Caborn: Russia main rivals to England 2018 bid

England's 2018 World Cup bid ambassador Richard Caborn MP has called for total unity among the bid team, and revealed to ESPN Soccernet that Russia are England's main rivals to host the tournament.

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.

Hiddink tight-lipped on future

Guus Hiddink will take time to reflect on his future after Russia were denied a place at the World Cup finals by Slovenia before deciding if he returns to club football.

Russian players look dejected after going out of the World Cup

Slovenia's players celebrate their goal against Russia

Andrei Arshavin is Russia's leading player

Slovenia 1-0 Russia: Major shock for Hiddink

Slovenia beat Russia, who finished with nine men, 1-0 in the second leg of their World Cup play-off on Wednesday to clinch a place in next year's finals.

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.

Andrei Arshavin admits worries ahead of Slovenia showdown

Arsenal star Andrei Arshavin has admitted he is concerned about his own form ahead of Russia's World Cup play-off, second leg with Slovenia on Wednesday night.

The final qualifiers

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

Hiddink calls for calm ahead of vital Slovenia clash

Russia will stick to their crowd-pleasing style of attacking play when they take a narrow lead over Slovenia into Wednesday's World Cup playoff return leg, coach Guus Hiddink said.

Favorites assume the upper hand

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

Russia's Diniyar Bilyaletdinov scores against Slovenia's goalkeeper Samir Handanovic

Slovenia players celebrate a late away goal against Russia

Russia's Diniyar Bilyaletdinov celebrates scoring his sides opening goal