General Football News

Northern Ireland completed their European Under-21 Championship qualifying game with a disappointing defeat in Germany.The Northern Irish held out in Ingolstadt until the 42nd minute when Lewis Holtby scored Germany's opener.Holtby doubled Germany's lead on 60 minutes and Patrick Herrmann struck the third goal seven minutes later.The hosts and Northern Ireland were already out of contention for a
Germany U21 3-0 N Ireland U21

Sept 7 - Sweden 1 San Marino 0 - 2012 EuropeanChampionship Group E qualifier latest:At Nya Malmo Stadium, Malmo. Scorer: Zlatan Ibrahimovic 7Referee: David Mckeon (Ireland)(Editing by Neil Maidment; to query or comment on this storyemail sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Sweden 1 San Marino 0 - Euro 2012 latest

Sept 7 - Bulgaria 0 Montenegro 1 - 2012 EuropeanChampionship Group G qualifier latest:In Sofia. Scorer: Elsad Zverotic 35Referee: Vladislav Bezborodov (Russia)(Editing by Neil Maidment; to query or comment on this storyemail sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Bulgaria 0 Montenegro 1 - Euro 2012 latest

Russia 1 - 0 Slovakia

Slovakia caused a major upset this afternoon when they travelled to Moscow and defeated the Group B favourites Russia 1-0 to upset predictions in Ireland's group of the UEFA 2012 Championship qualifying series.

Slovakia scored the critically important goal in the 27th minute of the match through Miroslav Stoch and while Russia were on top for much of the game afterwards they failed to claim an equaliser.

Stoch cut into the Russia defence from the left wing and hammered a right-foot shot high into the far corner for a goal that was calculated to inspire.

Stoch was a youth sensation and made his debut for Slovakia as a 16 year old. He was signed by Chelsea ahead of a clutch of other top clubs and last season was out on loan with Twente Enschede in Holland. The team was managed by England's former coach Steve McLaren and they won the Dutch championship with Stoch playing a significant role.

Russia's Manager Dick Advocaat declared himself happy with the return when he guided Russia for the first time in their opening match in the qualifying series and they defeated Andorra 2-0 in Andorra.

They came back strongly against Slovakia as they sought an equalising goal. They had the ball in the net in the second half but their claims were correctly disallowed because of an offside decision.

The result should be a huge incentive for Ireland for it confirms that Russia, who are going through a period of transition, may not be as strong as was originally feared.

What is certain, obviously, is that a young Slovakia team will make a bold bid to upset the expectations and qualify for the finals of the 2012 UEFA Champinship in Poland/Ukraine.

The qualification they earned for the World Cup finals in South Africa was their first since they gained independence from Czechoslovakia. On their way to the World Cup finals they defeated the Czech Republic and Poland.

Then, in South Africa, they drew 1-1 with New Zealand, lost 0-2 to Paraguay and defeated Italy to qualify for the second round. There they were defeated 1-2 by Netherlands, the eventuall runners-up, in the Round of 16.

Slovakia competed in the World Cup finals in South Africa in June and they showed the benefits of regular matches together. Their win over Russia meant they went to the top of the table in Group B, a position Ireland can take from them if they succeed in defeating Andorra by more than one goal.

Slovakia won their opening game of the tournament when they scored a goal in added time to defeat Macedonia 1-0.

A battling performance by a youthful Ireland Under-21 team ended in cruel defeat in Izmit as hosts Turkey netted a late goal to claim the win.

A first-half strike by Miroslav Stoch after a goalkeeping blunder earned Slovakia a shock 1-0 win over Russia in their Euro 2012 qualifier in Moscow.

A review of Tuesday night's action in the European Under-21 Championship qualifiers.

Join us for live coverage of this evening's Euro 2012 qualifiers. We'll have instant updates on all the games, followed by results and reports, and of course we welcome your comments.

A battling performance by a youthful Ireland Under-21 team ended in cruel defeat in Izmit as hosts Turkey netted a late goal to claim the win.

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie is expected to be out of action until mid-October. The Netherlands international injured his ankle in the first half of the 2-1 win at Blackburn Rovers on August 28, following an innocuous collision with defender Phil Jones, and was forced off several minutes later.

Robin van Persie is out for around six weeks with an ankle injury sustained at Blackburn.

Former France coach Gerard Houllier has agreed to join English side Aston Villa on a two-year contract, according to a report on the website of French sport daily L'Equipe.

Four former top Nigerian football officials charged with corruption, two months after being sacked following the national team's poor showing at the World Cup in South Africa.

Scotland v Liechtenstein Highlights : Euro 2012 Qualifier Highlights.

Watch all the highlights as Scotland take on Liechtenstein on 7th September 2010 in a Euro 2012 Qualifier.

Scotland vs Liechtenstein.
Euro 2012 Qualifier : Group I.
Tuesday 7th September 2010.

Scotland and Liechtenstein meet for the first time when they face each other at Hampden Park. The massive favourites are Scotland and Scots fans will fully expect their side to beat Liechtenstein.

Scotland vs Liechtenstein highlights video here.

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Former Denmark, Rangers and Chelsea legend Brian Laudrup is diagnosed with cancer.

Former Denmark forward Brian Laudrup has revealed he is undergoing treatment for cancer.

Former Denmark, Rangers and Chelsea legend Brian Laudrup is diagnosed with cancer.

Switzerland v England Highlights : Euro 2012 Qualifier Highlights.

Watch all the highlights as Switzerland take on England on 7th September 2010 in a Euro 2012 Qualifier.

Switzerland vs England.
Euro 2012 Qualifier : Group G.
Tuesday 7th September 2010.

After getting off to a good start last week it is Switzerland next for England as they look to make it two wins out of two in Group G. This will be the first match Switzerland have played having not featured last Tuesday and will hope the home advantage will spur them on to victory over England at St Jakob Park.

Switzerland vs England highlights video here.

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Former Denmark striker Brian Laudrup is undergoing treatment for cancer.

Dickson Etuhu has ended speculation over his future by agreeing a three-year contract extension at Fulham.