Gomez sex boost

BBC Sport Online takes a look at the quirky stories doing the rounds in the build-up to the World Cup.

Sex is good - Gomez

Ecuador coach Hernan Dario Gomez says he is against sex bans on players, believing it can improve their performance (on the field).

Gomez said: "Sex is very gratifying if you are in a good, physical relationship - a calm loving one. If you do it slowly - and with lots of love - a footballer can do it every day."

But the Colombian warned against the 'wham bam thank you mam' approach.

"If you want to play the 'Bionic man' or think you are a sexual 'Superman' and go in for rigorous stuff, that ruins a footballer's legs," he explained.

Sadly for Gomez's players, they can't practice what he preaches during the World Cup - because all their wives and girlfriends have been left behind.

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Golden frown

The sleepy Japanese town hosting England's World Cup squad may be forced to sell off some of its gold stocks to foot the bill.

The original Goldenballs

A spokeswoman for Tsuna on the island of Awaji said: "We think we have enough budget to fund the camp through the first round of the tournament.

"But if the English team does well and keeps winning in the knock-out round, our budget might fall about 19 million yen (£100,000) short.

"As one possible way of covering the expected shortfall, the mayor has said he was considering selling the town's gold bullion," she added.

Tsuna's people need not fret. England will have to turn in some golden performances of their own to stand any chance of staying - and that may not be possible if Mr Goldenballs himself is unavailable.

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Breakfast gamble

Betting shops in the UK are to open at 0700 BST to satisfy the cravings of World Cup punters.

Up to 100 branches of William Hill will be ready to take bets on England's game with Nigeria, which kicks off at 0730 on 12 June, and the Republic of Ireland-Cameroon clash, which starts at the same time on 1 June.

Spokesman Garham Sharpe said: "Some members of staff have already pledged to wear pyjamas, and we will be laying on tea, coffee and snacks for customers.

"However, we don't anticipate serving French bread, Belgian buns, Danish pastries or Turkish delight as we wouldn't want to be accused of favouritism."

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World Cup banker

An England fan has won a trip to see the game with Argentina - after winning a competition he didn't even know he had entered.

Sven could do with a bit of luck

Roger Sansom sent off for a Barclaycard so he could get a free keyring.

What he didn't realise was that he was automatically entered into a World Cup draw - until a letter dropped through his letterbox informing he had won.

Roger, 36, of Hampshire, said: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. What a match to go to."

Perhaps he would care to pass some of his luck on to the England coach.