Defender Eric Abidal has urged France not to fall for the Republic of Ireland’s “provocation” on Saturday.

PORTUGAL defender Ricardo Carvalho believes the carrot of reaching the World Cup finals will force Hungary to come out fighting in their crucial qualifier tonight.

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has pulled out of the France squad for their crunch World Cup qualifiers against the Faroe Islands and Austria.

FLORENT MALOUDA has defended Didier Drogba’s right to speak out about his feelings after the French striker revealed that he had hoped he failed his Chelsea medical and was “disgusted” on the day he signed for the club.

DIDIER DROGBA revealed last night how Chelsea’s increased financial and sporting clout had convinced him to end his Marseille love affair.

Marseille boss Jose Anigo admits his club’s entire season rests on the outcome of their UEFA Cup semi-final second leg with Newcastle.

BAYERN MUNICH’S German international goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has insisted he is ready for a move abroad despite the Bundesliga giants’ determination to hold on to him.