FROM high in the south terrace or Curva Sud of the Stadio San Paulo, Napoli’s ultras hang a bespoke banner at every game. Stitched carefully into the sky-blue fabric is the poetic epithet: “I have seen him, now I can die”. The tifosi need not say who they mean.

Porto threw Champions League Group G wide open with a deserved away win over CSKA Moscow in the Lokomotiv Stadium last night, but their stay at the top was short-lived.

Porto threw Champions League Group G wide open with a deserved away win over CSKA Moscow in the Lokomotiv Stadium tonight, but their stay at the top was short-lived.

ARSENAL captain Thierry Henry would love to be able to have a friendly chat with referees — just like in rugby.

Arsenal captain Thierry Henry would love to be able to have a friendly chat with referees – just like in rugby.

UEFA have confirmed that Arsenal captain Thierry Henry has no right of appeal against the booking he incurred after scoring what he thought was an equaliser against CSKA Moscow last night.

Thierry Henry felt "more than angry" after having what looked a perfectly good equaliser disallowed against CSKA Moscow in Russia.

CSKA Moscow 1 Arsenal 0

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has opted for a five-man midfield in tonight’s Champions League Group G clash at CSKA Moscow.

CSKA Moscow and Sporting Lisbon will contest the UEFA Cup final at Sporting’s own Jose Alvalade Stadium.

Lokomotiv Moscow 3 Dynamo Kiev 2

Wales skipper Gary Speed has warned his Welsh teammates against complacency as they prepare to host Russia in the return leg of the Euro 2004 play-off.

Russia 0 Wales 0

WALES coach Mark Hughes has called for his top players to have the game of their lives in their Euro 2004 play-off against Russia today and not to allow such a golden chance to slip away.

WALES believe Russia will be running scared of Ryan Giggs in their Euro 2004 play-off showdown.

Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr has made an offer of assistance to Welsh manager Mark Hughes and the Welsh FA in their preparations for the European Championship play-off games against Russia in Moscow and Cardiff next month.

NORTHERN IRELAND manager Sammy McIlroy has been given permission to talk to Second Division Stockport County about taking over the vacant manager’s position at Edgeley Park.

IRELAND’s players will today receive a first-hand account of Albania’s surprise weekend win over Russia in Euro Group 10 from former Scotland international Joe Jordan.

THE disgraceful scenes at Ireland's European Championship tie against Georgia in Tbilisi led to the UEFA observer departing the Lokomotiv Stadium with an array of missiles that had been hurled in the direction of Ireland's players including an open pen-knife, ball-bearings and the neck of a glass vodka bottle.

Kevin Kilbane revealed how he was struck on the arm by an open pen-knife during the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2004 qualifying Group 10 victory over Georgia in the Lokomotiv Stadium.

Damian Duff gave new Republic boss Brian Kerr something to smile about in his first competitive match in charge as he put his team ahead in the 18th minute in the Lokomotiv Stadium.

Gary Doherty replaced Robbie Keane in the Irish team to face Georgia in the Lokomotiv Stadium.

Mick McCarthy has vowed to stick with the players who did the Republic of Ireland proud in the World Cup despite the 4-2 defeat in Russia.

A SALUTARY lesson this for Ireland; disappointing only because it was so predictable. Ireland, riding high on the bravado of a good World Cup, were outplayed at the Lokomotiv Stadium by a new Russia fighting hard to attain the admirable standards of old.

THE FAI will pursue at diplomatic and UEFA level the issue of violence towards visiting supporters in Moscow where some Irish fans were seriously hurt prior to the European Championship tie against Russia.

Russia 4,Ireland 2

Bill George

Mick McCarthy believes the chasm which exists between Roy Keane and the Republic of Ireland is “far beyond repair.”

Mick McCarthy kept faith with his World Cup heroes as the Republic of Ireland kicked off their Euro 2004 qualifying campaign against Russia in the impressive 30,000-capacity Lokomotiv Stadium.

Robbie Keane must score in Moscow tonight to claim a special place in Irish football history.

Manchester United centre-half John O’Shea has been promoted to the Republic of Ireland’s 25-man senior squad for the opening Group 10 European Championship qualifier against Russia at the Lokomotiv Stadium in Moscow on September 7.

BIRMINGHAM new-boy Kenny Cunningham revealed the offer of Premiership football was too good to turn down and immediately pledged to do all he can to keep City in the top flight