The Australian — World Cup

Materazzi under inquiry

FIFA has opened a disciplinary inquiry into the behaviour of Italy defender Marco Materazzi in the Zinedine Zidane head-butting affair.

Backing for World Cup bid

STATE and territory leaders have joined Prime Minister John Howard in backing a proposal for Australia to host a soccer World Cup.

Buffon offers helping hand

ITALY World Cup hero Gianluigi Buffon is looking to pass on his world-class goalkeeping skills to the next generation of Australian shot-stoppers.

Sorry, but no regrets, says Zidane

ZINEDINE Zidane, the French footballer who normally shies away from politics, weighed in boots and all for the first time yesterday, attacking the racist outburst of an Italian far-right leader during a media blitz apologising for, but not regretting, his notorious World Cup final headbutt.

Political football confuses Cup bid

VICTORIA has complicated the push for a united bid to host the 2018 World Cup by insisting the final be held at the MCG.

Smith tops short list as new Glory coach

SOCCEROOS tactician Ron Smith has emerged as a frontrunner for the vacant Perth Glory coaching position after receiving a glowing endorsement from Football Federation of Australia yesterday.

No rush for Guus II: Cahill

SOCCEROOS' midfielder Tim Cahill has called on the game's powerbrokers not to rush head-long into naming the next national coach.

Blackburn offers Roos new deals

BLACKBURN Rovers have moved quickly to keep Lucas Neill and Brett Emerton at Ewood Park, with the club tabling upgraded three-year contracts for the Socceroos.

Real and Blues to mop up talent pool

IT is not only the great and the good of Italian football who are waiting with bated breath for the verdicts in the country's match-fixing trial.

Argentinian new candidate to coach Roos

ARGENTINA's silver fox, Jose Pekerman, last night emerged from left field as a contender to replace Dutchman Guus Hiddink as coach of the Socceroos.

City of Rome hails its conquering heroes

HUNDREDS of thousands of Italians gathered in Circus Maximus, one of ancient Rome's most famous stadiums, to fete their own conquering heroes after the national team's Cup victory in Germany.

Zizou called 'son of terrorist whore'

DEVASTATED French fans rallied around their flawed football hero Zinedine Zidane as evidence emerged that he was insulted as "the son of a terrorist whore" before he headbutted Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the dramatic World Cup final.

• Disgraced Zizou wins top award

• Captain to share trophy with son

• Red card given after video replay

• Yorke gives Sydney pre-season boost

• Italians savour win as soccer circus packs up

• Truly great player heads into Hall of Infamy

• Cometh the dour, cometh the world champions

• World Cup to Italy after shoot-out

• Triumphant Klinsmann ponders his future

• Neill lands among the stars

• Cup fills biggest night for Little Italys

• Memories to last a lifetime

• Germany wins third spot

• The final act

• Ronaldo may head to Madrid

• Klose can complete Germany's golden run

• Beckham works on move to Newcastle

• 'Zizou' cure for French malaise

• Zidane delivers the death penalty

• Despair as Germany's patriot games end

• Zelic quits Jets but Okon comes aboard

• Pauleta draws a blank

• Houllier gives silent treatment

• Azzurri ruin German dream

• Passionate Italian fans do it with flare

• Generation Next miss their cue to launch on big stage

• Ballack is left to rue a missing final act

• Rooney remains in a state of shock

• Italy wins through to final

• Fake soccer fans hit bank