LYON are almost assured of playing in the group stage of this year’s Champions League after they recorded a thumping 5-1 win against Anderlecht in the first leg of their qualifying play-off last night.

France's qualification to the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany will be secured should they defeat Switzerland in Bern on Saturday.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 manager Don Givens today wrote off his side’s chances of qualifying for the European Championship finals following a 3-1 defeat in Israel.

Don Given's Republic of Ireland today kissed goodbye to their chances of qualifying for the UEFA Under-21 Championship finals.