Former dictator Desi Bouterse was elected president by parliament, following weeks of jostling by opponents who sought to stop a convicted drug trafficker and ex-strongman accused of killing political opponents from returning to power.

Church and state pomp abound in Ecuador's capital writes Jim Eagles.

David Villa saved Spain once again, hitting both posts before sending his team to its first ever appearance in the World Cup semifinals.

Germany saw off Argentina with a 4-0 goal fest in South Africa this morning.

An historic day for the Dutch and Uruguay left Brazilian fans to wonder what might have been.

Paris Hilton's publicist says she wasn't smoking dope in South Africa - it was "a complete misunderstanding".

Uruguay has reached the World Cup semifinals as a distraught Ghana rolled over after a penalty shootout.

The Netherlands stormed into the semi finals by stunning five-time champions Brazil, who were reduced to 10 men in the second half.

The All Whites begin arriving home on Sunday, but an official celebration could be at least a week and up to a month away.

John Key has ruled out a holiday, but is keen on a parade to welcome the All Whites home as champions.

Paraguay are planning special tactics to cope with an anticipated aerial bombardment, in tomorrow morning's sudden-death World Cup group F clash.

Tight filming schedules won't stop Johnny Depp from watching World Cup matches during the shooting of the latest Pirates installment.