MICK MCCARTHY is not the only international manager facing waves of criticism. Calls for Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni to resign reached fever pitch after his side’s 2-1 defeat by Wales in a Euro 2004 qualifier on Wednesday.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari today praised the spirit in his squad for taking Brazil to their fifth World Cup.

By Bill George

GERMAN coach Rudi Voeller praised goalscorer Michael Ballack for sacrificing himself with a booking in yesterday’s 1-0 semi-final victory over South Korea and said the team will try to win the World Cup for their suspended playmaker.

GERMANY have habit of reaching the final stages of the World Cup without producing exciting football but they will play their ninth semi-final in the tournament without any feelings of embarrassment tomorrow .

CAMEROON’S Patrick Mboma is predicting a feast of football against Germany in their crunch Group E clash.

Ireland face Germany at the Kashima Stadium in Ibaraki knowing they cannot afford to lose to Rudi Voeller’s side.

Ireland face Germany at the Kashima Stadium in Ibaraki tomorrow knowing they cannot afford to lose to Rudi Voller’s side.

Germany coach Rudi Voeller believes the Republic of Ireland have suffered a massive blow to their World Cup hopes following the axing of captain Roy Keane.