Cristiano Ronaldo, a shadow of his old self

Claude Arpi captures the fan's passion for football in these entertaining e-mails to Ivan Crasto, Rediff.com's Sports Editor. Read Claude's first e-mailHis secondHis thirdHis fourthHis 5th:......

Japan coach Okada eyes exit after penalty loss

Disappointed Japan coach Takeshi Okada said he is likely to step down after his side lost their World Cup last 16 tie with Paraguay 5-3 on penalties following a dire 0-0 draw on Tuesday. Japan,......

Japan are last Asian World Cup hope

Asia's last survivors Japan face Paraguay and Spain assault the so far impregnable defence of Iberian neighbours Portugal on Tuesday as the last two World Cup quarter-final berths are decided.......

Honda gearing up for more success

Keisuke Honda scored one goal and made another in a scintillating performance for Japan on Thursday but said he is not satisfied with guiding his team into the last 16 at the World Cup finals.......

Images: Dutch and Japan through to last 16 at World Cup

Japan gave notice of their potential on Thursday when they beat Denmark 3-1 in their final Group E fixture and clinched a place in the last 16 of the World Cup on foreign soil for the first time.......