US coach Jurgen Klinsmann dubbed Friday's World Cup 2014 home qualifying match against Costa Rica a "must-win" a term which might apply to his future as coach as well as to the team's hopes of qualifying.

With just over a year to go until the World Cup, some of Europe's leading nations are hoping to take a major step towards sealing their places in the finals in Brazil in a busy week of qualifying.

Shaun Maloney revealed he is relishing life under new Scotland manager Gordon Strachan as the squad prepare for their World Cup qualifier against Wales.

England World Cup-winning coach Clive Woodward believes Wales' Sam Warburton should captain the British and Irish Lions on their forthcoming tour of Australia.

Croatia and Serbia's footballers play each other for the first time since independence on Friday, in a highly charged tie given wider significance by political, cultural and historical ties and fresh memories of war.

China boss Jose Antonio Camacho will hope a sprinkling of stardust from the visiting David Beckham will rub off on his team as he fights for his job in Friday's crunch Asian Cup qualifier with Iraq.

England captain Steven Gerrard admits that his side will be "on a hiding to nothing" when they tackle Group H whipping boys San Marino in their latest World Cup qualifier on Friday.

Daniele De Rossi sparked Italy's fightback and Mario Balotelli scored a superb second-half equaliser as the Azzurri battled to a 2-2 draw against Brazil in a friendly on Thursday.

Russia coach Fabio Capello insists he has had no contact with Chelsea after being linked with a move to the Premier League club.

Wales star Gareth Bale has "a very good chance" of playing in Friday's 2014 World Cup qualifier against Scotland at Glasgow's Hampden Park, according to manager Chris Coleman.

Kenya lashed out at African champions Nigeria on Thursday after they were forced to prepare for their weekend World Cup qualifier on a primary school pitch.

Croatia coach Igor Stimac on Thursday promised a spectacular World Cup qualifier with former foe Serbia as the visiting team arrived in Zagreb amid tight security.

AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng -- lauded for walking off the pitch to protest abuse by fans -- on Thursday called for an end to racism in the sport, likening it to a virulent disease that blighted the game.

Former BBC director general Greg Dyke is set to become the new chairman of the Football Association, the English game's governing body announced Thursday.

England manager Roy Hodgson says he will "wait and see" on Rio Ferdinand's international future after the Manchester United defender's withdrawal from the squad.

FIFA lifted a ban on international football friendlies in Iraqi stadiums on Thursday, permitting matches in Baghdad for the first time since the 2003 US-led invasion, an Iraqi football official said.

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has given a strong indication that the Barcelona duo of Victor Valdes and David Villa will start the World Cup qualifier with Finland on Friday.

San Marino manager Giampaolo Mazza admits that his primary objective for Friday's World Cup qualifier against England is to see his players avoid humiliation.

Croatia coach Igor Stimac on Thursday promised a spectacular World Cup qualifier with former foe Serbia as the visiting team arrived in Zagreb under tight security measures.

Rio Ferdinand insisted Thursday there was nothing controversial about his decision to fly to Qatar in the week he withdrew from England World Cup qualifying duty.