Football

The world's largest sporting spectacle is about to start as hosts Bafana Bafana take on Mexico in the first match.

"Young or old, it does not make a difference," striker Lukas Podolski said.

The Spaniard ended his six-year spell at Liverpool last week.

Algeria coach Rabah Saadane says he will leave captain Yazid Mansouri out of the team's World Cup opener against Slovenia.

Eljero Elia sparked a racism row with comments on a live streaming video.

The student will try to beat the master when Bob Bradley's United States take on Fabio Capello's England.

Robben is nursing a hamstring injury he picked up during a 6-1 win over Hungary in a friendly on Saturday.

A study noted how players about to kick a ball could be distracted by the goalkeepers in front of them.

Guillermo Ochoa and Oscar Perez are battling to start the tournament opener on Friday against South Africa.

After the injury to Rio Ferdinand, Ledley King could make his first tournament appearance in six years.

Diego Forlan managed to complete his team's first World Cup practice in South Africa despite picking up a knock.

Carlos Queiroz has flown to the Rainbow Nation countless times but said on Sunday's flight to the World Cup finals was a unique moment.

Substitute Quincy Owusu-Abeyie scored a late goal on Saturday to help Ghana beat Latvia 1-0.

Speculation is intense whether the 91-year-old Mandela, will be well enough to attend any World Cup games.

The Elephants' key player went down under a heavy challenge from Japan defender Tulio after 15 minutes.

South Africa stands on the threshold of a unique World Cup that looks likely to confound pessimists.