Iran coach dodges political hot potato

Japan works on defense ahead of Australia match

Argentina picks up three points in standings, and more in self-belief

Draw with Sweden feels like win to Trinidad and Tobago

Led by captain Dwight Yorke, Trinidad and Tobago players paraded around the perimeter of the field, saluting their fans and savoring a moment few thought could happen.

Togo coach walks out on team days before opening match

The beleaguered Togo soccer team was thrown into chaos Saturday after coach Otto Pfister walked out in fury over a pay dispute between the players and the national federation, just four days before its World Cup debut against South Korea.

England ready to launch World Cup dream, says Eriksson

Costa Rica dream of upsetting Germany in opener

Costa Rica coach Alexandre Guimaraes says his team are dreaming of upsetting hosts Germany in Friday's World Cup opener in Munich.

Brazil coach plays down comparisons with president

Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira dodged suggestions on Thursday that he had the second most important job in the country after the president.

England's soccer stars able to nutmeg the taxman

England's football stars will see their celebrity stock rise when they take to the World Cup stage, but they can already cheer being able to sidestep tax on their high-profile off-pitch earnings.

France land in Germany with stand-in Govou

Striker Sidney Govou, a late addition by France after Djibril Cisse broke his leg, landed in Germany with the rest of their World Cup squad on Thursday.

Shevchenko, Ukraine win last tuneup

Andriy Shevchenko scored a goal Thursday to help Ukraine beat Luxembourg 3-0 in its final World Cup warmup match.

Japan face fresh injury scare

Japan faced a fresh injury scare as playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura left training early because of a painful left hamstring four days before their crucial World Cup opener against Australia.