FIFA happy with South African preparations

Football's world governing body FIFA says the question of South Africa not hosting the 2010 World Cup should by now be forgotten.

When can the back-scratching commence?

Phil Holland on the race to host the 2018 and 2020 World Cups and European football's cash cow.

Under an Uzbeki sky

Jason Dasey finds Socceroos boss Pim Verbeek mulling the challenge of a vital trip to Uzbekistan.

So far so good for Socceroos

Mark Schwarzer's China heroics have the Aussies in a good position, says Jason Dasey.

Germany 1-2 England: Terry caps fine show

John Terry provided England with the perfect end to 2008 by nodding home a late winner to beat Germany in Berlin.

Beckenbauer backs England's 2018 World Cup bid

England have ''a great chance'' of winning the contest to host the 2018 World Cup, according to Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer.

FIFA delay decision on World Cup bidding

FIFA's leaders have delayed a decision on World Cup bidding until December, it can be revealed.

World Cup plan on track but costs a worry

South Africa is on track to build stadiums for the 2010 soccer World Cup but rising costs are a concern, a cabinet spokesman said on Thursday.

The Swiss got back on track after losing to Luxembourg

WC: Portugal woe, Dutch and England march on

Portugal's stuttering form continued as a goalless draw at home to 10-man Albania on Wednesday left them in third place in Group One.

Spain, England and Holland target 100% records

Spain, England and Netherlands must negotiate difficult away assignments on Wednesday to keep up their 100 percent records in World Cup qualifying.

Queiroz determind to get Portugal back on track

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz is confident his team can get their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track, starting against Albania on Wednesday.

Russia 3-0 Finland: Own goals aid Russia

Finland shot themselves in the foot against Russia on Wednesday as two own goals handed their hosts victory in a crucial World Cup qualifier.

Lithuania 1-0 Faroe Islands: Danilevicius the hero

Captain Tomas Danilevicius scored his third goal of World Cup Qualifying as Lithuania squeaked past the Faroe Islands on Wednesday.

Gillespie confident Irish will be back on track

Keith Gillespie insists Northern Ireland can recover from a poor start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.