Sport has enough politics of its own, and doesn’t need politicians to complicate things further. Fifa is of the same view and has rebutted the Nicolas Sarkozy-led French government after their intervention into the matters of the French Football Federation following Les Blues’ humiliating first round exit.

Diego Maradona became the darling of millions of adoring young fans when he led Argentina to the World Cup in Mexico 24 years ago. Many of those young Mexicans, all grown up now, will stand in his way as he looks to coach his side to victory.

England’ Dad’s Army face Joachim Loew’s German colts in a round of 16 match on Sunday that fans of both sides will walk upside down to watch. Mental strength will come into sharp focus in the heavyweight meeting of two storied rivals.

With the final 16 set at the World Cup, Brazil have been installed a 7-2 favourites to win their sixth title by bookmaker BetUS.
The Brazilians topped Group G and will play Chile on Monday in the knockout round. Chile are 30-1 for the title.

Marcello Lippi’s bunch, who crashed out of the Fifa World Cup in the first round after a 2-3 loss to Slovakia, weren’t like the Italian teams of old. They were just an Italian team that was old.

The World Cup will be given away only on July 11, but a few winners have already emerged. Spare a thought for the minnows who have won plenty of hearts, if not silverware, for their gutsy performances in the group stage.

Thirty-three boys have died from botched circumcisions conducted in traditional initiation rites in South Africa, while scores more have ended up in hospital with mutilated penises, a health official

A game between Germany and Ghana in South Africa would on most days be classified as a neutral match.

Anything less than three points against Chile on Friday will condemn Spain to an early flight home.

With a spot in the next round secure, Brazil and Portugal face off in their last Group G match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday with little at stake except pride.