From: NEW YORK POST on Wed, Jun 16 2010 3:59 PM

Football coaches from Brazil have been working with teams of children from the Soweto townships — to bring a bit of South American flair and World Cup cheer to a community suffering from a high level of AIDS, unemployment and drug abuse.

From: NEW YORK POST on Wed, Jun 16 2010 10:57 AM

In Argentina, a popular saying claims that one 'can change his religion, change his wife but never his football team.' Here football is more than just a game, it’s a passion that is passed from generations to generations. WC2010

From: NEW YORK POST on Tue, Jun 15 2010 3:52 PM

With their own team failing to make it to the World Cup in South Africa, a group of Chinese fans are supporting North Korea.

From: NEW YORK POST on Tue, Jun 15 2010 12:51 PM

Germany celebrated a decisive victory as their team took on Australia in their first World Cup match. Beating the Socceroos by four goals to nil, Germany fans believe their players have the skill and ambition to go all the way. WC2010.

From: NEW YORK POST on Tue, Jun 15 2010 12:51 PM

Spain enters the World Cup on Wednesday with its match against Switzerland. In the Spanish camp, the expectations are high. They’re convinced that their team, European champion in 2008, will come home as winners. WC2010

From: NEW YORK POST on Tue, Jun 15 2010 12:51 PM

Chile’s been missing from the World Cup for 12 years. The country last played in the competition in France in 1998. And it's a return with a difference for the team, with coach Marcelo Bielsa — otherwise known as El Loco (the madman) -- in the driver's seat. He's been called...

From: NEW YORK POST on Tue, Jun 15 2010 12:51 PM

Chile’s been missing from the World Cup for 12 years. The country last played in the competition in France in 1998. And it's a return with a difference for the team, with coach Marcelo Bielsa — otherwise known as El Loco (the madman) -- in the driver's seat. He's been called...

From: NEW YORK POST on Mon, Jun 14 2010 5:46 PM

Despite being on the sidelines, Diego Maradona is undoubtedly one of the stars of the Argentinian football team. Now, as a first-time World Cup coach, he has to prove that he can guide his players to victory. And while people in Buenos Aires seem to doubt Maradona can succeed, the squad’s openin...

From: NEW YORK POST on Mon, Jun 14 2010 5:46 PM

England fans go to prison — but only to play South African inmates in a friendly match.

From: NEW YORK POST on Mon, Jun 14 2010 5:46 PM

It’s the plastic trumpet that's a staple for South African football fans and which is now beloved by traveling supporters too. But many watching the World Cup on TV — and even players on the pitch -- are beginning to wonder when the constant buzz of the vuvuzela will end. - WC2010

From: NEW YORK POST on Mon, Jun 14 2010 5:46 PM

Japan beat a lacklustre Cameroon 1-0 in Bloemfontein on Monday through a Keisuke Honda goal to notch their first ever World Cup victory on foreign soil. The Blue Samurai, struggling for goals in the run-up to the tournament, took the lead in the 39th minute and held on for the remainder of the m...

From: NEW YORK POST on Mon, Jun 14 2010 5:46 PM

It’s a first for the French: the World Cup football side are opening their doors to the public so fans can watch them train. Ever since their arrival in South Africa the side have transformed their base in to a no-go area for the press and supporters alike. WC2010

From: NEW YORK POST on Mon, Jun 14 2010 5:46 PM

The extraordinary crush of media and fans' expectations is exerting even more pressure on Brazil to get off to a flying start against North Korea in their World Cup opener here on Tuesday. Coach Dunga said he had great respect for his opponents and would work had to overcome North Korea’s ra...

From: NEW YORK POST on Mon, Jun 14 2010 6:43 AM

Mexico have been putting the finishing touches to their preparations for Friday’s World Cup curtain raiser against hosts South Africa. WC2010

From: NEW YORK POST on Mon, Jun 14 2010 6:43 AM

Denmark coach Morten Olsen has admitted in a press conference that his team has injury concerns ahead of their opening World Cup match against the Netherlands on Monday and insists his side are the underdogs. WC2010.

From: NEW YORK POST on Mon, Jun 14 2010 6:43 AM

The Swiss national team touched down in South Africa on Thursday under a cloud after captain Alex Frei suffered a right ankle injury. Contenders in Group H, Switzerland will first face Spain on June 16. WC2010

From: NEW YORK POST on Mon, Jun 14 2010 6:43 AM

Rarely has a coach has such a hostile reception going into a World Cup. France’s manager Raymond Domenech has been dealing with record low popularity, the more so after a very laborious road to qualifying. Whatever happens in South Africa, this will be his last time managing Les Bleus. WC2010

From: NEW YORK POST on Mon, Jun 14 2010 6:43 AM

The fans and teams have arrived and the streets of Johannesburg are already awash with colourful flags. A day before the the opening match of the 2010 World Cup between hosts South Africa and Mexico, those with or without tickets now just want the games to begin. WC2010

From: NEW YORK POST on Mon, Jun 14 2010 6:43 AM

French coach Raymond Domenech brushed aside France’s troubled build-up to the World Cup on Thursday and said his team was 'ready' ahead of their opening match against Uruguay on Friday night. 'We are determined, a bit aggressive and impatient,' Domenech said.

From: NEW YORK POST on Mon, Jun 14 2010 6:43 AM

World Cup fever is so high in one Thai jail that inmates are playing out their own World Cup in parallel to the real thing. Eighteen teams are taking part mainly selected from the jail’s 1,000-or-so foreign inmates from 45 nations. WC2010