Deportivo La Coruna striker Pedro Munitis believes his side should be taking a much greater winning margin to Newcastle for the second leg of their Intertoto Cup semi-final.

Deportivo La Coruna 2 Newcastle 1

Newcastle kept their hopes of winning a UEFA Cup place alive with a battling performance against Deportivo La Coruna at the Riazor Stadium tonight.

FBK Kaunas 1 Liverpool 3

RAFAEL BENITEZ insists his new-look Liverpool will put in a serious challenge for the Barclays Premiership title as he broadens his hunt for a new centre-back.

Rafael Benitez insists his new-look Liverpool will put in a serious challenge for the Barclays Premiership title as he broadens his hunt for a new centre-back.

Portugal defender Jorge Andrade claims he has received an approach from Newcastle – although he would prefer to move to Manchester United.

Luis Figo made his much-heralded return to the Portugal squad on Thursday ahead of the World Cup qualifiers with Slovakia and Estonia next month.

AS Aston Villa manager — before he became a villain — Ron Atkinson once said the best thing about international friendlies was the final whistle.

It is no wonder Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr yesterday hailed Damien Duff as “immense” and “a special talent” as the Chelsea winger produced a mesmeric performance to put Portugal in the shade.

RAFAEL BENITEZ saw the spirit of Liverpool rekindled in his native Spain as two of the most maligned players of the previous regime produced outstanding performances to carry the Reds to the brink of qualification for the next stage of the Champions League.

Deportivo La Coruna 0 Liverpool 1

Deportivo La Coruna 0 Liverpool 1

Deportivo La Coruna 0 Liverpool 1

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.

Deportivo La Coruna 3 Shelbourne 0

Deportivo 0 Shelbourne 0 (agg 0-0)

Deportivo La Coruna 0 Shelbourne 0

THE sign implored the players to believe. And each time the Shelbourne players attacked in the second half, they must have heeded the advice of that flag in red adorning the empty terrace.

The Portuguese press reacted with a mixture of sadness and pride at the host nation’s 1-0 defeat by Greece in last night’s Euro 2004 final.

Luis Figo has insisted he will take his time before deciding whether to retire from international football.

After Portugal’s victory in the semi-finals the common consensus among Lisbon folk was that the city had not seen such a frenzied outpouring of celebration for 30 years.

Portugal defender Jorge Andrade will be available for Sunday’s Euro 2004 final against Greece in Lisbon.

Star midfielder Maniche was overcome with joy as his wonder goal flew in for Portugal and propelled them to victory over Holland.

Portugal made it into the final of a major tournament for the first time in their history after beating Holland 2-1 in the Euro 2004 semi-final in Lisbon.

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has tried to reduce the pressure on his team ahead of tonight’s Euro 2004 semi-final by insisting it would not be a failure if they did not lift the trophy.

Portugal striker Nuno Gomes and centre-back Jorge Andrade have been passed fit to face Holland in tomorrow’s Euro 2004 semi-final in Lisbon.

Portugal striker Nuno Gomes and centre-back Jorge Andrade are back in contention for Wednesday’s Euro 2004 semi-final against Holland after shaking off injury problems.

England 2 Portugal 2 (after extra time, Portugal win 6-5 on penalties)

Portugal 0-1 England

Portugal coach Luis Felipe Scolari is likely to have to make one enforced change to his starting line-up to face England tomorrow at the Estadio da Luz.

There was dismay in the Portuguese press on Sunday as the host nation digested the 2-1 defeat by Greece in the Euro 2004 tournament opener that has severely compromised their hopes of qualification for the knockout stages.

Luis Figo admitted Portugal had paid a heavy price for their mistakes after the host nation lost 2-1 to Greece in the opening match of Euro 2004.

Portugal defender Fernando Couto admits that his team are carrying the burden of high expectations into Euro 2004 but is confident he and his team-mates have the character to fulfil the hopes of the host nation.

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has surprisingly named Porto midfielder Maniche ahead of Armando Petit in his team to face Greece in the opening match of Euro 2004 in Porto tomorrow.

Football fever is reaching new heights in Portugal just 24 hours before the host nation play Greece in the opening match of Euro 2004.

Helder Postiga was today named in Portugal’s squad for 2004 despite a hugely disappointing first season with Tottenham.

ALEX FERGUSON has vowed he will not be panicked into making wholesale changes at Manchester United this summer.

Alex Ferguson has vowed he will not be panicked into making wholesale changes at Manchester United this summer.

Highly-rated Deportivo La Coruna defender Jorge Andrade has hinted that he will quit the Spanish club if Manchester United make a move for him.

Porto 0 Deportivo La Coruna 0

Porto 0 Deportivo La Coruna 0

JUVENTUS, last season’s Champions League runners-up, failed to make it past the first knockout round last night as a 12th-minute Walter Pandiani goal gave Deportivo Coruna a 1-0 victory at the Delle Alpi stadium for a 2-0 aggregate win.