Brazil abandon trademark style after 2006 failure

Brazil coach Dunga has insisted winning is more important than playing flair football and revealed his admiration for the English game ahead of Saturday's friendly with England in Doha.

Don't write off the Irish

The luck of the Irish deserted the country in the World Cup play-off draw on Monday so no wonder Giovanni Trapattoni was kicking up such a stink about the late decision to seed the big nations.

Capello builds from the back

Harry Harris examines Fabio Capello's focus on a solid defensive foundation.

Dunga still losing battle with the press

Despite qualifying for 2010, the Brazilian press are still not won over by Dunga, says Ernesto Garrido.

De Rossi returns for blunted Italy

Daniele De Rossi's return from suspension for the World Cup qualifier with Bulgaria on Wednesday will only give Italy another defensive option in midfield and do little to help their quest for creativity.

Portugal facing crunch match with Sweden

Portugal must overcome their frayed nerves to beat Sweden in a crunch World Cup qualifier on Saturday and avoid an uphill struggle to reach the 2010 finals in South Africa.

Dale Johnson reviews the elite squad of performers from Premier League fantasy

Nemanja Vidic and Cristiano Ronaldo were masters of their fantasy field this season

Dale Johnson looks ahead to the Champions League quarters with fantasy in mind