Giovanni Trapattoni remained defiant after seeing Sweden leave the Republic of Ireland’s hopes of World Cup qualification hanging by a thread.

Richard Dunne refused to give up on qualification for the World Cup despite their hopes apparently being left in tatters following a 2-1 home defeat by Sweden.

Republic of Ireland's World Cup dreams are in tatters tonight following a 2-1 defeat against Sweden.

At times during this World Cup qualification campaign, it has seemed Sweden’s approach has resembled that of their famed skipper Zlatan Ibrahimovic — nonchalant and one-paced.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic fired out a warning to the Republic of Ireland with a hat-trick in Sweden's 4-2 friendly defeat of neighbours Norway in Stockholm.

Celtic 1 Elfsborg 0

Swedish coach Erik Hamren has warned that Ireland will set out to be party poopers in Stockholm when the countries meet in a World Cup qualifier on Friday week.

Every single member of the Swedish team is adept at switching from their native tongue into English at the drop of the hat, but they certainly don’t seem to be speaking the same language as each other at present.

A is for Arshavin: The diminutive little playmaker lit up this tournament four years ago, tormenting a fine Dutch side and inspiring Russia to a place in the semi-finals.

Portugal booked themselves a place in the European play-offs for next year’s World Cup with an easy 4-0 Group One victory over Malta.

In what has been another week of bad news for the domestic game, St Patrick’s Athletic last night displayed the merits of full-time professional football to progress to the first round proper of the UEFA Cup with a sensational, heart-stopping and, it must be said, thoroughly deserved victory over Elfsborg at a packed and ecstatic Richmond Park.

Sweden 1 Spain 2

CROATIA squeezed past Israel 1-0 to consolidate their position at the top of England’s Group E and keep them on course for Euro 2008 qualification.

SWEDEN midfielder Anders Svensson believes there is still much room for improvement in the squad as the clock ticks down towards their opening World Cup encounter against Trinidad & Tobago next week.

Sweden coach Lars Lagerback has confirmed he will pick the strongest squad available ahead of the March 1 clash with the Republic of Ireland at Lansdowne Road, Dublin.

Sweden continued their march towards the 2006 World Cup finals with a convincing win against 10-man Bulgaria on Saturday.

Portsmouth are ready to test the strength of relegated Southampton’s resolve to keep striker Peter Crouch.

Bolton 1 Southampton 1

Robbie Keane gets a rare start for Tottenham today as they bid to halt Liverpool's Champions League push. See all today's teams below.

Teams ahead of this afternoon's Premiership action.

Southampton 1 Chelsea 3

SOUTHAMPTON assistant boss Jim Smith was delighted at the way his side climbed out of the bottom three with a deserved victory against Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren was able to call upon experienced striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink once again as his side looked to get their Barclays Premiership campaign back on track against struggling Southampton.

Teams for this afternoon's Premiership action.

Southampton boss Harry Redknapp included striker Kevin Phillips in his starting line-up for tonight’s FA cup fifth round replay against Brentford.

Swedish midfielder Anders Svensson will return to Southampton’s squad for the clash with Barclays Premiership champions Arsenal at the St Mary’s Stadium.

Southampton’s Sweden midfielder Anders Svensson looks set to return to his old club Elfsborg at the end of the season.

Birmingham 2 Southampton 1

Tonight's Premiership team news.

Harry Redknapp could not have dreamed of a more perfect ending to an incredible FA Cup tie.

THE FA Cup may come down the list of priorities if you listen to the accountants who run some of England’s biggest football clubs, obsessed as they are with the Champions League and the Barclays Premiership.

Liverpool fans breathed a sigh of relief as star player Steven Gerrard was passed fit to face Southampton at St Mary’s after a groin injury scare.

Newcastle 2 Southampton 1

Midfielders Anders Svensson and Fabrice Fernandes are both fit to return to Southampton’s squad as they bid to boost their hopes of avoiding relegation with a win at Newcastle tomorrow.

Harry Redknapp admitted he will need three more signings in the January transfer window after Southampton’s latest failed attempt to climb out of the Premiership relegation zone.

Southampton v Fulham teams

Kevin Phillips returned to the Southampton line-up for this afternoon’s encounter with Manchester City – but there was still no place in Harry Redknapp’s squad for James Beattie, whose departure from St Mary’s is due to be confirmed in the next 72 hours.

Liverpool 1 Southampton 0

Liverpool 1 Southampton 0

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Liverpool v Southampton