Slovakia 1 Andorra 0

Slovakia 1 Republic of Ireland 1

Liam Lawrence failed a fitness test on a leg injury today so Keith Fahey started tonight’s Euro 2012 qualifier in Zilina in midfield as one of two changes for the Republic of Ireland from Friday’s 3-2 defeat by Russia.

THE pity for Ireland was that Armenia had done Giovanni Trapattoni a huge favour earlier yesterday in Yerevan by claiming their first Euro 2012 Group B win over our group rivals Slovakia.

NEW Zealand manager Ricki Herbert has hailed his team’s 1-1 World Cup draw with Slovakia yesterday as the best result in the nation’s football history.

PAUL SCHOLES popped up 13minutes from time to ensure Manchester United’s bid to reach a third successive Champions League final got off on exactly the right note in Istanbul.

Rio Ferdinand’s return to the Manchester United starting line-up proved short-lived as the defender was ruled out of the Red Devils’ Champions League opener against Besiktas.

NORTHERN IRELAND have only one chance remaining of making it to the World Cup finals after this setback at a stunned Windsor Park.

Northern Ireland 0 Slovakia 2

Burnley striker Martin Paterson has been drafted into the Northern Ireland starting line-up for their crucial World Cup qualifier against Slovakia at Windsor Park tonight.

SLOVAKIA rounded off their Group D campaign with a resounding win over minnows San Marino.

A CRAIG BELLAMY-INSPIRED Wales stormed to victory in their Euro 2008 qualifying group D match in Slovakia – scoring five goals in an away match for the first time in 11 years.

Slovakia 2 Republic of Ireland 2

CLINTON MORRISON admitted last night that his omission from the Republic of Ireland squad has left him bitter.

CELTIC star Shaun Maloney and Simon Lynch piled the agony on the Republic of Ireland at Rugby Park last night – just hours after the news of Roy Keane’s international retirement.