Giovanni Trapattoni admitted tonight that Ireland were fortunate to start their Group C campaign with a victory.

Kazakhstan’s Czech coach Miroslav Beranek has a novel take on World Cup Group C, suggesting that, like some unholy trinity, it’s really three groups in one.

Kazakhstan captain Kairat Nurdauletov has warned the Republic of Ireland that his team will settle for nothing less than victory in tomorrow's World Cup qualifier in Astana.

The Czech Republic have asked UEFA to reconsider the yellow card issued to their captain Pavel Nedved during the quarter-final against Denmark.