aiming to spoil Germany's party (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Costa Rica manager Alexandre Guimaraes insists his team can join Senegal and Cameroon among the great World Cup giant-killers.
USA's Arena wary of injured Czechs reports (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
U.S. coach Bruce Arena says he is not sure what to make of reports that several Czech Republic players are injured ahead of their Group E clash on Monday.
Japan's Nakamura calms injury fears (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura has tried to calm fears he might miss Japan's World Cup opener against Australia on Monday.
Tunisia's star man to miss opening fixture (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Tunisia's leading striker Francileudo dos Santos will miss their opening World Cup game against Saudi Arabia next week with a shin injury, his team mate Mehdi Nafti told reporters on Thursday.
Ballack fuming over delayed treatment claims (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Michael Ballack has reacted furiously to criticism of the way he handled the injury that will keep him out of Germany's World Cup opener against Costa Rica in Munich on Friday.
Minute's silence to precede World Cup opener (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
A minute's silence in memory of football figures who have died in the past year will be held before Friday's opening World Cup match between Germany and Costa Rica in Munich.
'World Cup Fever' hits Disneyland Resort® Paris (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
'World Cup Fever' hits Disneyland Resort® Paris
Marking Crouch a tall order, says Paraguay coach (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Towering England striker Peter Crouch is among Paraguay coach Anibal Ruiz's main concerns as he draws up his battle plans ahead of their first World Cup Group B match on Saturday.
Iran coach seeks club position after World Cup (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Iran coach Branko Ivankovic is unlikely to renew his contract when it runs out shortly after the World Cup, he told Reuters on Thursday.
Bresciano back in training after a spell in bed (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australia midfielder Marco Bresciano has been cleared to resume training after spending two days in bed with an ear infection.
Stricken Cisse's dose of Le Bleus is over (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Alex Chick was in St. Etienne to witness Djibril Cisse's sickning leg break in France's friendly.
Ronaldo to resume training after World Cup fever (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Striker Ronaldo missed Brazil training on Thursday afternoon due to a fever and sinus infection but will be fit for practice on Friday, a team doctor said.
Nesta 'could recover in time for Monday opener' (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy defender Alessandro Nesta could recover in time for the Azzurri's Group E opener against Ghana on Monday, coach Marcello Lippi said.
Injured quartet not concerning Netherlands coach (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Netherlands coach Marco van Basten says all his injured players will be fit for their World Cup opener with Serbia and Montenegro on Sunday.
First-choice Isaksson out of Sweden's first match (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
First choice goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson has been ruled out of Sweden's opening group match against Trinidad & Tobago, the Swedish daily Dagens Nyheter reported on Thursday.
Saviola feeling confident over strike partnership (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Argentina's strike partnership is showing good movement and will deliver if the pair get two chances each per match, according to Javier Saviola.
Nedved limps off as fans turn out for Czechs (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Czech playmaker Pavel Nedved limped off the training field on Thursday, but coach Karel Brueckner played down concerns that he had suffered a serious injury ahead of the World Cup.
France land in Germany with stand-in Govou (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Striker Sidney Govou, a late addition by France after Djibril Cisse broke his leg, landed in Germany with the rest of their World Cup squad on Thursday.
How kaput is the captain? (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Uli Hesse-Lichtenberger says there is more for Germany to worry about than Michael Ballack's calf.
Henry's sorrow as Cisse suffers second leg-break (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Thierry Henry has expressed his sadness at the injury to Djibril Cisse which has ruled the Liverpool striker out of the World Cup.
Eriksson takes control over Rooney comeback (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sven-Goran Eriksson has insisted Wayne Rooney is 'injury free' and now just needs to obtain match fitness before he plays in the World Cup.
Let's get cracking (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
ESPN's Derek Rae, in Munich for the start of the FIFA World Cup, says Germany, even minus Ballack, should top Group A
Ankle operation forces Martyn in to retirement (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Former England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn has announced his immediate retirement after being told he needs an ankle operation.
Striker Totti bewails Azzurri's injury curse (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy striker Francesco Totti has bemoaned the Azzurri's bad luck after they were hit by a series of late injuries ahead of their opening World Cup match against Ghana on Monday.
Mexico keeper returns home after father's death (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Mexico's first-choice keeper Oswaldo Sanchez may return in time to take his place against Iran on Sunday after he was forced to go home following the death of his father on Wednesday.
Spain win gives Aragones selection headache (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Spain's 2-1 victory over Croatia in their final World Cup warm-up match has left coach Luis Aragones with a series of selection headaches before next Wednesday's opener against Ukraine.
China's Zheng insists Cisse challenge was fair (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
China captain Zheng Zhi said the tackle which broke Djibril Cisse's leg and ruled the France striker out of the World Cup finals was a fair challenge.
Germany's Ballack ruled out of curtain-raiser (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Michael Ballack will not play in Germany's World Cup opener against Costa Rica on Friday.
Baros in fitness race for Czech opener (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner is hopeful Milan Baros will be fit for their opening World Cup game against the United States on Monday.
End of the world as Cisse breaks leg (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France have been rocked by the news that Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse has been ruled out of the World Cup after fracturing his right tibia in a friendly against China in St Etienne.
FIFA target crackdown on cheat culture (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Football's world governing body are often accused of being all words and no action but later today they may well put in place a credible mechanism for weeding out scandals involving the likes of bribe
Rooney and Gerrard join England training (Jun 8, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard joined up with their England team-mates for this morning's training session ahead of their World Cup opener against Paraguay.
Father's death leaves Mexico goalie's status uncertain (Jun 7, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The father of Mexican goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez died Wednesday of a heart attack, leaving his son's
status for the World Cup uncertain.
Leg injury shelves France's Cisse for World Cup (Jun 7, 2006 16:00 GMT)
French forward Djibril Cisse will
miss the World Cup after his right leg buckled during Wednesday
night's 3-1 win over China.
Drehs: Hatred bringing U.S. team closer together (Jun 7, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The overt hatred exhibited toward the Americans in international soccer has brought the team closer together, writes Wayne Drehs.
Grant: Q&A with Steve Cherundolo (Jun 7, 2006 16:00 GMT)
U.S. national team defender Steve Cherundolo sat down with ESPN.com to talk about U.S. hopes for the World Cup, playing club soccer in Germany and team camaraderie.
Hiddink fumes at sloppy Australian display (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Australia coach Guus Hiddink was disappointed with the attitude of his players in their 3-1 win over Liechtenstein on Wednesday but said the match could be the 'wake up call' needed for the World Cup.
Cisse out of World Cup after breaking leg (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse has been ruled out of the World Cup after fracturing his right tibia in tonight's friendly against China in St Etienne.
Santa Cruz suffers set-back in battle for fitness (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Roque Santa Cruz has suffered a fresh injury setback which could rule him out of Paraguay's opening World Cup game against England on Saturday.
Ballack doubtful as 'country's calf' saga rages (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany captain Michael Ballack was forced to cut short his return to training on Wednesday, leaving him doubtful for the opening match of the World Cup against Costa Rica on Friday.
U.S. team gets official willkommen from Hamburg (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Under the gilded oak ceiling of
Hamburg's neo-Renaissance Town Hall, the U.S. World Cup team
received its official willkommen Wednesday.
Tunisia striker withdraws after knee injury (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Tunisia striker Issam Jemaa withdrew from the World Cup on Wednesday after injuring his right knee, a team spokesman said.
Gomes waiting on the sidelines for Portugal call (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Striker Nuno Gomes, still fighting for a place in Portugal's team after being nudged out by Pauleta six years ago, wants to prove his worth in the World Cup.
Baros misses training, but Czechs remain hopeful (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Injured Czech Republic striker Milan Baros missed training on Wednesday although doctors are optimistic he will be fit for their opening World Cup game against the United States next week.
Tunisia match key to our future, say Saudis (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Coach Marcos Pequeta says Saudi Arabia's opening Group H match against Tunisia is likely to decide their World Cup fate.
Germany issues visa to one of Iran's vice presidents (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The German government will let one of Iran's vice
presidents attend the World Cup, though the leader is not
representing his nation's polarizing president.
England's Rooney cleared to rejoin World Cup squad (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England striker Wayne Rooney was
cleared to rejoin his country's World Cup squad after having his
broken right foot examined, FIFA's Web site reported Wednesday.
Mexico hoping to build on Confederations finish (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Midfielder Pavel Pardo says Mexico are capable of improving on last year's visit to Germany when they finished fourth at the Confederations Cup.
Young guns staying calm ahead of opener (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany's young guns insist they feel no pressure ahead of the opening World Cup game on Friday, despite the expectations that come with being host nation.
Star duo return to training to boost Netherlands (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Rafael van der Vaart and Giovanni van Bronckhorst joined the Dutch team's first training session in the Dreisam Stadium in Freiburg on Wednesday as they seek to prove their fitness for the World Cup.
FIFA rule no replacement for S&M dropout (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Serbia & Montenegro will conduct their World Cup campaign with only 22 players following a meeting with FIFA on Wednesday to discuss whether they could call up a replacement for centre back Dusan Petk
Toure hopes Ivory Coast can 'do an Arsenal' (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure predicted on Wednesday that the African side would 'do an Arsenal' and make a huge impact at the World Cup.
Ukraine coach hails his side's improvements (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin praised his players on Wednesday for correcting shortcomings in their preparations for the World Cup ahead of their last warm-up game.
Linderoth sits out training as 'safety measure' (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sweden midfielder Tobias Linderoth missed training in Bremen on Wednesday because of a slight thigh injury, Sweden coach Lars Lagerback said.
Gattuso out of Italy opener, maybe more (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has been ruled out of the Azzurri's opening World Cup game against Ghana with a thigh injury and faces a race to be fit for the second match.
Socceroos keeping a low profile in Germany (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Having spent more than three decades desperately trying to get to the World Cup, Australia are suddenly doing everything they can to stay away from the excitement surrounding the finals.
Legend Maldini backs under-pressure Italy (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Former Italy captain Paolo Maldini believes his countrymen will be unaffected by the soccer scandal at home when they launch their World Cup bid against Ghana on June 12.
Beenhakker not playing football on paper (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Leo Beenhakker tells Kevin Palmer Trinidad and Tobago aren't just here to party.
Rooney heads back to Germany with a smile (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Wayne Rooney boarded a return flight to Baden-Baden tonight, seemingly given the all-clear to join England's World Cup campaign.
United nations of Brazilians (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Not every Brazilian will represent the holders. Andrew Downie on the world's leading exporter of talent.
Gerrard misses training, but only as 'precaution' (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England are confident Steven Gerrard will be fit for their World Cup opener against Paraguay on Saturday.
Ballack admits doubts over Germany's chances (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany are heading into the World Cup with an inexperienced, less-than-stable team whose success is far from certain, captain Michael Ballack said in a newspaper interview.
Crocked Cardozo to stay with Paraguay squad (Jun 7, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Jose Cardozo will remain with Paraguay's World Cup squad despite being ruled out of the tournament through injury.
Hanzel: Olsen carves out a new role (Jun 6, 2006 16:00 GMT)
He might not see much playing time in the World Cup, but Ben Olsen's presence on the U.S. squad is a testament to his ability to reinvent himself, writes Mike Hanzel.
Carlisle: U.S. team appears free of injury (Jun 6, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Despite a shroud of secrecy surrounding its warm-up with Angola, one thing confirmed is that a healthy U.S. team heads into the World Cup opener, writes Jeff Carlisle.
U.S. captain Claudio Reyna is fully
fit for opener (Jun 6, 2006 16:00 GMT)
U.S. captain Claudio Reyna is fully
fit for next week's World Cup opener against the Czech Republic.
Outsiders Togo warm up with 4-0 victory (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Goals from Emmanuel Adebayor, Thomas Dossevi, Mohamed Kader Coubadja and Yao Senaya led World Cup debutants Togo to a 4-0 win over local side Wangen in their final warm-up on Tuesday.
Striker Ronaldo recovers to train with Brazil (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Striker Ronaldo trained with Brazil on Tuesday after recovering from the foot blisters which forced him off at halftime in Sunday's warm-up against New Zealand.
Kewell cleared to play in Australia warm up (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Harry Kewell has been cleared to make his return for Australia in Wednesday's friendly against Liechtenstein in Ulm.
Cisse paired with Henry for final friendly (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France will pair Djibril Cisse and Thierry Henry up front in their final World Cup warm-up against China on Wednesday.
I had no problem with Coupet, says Barthez (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France goalkeeper Fabien Barthez has denied falling out with reserve Gregory Coupet.
Germany's Ballack misses training again (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany captain Michael Ballack missed another training session because of his calf injury on Tuesday, heightening concerns that he may not be fit for the World Cup opener against Costa Rica on Friday
Us versus the world (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Roberto Gotta poo-poos the superstitions linking Italy's World Cup win in 1982 to triumph at Germany 2006.
Ballack still a doubt, Rooney trains (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Hosts Germany are still not certain captain Michael Ballack will be fit for the opening World Cup game against Costa Rica on Friday.
Sanz to appoint Del Bosque if elected Real president (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Former president Lorenzo Sanz will bring back Vicente del Bosque as Real Madrid coach if he wins the club's presidential election on July 2.
Neville issues caution over Rooney (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Wayne Rooney flies home from the World Cup tomorrow with the England camp pleading for the nation to be patient.
Paraguay lose one striker, regain another (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Paraguay lost one striker but had good news about another on Tuesday when Jose Cardozo pulled out of their World Cup squad through injury, while Roque Santa Cruz was declared fit to face England on Sa
Ronaldinho tipped to have 'wonderful' World Cup (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The World Cup will see the best of Brazil playmaker Ronaldinho, coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said on Tuesday.
'I don't know my first 11', insists US coach Arena (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
U.S. coach Bruce Arena reported a clean bill of health for all his squad on Tuesday after continuing their World Cup buildup under a veil of secrecy.
Squad depth and injuries worry Ukraine coach (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin's main headaches are injuries to senior players and a lack of depth in key positions as they prepare for their first World Cup, he said in an interview published on Tuesday.
Poland lifted by double fitness boost (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Poland captain Jacek Bak and winger Jacek Krzynowek should recover from illness and injury in time for their World Cup opener against Ecuador in Gelsenkirchen on Friday.
Brazil coach appeals for clamp down on violence (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazil's World Cup coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has appealed to referees to clamp down on violence and protect his players.
Police 'spotters' in place to pick out hooligans (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Foreign police officers who specialise in tracking soccer hooligans are deploying across Germany in the final days before the World Cup and officials said on Tuesday they were confident of averting vi
Nepotism row ends World Cup for S&M's Petkovic (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Dusan Petkovic, the son of Serbia and Montenegro coach Ilija Petkovic, has pulled out of the World Cup squad after a media outcry against his inclusion.
Ballack fitness still in doubt for opening match (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany are not yet certain that captain Michael Ballack will be fit to play in the opening match of the World Cup on Friday, although the player himself is confident of lining up against Costa Rica.
De Jong and Schaars on Dutch standby list (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Dutch coach Marco van Basten put midfielders Nigel de Jong and Stijn Schaars on World Cup standby as his players headed for Germany on Tuesday.
Czech star Rosicky steps up recovery (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Czech Republic playmaker Tomas Rosicky is scheduled to restart training with the rest of team today.
Aragones puts faith in Spanish youth (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Spain coach Luis Aragones is adamant his young side can put their country's poor World Cup record behind them and prosper in Germany this summer.
Rooney boosts England (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Striker Wayne Rooney gave England's World Cup hopes a boost on Tuesday when he began a training session with the rest of the squad.
Parma name Pioli as new coach (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italian Serie A outfit Parma have named Stefano Pioli as their new coach. The 40-year-old replaces Mario Berretta who quit last month to take charge of Siena.
Togo players finally settle pay dispute (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Togo's soccer officials have reached an agreement with their players in a dispute over World Cup pay that stops short of the team's initial demands, a spokesman for the team said on Tuesday.
Zambrotta out of Italy opener, Nesta doubtful (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Left back Gianluca Zambrotta will miss Italy's opening World Cup Group E match against Ghana on Monday after failing to recover from a thigh strain picked up in training two weeks ago.
Cech lands top national award for second time (Jun 6, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Chelsea keeper Petr Cech won the Golden Ball award as the Czech Republic's player of the season for the second time in a row, beating five-times winner Pavel Nedved of Italian champions Juventus.
U.S. beats Angola in closed-door game (Jun 5, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Brian McBride scored as the United
States beat Angola 1-0 Monday night in a closed-door practice game
played without fans or media.
Angola to test defense in warmup against U.S. (Jun 5, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Angola's top priority before it faces
Portugal in the first round of the World Cup will be strengthening
its defense. And the United States will be its first test.
Canales: Three breakout players for the U.S. (Jun 5, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The '02 World Cup was the coming-out party for Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley and Pablo Mastroeni. The '06 tourney promises to be more of the same for three new faces, writes Andrea Canales.
Angola skipper express worries over build-up (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Angola must concentrate more and make fewer mistakes if they want to put on a good display when the World Cup finals start on Friday, team captain Fabrice Akwa said on Monday.
Rooney arrives with England in Baden-Baden (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Wayne Rooney touched down in Germany with his England team-mates after another day of encouraging progress in his race to be fit for the World Cup.
T&T end losing streak with friendly win (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Trinidad and Tobago beat third division side FC St. Pauli 2-1 in Hamburg on Monday to wrap up their World Cup preparations with a victory after three straight defeats.
Ballack misses training after calf strain (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Germany captain Michael Ballack missed training as a precaution on Monday, four days before the start of the World Cup, after straining his right calf muscle.
Wenger: 'English change of outlook needed' (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Nick Bidwell talks to Arsene Wenger about England, France and his five-week German holiday.
De Boer hopeful rather than confident (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ronald De Boer, veteran of two World Cup, talks all matters Dutch to Bill Stephenson.
China crisis for Trez and Boumsong? (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Newcastle fans will not be surprised that Jean-Alain Boumsong has fallen out of favour, says Alex Chick.
Poland to start keeper Boruc against Ecuador (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc looks likely to start Poland's World Cup opener against Ecuador on Friday.
Beasley 'irritated' by uncertainty over US line-up (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
U.S. midfielder DaMarcus Beasley wants coach Bruce Arena to cut short the 'irritating' wait before naming his opening team.
Blatter tells referees to target elbowing (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Sepp Blatter has told World Cup referees to protect the players and clamp down hard on elbowing.
Klinsmann to stay on if Germany show progress (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Juergen Klinsmann will only consider staying on as Germany coach beyond the World Cup if he feels the team are making progress.
Paraguay in bullish mood as England clash looms (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Paraguay are a more skilful team than in the past and could win their opening World Cup match against England to help them to the second round of the tournament, players and the coach said on Monday.
Linderoth misses training with hamstring pull (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Defensive midfielder Tobias Linderoth missed Sweden's training session on Monday with a pulled hamstring while goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson has recovered from a minor back injury.
Thank you and good night for big stars (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Norman Hubbard takes a look at some of the aging stars who will be eager to impress in the final World Cup.
We're a shambles, fumes Japan star Nakata (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Japan's Hidetoshi Nakata has labelled Zico's side a shambles a week before their opening World Cup game against Australia.
Domenech set to unveil starting line-up (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France coach Raymond Domenech has promised to unveil his preferred World Cup starting line-up in a final warm-up game against China with a question mark over whether gifted newcomer Franck Ribery will
Croatia coach detects chinks in defensive armour (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Croatia coach Zlatko Kranjcar has criticised his team's defending after the 1-0 defeat by Poland in their latest World Cup warm-up.
Santa Cruz is Paraguay danger man, says Eriksson (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has pinpointed Roque Santa Cruz as Paraguay's likely danger man when the teams meet in the World Cup on Saturday.
Cannavaro determined to remain captain (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy's Fabio Cannavaro has no intention of giving up his role as captain despite criticism of his comments about Luciano Moggi, the former Juventus general manager at the centre of the scandal in Ser
Shevchenko and Rebrov ready for final warm-up (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Strikers Andriy Shevchenko and Serhiy Rebrov should be fit to start in Ukraine's final tune-up friendly match this week against Luxembourg, coach Oleg Blokhin said on Monday.
Uli: Very walm Willkommen in Deutschland (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Uli Hesse-Lichtenberger describes the moment the magnitude of the World Cup imprinted itself on his befuddled friend.
England prepare to jet out to Germany (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The World Cup starts today for Sven-Goran Eriksson and his players when they board a plane at Luton Airport and jet to Germany.
Confident Mexico shift focus to opener with Iran (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Mexico are seeking a change of fortune at the World Cup and after some poor results in warm-up matches cannot wait for their opener with Iran.
Ronaldo troubled by blisters after warm-up win (Jun 5, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Brazil striker Ronaldo was forced off midway through Sunday's 4-0 World Cup warm-up win over New Zealand because of blisters on his feet.
Dutch trio hurt in 1-1 draw with Australia (Jun 4, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Three Dutch players were injured in a 1-1 draw with Australia in a World Cup warm-up on Sunday.
Fitness doubt Roque hoping to keep England date (Jun 4, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz is hoping to be fit in time to play in his country's opening game of the World Cup against England.
Czech concern over Baros foot problem (Jun 4, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Czech Republic striker Milan Baros has joined the injury list for the world's second-ranked team.
Croatia coach content despite defeat by Poland (Jun 4, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Croatia coach Zlatko Kranjcar showed few signs of concern after his team lost 1-0 to Poland in their latest World Cup warm-up.
Viduka to quit Socceroos after World Cup? (Jun 4, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Mark Viduka has revealed he is considering retiring from international football after the World Cup.
Scolari fires warning shot at Ronaldo (Jun 4, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has warned Cristiano Ronaldo to control his temper as the countdown to the World Cup continues.
Carlisle: U.S. team arrives in Hamburg raring to go (Jun 3, 2006 16:00 GMT)
Having safely arrived in Germany, Bruce Arena is now focused on the challenge that awaits the U.S. team in the World Cup, writes Jeff Carlisle.
Heinze a certain starter after winning fitness race (Jun 3, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Argentina defender Gabriel Heinze says he has won his battle to be fit for the World Cup.
Battle of the studious Swedes (Jun 3, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Kevin Palmer gets the low-down on Sven-Goran Eriksson and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in an exclusive interview with Sweden coach Lars Lagerback.
Cole scan reveals good news for England (Jun 3, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Ashley Cole has been given the all-clear after a precautionary scan an a thigh muscle.
Reyna winning his fitness battle, says US coach (Jun 3, 2006 11:00 GMT)
U.S. captain Claudio Reyna will be fit to face the Czech Republic in the World Cup on June 12, coach Bruce Arena said on Saturday.
Zico left sweating on fitness of key strikers (Jun 3, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Japan coach Zico faces a nervous wait ahead of his side's World Cup opener against Australia with his two first-choice strikers both carrying knocks.
Eriksson: Crouch will start against Paraguay (Jun 3, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England striker Peter Crouch is set to start against Paraguay next week following his hat-trick against Jamaica in Saturday's friendly at Old Trafford.
England v Jamaica: Depleted England in control (Jun 3, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England strolled into a 4-0 half-time lead in their final World Cup warm-up clash with Jamaica at Old Trafford - but of more concern were injuries to John Terry and Ashley Cole.
Cannavaro, Trezeguet questioned over scandal (Jun 3, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro and France striker David Trezeguet took time out from their World Cup preparations to travel to Rome on Saturday to be questioned as part of the probe into soccer managem
Progress made in Togo bonus dispute (Jun 3, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Togo soccer officials have made progress in a dispute over World Cup bonuses but have not reached agreement with the players.
Klinsmann can 'hardly wait' for World Cup kick-off (Jun 3, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Jurgen Klinsmann believes his young team are nearing peak form for the World Cup they are hosting though he has had two tough years getting them there.
U.S. team has light practice at
Norderstedt (Jun 2, 2006 16:00 GMT)
At 4 p.m, the Americans went through their first workout at
Norderstedt, the training camp of the local Bundesliga team,
Hamburger Sport-Verein.
U.S. team arrives at World Cup (Jun 2, 2006 16:00 GMT)
When the U.S. soccer team arrived at the
World Cup on Friday, players were greeted with a far less visible
show of force than they saw in South Korea four years ago.
Four S&M stars make full return to training (Jun 2, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Four Serbia and Montenegro players have recovered from injuries to rejoin the team's World Cup preparations in their training camp in Felden, Austria.
Neville ruled out of Jamaica friendly (Jun 2, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Gary Neville has been ruled out of England's final World Cup warm-up game against Jamaica with a hamstring injury - but coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is confident the Manchester United player will be fit
T&T skipper Yorke relishing Czech test (Jun 2, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Trinidad & Tobago face their toughest World Cup warm-up yet against the Czech Republic on Saturday but captain Dwight Yorke is relishing the match.
Sven: Rooney could train on Monday (Jun 2, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England captain David Beckham admitted Wayne Rooney's return to the training pitch today was 'a big lift for the players' ahead of the World Cup.
Injured Van der Vaart out of Dutch warm-up (Jun 2, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Injured playmaker Rafael van der Vaart will miss the Netherlands' final World Cup warm-up match against Australia on Sunday.
Sionko gets Czech call to replace Smicer (Jun 2, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Rangers midfielder Libor Sionko has been called up to the Czech Republic's World Cup squad to replace the injured Vladimir Smicer.
Spain's Pernia eager to seize chance (Jun 2, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Mariano Pernia is eager to make the most of his unexpected call-up to Spain's World Cup squad.
Jamaica: England match is our World Cup (Jun 2, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Jamaica have warned they will be giving it their all to get one over 'Mother England' when they face Sven-Goran Eriksson's men at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Lampard strikes back at England doubters (Jun 2, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Midfielder Frank Lampard has hit back at critics of England's recent tactical changes as they prepare for Saturday's World Cup warm-up against Jamaica.
WIN! A Fanimal and England kit! (Jun 2, 2006 11:00 GMT)
The Peperami Fanimal is finally being set free! Fanimal is the must have item for the football this summer and we have five to giveaway.
WIN! The World Cup final 1966 DVD! (Jun 2, 2006 11:00 GMT)
It's 40 years since England won the World Cup. You have the chance to win the match on DVD.
WIN! England's World Cup Fever DVD! (Jun 2, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Win one of five copies of England's World Cup Fever on DVD.
Meola stays ready as U.S. alternate (Jun 1, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The most-decorated goalkeeper in U.S. history, Tony Meola, was chosen as an
alternate, a selection that recognized both his past
accomplishments and his recent return from a potentially
career-en
Dell'Apa: Send-off series becoming tradition (Jun 1, 2006 16:00 GMT)
The World Cup send-off game for the U.S. national team is still evolving as a ritual, but the U.S. Soccer Federation seems to be settling on a formula, writes Frank Dell'Apa.
Preparing for the king's farewell (Jun 1, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Lyon are out of the Champions League in cruel fashion again. Alex Chick on Europe's nearly men.
Rebrov set to miss two Ukraine friendlies (Jun 1, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Veteran striker Serhiy Rebrov, down with an hip injury, is to miss one and possibly two of Ukraine's final tune-up friendlies ahead of their first World Cup campaign in Germany.
Lampard works to ensure he won't pay the penalty (Jun 1, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England midfielder Frank Lampard revealed he has been practising penalties after missing one in Tuesday's defeat of Hungary.
Ballack plays down rift between he and Klinsmann (Jun 1, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Trying to douse reports he was critical of Juergen Klinsmann, Germany captain Michael Ballack said on Thursday he was "by and large" in agreement with his coach on strategy.
Henry encouraged, but says there's more to come (Jun 1, 2006 11:00 GMT)
France striker Thierry Henry was happy with the progress his side showed in their 2-0 victory over Denmark despite insisting there is still room for improvement.
Upbeat Messi making progress on injury (Jun 1, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Argentina forward Lionel Messi is feeling upbeat ahead of the forthcoming World Cup in Germany, insisting his fitness is improving 'day by day'.
Blow for Czechs as veteran Smicer is ruled out (Jun 1, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Czech midfielder Vladimir Smicer has been ruled out of the World Cup finals due to a leg injury, the CTK news agency quoted the player as saying on Thursday.
Spain replace crocked Del Horno with Pernia (Jun 1, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Spain coach Luis Aragones has called up Getafe defender Mariano Pernia to replace the injured Asier Del Horno in his World Cup squad.
Hamstrung Neville misses England training (Jun 1, 2006 11:00 GMT)
England defender Gary Neville missed training on Thursday as he nursed his hamstring injury.
Park ready to ride for South Korea (Jun 1, 2006 11:00 GMT)
South Korea midfielder Park Ji-sung has shaken off an ankle injury and should play in a World Cup warm-up match against Norway in Oslo on Thursday.
Injured Tanaka bemoans 'lame' early homecoming (Jun 1, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Injured defender Makoto Tanaka returned home from Japan's World Cup base in Germany on Thursday, bitterly describing his enforced exit as 'lame'.
Paraguay revel in underdog status (Jun 1, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Paraguay are happy to be considered the underdogs in their opening World Cup match against England and their coach is confident the South Americans can pull off an upset victory on June 10.
Confident Crouch desperate for chance to shine (Jun 1, 2006 11:00 GMT)
Peter Crouch insists he will not be content with a bit-part role in Sven-Goran Eriksson's plans for the World Cup finals and claimed: 'This is the most confident I've felt in my career.'
