Archive soccer news from around the world
Ronaldinho "worst" Brazilian, Ronaldo best says poll (Jun 30, 2006)
Ronaldinho is the worst Brazilian player to date at the World Cup after underperforming so far, whereas Ronaldo has made the critics eat their words. . . . more . . .
Germany now believe they can be world champions says Klinsmann (Jun 30, 2006)
Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann said his players believed they could win the World Cup after they moved into the semi-finals after winning a penalty shootout against Argentina. . . . more . . .
Pekerman quits after World Cup loss (Jun 30, 2006)
Argentina coach Jose Pekerman announced he was standing down from the post shortly after the penalties loss to Germany in the World Cup quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
No worries over Zidane says Vieira (Jun 30, 2006)
Talismanic French captain Zinedine Zidane will be fit to start against Brazil in their World Cup quarter-final clash here on Saturday said midfield hardman Patrick Vieira. . . . more . . .
Argentines lament rub of the green after World Cup loss (Jun 30, 2006)
Argentina lamented their poor luck after losing their World Cup quarter-final to Germany on penalties, a loss which saw coach Jose Pekerman resign amid mutual ill-feeling which boiled over at the end. . . . more . . .
On the spot again, German nerve holds - Argentina's cracks (Jun 30, 2006)
Germany's nerve held out once again on Friday as Jurgen Klinsmann's Mannschaft secured a place in the World Cup semi-final after their 4-2 shootout win over Argentina - the match having finished 1-1 after extra-time. . . . more . . .
World Cup quarter-final ends in ugly scenes (Jun 30, 2006)
Germany's penalty shootout victory over Argentina in the World Cup quarter-final ended in an on-pitch confrontation between German and Argentinian players. . . . more . . .
England finger Ronaldo and Figo as danger men (Jun 30, 2006)
Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo have been fingered as the main danger men by England as they prepare to take on Portugal in the World Cup quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Black Pearl hoping Portuguese can rid themselves of 1966 and all that (Jun 30, 2006)
Portugal's World Cup quarter-final with England may give Sven-Goran Eriksson the chance to avenge the Euro 2004 defeat but for Portuguese footballing legend Eusebio it represents a possibility of revenge 40 years on from his adopted country's most crushing defeat. . . . more . . .
Lehmann the hero as penalty kings Germany reach semis (Jun 30, 2006)
Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was the toast of Germany as the hosts progressed into the semi-finals of the World Cup with a sensational 4-2 penalty shootout win over Argentina here on Friday. . . . more . . .
Brazilians will be driven on by memories of '98 says Jacquet (Jun 30, 2006)
Brazil will be even more motivated to beat France in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday because of the 3-0 humbling they received at the hands of the French in the 1998 final claimed the winners then manager Aime Jacquet. . . . more . . .
Lampard injury fears ease ahead of Portugal clash (Jun 30, 2006)
Frank Lampard is expected to be fit for England's World Cup quarter-final showdown with Portugal after concerns over a late injury scare eased. . . . more . . .
Scolari sweating on Cristiano Ronaldo's fitness (Jun 30, 2006)
Portugal coach Luis Felipe Scolari has admitted that he is sweating on the fitness of key winger Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Saturday's quarter-final match against England. . . . more . . .
Beckham and England unfazed by Blatter jibe (Jun 30, 2006)
England captain David Beckham has shrugged off criticism of his team's tactics by FIFA chief Sepp Blatter ahead of Saturday's World Cup quarter-final. . . . more . . .
Eriksson ready to slay Scolari jinx as England eye last four (Jun 30, 2006)
England are determined to strike it third time lucky Saturday by hurdling Portugal and their charismatic coach Luiz Felipe Scolari to reach the World Cup semi-finals. . . . more . . .
Ukraine team to get a little help from top fan (Jun 30, 2006)
Ukraine's football team will get a little help from its top fan during their World Cup quarter-final against Italy, with President Viktor Yushchenko due to attend the historic match. . . . more . . .
Ankle injury for Lampard (Jun 30, 2006)
England have a late injury worry ahead of Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Portugal in Gelsenkirchen with midfielder Frank Lampard needing treatment for an ankle knock. . . . more . . .
Terrific Toni seals semi-final place for Italy (Jun 30, 2006)
Luca Toni scored twice as Italy beat Ukraine 3-0 in the World Cup quarter-finals to set up a mouth-watering last four clash against hosts Germany. . . . more . . .
Germany at fever pitch as hosts prepare for Argentina challenge (Jun 30, 2006)
As dawn broke over Germany the host nation was at fever pitch awaiting a few hours later Germany's clash with Argentina in a mouth-watering World Cup quarter-final in Berlin's Olympic Stadium. . . . more . . .
Friendship forgotten as galacticos plot each other's demise (Jun 29, 2006)
There's friendship and there's football - and, at least at the World Cup, never the twain shall meet until the final whistle has sounded. . . . more . . .
German police brace for 80,000 England fans (Jun 29, 2006)
German police have said they were expecting 80,000 England fans in Gelsenkirchen for the World Cup quarter final against Portugal and would deploy reinforcements to prevent violence. . . . more . . .
Blatter blasts England tactics (Jun 29, 2006)
FIFA chief Sepp Blatter has taken a swipe at England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson for playing with a sole striker in the 1-0 second round win over Ecuador. . . . more . . .
Rooney ready for Portugal rough stuff (Jun 29, 2006)
Wayne Rooney has declared himself ready for anything Portugal's tough-tackling defence throw at him as he prepares to spearhead England's World Cup quarter-final challenge. . . . more . . .
Forget the UN, football is the great peacekeeper (Jun 29, 2006)
The Battles of Berne, Santiago and now Nuremberg at World Cup finals does not suggest football can serve as an example of peace to the rest of the world, but strangely that is exactly the case. . . . more . . .
History beckons but Portugal focused just on beating England (Jun 29, 2006)
Portugal have not made a World Cup semi-final since the days of the great Eusebio in 1966, but current captain Luis Figo insisted his team was focused on only getting a win against England in Saturday's quarter-final clash. . . . more . . .
Get off our backs Domenech tells Le Pen (Jun 29, 2006)
France coach Raymond Domenech has defended his players against comments from far-right politician Jean-Marie Le Pen who claimed that they lacked support from the fans back home. . . . more . . .
Confident Germany prepare for Argentina challenge (Jun 29, 2006)
Excitement is mounting here one day ahead of Germany's clash with Argentina in a mouth-watering quarter-final in Berlin's Olympic Stadium. . . . more . . .
Brazil are below par says Gilberto Silva (Jun 29, 2006)
Defender Gilberto Silva has joined the chorus of those who say that Brazil are under-performing at the World Cup. . . . more . . .
Maradona hails Wayne 'Roonino' Rooney as one of best in business (Jun 29, 2006)
Football legend Diego Maradona has hailed Wayne "Roonino" Rooney as one of the best players in the world, comparing the England star to himself. . . . more . . .
Neville fit and raring to go against Portugal (Jun 29, 2006)
Gary Neville, a vital cog in the England team, has declared himself fit and desperate to play against Portugal in the quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Not all gloom and doom for Asia Blatter says (Jun 29, 2006)
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has issued words of encouragement to Asian football following the poor showing by the continent's representatives at the World Cup. . . . more . . .
It's not just the Zizou and Ronny show says Juninho (Jun 29, 2006)
The Brazil and France World Cup quarter-final is not just about the clash between former Real Madrid team-mates Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane claimed Brazilian midfielder Juninho. . . . more . . .
Berlin gears up to roar on Germany against Argentina (Jun 29, 2006)
More than one million people will throng the German capital on Friday to watch or just be part of the experience when the host nation face Argentina in the biggest match of the World Cup so far. . . . more . . .
Fearless Ballack sees Germany as favourites (Jun 29, 2006)
Germany captain Michael Ballack believes the hosts are slight favourites for Friday's World Cup quarter-final against Argentina and said they were far from intimidated by the South Americans. . . . more . . .
The joy of six - and other statistical sideshows (Jun 29, 2006)
The joy of six is just one statistical byword as the World Cup gets down to the nitty gritty of the quarter-finals, with the half dozen previous winners who qualified for the event still in the hunt. . . . more . . .
I'll never forget Hanover says Domenech (Jun 29, 2006)
After all the flak directed at him Raymond Domenech would only be human if he hadn't felt at least a tremor of self-satisfaction at France's fine second round triumph over Spain. . . . more . . .
Win or lose, Ukraine profit from limelight (Jun 29, 2006)
Win or lose against Italy in the quarter-finals Ukraine's stars are set to profit handsomely from the tournament, with major clubs hovering over them and waiting to pounce. . . . more . . .
We don't have a Brazil complex: Henry (Jun 29, 2006)
Thierry Henry has made plain that the fact that it was the five time world champions Brazil waiting for France in the World Cup quarter-finals was largely irrelevant for him and his teammates. . . . more . . .
Japan changes guard after Zico's dream fails (Jun 29, 2006)
Brazilian football legend Zico has left for home at the end of four years as Japan's coach after failing to deliver on a promise to bring the best-ever World Cup result for the Asian champions. . . . more . . .
Voronin blow for Ukraine (Jun 28, 2006)
Ukraine striker Andriy Voronin will miss the rest of the World Cup after picking up a thigh injury in the match against Switzerland, team officials said. . . . more . . .
England ready to slay shoot-out jinx says Hargreaves (Jun 28, 2006)
Owen Hargreaves believes England have the talent to finally end their penalty shoot-out jinx if Saturday's World Cup quarter-final showdown with Portugal goes to spot-kicks. . . . more . . .
Malaysian police nab 18 men over illegal World Cup bets: report (Jun 28, 2006)
Malaysian police have busted a major gambling syndicate and arrested 18 men for taking illegal bets on World Cup football matches, a report has said. . . . more . . .
Former refs give England talk on tough new rules (Jun 28, 2006)
Two former referees visited England at their hotel ahead of their World Cup quarter-final with Portugal to hammer home tough FIFA rules that have seen a slew of red and yellow cards brandished. . . . more . . .
Curse of Spain a pain for Aragones and company (Jun 28, 2006)
They came to the World Cup billed as the great underachievers. . . . more . . .
Aussies to reap lasting benefits from Socceroo WC heroics (Jun 28, 2006)
Australia's World Cup may have ended in tears but the knock-on effect of Guus Hiddink's team's exhilarating showing should have long-lasting positive repercussions Down Under. . . . more . . .
Eriksson warns players not to rise to Portugal provocation (Jun 28, 2006)
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has warned his players not to rise to any provocation from Portugal in their quarter-final on Saturday, wary that referees are brandishing cards on a whim. . . . more . . .
Ballack, Klose back in training for Germany (Jun 28, 2006)
German captain Michael Ballack and top scorer Miroslav Klose will return to training after shaking off minor injuries, assistant coach Joachim Low said. . . . more . . .
Merkel praises Klinsmann, hopes he stays in job (Jun 28, 2006)
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has heaped praise on national football coach Jurgen Klinsmann in an interview and predicted Germany would reach the World Cup semi-finals "He has done a wonderful job of preparing the 'Mannschaft' (team) for the World Cup. . . . more . . .
Argentina unlucky to face mighty Germany says Klose (Jun 28, 2006)
Germany's in-form striker Miroslav Klose is bullish about his team's chances of overcoming Argentina in Friday's World Cup quarter-final, saying the South Americans have come up against the hosts at the wrong time. . . . more . . .
Palmero link for Aussie World Cup star Bresciano (Jun 28, 2006)
Marco Bresciano may become the first of the Socceroos to cash in on Australia's great World Cup performance. . . . more . . .
Time-out for big eight at World Cup (Jun 28, 2006)
The World Cup takes a well-deserved breather on Wednesday and Thursday allowing the eight remaining teams time to gather their forces for the final push. . . . more . . .
Mr Motivator vs Mr Magoo as Scolari faces Eriksson again (Jun 28, 2006)
Sven-Goran Eriksson insists he will not be motivated by revenge when he comes up against old foe Luiz Felipe Scolari yet again. . . . more . . .
Shevchenko and Blokhin see Italian job in reach (Jun 28, 2006)
Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin and star striker Andriy Shevchenko insisted they believed the World Cup debutants could pull off an upset by reaching the semi-finals at Italy's expense. . . . more . . .
Ghana serves notice host Africans can excel in 2010 World Cup (Jun 28, 2006)
Ghana's World Cup dreams were shattered by reigning champion Brazil, but the Black Stars played well against some top football teams and served notice of what might happen on African soil in 2010. . . . more . . .
Italy face familiar threat in Ukraine quarter-final (Jun 28, 2006)
Italy face the striker who used to terrorise Serie A defenders on a weekly basis when they take on Ukraine here in Friday's World Cup quarter-final. . . . more . . .
Clash of World Cup titans as Germany, Argentina eye last four (Jun 28, 2006)
It does not come much bigger than Germany versus Argentina - a match-up steeped in World Cup history that will bring the host country to a standstill on Friday. . . . more . . .
Spanish fans 'shameful' behaviour made us mad say France (Jun 28, 2006)
France say the way Spanish fans whistled during the playing of their national anthem the Marseillaise before Tuesday's last 16 game only served to give them added incentive to win the match "When they whistled at our national anthem they didn't understand that it would only make us even more motivated," said Juventus defender Lilian Thuram. . . . more . . .
Everyone must pull their weight, says bullish Eriksson (Jun 28, 2006)
A bullish Sven-Goran Eriksson says everyone must pull their weight if England are to make the World Cup semi-finals, but said he was confident they can beat Portugal on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Fit Rooney feels no pressure and ready to play anywhere (Jun 28, 2006)
Wayne Rooney is feeling no pressure from the weight of expectations on his young shoulders and says he is willing to play anywhere if it means England win the World Cup. . . . more . . .
Serbian football coach confirms exit (Jun 27, 2006)
Petkovic has confirmed that he is giving up his post as Serbia's football coach after his team's humiliating exit from the World Cup. . . . more . . .
Del Piero and Zambrotta fly out to visit Pessotto (Jun 27, 2006)
Italy players Alessandro Del Piero and Gianluca Zambrotta flew back to Turin to visit Gianluca Pessotto in hospital after the former international's apparent suicide attempt. . . . more . . .
Sex, sleep and a good diet: Cannavaro's recipe for success (Jun 27, 2006)
Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro has put his excellent World Cup form down to a good diet, plenty of sleep and a healthy sex life. . . . more . . .
Rivals Kahn, Lehmann getting on says Koepke (Jun 27, 2006)
Germany's goalkeeping coach Andreas Koepke has said that rival goalkeepers Jens Lehmann and Oliver Kahn were getting along fine at the World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Italy press conference cut short after Pessotto tragedy (Jun 27, 2006)
A press conference with Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro has been cut short after news came through of former international Gianluca Pessotto's apparent suicide attempt. . . . more . . .
Inspired France into quarters, Spain miss out again (Jun 27, 2006)
An inspired France marshalled by Zinedine Zidane swept to a 3-1 win over Spain to set up a dream World Cup quarter-final date with Brazil. . . . more . . .
Brazil's Ronaldo becomes all-time World Cup top scorer (Jun 27, 2006)
Brazil striker Ronaldo has become the World Cup's all-time top scorer with 15 goals after scoring against Ghana in a second-round match. . . . more . . .
Record-setting Ronaldo sparks Brazil past Ghana into final eight (Jun 27, 2006)
Brazil striker Ronaldo has become the all-time World Cup scoring leader with 15 goals, after helping the defending champions defeat Ghana 3-0 to capture a berth in the World Cup quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
English ref the inspiration behind football's card tricks (Jun 27, 2006)
"Yellow: Watch your step. . . . more . . .
Domenech hails his oldies but goodies (Jun 27, 2006)
France coach Raymond Domenech playfully poured scorn on the notion that his team of aged stars should be more concerned about pipes and slippers than facing Brazil in the quarter-finals of the World Cup. . . . more . . .
Vital to get the right coach for 'magical' Hiddink, say players (Jun 27, 2006)
Australia's heartbroken players say it's imperative for a big-name international coach to carry on Guus Hiddink's football revolution. . . . more . . .
Ukraine toasts its World Cup heroes (Jun 27, 2006)
Ukraine toasted its hero footballers after the team defied expectations to secure a place in the World Cup quarter-finals by beating Switzerland 3-0 in a penalty shootout. . . . more . . .
Swiss tears in wake of World Cup exit (Jun 27, 2006)
Swiss dreams of World Cup glory turned to tears on the morning after Switzerland's second round exit from Germany in a penalty shoot-out against Ukraine. . . . more . . .
English ref the inspiration behing football's card tricks (Jun 27, 2006)
"Yellow: Watch your step. . . . more . . .
Portugal-Holland match was brutal: Russian ref (Jun 27, 2006)
The under-fire Russian referee who dished out a record number of yellow and red cards in the Portugal-Netherlands second round clash has denied that he was the one at fault. . . . more . . .
Dogged Italy grind their way into last eight (Jun 27, 2006)
Italy may not be winning many friends for their dogged World Cup performances, but who cares when you're in the quarter-finals? . . . more . . .
England unfazed by slow start ahead of Portugal clash (Jun 27, 2006)
Rio Ferdinand has defended England's slow start to the World Cup and is confident they will raise their game against Portugal in Saturday's quarter-final showdown. . . . more . . .
AFC president calls for overhaul of clubs and leagues after World Cup flop (Jun 27, 2006)
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Mohammed bin Hammam has called for an overhaul of domestic clubs and leagues to make regional sides more competitive after a poor World Cup. . . . more . . .
World Cup refs not in control says Beckenbauer (Jun 27, 2006)
World Cup organiser Franz Beckenbauer has added his voice to the criticism of refereeing at the tournament, saying match officials were failing to keep a grip on matches. . . . more . . .
Ballack, Klose miss German training (Jun 27, 2006)
Skipper Michael Ballack and top scorer Miroslav Klose have missed Germany's training session but are expected to be fit for Friday's World Cup quarter-final with Argentina. . . . more . . .
Crespo leaving Batistuta distant Argentine memory (Jun 27, 2006)
Chelsea forward and Argentine star Hernan Crespo is enjoying life at the World Cup all the more with his three goals having done much to draw a line under the days when he used to play second fiddle to Gabriel Batistuta. . . . more . . .
Nesta doubtful for Ukraine quarter-final (Jun 27, 2006)
Italy's central defender Alessandro Nesta is unlikely to be fit in time to face the Ukraine in Friday's World Cup quarter-final in Hamburg due to his recurrent groin injury. . . . more . . .
Germany stronger than last time says Frings (Jun 27, 2006)
Germany midfielder Torsten Frings has warned Argentina that the World Cup hosts are a much stronger outfit than the team they faced at the Confederations Cup last June. . . . more . . .
Boys from Brazil face Pride of Africa (Jun 27, 2006)
Reigning champions Brazil were taking on a Ghana side defending the honour of Africa in the last 16 of the World Cup while France and Spain contested a classic all-European clash. . . . more . . .
Portugal expects subs to take up the fight against England (Jun 27, 2006)
Portugal head into Saturday's quarter-final clash against England battered and bruised but confident it has the depth of quality on the replacements' bench to prevail. . . . more . . .
French official blames Blatter for 'catastrophic' refereeing (Jun 27, 2006)
A leading French referee has slammed the "catastrophic" officiating at the World Cup and blamed FIFA President Sepp Blatter for putting politics before football in choosing referees. . . . more . . .
Bookies expecting England betting bonanza (Jun 26, 2006)
One of Britain's leading bookmakers is expecting up to 10 million pounds to be gambled on England's World Cup quarter-final against Portugal. . . . more . . .
Figo to escape punishment for headbutt (Jun 26, 2006)
Portugal captain Luis Figo is highly unlikely to face any disciplinary action over his apparent headbutt on Dutch player Mark van Bommel in Portugal's tense last 16 round win, FIFA has said. . . . more . . .
Keen interest in vacant Aussie coaching job, says FFA (Jun 26, 2006)
Top-line coaches have inquired about becoming the next coach of Australia with the job soon to be vacated by Guus Hiddink, Football Federation Australia said here. . . . more . . .
US job link just speculation says Klinsmann (Jun 26, 2006)
Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann has laughed off suggestions that he would be tempted to become coach of the United States team so he could be close to his California-based family. . . . more . . .
Australians tearful but proud as Italian penalty ends Cup fairytale (Jun 26, 2006)
Shellshocked Australian football fans watched in disbelief as Italy ended the Socceroos' World Cup dream in the cruellest possible fashion with a penalty goal in stoppage time. . . . more . . .
Domenech calls on Zidane to produce something special (Jun 26, 2006)
France coach Raymond Domenech is looking to Zinedine Zidane to produce fireworks in Tuesday's World Cup last 16, second round fixture against Spain. . . . more . . .
Early goals part of plan claim Germany (Jun 26, 2006)
Early goals have been a feature of Germany's successful World Cup campaign until now and the hosts insist it is no coincidence as they go into Friday's quarter-final match with Argentina. . . . more . . .
France intent on blowing out Spanish lights (Jun 26, 2006)
The French were blowing out candles in honour of birthday boys Zinedine Zidane and Patrick Vieira on the team coach heading back to their secluded chateau which serves as their World Cup headquarters after mission accomplished against Togo on Friday. . . . more . . .
Brazil wary of nothing-to-lose Black Stars (Jun 26, 2006)
Brazilian star striker Ronaldo is unsure who will start alongside him when the defending World Cup champions meet Ghana here Tuesday, but he and his squad know the African upstarts are a serious threat. . . . more . . .
Totti's last-gasp penalty sends Italy into quarter-finals (Jun 26, 2006)
Substitute Francesco Totti scored a penalty in the fifth minute of stoppage time to give 10-man Italy a dramatic 1-0 win over Australia and a place in the World Cup quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Totti puts critics on the spot (Jun 26, 2006)
Italian playmaker Francesco Totti was celebrating a double having scored the injury-time penalty that put his side into the World Cup quarter-finals and answered his critics in style. . . . more . . .
France and Zidane will suffer says Raul (Jun 26, 2006)
French football legend Zinedine Zidane will play his last ever match on Tuesday if Spain's veteran striker Raul has anything to do with it. . . . more . . .
Ghana coach wants no Star-gazing at Brazilian idols (Jun 26, 2006)
Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic will have some simple advice for his team before Tuesday's World Cup second-round match with defending champion Brazil - be tenacious defenders not awestruck spectators. . . . more . . .
We earned our luck, says Lippi (Jun 26, 2006)
Marcello Lippi insisted his Italy side fully deserved their last-gasp 1-0 victory over Australia which took them into the World Cup quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Scolari shrugs off yellow fever (Jun 26, 2006)
Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari shrugged off the chaos that marred Portugal's 1-0 win over the Netherlands, officially the dirtiest match in World Cup history with an accumulated 20 yellow and red cards. . . . more . . .
Italy face Aussies in David and Goliath clash (Jun 26, 2006)
The last 16 of the World Cup has thrown up a potential giant killing with three-time champions Italy taking on unfancied Australia here on Monday. . . . more . . .
Africans unite behind Ghana's bid for historic upset of Brazil (Jun 26, 2006)
African rivals have shown their support for Ghana's World Cup squad, with visits from star players and letters of support encouraging the Black Stars ahead of a second-round match with mighty Brazil. . . . more . . .
Gusiev books Ukraine hot date with Totti and Italy (Jun 26, 2006)
Man of the match Oleg Gusiev slotted home the decisive penalty here on Monday to book debutants Ukraine a place in the World Cup quarter-finals as they beat Switzerland 3-0 in a penalty shootout after a dull match had finished 0-0 after extra-time. . . . more . . .
Australians tearful but proud as Italy ends World Cup fairytale (Jun 26, 2006)
Shellshocked Australian football fans watched in disbeliefas Italy ended the Socceroos' World Cup dream in cruel fashion with a penalty goal in stoppage time. . . . more . . .
The two faces of football - Beckenbauer and Maradona (Jun 26, 2006)
Franz Beckenbauer and Diego Maradona crossed swords twice in World Cup finals with the end result being 1-1 and here on Friday one will be left smiling as their two great footballing nations, Germany and Argentina, fight it out for a place in the semi-finals. . . . more . . .
Over 100 arrested in Hong Kong for World Cup gambling (Jun 26, 2006)
More than 100 people have been arrested in Hong Kong for illegal gambling on football since the World Cup kicked off, police have said. . . . more . . .
Eriksson welcoming reversal of fortune as England advance (Jun 26, 2006)
Sven-Goran Eriksson believes England are saving their best until last after they squeezed past Ecuador to set up a World Cup quarter-final showdown with Portugal. . . . more . . .
Italy stand in Australia's way (Jun 26, 2006)
Australia are one match away from making a surprise appearance in the quarter-finals of the World Cup but European heavyweights Italy stand in their way. . . . more . . .
Depleted Portugal still good enough for England: Scolari (Jun 26, 2006)
Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said Portugal still had enough firepower for their World Cup quarter-final with England despite the ravages of the stormiest match in World Cup history. . . . more . . .
Ballack foot fine says Klinsmann (Jun 26, 2006)
Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann said his captain Michael Ballack would be fit for Friday's quarter-final clash with Argentina after overcoming a minor foot injury. . . . more . . .
Zico bids farewell to Japan with warning (Jun 26, 2006)
Coach Zico bade farewell to Japan with a warning that the Asian champions, who were humiliated in the World Cup, face an uphill battle making up for their physical shortcomings. . . . more . . .
Brazil's Robinho out of Ghana clash (Jun 26, 2006)
Brazilian striker Robinho is out of Tuesday's World Cup second round meeting with Ghana as the five-time world champions bid to reach the quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Figo free to face England (Jun 26, 2006)
Portugal captain Luis Figo is free to face England in the World Cup quarter-finals after FIFA said he was highly unlikely to face any action for headbutting Dutch player Mark van Bommel. . . . more . . .
Pitch for England v Portugal partly replaced (Jun 26, 2006)
New turf has been laid in the goalmouths at the Gelsenkirchen stadium where England will face Portugal in a World Cup quarter-final on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Sagnol pins faith in France's stingy defence (Jun 26, 2006)
The mettle of France's iron defence will undergo its sternest test yet against free-scoring Spain in Tuesday's World Cup quarter-final. . . . more . . .
'Pitiful' England fail to convince sceptical press (Jun 26, 2006)
England's unconvincing 1-0 World Cup win over Ecuador was met with hoots of derision from the newspapers back home. . . . more . . .
'Pitiful' England fail to convince British press (Jun 26, 2006)
England's unconvincing 1-0 World Cup win over Ecuador has met with hoots of derision from the papers back home. . . . more . . .
Torres having dream World Cup (Jun 26, 2006)
Spain striker Fernando Torres admits his performance at the World Cup has exceeded his wildest expectations and said his country has nothing to fear from France in the second round. . . . more . . .
Nine against nine as Portugal dump Dutch (Jun 25, 2006)
Portugal booked a World Cup quarter-final with England with an ill-tempered 1-0 win over the Netherlands in which both teams had two players sent off. . . . more . . .
Managerial novice Klinsmann making inroads (Jun 25, 2006)
Jurgen Klismann has only been in the managerial game two years, but the Germany coach is belying his lack of experience, guiding the hosts to the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a 2-0 win over Sweden. . . . more . . .
Kahn hits out at Klinsmann (Jun 25, 2006)
Germany's former first-choice goalkeeper Oliver Kahn says coach Jurgen Klinsmann still owes him an explanation for dropping him before the World Cup. . . . more . . .
Mexico out but not completely down (Jun 25, 2006)
Mexico may have crashed out of the World Cup in the second round, but coach Ricardo Lavolpe took solace from his side's battling performance against Argentina. . . . more . . .
Ballack rests after foot injury flares (Jun 25, 2006)
German skipper Michael Ballack missed a brief training session with the hosts after a foot injury flared following their win over Sweden, which took his team through to a World Cup quarter-final meeting with Argentina. . . . more . . .
Robinho very doubtful for Ghana clash (Jun 25, 2006)
Brazilian striker Robinho is considered a doubtful starter for the five-time world champions second round clash with Ghana on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Italy face Aussies in David and Goliath clash (Jun 25, 2006)
The last 16 of the World Cup has thrown up a potential giant killing with three-time champions Italy taking on unfancied Australia here on Monday. . . . more . . .
Priority is beating Ghana not the record says Ronaldo (Jun 25, 2006)
Breaking the all-time record for goals in the World Cup is not top of Brazil striker's Ronaldo's list but beating African side Ghana in Tuesday's second round clash is. . . . more . . .
Jubilant Beckham hits back at critics (Jun 25, 2006)
David Beckham hit back at his critics with a trademark freekick against Ecuador that took England into the World Cup quarter-finals, and he was revelling in his moment of glory. . . . more . . .
Beckham fires England into World Cup quarter-finals (Jun 25, 2006)
England captain David Beckham has fired his team into the World Cup quarter-finals here, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Ecuador. . . . more . . .
Ailing Beckham fires England into World Cup quarter-finals (Jun 25, 2006)
England captain David Beckham fought through the pain barrier to fire his team into the World Cup quarter-finals, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Ecuador. . . . more . . .
England face Ecuador after fans clash with police (Jun 25, 2006)
England are targeting a place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup when they play Ecuador but their fans let them down by clashing with police in Stuttgart. . . . more . . .
Bring on Argentina says Germany's Ballack (Jun 25, 2006)
Germany captain Michael Ballack says the host nation are playing so well that they should not fear any team at the World Cup - including their next opponents Argentina. . . . more . . .
Ukraine and Swiss clash in battle of strikers (Jun 25, 2006)
Ukraine and superstar striker Andriy Shevchenko break new ground when they face a young and hungry Switzerland in the last 16 of the World Cup here on Monday. . . . more . . .
Kewell in doubt for Italy showdown (Jun 25, 2006)
Australia's goal hero Harry Kewell has missed training here as he continues to battle a groin injury ahead of Monday's knockout second round match with Italy. . . . more . . .
For Van Basten, there's nothing better than playing (Jun 25, 2006)
Despite his impressive results as a coach, Marco van Basten admitted he'd rather be playing when his Netherlands team take on Portugal late. . . . more . . .
Portuguese-Dutch card storm evokes battles of Berne, Santiago (Jun 25, 2006)
A hail of cards - nine yellows and two reds for Portugal and seven and two respectively for The Netherlands showed the violent side of the World Cup in the dirtiest match of the tournament to date. . . . more . . .
Record-breaking time for evergreen Cafu (Jun 24, 2006)
Brazil's evergreen captain Cafu said he would be very proud to break the World Cup record for appearances and games won when the five-time champions play Ghana in a second round clash in Dortmund on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
It's life or death says Eriksson as England prepare for Ecuador (Jun 24, 2006)
Sven-Goran Eriksson said his team had the courage to end their 40-year wait for World Cup glory as they prepared for a 'life or death' second round challenge with Ecuador here Sunday. . . . more . . .
Ibrahimovic starts as Sweden target Germany upset (Jun 24, 2006)
Germany and Sweden lock horns here attempting to become the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals of the World Cup. . . . more . . .
Van Nistelrooy pledges Ruud awakening (Jun 24, 2006)
Ruud van Nistelrooy has vowed to step up his game amid rampant speculation that he will be dropped for the Netherlands' crunch World Cup second round clash with Portugal, his coach said. . . . more . . .
Scolari predicts nervewracking clash with the Dutch (Jun 24, 2006)
Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has predicted a tight match with the Netherlands who he said were unrecognisable from the team Portugal ousted from Euro 2004. . . . more . . .
Zidane wins reprieve as France go through (Jun 24, 2006)
Zinedine Zidane's glorious career was in danger of coming to an inglorious end before France came up trumps against Togo to extend their and his World Cup adventure. . . . more . . .
Italy's Nesta ruled out of Australia match (Jun 24, 2006)
Italy defender Alessandro Nesta has been ruled out of Monday's World Cup second round match against Australia after failing to recover from a groin strain, team doctor Enrico Castellaci has said. . . . more . . .
100 England fans detained after Stuttgart rampage (Jun 24, 2006)
Around 100 England fans have been detained here overnight after rampaging through the town center ahead of their team's World Cup match against Ecuador. . . . more . . .
Germany expects as host nation face Sweden (Jun 24, 2006)
Germany has ground to a halt to watch the host nation attempt to reach the quarter-finals at the expense of Sweden as the World Cup moved into the knockout stage. . . . more . . .
Japan's Blue Samurai receive hero's welcome (Jun 24, 2006)
Hundreds of cheering fans have welcomed home Japan's football team when they arrived appearing despondent at Narita airport from Germany. . . . more . . .
FIFA gives backing to under-fire English referee (Jun 24, 2006)
FIFA have given referee Graham Poll lukewarm backing after conceding he made a blunder in showing Croatian player Josip Simunic three yellow cards in the World Cup match against Australia. . . . more . . .
No more excuses says Beckham as Eriksson tinkers yet again (Jun 24, 2006)
David Beckham is determined to banish the memory of England's timid 2002 World Cup exit as his team prepares to face Ecuador for a place in the quarter-finals here Sunday. . . . more . . .
I respect France, but Spain are going through: Aragones (Jun 24, 2006)
"All respect to the French, but I am sure we will get past them to reach the quarter-finals." . . . more . . .
Sven hints Walcott could play a part against Ecuador (Jun 24, 2006)
Sven-Goran Eriksson has hinted that untested teenager Theo Walcott could play a part in England's last 16 clash with Ecuador, insisting he has complete faith in the Arsenal youngster. . . . more . . .
World Cup could be over for English referee (Jun 24, 2006)
Referee Graham Poll may be dropped for the closing stages of the World Cup after his blunder in giving Croatia's Josip Simunic three yellow cards against Australia, FIFA has said. . . . more . . .
Senderos out of World Cup (Jun 24, 2006)
Swiss central defender Philippe Senderos has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup after dislocating his shoulder in Friday's win over South Korea. . . . more . . .
Scolari predicts one-goal win or penalties (Jun 24, 2006)
Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has predicted a tight match with the Netherlands who he said were unrecognisable from the team Portugal ousted from Euro 2004. . . . more . . .
Dutch take aim at Portugal jinx (Jun 24, 2006)
The Netherlands are confident they can beat Portugal for the first time in 15 years here and in so doing progress into the World Cup quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Podolski the hero as Germany surge into quarters (Jun 24, 2006)
Germany have taken one step closer to their dream of lifting a fourth World Cup crown after the hosts defeated ten-man Sweden 2-0 to book their place in the quarter-final. . . . more . . .
Absence of Chelsea's Essien cannot dim Ghana confidence (Jun 24, 2006)
Facing the biggest match of their lives with their star player banished, Ghana's Black Stars are nonetheless confident they can shock five-time champion Brazil without Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien.