Origami Okay, But No Confetti Allowed
Confetti, non-collapsible umbrellas, and anything that resembles a projectile or "frozen object" are on a long list of banned items from this year's World Cup. Oh, and no alcohol too. So forget your Kirin beer and your sake. More.

Charlton Backs England
He would, wouldn't he? "We have pace, goalscorers, creativity and more than anything we have the will to do it. Our players are thirsty for success." Did anyone mention league fatigue? More.

Nigeria: We Will Slay England Dragon
More saber-rattling as Nigeria says it can overcome England and Sweden in its World Cup "Group of Death" and draw with Argentina. A change of coach only six weeks ago doesn't seem to faze them.More.

Japan Here We Come
With a ban on beer, how will English fans enjoy the Beautiful Game without adding in their own brand of ugliness? More.

Zidane: We don't need Pires
Zinedine Zidane believes that France can get by at the World Cup without the Arsenal winger Robert Pires, who has admitted he will not take part in the tournament following the serious knee injury he suffered in last weekend's FA Cup win over Newcastle. More.

Romario: I will play better than '94
"I feel like I have the same conditions of a 19-year-old," says Romario. Although his place on the Brazil squad is uncertain, he declared he is ready to do better than when he led Brazil to the World Cup title in the US.More.

FIFA tells tobacco company to butt out
Soccer's governing body accused South Korea's state-run tobacco monopoly Tuesday of using the World Cup to promote cigarette sales. Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corp. began selling its "Time 2002" cigarettes Monday. The packs show 10 images of soccer players heading, kicking or tackling. More.

Group by group analysis
Alex Hayes gives his verdict on the likely winners of the groups: France, Spain, Brazil, Portugal, Germany, Argentina, Italy, Japan. More.