2010 World Cup Group A Preview: France, Mexico, Uruguay, South Africa

After two years and 848 qualification matches, the World Cup is almost ready to start. Hosts South Africa will kick off the month long tournament when they take on Mexico June 11. Later that night, Raymond Domenech's French team will entertain Uruguay as the competition begins in earnest.

World Cup Preview Group A: France, Les Bleus Chances Limited By Domenech

Despite qualifying thanks to a blatant Thierry Henry handball against Ireland in the World Cup Playoff, France will head to South Africa 2010 as one of the few nations with a real chance of coming home as winners.

2009: Sporting Year of the Cheat

For sports lovers the world over, 2009 had to be the biggest disappointment ever. Rarely did a month go by where we weren't let down by our idols, and when all is said and done, one word describes the year perfectly: deceit.

Ireland Turns Down FIFA's Patronizing Fair Play Award For 2009

While Lionel Messi deservedly won FIFA's Player of the Year Award for 2009, the real story from the star-studded Gala in Zurich was the FAI's refusal to accept a highly patronizing Fair Play Award.

"I think the way the president of FIFA behaved was an embarrassment to himself and an embarrassment to FIFA. There is an awards ceremony and they have offered us a Fair Play award. We've respectfully declined." said a dignified John Delaney, President of the FAI.

South Africa 2010: Analysis of Every World Cup Group

The World Cup draw has produced not one but two "Groups of Death", as well as handing England and Italy the best possible routes to the knockout phases.

Over 190 countries tuned in to watch the World Cup draw as Charlize Theron and FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke drew the eight groups for next year's finals. The duo barely got through the process without throwing the balls at each other, with Valcke in particular making some very strange insulting comments towards the Hollywood star.

But who really cares, let's look at the draw...

"Sad" Roy Keane Urged To Move on by FAI Chief John Delaney

On Friday afternoon Roy Keane's outburst about Ireland's loss to France surprised everyone. His constant use of the phrase "get over it" has now come back at him as FAI Chief, John Delaney has hit back at the "sad" Keane and told him to "get over Saipan."

Thierry Henry Can Handle The Ball, But He Can't Handle The Truth

Since Ireland's exit from the World Cup at the "hand" of Thierry Henry, there have been many things said and done. But there are only two absolutes after this infamous day. Ireland are out, and Thierry Henry's star has fallen...

France Cheats Its Way Past Heroic Ireland To South Africa

France cheated their way to South Africa tonight after Ireland succumbed to a travesty of justice as Thierry Henry handled the ball twice in the build up to William Gallas' winning goal.

It was an outrageous way to win the match after Ireland had taken the game to their "mighty" opponents and put in the kind of performance that the players will remember for years.

Ireland 0-1 France: Advantage Les Bleus After Priceless Anelka Away Goal

France took one giant step towards the World Cup finals in South Africa this evening after they beat Ireland 1-0 at Croke Park in the first leg of the UEFA Playoffs. Nicolas Anelka's deflected strike was enough to secure a deserved advantage for Les Bleus ahead of the return leg in Paris on Wednesday.

Adel Taarabt Declares for Morocco Over France, Spurs Win Either Way

Adel Taarabt says a need to play first-team football has helped him decide to play for Morocco over France and join QPR on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

The 19-year-old midfielder has pledged his international future to Morocco over France, whom he played for at U-17, U-18, and U-19 level. And has since played three games for the Atlas Lions...