Ukraine, Italy have key players injured

Ukraine and Italy each announced the loss of key players Wednesday for their upcoming World Cup quarterfinals match.

Brazil hoping to end Zidane's career

Brazil will try to finish off Zinedine Zidane's career without a hint of a flourish for the Frenchman.

Ukraine hopes outsider status gets it a little further

Ukraine's players are hoping their outsider status sticks despite their progress to the World Cup quarterfinals.

Ukraine soccer unites divided nation

Suddenly, all the old divisions don't seem so important. Ukrainians - bitterly split over language, politics and whether they belong in the West or with Russia - have been savoring a rare taste of unity with their country's gritty advancement to the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

WAGS to riches: England seeks soccer glory

Cheryl Tweedy (L), girlfriend of England's Ashley Cole, and Victoria Beckham (C), wife of England's captain David Beckham, with their son Brooklyn (R), watch the England v Ecuador Round of 16 soccer match at the World Cup Gottlieb-Daimler stadium in Stuttgart, Germany, Sunday, June 25, 2006.[AP]

Verbeek keen to raise Korean standards for next finals

New South Korea coach Pim Verbeek believes he is the right man to help the Asian soccer power close the gap on the world's leading teams.

Socceroos want European to continue Hiddink magic

Australia's crestfallen soccer players believe another big name European coach should continue the good work started by Guus Hiddink at the World Cup finals. The Dutchman transformed the team's fortunes after taking charge last July, leading them to a first finals in 32 years and then inspiring them to the brink of the quarter-finals before a heartbreaking loss to Italy in the second round on Monday ended their unlikely run.

Ukraine hopes outsider status gets it a little further

Ukraine's players are hoping their outsider status sticks despite their progress to the World Cup quarterfinals.

France have nothing to fear, says Vieira

France have nothing to fear against Brazil in the World Cup quarter-finals following their 3-1 win over Spain on Tuesday, midfielder Patrick Vieira said.

Ecuador get festive welcome home

Thousands of Ecuadoreans put their team's World Cup disappointment behind them to fill the streets of Quito in a rousing celebration to welcome home their soccer team on Tuesday.

England ready to slay shoot-out jinx says Hargreaves

Owen Hargreaves believes England have the talent to finally end their penalty shoot-out jinx if Saturday's World Cup quarter-final showdown with Portugal goes to spot-kicks.

Australians leave happy and frustrated