As cub reporters almost all journalists are told by savvy editors to keep their eyes and ears open for stories at all times and places.

Diego Maradona’s Argentina are laden with a host of young hot shot starlets, but it was the two oldest members of the team who combined to secure a narrow 1-0 win over ‘Super Eagles’ Nigeria in their

South Africa 1 Mexico 1

For 80 minutes the vuvuzelas never went quiet, and then in an instant, absolute silence. The trumpets would blow again, but, the disappointment was writ large on the faces of the expectant fans.

It was supposed to be a celebration of life and the human spirit. Sadly, though, the untimely death of a teenager robbed the opening ceremony of its biggest draw.
Former president and the universal ambassador of the nation, Nelson Mandela decided against appearing at South Africa’s World Cup opener against Mexico after his g

David Beckham, Michael Ballack and possibly Didier Drogba and Arjen Robben. These are just a few the big names who will not be seen in action as the World Cup enters African shores for the first time.

One is the epitome of the modern athlete — streamlined to perfection, a tense raw energy coupled with the strength and balance of a Rudolf Nureyev. The other, though not physically imposing, seems to grow in stature on the turf with logic defying control, the ball seemingly magnetised to his feet.

The World Cup is a showcase of the best football on the planet. It has often also been a platform for the launch of many an eye-catching hair-do. From Guiseppe Meazza, who burst goalwards without a single brylcreemed hair out of place, to the man with the craziest mane in Germany 2006 — the unfortunately named Manuel Loco of

From its early days, crime at the Fifa World Cup has mostly been restricted to petty theft; from the tabloid adventures of a black and white mongrel named Pickles, who sniffed out the stolen Jules Rimet trophy at the 1966 World Cup in England, to players falling under the long arm of the law, most famously Bobby Moore — who was arrested in Columbia ahead of the 1970 Mexico World Cup for allegedly stealing a bracelet.