In the 21 editions of the World Cup over 92 years featuring 79 nations, there have still been only eight winners and only 13 have made it to the final. Spain were the last to join the elite group of champions in 2010 after France in 1998 and Argentina in 1978.
Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o has lost his appeal against a three-match Serie A ban for headbutting but a 30,000 euro ($39,570) fine has been dropped, the Italian soccer federation said in the statement on Thursday.
'I am privileged to have represented India for more than two decades and earning my 300th international cap is truly a special memory for me.'
The German goalkeeper remains hopeful of playing at the 2006 World Cup, despite the loss of his place at Arsenal to Manuel Almunia.
Italy recalled 2006 World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi on Thursday to replace Roberto Donadoni.
Spain go into the quarter-final against Italy on a roll, looking to extend their unbeaten run to 20 games after winning all three group matches.
Germany's World Cup winner Lukas Podolski announced his retirement from international football on Monday, bringing to an end a glittering 12-year career.
Japan coach Zico has hinted he intends to quit after the 2006 World Cup, a Japanese newspaper reported on Friday.
Carter was in politics, but not a politician, certainly not a transactional politician, points out Shreekant Sambrani.
For the golden generation of Indian cricketers, this is their last chance to conquest what no other team could on eight previous tours.
Some key facts about Zinedine Zidane, who stepped down as Real Madrid coach after leading the Spanish club to a third successive Champions League title.
The big names who will be bidding for a podium finish before bidding farewell...
France did their chances of advancing from a tough Group C no favours when they drew 0-0 with Romania in a tight, tactical affair in their opening match at Euro 2008 on Monday.
Italy are back and they have a point to prove.
Trezeguet had recently played in the Indian Super League for Pune City FC.
Zinedine Zidane has said he would like to return to the world of football, not sure in which role.
Already-qualified Netherlands will be at full strength against out-of-contention Cameroon in their final Group E match on Thursday in a bid to avoid a hat-trick of early knockout exits after fielding weakened teams.
New Zealand thumped minnows Ireland by 290 runs in Aberdeen on Tuesday to register the biggest margin of victory in one-day internationals in the opening match of the Associates Tri-series. New Zealand smashed a mammoth 402 for two in their 50 overs and in reply bowled out Ireland for a mere 112 in 28.4 overs.
Argentina's 2006 World Cup playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme has expressed his disappointment at missing out this year's finals in South Africa but maintains he was right to turn his back on coach Diego Maradona.
To the few uninitiated, Alessandro Del Piero, garlanded with marigold, was mistaken for a Hollywood star before football aficionados sent across the message that the biggest attraction of the inaugural Indian Super League had just landed in New Delhi.
Juergen Klinsmann will take over as coach of Bayern Munich from next season, the Bundesliga club announced on Friday. "Former Germany coach will take over the running of the club from July 1," Bayern said in a statement on their web site (www.fcb.de).
It took Giroud, who owed his place in the starting lineup to Benzema's absence, 115 international appearances to score his 51 goals, while Henry needed 123 from 1997-2010.
India's shooting ace Apurvi Chandela attained the World No 1 position in the women's 10m air rifle event while compatriot Anjum Moudgil rose to second.
FIFA ordered Turkey to play their next six home matches abroad following a brawl after a qualifier against Switzerland in Istanbul.
A goal in each half by Filippo Inzaghi enabled the Italians beat Liverpool in the Champions League final and avenge the 2005 defeat.
Euro 2008 gets underway on Saturday with co-hosts Switzerland pitting their promising young team against an experienced Czech Republic side keen to prove their best days are not behind them.
A late strike by Sergei Nazarenko gave Ukraine a 1-0 win as Sweden lost its final warm-up game before Euro 2008.
Brazil coach Dunga, enjoying the best spell of his three years in charge, has hit back at critics who said he was the wrong man for the job.
Brazil's coach will go with experience in the South American qualifying competition for the 2006 World Cup.
Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann's crumpled cheat sheet that helped him save penalties against Argentina in the 2006 World Cup quarter-final shootout raised one million euros ($1.3 million) for charity on Saturday.
France's goalless draw with Israel confirmed a lot of work will be needed to overcome the absence of Zinedine Zidane.
FIFA chief Sepp Blatter often talks about being the head of the "football family" but if the boos that greeted his appearance at the Asian Cup final on Saturday are anything to go by, he is not too popular with his Australian cousins.
The body of the 40-year old, who committed suicide yesterday, was brought to Kannur by road and handed over to the Kerala Police at Palakkad.
Factbox on Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who announced his retirement from international football on Friday.
Brazil have added Real Madrid striker Julio Baptista to their Copa America squad after midfielder Ze Roberto quit international football.
