With the 19th FIFA World Cup just around the corner this TLog entry focuses on some of the best football-related sites in the Tenuous Links directory.  Whether you want to kit yourself with a team shirt, discover the latest results and statistics, or have a bet a few quid on a match to add a bit more interest, then the following websites are among the best an should be of interest. Note you can add these sites to your favourite Tenuous Links by clicking the heart symbols displayed next to each link.  This requires you to sign in so if you haven't already done so register now.

Wear the Shirt

As you might expect the online retailers are all chasing your dollar at the minute.  Consequently, there are some deals to be had on World Cup merchandise and memorabilia.  The famous high-street retailer JD Sports  for example dedicates a whole section of its site to the World Cup and features kits of all the countries involved in the tournament. Subside Sports  is another great site featuring merchandising sections for the all the teams including Brazil, Spain, current champions Italy and England. (The winner will come from that group.  Mark my words).

If it's retro you are after then you can't go wrong with Toffs,  the old fashioned footbal shirt company, that sells 100% cotton football shirts and training tops from many of the nations involved. If you're more into Bobby Moore and Pele than Wayne Rooney and Kaka it might be worth a look. If you've done a U2 (still haven't found what you are looking for) then check out Kitbag  . It can be a little more pricy than some of it's competitors, however it does offer an extensive range of kit and equipment.

Finally if you would like to see what all the fuss is about with the new Adidas Football, that you can pick up an official match ball from the online Adidas Shop  for £80. The Jabulani match ball (Jabulani is the Zulu work for celebrate) has been criticised in certain areas for the way it flies through the air.  Let's just hope Messers Green, James and Hart get to grips with it before July 11th. Eother way it looks like we should be in for plenty of goals this tournament.

Know the Score

When it comes to getting the latest world cup news and scores then Fifa.com  is probably not a bad place to start. The BBC also do good job with the licence payers money on the BBC Football  site, however if it's sheer volume of information you are after then My Football News  claims to be the fastest and most accurate aggregator of UK football news headlines on the internet.   Another site that we like here at Tenuous Links is Planet World Cup .It might be a bit of an ugly duckling (or should that be a Peter Beardsley), but it's a pretty good read.

Take a Punt

There will be 64 matches played out at the World Cup finals, and if you fancy upping your interest in some of these games by placing a small flutter then there are many bookmakers that will be happy to releave you of your cash online. So sure are they that they willl ultimately come on top, that many offer sign up bonuses and free bets for new customers.

The companies lining up for you cash include familiar High Street names such as Ladbrokes  , William Hill  and Victor Chandler  , together with online only outfits such as Blue Square and Sky Bet . There are also specialist outfits such Betfair  , which provide a betting exchange allowing you to lay bets as well as stake them, and Sporting Index , a leading sports spread betting website. Paddy Power  is also worth a look as it offers some great specials and novelty bets.

Click the links to see the latest enticements.  They should all be giving them and some will be quite sizable. 

Please gamble responsibly, and not at all if you are too young or in a territory that doesn't allow it.

See a Bigger Picture

The World Cup is an excellent excuse to update your TV and all the major electricals retailers are vying for your business. If you fancy adding a few LCD inches to you viewing pleasure, then why not check out the latest deals at Dixons , Comet  and John Lewis .

Hope you enjoy the forthcoming tournament and the team you are following does well.  Unless it's playing England of course!   Rooney, Rooney, Roooney .....