European Leagues - Weekend Wrap and Champions League Preview

Some interesting results out of the major leagues in Europe this week, with the top of the table in England tightening, Valencia moving into third in Spain, and Juventus claiming a crucial 2-1 victory over Serie A leaders Inter Milan. And the final matches of the group-stage in the Champions League take place today and tomorrow.

World Cup 2010 - The Draw

The draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup was announced today. Australia has been drawn in a 'group of death' alongside three-time champion Germany, Ghana and Serbia. South Africa landed France and face a tough first match against Mexico in a tricky group for the host nation. England fans will be pleased with their group, consisting of Algeria, USA and Slovenia. Group G throws up the mouth-watering clash of Brazil and Portugal. Top seeds Spain, Netherlands, Italy and Argentina will all be hot favourites to qualify for the Round of 16. The draw in full.

The week in football

It's one of the biggest weeks of the year on the world football calendar, with the draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup taking place on Friday (Saturday morning in Australia); Lionel Messi being announced as European Footballer of the Year, taking home France Football's Ballon d'Or (the 'Golden Ball'); and FIFA finally putting the controversial result of the France - Ireland World Cup play-off to bed, by denying the Irish FA's outrageous appeal to be admitted to the 2010 World Cup as the 33rd team. And to kick the week off we saw one of the biggest Sunday's of the European season with the Merseyside derby, Arsenal v Chelsea, Inter Milan v Fiorentina and El Clásico from Spain all within the space of 6 hours.