Football

Rio Ferdinand, who was ruled out of the World Cup by a last moment injury, feels he has been "cursed".

The Stadium hosted a number of games during last year's Confederations Cup.

Walcott has been left out of Fabio Capello's squad after suffering a series of injuries and loss of form.

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld says he is not concerned about his team's poor results.

Rafa Benitez left Liverpool after six years in charge on Thursday, with the club saying it needed a fresh start.

Ferdinand pointed out that the lack of a comfort zone will help drive the players as they try to win the WC.

Switzerland look to rebound from a poor Euro 2008 showing and bad luck elimination from the 2006 World Cup.

Cameroon captain Samuel Eto'o has been sent off in the 33rd minute of his team's World Cup warmup game against Portugal.

Australia edged Denmark 1-0 in a World Cup warmup in Roodepoort on Tuesday.

Experienced players such as Bakary Kone, Gilles Yapi Yapo and Emerse Fae were all dropped from Ivory Coast squad.

Vidic was part of Serbia and Montenegro's 2006 World Cup squad but missed the entire tournament through suspension and a knee injury.

The Stadium will host eight games during the World Cup - made up of five group games and knockout games.

Japan have never won a football World Cup game on foreign soil.

An under-strength Netherlands squad beat Mexico 2-1 in a World Cup warmup match Wednesday.

Aguirre, twice Mexico's saviour during qualifying campaigns, is itching to lead the 'Tricolor'.

Triesman had to quit as chairman of the FA and the World Cup bid, after he was taped in a bribery conspiracy.