Mark Viduka has called time on his European football career, with his agent confirming he is returning home to live in Australia.

Aston Villa starlet Shane Lowry has pledged his international allegiance to Australia, despite having represented the Republic of Ireland at under-19 and under-21 level.

Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez has been ruled out of tonight's Premier League clash against Arsenal and could also miss his reunion with former club Manchester United.

Brazilian Cassio has made a triumphant return from injury to fire home a stylish winner in Adelaide United's 1-0 win over third-placed Central Coast Mariners at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Sunderland has pulled out of a deal to bring Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill to the Stadium of Light.

Sydney FC striker John Aloisi stresses he will need plenty of help from his team-mates to bring down football deity Robbie Fowler in Saturday's A-League clash with North Queensland at Sydney Football Stadium.

Fury coach Ian Ferguson says Sydney striker John Aloisi is the player to watch in tomorrow night's A-League clash.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has defended his club against allegations from Le Havre that they illegally poached young French midfielder Paul Pogba.

Argentina coach Diego Maradona has been accused of making fatal errors in selection and tactics as the football-mad country contemplates the humiliating prospect of missing out on the World Cup.

Adelaide United coach Aurelio Vidmar says his side needs to lift its game to beat the Central Coast Mariners at Hindmarsh Stadium tomorrow night.

A-League champions Melbourne Victory have continued a busy week in the transfer market with the surprise signing of Brisbane Roar attacker Robbie Kruse on a two-year deal.

Two-time champion Argentina is in danger of missing out on the World Cup for the first time since 1970 after a 1-0 loss to Paraguay in Asuncion, which saw the victors qualify for South Africa.

European champion Spain has qualified for the 2010 World Cup with two games to spare with goals from Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla and Juan Mata sealing a 3-0 qualifying win over Estonia in Merida.

Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard grabbed two goals each as England booked its place in next year's World Cup in style with a convincing 5-1 win over Croatia at Wembley this morning (AEST).

Scotland's hopes of reaching the World Cup finals suffered a heartbreaking end this morning (AEST) when Holland kept up its 100 per cent record in Group Nine with a 1-0 win at Hampden.

Russia coach Guus Hiddink has revealed that he would consider a return to the Premier League after his successful caretaker spell at Chelsea last season.

Australia's ambitious bid to host the World Cup is rapidly gaining momentum and the respect of the sport's traditional powers, Football Federation Australia (FFA) chief Ben Buckley said.

After months of frustration, Socceroo David Carney can hardly wait to make his debut for his new club FC Twente in the Dutch top flight.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) says Skilled Park at Robina on Queensland's Gold Coast is a key component of its bid to host the 2015 Asian Cup.

England captain John Terry has backed Wayne Rooney to make Croatia's wind-up merchants eat their words by firing Fabio Capello's team to the World Cup.

Melbourne Victory striker Danny Allsopp is leaving the A-league club to join Qatari side Al-Rayyan Sports Club.

England superstar David Beckham has revealed he is considering offers from four top Premier League clubs as he bids to keep his World Cup dream alive.

Frank Lampard has warned England to keep cool if Wednesday's crucial World Cup qualifier against Croatia threatens to turn nasty.

Socceroos captain Lucas Neill has reportedly signed with Spanish side Atletico Madrid.