Faith, hope, Smuda. That was the headline in a Polish tabloid newspaper ahead of last night’s passionate clash between Poland and Russia, the words featuring atop a picture of national coach Franciszek Smuda charging on horseback, sabre in hand and wearing a 1920s Polish army uniform.

In Poland, football fans have an apt expression for their national side’s early exits from recent major football tournaments: Firstly, there is the opening match, secondly is the match for everything, and thirdly, the match for honour.

Liverpool 3 Lille 0 (Liverpool win 3-1 on aggregate)

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez insists his side can still progress in the Europa League despite a 1-0 defeat in their last 16 first leg against Lille last night.

Manchester United 1 Lille 0 (Man Utd win 2-0 on aggregate)