He may be Macedonia’s star player but Goran Pandev endures a love/hate relationship with the national fans. Ben Lyttleton profiles the Inter Milan dangerman ahead of tonight’s Euro qualifier at the Aviva Stadium.

A SYMBOLIC act guaranteeing vital attention for environmentally friendly policies, or a well-meaning but ultimately pointless move that does nothing to solve a genuine problem?

FYR Macedonia 0 Russia 1

Andorra 0 FYR Macedonia 2

MIROSLAV STOCH scored the only goal as Slovakia inflicted a shock Euro 2012 Group B home defeat on Russia at Moscow’s Lokomotiv Stadium yesterday, a result that could have major implications for the Republic of Ireland.

FYR Macedonia 2 Armenia 2

RUSSIA were indebted to Pavel Pogrebniak as the striker’s double got their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign off to a 2-0 winning start in Andorra last night.

A brace from substitute Martin Olsson helped Sweden down Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-2 in tonight’s friendly in Gothenburg.

Ireland have been drawn with Andorra, Armenia, and FYR Macedonia in group B for Euro 2012. The draw is still going on, with more teams to be announced in each group.

Denmark came from behind to earn a 3-1 friendly win over the USA in Copenhagen tonight.

Kevin Kyle and David Weir have been recalled to the Scotland squad for the must-win World Cup qualifiers with FYR Macedonia and Holland, Press Association Sport understands.

SERBIA tightened their grip on World Cup qualifying Group Seven with a routine 2-0 win over Brian Kerr’s Faroe Islands last night.

The Netherlands booked their place in next year's World Cup finals with a 2-1 victory over Iceland in Reykjavik tonight.

JOAQUÍN BOTERO netted a hat-trick to help Bolivia hammer Argentina 6-1 and keep their slim 2010 World Cup hopes alive last night.

Dirk Kuyt scored twice as Holland maintained their 100% record in 2010 World Cup qualifying with a comfortable 4-0 win over FYR Macedonia.

Robin van Persie has pulled out of the Holland squad for tomorrow night’s World Cup qualifier against FYR Macedonia through injury.

Poland coach Leo Beenhakker has named uncapped striker Dawid Janczyk in a provisional 31-man squad for Euro 2008.

FYR Macedonia 2 Croatia 0

Substitute Darijo Srna scored one and made another as Croatia came from behind to claim a 2-1 win and a vital three points against 10-man FYR Macedonia.

Croatia and Russia both picked up impressive wins away from home to put pressure on their Group E rivals in Euro 2008 qualifying tonight.

Andrew Johnson has defended his England colleagues on the day he was named the Barclays Premiership Player of the Month.

France moved level on points with Euro 2008 qualifying Group B leaders Scotland, after a 5-0 trouncing of the Faroe Islands in Sochaux tonight.

FYR Macedonia have expressed surprise at Steve McClaren’s decision to exclude David Beckham from the England squad.

PETER CROUCH was the obvious man to benefit as England lost striker Andrew Johnson for their Euro 2008 qualifiers against FYR Macedonia and Croatia.

ENGLAND left it late but a brace from Newcastle striker Michael Owen gave them a thrilling 3-2 win over Argentina and the bragging rights over their bitter rivals ahead of World Cup 2006.

Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has admitted he is interested in signing Czech Republic pair Milan Baros and Tomas Rosicky.

The Czech Republic and Turkey both handed out thrashings to keep their World Cup qualification bids on course on Wednesday.

Ruud van Nistelrooy struck twice as Holland got their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track with a 3-1 win over Group One leaders Finland.

Cristiano Ronaldo played, scored and claimed an assist for Portugal in the World Cup qualifier which Manchester United assistant boss Carlos Queiroz was keen for him to miss.

Two of the Premiership’s big-money strikers were on target on a busy night of international friendlies last night.

Mick McCarthy’s record as Republic of Ireland manager since taking over in March 1996:

European Championship Qualifying

European Championship Qualifying

European Championship Qualifying

European Championship Qualifying