World Cup bidding war starts in earnest

The draw for next summer's World Cup finals may have been the global focus of sporting attention in Cape Town today. But a few hours earlier, another World Cup drama was unfolding in the palatial grounds of a government building on the outskirts of the city.

Beckham withdraws from England as Galaxy progress

David Beckham has withdrawn from England's squad for the friendly against Brazil after the Los Angeles Galaxy reached the Major League Soccer Western Conference final with a victory over local rivals Chivas USA.

Spain leave it late, England win again

Winger Albert Riera struck a stoppage-time winner for European champions Spain who came from behind to win 2-1 in Turkey and maintain their 100 percent record in 2010 World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday.

Japan and Australia battle for supremacy

There is much more at stake than just points when Japan face Australia, says Mike Tuckerman.

Sweden v Denmark

Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has put speculation over his future with Inter Milan out of his mind and is focused on the 2010 World Cup qualifiers against Denmark on Saturday and Malta next week.

Messiah back in Toon, Vieri quits football

Dominic Raynor on a week when Diego Maradona was "stabbed in the heart" and fan power forced Christian Vieri to quit Serie A.

Nigeria 0-0 Jamaica: Barnes almost nets shock

John Barnes' Jamaica came close to recording an upset over Nigeria but were left to rue missed chances by Middlesbrough's Marlon King and former Sheffield United striker Luton Shelton at Millwall's New Den.

There is much more at stake than just points when Japan face Australia, says Mike Tuckerman

There is much more at stake than just points when Australia face Japan, says Mike Tuckerman