International Football 8 October 2010

No comeback for Ireland

Rep Ireland 2 Russia 3 (Dublin Euro qualifier 8 October 2010)
The Republic of Ireland remain on top of group B despite suffering a 3-2 loss at home to Russia. The Irish stared positively with Robbie Keane hitting the woodwork early on but when Ireland failed to clear a free-kick which was crossed into the box by Arshavin in the 8th minute, Ignashevich's overhead kick back into the danger area allowed Kerzhakov to steam in and hit the back of the net. Dzagoev side-footed Anyukov's low cross past Given in the 28th minute to double the Russian lead and when Shirokov's deflected shot from 25 yards wrong-footed Given 5 minutes into the 2nd half the Irish found themselves 3 down. Robbie Keane pulled a goal back from the spot in the 72nd minute and 6 minutes later Akinfeev's save from McGeady fell to substitute Long who stabbed the ball home but Russsia held on to take all 3 points.

Keane comes close for Ireland

In other Euro qualifiers Italy were held to a goalless draw away to Northern Ireland while Scotland lost 1-0 in the Czech Republic and Wales suffered the same result at home to Bulgaria. Hungary smashed San Marino 8-0 in Budapest and Germany disposed of the visiting Turks 3-0 while the most impressive results were the stunning 3-1 win of Estonia in Serbia and Armenia's home victory by the same result against Slovakia. The French revival under the guidance of Laurent Blanc continued with 2 late goals in Paris against Romania, and Montenegro continued their perfect run with a 1-0 home win against Switzerland ahead of their visit to England..

In Africa Egypt suffered a shock 1-0 defeat away to Niger while Nigeria lost by the same result in Guinea and the Central African Republic sent Algeria home with a 2-0 loss. Tunisia won 2-1 in Togo and Senegal treated their home fans to 7 goals against Mauritius while in another goal fest Malawi beat Chad 6-2, but Ivory Coast could only manage a single goal in their win in Burundi.

In Friendly matches Brazil swept Iran aside 3-0 in Dubai while Argentina fell 1-0 in Japan and Uruguay annihilated Indonesia 7-1 in Jakarta with Suarez and Cavani each netting a hat-trick for the South Americans. Australia beat Paraguay 1-0 in Sydney and the UAE lost 2-0 at home to Chile while Bahrain won 3-1 in Kuwait and Ukraine drew 2-2 away to Canada.