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.

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.

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.

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.

Vuvuzelas aren’t just loud but they can spread germs too, a South African clinic warned on Thursday, urging fans to keep their lips on their own horns to avoid catching colds.

In the first half of the 20th century, wars whipped up nationalistic sentiments in many parts of the world.

Rarely does sport produce two winners in a single match.