Brazil remains world number one, without World Cup (People’s Daily)
Despite failing to win the World Cup in Germany this year, Brazil’s national soccer team remains the number one team according a list published Friday by the sport’s government body FIFA.

Zidane remains best-loved French despite head-butt (Boston Globe)
Zinedine Zidane remains France’s best-loved personality despite his head-butt against Italy’s Marco Materazzi in the soccer World Cup final this year, a survey showed on Saturday.

Italian soccer federation drops betting investigation of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon (Slam! Sports)
ROME (AP) - The Italian soccer federation has ended an investigation into alleged illegal betting by Italy and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. Proceedings against the World Cup-winning goalkeeper were dropped, the federation said in a statement Friday.

Soccer: Gamba out to spoil Buchwald swan song in cup final (Kyodo via Yahoo! Asia News)
_ Gamba Osaka will be out to ruin Guido Buchwald’s farewell party when they meet holders Urawa Reds in what promises to be an emotionally charged Emperor’s Cup final in Tokyo on New Year’s Day.