More than 1,000 firefighters battled flames in northern and central Portugal yesterday as new wildfires continued to flare up following devastating blazes that consumed hundreds of acres of land in the past months.

Six new fires broke out in Portugal today, after firefighters tamed several other forest blazes that were burning across the country, officials said.

SWISS authorities began evacuating parts of the small town of Brienz yesterday, as the death toll from flooding in Europe rose to 43.

Eleven new fires broke out this afternoon in Portugal, after firefighters had tamed several other forest blazes that were burning across the country, officials said.

Forest fires were still blazing in Portugal today, although seven fires had been tamed.

Lower temperatures and increased humidity helped firefighters tame many of the 30 fires that still raged in Portugal this morning.

Wildfires fanned by high winds burned out of control across Portugal today as the country suffered its worst drought in years.

TWO Canadair water tank planes from France and one from Spain arrived in Portugal yesterday afternoon to help fight more than 60 wildfires gripping the country from north to south, firefighters said.

Portugal has asked the European Union for help in fighting massive fires after more than 50 blazes burned through forests and farmland across the country.

LUCIA de Jesus dos Santos, the last of three children who claimed to see the Virgin Mary at Fatima and who revealed a vision the Catholic Church said foretold the attempt to kill Pope John Paul II, died on Sunday, the Church said.

Sister Lucia Marto, the last of three children who claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary in a series of 1917 apparitions in Portuguese town of Fatima, has died at 97.

THE dynamic Damien Duff yesterday cheered Irish spirits ahead of tonight’s critical World Cup tie by taking a full part in training and declaring himself fit to play against Switzerland in a game that has major undertones for both teams.

France coach Jacques Santini will have to shuffle his defence for the Euro 2004 quarter-final against Greece tomorrow because of the broken arm which has ended the tournament of right-back Willy Sagnol.

FRANCE striker Louis Saha last night warned his compatriots they will find Ireland a much more difficult proposition in upcoming World Cup ties if his Old Trafford team-mate Roy Keane is in the team.

Croatia 2 England 4

Croatia 1 England 1

Switzerland 1 France 1

Switzerland striker Alexander Frei could still miss his side’s Euro 2004 Group B clash with France tonight after UEFA appealed against the decision to clear him of spitting against England.

David Beckham insists there will be “no excuses” if England fail to reach the Euro 2004 quarter-finals by securing at least a point against Croatia tonight.

Switzerland coach Kobi Kuhn is determined his team will retain their focus on tomorrow’s final Euro 2004 Group B match against table-toppers France - irrespective of the controversy which has surrounded Alexander Frei.

UEFA were today investigating an alleged spitting incident in which Steven Gerrard is said to have been targeted by Switzerland striker Alexander Frei.

Sven-Goran Eriksson hailed a “good job done” as England beat Switzerland 3-0 in Coimbra today.

England 3 Switzerland 0

England 1 Switzerland 0

England must be much more adventurous against the Swiss and cannot afford to put the emphasis so heavily upon the security of their defence.

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has insisted Paul Scholes is 100% fit for England’s vital Euro 2004 clash with Switzerland in Coimbra on Thursday.

Fabio Celestini, born in Lausanne of Italian parents, is set to replace the suspended Johann Vogel in an otherwise unchanged Switzerland side to meet England in Group B in Coimbra tomorrow.

David Beckham warned Switzerland that England are ready to take out the anger and frustration from their defeat by France in tomorrow’s clash to revive their Euro 2004 qualifying hopes.

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s options to replace the doubtful Paul Scholes in Thursday’s vital Euro 2004 clash with Switzerland look like being reduced after Manchester United team-mate Nicky Butt suffered a knee injury in training yesterday.

John Terry is poised to return to England’s starting line-up for Thursday’s Euro 2004 clash with Switzerland despite a glowing reference for Ledley King from coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Switzerland defender Stephane Henchoz admits there is little anyone can do to stop Michael Owen when he is at his blistering best.

Paul Scholes is a doubtful starter for England’s must win game against Switzerland in Coimbra on Thursday because of an ankle injury.

Switzerland started their preparations for Sunday’s opening Euro 2004 clash with Group B rivals Croatia in earnest today.