“A missing person’s hunt has ended happily in Brazil. Inter Milan striker Adriano has been found. The burly 27-year-old, who has battled drink and personal problems in the past, failed to return to Italy last week after being an unused substitute in Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers with Ecuador and Peru. Inter had no idea where he was.” (Reuters)

South African passion set to explode (FIFA)
“A sea off green and white is unmistakable from a distance as the noise of a vuvuzela (a vibrant South African instrument) invigorates the streets of Mangaung/Bloemfontein. There, Bloemfontein Celtic are about to play Orlando Pirates, and deep passion is evident in the faces of the anxious-looking supporters, many of whom arrived four hours before kick-off.”

Nigeria and the 2010 World Cup (Guardian)
“The recent pedestrian display by the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team, at the start of the campaign for a slot in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is a reflection of the total confusion that has characterised football administration in the country for many years.”

Greeks faces FIFA disciplinary proceedings (ESPN)
“FIFA disciplinary proceedings were opened against Greece on Tuesday over allegations their fans tried to distract Israel goalkeeper Dudu Aouate with laser beams during last week’s World Cup qualifier.”

Aguirre returns to Tri hot seat (Soccer America)
“Changing coaches in the middle of qualifying or before the World Cup is nothing new for Mexico. But having four coaches in less than a year — Hugo Sanchez, Jesus Ramirez, Sven Goran Eriksson and now Javier Aguirre — is extreme. Aguirre returns to take over the Tri in remarkably similar circumstances to those that existed eight years.”

Capello allows his mask to slip (BBC)
“Fabio Capello’s iron mask slipped for just a moment in a rare public display of emotion that emphasised the importance of England’s scrambled victory against Ukraine.”

Former Ireland boss Kerr takes Faroes job (ESPN)
“Former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr has been appointed Faroe Islands coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract. The 56-year-old, who left the Republic job in October 2005 after the FAI opted not to renew his contract, will assume his new position immediately.”

Nigeria/Mozambique: Outrage Trails Eagles’ Annoying Barren Draw With Mambas (Vanguard)
“Many Nigerians are still mortified at the colourless outing of the over-rated ‘Super’ Eagles against the mobile Mambas of Mozambique who could beat their chest over two disallowed goals in their barren draw with the Paper Tigers of Nigeria.”