Sunderland manager Steve Bruce believes striker Darren Bent "has to be" in England boss Fabio Capello's squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Many Nigerians have returned home to escape the rigours of the downturn in the West. But with Nigeria experiencing its own credit crunch can the country's brain gain be sustained?

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson denies reports of out-of-favour goalkeeper Ben Foster leaving Old Trafford in January.

West Brom striker Chris Wood is buoyed by New Zealand's qualification for South Africa next summer.

BBC Mundo's Pablo Esparza examines why recent massive power shortages have resulted in millions of homes being plunged into complete darkness in Latin America.

Key facts, figures and dates

A chronology of key events

Key facts, figures and dates

Growth and recovery are expected in 2010 in most world regions, but the upturn will be modest, the OECD says.

Uruguay secure the final place at the 2010 World Cup by drawing 1-1 with Costa Rica in Montevideo to seal a 2-1 aggregate win

Definitive guide to countries joining the hosts South Africa at 2010 World Cup

Brazil's Supreme Court approves the extradition of former left-wing militant Cesare Battisti to Italy.

A vicar's daughter who fell to her death from a window trying to escape bullies had struggled to adapt to her new life in the UK.

A vicar whose daughter died after being bullied into jumping from a window says he has forgiven her killers.

Two teenage girls are found guilty of causing the death of a vicar's daughter who jumped from a window in south-east London.

Arsenal striker Eduardo signs a new long-term contract at the club.

South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira looks on the bright side despite his strikers drawing blanks against Jamaica.

CO2 emissions rose by a quarter in the last decade, setting the course for a world up to 6C warmer, according to research.

Public opinion swayed Justice Secretary Jack Straw's decision on releasing Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs, the Parole Board head says.

Brian Alexander heads to Denver to find out about Arsenal shareholder Stan Kroenke