“World Cup qualifying resumes Wednesday with a slew of games as countries from all over the globe continue to jockey for position and try to stamp their passport for next summer’s festivities in South Africa.” (CBC)

South America’s World Cup qualifiers provide a huge shock, writes Brian Homewood (World Soccer)
“After a perfect start to his career in charge of Argentina, Diego Maradona was brought back down to earth with a bump, following a humiliating defeat in Bolivia.”

I had to set an example – Burley (BBC)
“Scotland manager George Burley says he ended the international careers of Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor to retain the respect of his squad.”

Soccer: All Whites to take on Italy for first time (The New Zealand Herald)
“In another giant coup for New Zealand soccer, the All Whites will play World Cup champions Italy in a first ever-meeting in June. New Zealand Football today announced a June 10 date has been set for the historic international friendly in the Pretoria township of Atteridgeville.”

Soccer in Bolivia can be a breathless experience (Yahoo)
“Diego Maradona was a good sport, saying his team was simply outplayed. But the Argentine manager’s star player, Lionel Messi, was perhaps more honest. Heavyweight Argentina’s historic 6-1 defeat this week to soccer flyweight Bolivia in the rarefied air of the Andes reopens a politically charged debate about whether teams can reasonably be expected to play in such extreme conditions.”

The final lap is in sight (Dispatch Online)
“WITH less than 400 days to the 2010 opening match, do you feel South Africa is on course to host the greatest World Cup ever?”

Faroe Islands usher in new era with Kerr (uefa)
“Former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr has been installed as coach of the Faroe Islands on a two-and-a-half year contract.”

Bruce fumes over Zaki’s absence (BBC)
“Wigan boss Steve Bruce has described Amr Zaki’s absence from the club as ‘unbelievable and ridiculous’. The striker failed to return to England after scoring in Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Zambia last Sunday.”

Zidane’s charity is more of a business: Dhorasoo (The Telegraph)
“Vikash Dhorasoo, the former French international footballer of Indian origin, is well known for his active participation against discrimination of all sorts and for his generosity towards street kids.”