Paraguay cross rubicon with shootout win

Paraguay crossed a World Cup threshold when they beat Japan on 5-3 penalties to reach the quarter-finals for the first time on Tuesday. The second round match at Ellis Park ended goalless after......

Paraguay beat Japan on penalties

Paraguay held their nerve to beat Japan 5-3 on penalties on Tuesday to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time after the match had finished in a goalless stalemate. Japan's Yuichi......

Japan ready for Aussie onslaught

Japan are bracing themselves for a gruelling physical battle when they face Australia in their World Cup opener on Monday. The Asian champions will look to counter Australia's power with their own......

Experience with a twist for Japan at World Cup

Japan coach Zico opted for experience in naming his World Cup squad on Monday, although he did add a twist with the bold inclusion of fringe striker Seiichiro Maki. The Brazilian axed Yokohama's......

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:......