BULGARIA overcame the absence of star striker Dimitar Berbatov and reignited their hopes of World Cup qualification with a hard-fought win over Cyprus in Sofia to claim their first victory in Group Eight yesterday.

GEORGIA’S return to Tbilisi failed to result in the win they required to kick-start their World Cup qualifying hopes.

Georgia 1 Cyprus 1

ENGLAND manager Fabio Capello got a further indication of Shaun Wright-Phillips’ growing confidence as the winger helped steer Manchester City into the group stages of the UEFA Cup.

CZECH REPUBLIC sealed first place in Ireland’s Group D with a comfortable victory in Cyprus.

As expected, Craig Bellamy is passed fit to lead Wales in their Euro 2008 qualifier just a week after a groin operation.

CYPRUS coasted to an easy win over a San Marino side still without a point in what has been a dismal Euro 2008 qualifying campaign for them.

SLOVAKIA have lost two players through suspension for Wednesday’s Group D clash with the Republic of Ireland at Croke Park.

Slovakia have moved back into contention in Euro 2008 qualifying Group D thanks to a second half comeback against Cyprus in Nicosia.

WALES manager John Toshack and his captain Craig Bellamy were delighted to be back to winning ways with a 3-1 victory at home to Cyprus.

STEVE STAUNTON’S brave new world crumbled under the weight of abject humiliation as the Republic of Ireland suffered one of the worst defeats in their history.

Brian Kerr has opted for Graham Kavanagh to partner Kevin Kilbane in midfield as the Republic face a must-win situation in Cyprus tonight.

Switzerland 3 Cyprus 1