Lewis Hamilton is confident his Formula One title bid (Hamilton 6/4 World Drivers’ Championship) will be boosted by the planned upgrades that should give his McLaren car extra speed in the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim on July 23.

Germany striker Miroslav Klose (5/1 to win the World Cup Golden Boot) will have a late fitness test ahead of Saturday evening’s World Cup 2010 third-place play-off against Uruguay.

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas says he is desperate to play some part in the World Cup final against Holland but claims he will understand if he is left out of the Spain side (8/15 World Cup winners).

Howard Webb’s honour in being named as the World Cup final referee is down to hard work, according to Premier League referees chief Mike Riley (Holland 13/5 draw 12/5 Spain 21/20 – World Cup final match bets).

Cameroon legend Roger Milla says he is disappointed at the form of African nations in the first World Cup to be played on the continent (Spain 8/15 Holland 6/4 – World Cup 2010).

South Africa lock Victor Matfield is bullish over the Springboks’ chances of beating the All Blacks at Eden Park for the first time in 73 years (New Zealand 11/10f – Tournament Winner).

Owen Hargreaves will miss the start of Manchester United’s bid to wrestle the Premier League title (United 12/5 – Premier League Outright) back from Chelsea next season after suffering an injury setback.

Shay Given has warned the rest of the Premier League that Manchester City (5/1 outright league winners) will be contenders for the title this season.

Bert van Marwijk has described securing a place in the World Cup final as “unbelievable” after the Netherlands (5/4 to win the World Cup) ousted Uruguay in Tuesday’s semi-final.

England manager Martin Johnson says leaving Steve Borthwick out of his new 32-man elite squad was a hard decision as he plans for next year’s World Cup (England 12/1 to win World Cup).