Missing superstars make World Cup plans

So that's it. Uruguay became the 32nd team to qualify for next summer's World Cup, completing the line-up ready to compete for football's biggest prize in Brazil.

But spare a thought for the stars of the game that will miss out on a trip to South America after their qualification campaigns ended in failure.

Ice cream and tissues will undoubtedly be at the ready for the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Gareth Bale and Robert Lewandowski, who will all be forced to watch the action unfold from the comfort of their sofas.

Thursday, 21 November 2013 12:00

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Zlatan, Blatter & the football world bow to mighty Ronaldo

Just when it looked like Zlatan Ibrahimovic might have sparked an incredible comeback for Sweden, Cristiano Ronaldo blew him out of the water with a magnificent hat-trick that sent Portugal through to World Cup 2014.

The Real Madrid superstar delivered three finishes of the utmost quality to roar back into the Ballon d'Or race.

Despite any mickey-taking from Fifa president Sepp Blatter, Ronaldo's performance - which saw him equal Pauleta's national record of 47 goals for the Seleccao - made the world stand up and take note.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013 08:19

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Fat Chance! Bendtner won't get Barca or Madrid move

After missing out on a move to Crystal Palace because he was deemed overweight, it is fair to say that Spain's two biggest clubs won't be knocking on Nicklas Bendtner's door any time soon.

The striker said he would like to move to Barcelona or Real Madrid after he leaves Arsenal, and even though both clubs are in the market for a striker you would not bet on Sandro Rosell or Florentino Perez being seduced by the Great Dane.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013 08:00

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Elephants and Lions join Super Eagles in Brazil

The 2014 World Cup continues to take shape, with more nations booking their places in the tournament next summer.

The Elephants of Ivory Coast secured their spot in Brazil with a two-legged victory over Cameroon on Saturday, as Salomon Kalou killed off the challenge from Senegal in stoppage time of the second leg.

And on Sunday, Cameroon's Indomitable Lions thrashed Tunisia after a goalless draw in the first leg to ensure Samuel Eto'o and Co. will be heading to South America.

Both sides will be joining the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who edged past Ethiopia, with the likes of Sweden and Portugal still battling it out for a place at the World Cup.

Monday, November 18, 2013 12:00

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Super Eagles book World Cup spot

Nigeria are one of the latest teams to have booked their place at next summer's World Cup following a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia on Saturday.

The Super Eagles secured their spot in Brazil thanks to Victor Moses' penalty and Victor Obinna's late free-kick.

Stephen Keshi's men will also be joined by Ivory Coast, who eased to a 4-1 aggregate victory over Senegal.

Sunday, November 17, 2013 12:00

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Zozulya plucks France feathers

Roman Zozulya and his mates conqured France on the final European round of the World Cup qualifications. Ukraine beated France 2-0 to make things harder for the French team to qualify.

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Ronaldo lands crucial blow in Ibrahimovic battle

Cristiano Ronaldo struck the first crucial blow in the battle between Portugal and Sweden for a place in the 2014 World Cup.

Much of the talk prior to the game surrounded which of football's superstars in Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic would come out on top.

And it proved to be the Real Madrid star, who scored the only goal of the game in the 82nd minute, and he might have had a second but was denied by the woodwork.

Ibrahimovic, meanwhile, cut a peripheral figure in Lisbon and was unable to influence the game in his own inimitable style.

There is still plenty of time for the Paris Saint-Germain man to strike back however, with the second leg on home soil for the Swede.

Saturday, November 16, 2013 12:45

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Round One: Zlatan & Ronaldo fight for World Cup place

They are two of the biggest stars in world football, but only one can go to the 2014 World Cup - Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo will go head to head for a trip to Brazil next summer.

The Paris Saint-Germain striker and Real Madrid giant are expected to line up for Sweden and Portugal respectively in Lisbon on Friday night in the first game of a two-legged qualifier.

And while both coaches - Paulo Bento and Erik Hamren - have insisted there is more to the clash than just Ibrahimovic and Ronaldo, they have also conceded the pair are potential match winners.

Can either land a crucial blow in the first leg ahead of the return tie in Sweden?

Friday, November 15, 2013 11:30

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Moyes left to balance Manchester United injuries

David Moyes has been given little time to enjoy Manchester United's 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The Scot saw Robin van Persie pull out of the Netherlands' friendlies against Japan and Colombia due to ongoing problems with his toe and groin.

Michael Carrick and Danny Welbeck, meanwhile, have also been forced to withdraw from international duty with England, who face Chile and Germany over the coming days,

The trio of injuries could leave Moyes balancing his options at Manchester United after the international period and hoping their good form in recent games does not fall apart.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013 08:00

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Bale declares admiration for Ronaldo

Gareth Bale has never kept his appreciation for Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo a secret.

Even prior to his move to the Bernabeu, the former Tottenham man indicated his preference for the Portugal star over Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

And having witnessed Ronaldo's quality first hand in Madrid, the Welshman has again declared his admiration for the 28-year-old.

"Cristiano is incredible, he scores hat-tricks every week," Bale told Real Madrid TV. "It's a pleasure to play with him."

But Bale has ambitions to continue to improve despite a promising start in Spain following his recovery from injury.

"The best is yet to come," he stated. "I've just finished my preseason and I can still give more.

"Now I'll be able to score more goals and help the team achieve success.

"It was just a matter of time until I got to 100 per cent. Now everyone is seeing what I can do. I need to keep working and hopefully there will be more goals."

Thursday, November 14, 2013 11:35

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