General Football News

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has warned his side's Euro 2012 qualifying rivals they face the sternest of tests in Armenia.

Ireland have won what could turn out to be a vitally important three points against Armenia, a Keith Fahey goal securing a 1-0 victory. Read our 'As It Happened' account.

Keith Fahey came off the bench to launch the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 qualifying campaign with a hard-fought victory in Armenia.

Latest score

EURO 2012 Group B Qualifier

Armenia 0-0 Republic of Ireland (half-time)

The Republic of Ireland have found Armenia a tough nut to crack so far in their opening EURO 2012 qualifier in Yerevan.

Ireland have had the better chances, with skipper Robbie Keane having a goal ruled out for offside and Glenn Whelan stroking a shot a yard wide on the stroke of the break but the hosts remain well in the game.

Armenia: Berezovsky, Hovsepyan, Arzumanyan, Karlen Mkrtchyan, Arakelian, Grigorian, Artur Edigaryan, Malakyan, Pachajyan, Movsisyan, Mkhitaryan. Subs: Kasparov, Hambardzumyan, Pizelli, Goharyan, Manoyan, Manucharyan, Mkoyan.

Republic of Ireland: Shay Given (Manchester City), John O'Shea (Manchester United), Sean St Ledger (Preston NE), Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Kevin Kilbane (Hull City); Liam Lawrence (Portsmouth), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), Paul Green (Derby County), Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow); Robbie Keane (Spurs), Kevin Doyle (Wolves)

Referee: Zsolt Szabo (Hungary).

 

Birmingham made a last-minute enquiry for Fulham's Bobby Zamora, Alex McLeish has admitted.

Hatem Ben Arfa is raring to go after his season-long loan switch to Newcastle.

Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out the possibility of becoming Italy manager in the near future.

Inter president Massimo Moratti has not ruled out a return for former coach Jose Mourinho.

Lithuania v Scotland Highlights : Euro 2012 Qualifier Highlights.

Watch all the highlights as Lithuania take on Scotland on 3rd September 2010 in a Euro 2012 Qualifier.

Lithuania vs Scotland.
Euro 2012 Qualifier : Group I.
Friday 3rd September 2010.

This is the fourth Euro qualifying campaign in a row that Lithuania have been paired alongside Scotland so these sides will know each other well. In recent times Scotland have gone through a bit of a slump but with a new manager in charge Scots fans will be hoping for a fresh start beginning with three crucial points in Lithuania.

Lithuania vs Scotland highlights video here.

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Liechtenstein v Spain Highlights : Euro 2012 Qualifier Highlights.

Watch all the highlights as Liechtenstein take on Spain on 3rd September 2010 in a Euro 2012 Qualifier.

Liechtenstein vs Spain.
Euro 2012 Qualifier : Group I.
Friday 3rd September 2010.

Reigning world and European champions Spain will be hoping for a relatively mild introduction to Euro 2012 qualifying when they set out to secure a fifth successive victory against Liechtenstein Group I. Spain have not lost in 16 UEFA European Championship games since a 3-2 defeat by Northern Ireland in a Euro 2008 qualifier on 6th September 2006.

Liechtenstein vs Spain highlights video here.

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Karim Benzema has been ruled out of France's Euro 2012 qualifier against Belarus.

Gerard Houllier could work alongside current Aston Villa caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald in a director-of-football-type role if he links up with the midlands club.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is confident he can help Franco Di Santo fulfil his potential.

Manchester United veteran Paul Scholes admits he thought he would've retired by now.

Belgium v Germany Highlights : Euro 2012 Qualifier Highlights.

Watch all the highlights as Belgium take on Germany on 3rd September 2010 in a Euro 2012 Qualifier.

Belgium vs Germany.
Euro 2012 Qualifier : Group A.
Friday 3rd September 2010.

This summer Germany were in impressive form and they will look to continue that form into their opening qualifier with Belgium in Group A. Over the years Belgium have a woeful record against Germany and have not beaten the Germans since 1954.

Belgium vs Germany highlights video here.

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Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema will miss France's Euro 2012 qualifier against Belarus because of an ankle injury.

Armenia v Rep of Ireland Highlights : Euro 2012 Qualifier Highlights.

Watch all the highlights as Armenia take on Republic of Ireland on 3rd September 2010 in a Euro 2012 Qualifier.

Armenia vs Ireland.
Euro 2012 Qualifier : Group B.
Friday 3rd September 2010.

The Republic of Ireland will get their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign under way with an away trip to Armenia in group B. Ireland have been dealt a blow ahead of the match against Armenia with the news that Damien Duff and Keith Andrews have been ruled out due to injury.

Armenia vs Rep of Ireland highlights video here.

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Croatian Robert Rubcic has been named as the new coach of the Bangladesh football team, with his first assignment to be the Asian Games in November.

Portsmouth are set to finalise a deal for Ricardo Rocha as Steve Cotterill also looks at the loan market.

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien stands down from international football for the foreseeable future in order to regain a regular club place. Essien has been missing from two Ghana squads named since the World Cup, including the selection for Sunday's start of the 2012 African Nations Cup qualifiers