All Whites could be blanked

New Zealand could go winless in South Africa, as it did in 1982. Mark Young weighs in.

Paraguay has tough road ahead

Paraguay is looking to emerge from the shadows of South American giants Argentina and Brazil. But can it? Mark Young weighs in.

Netherlands 0-0 Paraguay: Villar keeps Dutch out

A solid performance from Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar ensured their friendly meeting with Holland in Heerenveen ended in a lacklustre goalless draw.

Last chance for Trap's plan to pay off

Gareth Maher reckons Giovanni Trapattoni is right not to change his tactics as Ireland take on France.

Fifth Official: Fabio sweats, Ray slays the Trapp

The Fifth Officialpulls out the pretty, the puzzling and the downright pig-ugly from the weekend.

Kaka and current Manchester City star Robinho

Dunga slams City in row over Robinho's availability

Manchester City forward Robinho has ruled himself out of Saturday's friendly against England in Doha as he continues his recovery following an ankle injury.

Tevez considers retiring if Argentina win World Cup

Carlos Tevez has said he is considering retirement after the World Cup if Argentina pick up the trophy, because he is disappointed at losing his first choice place for his country and exhausted by the amount of football he is playing.

Man City boss Hughes stands firm over Robinho

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes believes it would be ''foolhardy'' for Robinho to face England on Saturday, as the Brazilian international recovers from an ankle injury that has kept him on the sidelines for club and country for over two months.

Surprise Argentina call-up for Sevilla's Diego Perotti

Sevilla midfielder Diego Perotti has won a surprise call-up to the Argentina squad for Saturday's friendly against Spain.

The Irish aren't afraid of the French

On paper, France's lineup is littered with big-name talents compared to Ireland's blue-collar squad. However, under coach Giovanni Trapattoni, the Irish believe they can upset Les Bleus.

Maradona calls on Cambiasso for first time

Inter Milan midfielder Esteban Cambiasso was called up by Diego Maradona for the first time when he was included in a 19-man Argentina squad for the November 14 friendly against European champions Spain at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid.

Cambiasso recalled by Maradona for Spain friendly

Argentina coach Diego Maradona has called-up midfielder Esteban Cambiasso for the first time ahead of next month's friendly international against Spain in Madrid.

Irish quartet miss out on squad to face France

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has left Steven Reid, Andy Reid, Steve Finnan and Clinton Morrison out of his 25-man squad for the World Cup qualifying play-off against France.

Aurelio recalled by Brazil for England friendly

Liverpool wing back Fabio Aurelio has been recalled by Brazil for the Middle East friendlies against England and Oman next month.