OVER the last few weeks, we’ve seen two aberrations. First, in the Under-17 European Championships in Slovenia, Germany lost a penalty shoot-out. Worse, they lost it to the Dutch — a country with a dreadful record from 12 yards.

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been selected in the Ivory Coast’s preliminary squad for next month’s African Nations Cup.

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been left out of Ivory Coast’s squad for the African Nations Cup qualifier against Gabon on Saturday.

Republic of Ireland U-21 2, Germany U-21 2