French get helping hand in Cup qualifier

An unlikely side punched its ticket to South Africa while a presumed contender was sent packing during the second leg of the European World Cup qualifiers. But all the attention focused on a sequence of officiating mistakes that cost one club dearly.

Villain Henry as Ireland, Ukraine, Russia exit in play-offs

All 32 World Cup finalists are now decided after play-offs in Europe, Africa and between Uruguay and Costa Rica confirmed the continents' representatives in South Africa.

Zvjezdan Misimovic misses Portugal tie

Bosnia's hopes of overturning their 1-0 first leg defeat to Portugal in the World Cup play-offs have been heavily undermined by the news that Zvjezdan Misimovic will miss Wednesday's return fixture.

The final qualifiers

Jon Carter looks at the teams who have booked their place at South Africa next year.

Simao: Portugal won't just sit back and defend

...his ankle on Saturday. Nani, who deputised on the wing in the absence of the injured Cristiano Ronaldo at the weekend, was Portugal's most enterprising player in the first leg. However, the hosts' hopes...

Favorites assume the upper hand

In the first leg of the European World Cup playoffs, the favorites took control of their own destinies.

Ronaldo absence no excuse for Portugal - Simao

Cristiano Ronaldo's absence through injury cannot be an excuse for Portugal to fail in its World Cup play-off against Bosnia, winger Simao Sabrosa said on Friday.

Portugal 1-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina: Alves strikes

A header by Bruno Alves gave Portugal a 1-0 win over Bosnia in their World Cup play-off first leg on Saturday but the home team missed a host of chances.

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.

Portugal coach Queiroz shrugs off Ronaldo absence

...his team are more than capable of reaching the World Cup despite the significant absence of Cristiano Ronaldo heading into their two-legged play-off against Bosnia-Herzegovina.Ronaldo has dominated the headlines this week...

Ronaldo absence good for Portugal progress

Andy Brassell on the situation surrounding Ronaldo's injury as Portugal face Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Ronaldo holds his injured foot

Real stand firm over release of Ronaldo for play-offs

The row over the fitness of Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo shows no sign of coming to an end with Real Madrid sending medical documentation to the Portuguese FA to prove he is not fit to link up with the national team.

Ronaldo ruled out of Portugal World Cup play-off

Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the World Cup two-legged playoff against Bosnia, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said in a statement on Tuesday.

World Cup 2002

Host countries Japan and South Korea