Former champions England and Argentina aim to replicate the World Cup start enjoyed by hosts Germany when they kick off their challenges on Saturday.
David Beckham will lead England in his 90th international match against Paraguay on Saturday -- emulating his childhood hero and hoping he'll help end his country's recent poor run of opening results.
With the 2006 World Cup kicking off on June 9th, bars and soccer fans in Beijing have all been preparing for the big event.
It's not just the 32 teams at the World Cup who are about to have their shape, style and movement furiously picked over.
Brazils national football team striker Ronaldo had a fever Thursday and did not participate in Brazils open practice at the Kickers Stadium, in Offenbach, Germany.
An upbeat Germany has kicked off its monthlong World Cup party, buoyed by hopes that tight security and meticulous planning will ensure a tournament that mirrors the country's brightening mood.
Germany captain Michael Ballack will miss Friday's World Cup opening match against Costa Rica because of a calf injury, coach Juergen Klinsmann told a news conference on Thursday.
A parade of 109 World Cup-winning players was the highlight of a glitzy showpiece welcome ceremony for the 56th FIFA Congress in Munich on Wednesday.
France struggled to beat China 3-1 but lost striker Djibril Cisse due to a serious injury in their last warmup for the World Cup.
England striker Wayne Rooney was cleared to rejoin his country's World Cup squad after having his broken right foot examined, FIFA's Web site reported Wednesday.
Djibril Cisse will miss the World Cup after injuring his right leg in France's 3-1 victory over China in a World Cup warmup Wednesday.
Chinese human resources managers are biting their nails ahead of the World Cup, worried about the effect of successive late nights on their staff, a Shanghai newspaper said on Wednesday.
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