Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has set his sights on qualifying for the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League as soon as possible ahead of tomorrow's Group D game against Lyon at the Bernabeu.
Madrid have picked up two wins from two games so far - 1-0 at Dinamo Zagreb and 3-0 at home to Ajax - and take on Les Gones knowing victory would move them to the brink of the last 16 as they look to improve on last year's performance in the competition, when they crashed out in an ill-tempered semi-final against Barcelona.
"The important thing is winning," Mourinho said at his pre-match press conference this afternoon. "Last year we got 10 points in the first four games and with these points we qualified. It is not easy to win games in the Champions League and now we have a start of six points. Winning the group may have a slight advantage in the draw for the next round. We want to qualify as soon as possible and advance further in the Champions League than we did last year."
He continued: "Real Madrid has always been an offensive team and I hope to play a balanced team to win games either at home or away. It is normal that with hard work the team becomes better. We want to be stronger this season than last, but that is not easy."
Mourinho will have to decide whether to go with Gonzalo Higuain or Karim Benzema - or both - up front, but was giving little away about his plans today. Higuain has scored three hat-tricks in his last four games - one for Argentina - while Benzema has netted five goals this season and will be keen to face his old club.
We want to be stronger this season than last, but that is not easy. Jose Mourinho"You can play with both or one of them," Mourinho said. "Both are good and competition for places improves the team collectively. My goal is to unite, not divide. In the press it is different because they are debating who is better or worse. My thinking is different - we win and lose as a team. We have different objectives."
The Portuguese welcomes back left-back Marcelo after suspension, and has also included 22-year-old goalkeeper Tomas Mejias in his 19-man squad. Madrid head into the encounter buoyed by Saturday's 4-1 Primera Division victory over Real Betis, but Lyon too enjoyed a healthy home win - 3-1 against Nancy.
Les Gones drew 0-0 at Ajax in their opener before boosting their bid to reach the last 16 for the ninth straight season with a 2-0 home win over Dinamo Zagreb. Coach Remi Garde will be without Argentinian forward Lisandro Lopez (ankle) and midfield duo Clement Grenier (thigh) and Jeremy Pied (foot) for the match due to injuries.
The teams have faced each other in four of the past six campaigns, including at the last-16 stage for the past two campaigns. Madrid advanced last season, with Lyon triumphant the previous term. Garde told www.uefa.com: "There is a strange link between the two clubs and draws. For us it is obviously a very difficult tie, but for Real Madrid as well because we've been their worst enemy in the last few years.
"Since the arrival of Jose Mourinho they have a team which is more experienced than in the past. They have a team that can make a difference at any time," he said.  "We know one of their players very well: Karim Benzema."

The collective sighs of relief from everyone involved with Corinthians and Sao Paulo were almost palpable at the news that their big-money signings from back in March, Adriano and Luis Fabiano, were finally fit to play. And their returns to competitive action could barely have come at a better time, with both clubs in the thick of one of the most tightly contested Brazilian title races of recent years.   
However, the pair's impact since rejoining the Brasileiro fray in early October has been less than spectacular. While Adriano played just 42 minutes spanning two games and showed little of the rampaging presence of his Inter Milan pomp, Luis Fabiano failed to find the net despite starting three matches and even missed a penalty. All of which has meant the optimistic hype surrounding the former Brazil stars' returns has been replaced by calls for calm and patience.
“Nobody at the club is demanding goals from Adriano at the moment, because we´ve seen just how much effort he's been putting in to come back from that unfortunate injury,” Corinthians left-back Fabio Santos told FIFA.com. “Plus he´s a big lad, so you always need to be that bit more careful.”
There is a similar mood in the São-paulino camp, according to coach Adilson Batista. “The plan is for Luis Fabiano to gradually improve his match fitness. That´s why we want him to play right to the end (of matches),” he explained. “It's not easy for him to adapt, people have to be understanding and forgiving. The most important thing is that he´s getting better every day.”
Nor are the two men at the centre of this story unaware of the size of the task facing them as they attempt to reignite their careers. Readjusting after their time in Europe, the lengthy spells on the sidelines, plus the ever greater intensity of matches in the final third of the championship chase, all add to the level of difficulty.
“I've been working very hard, but I'd still ask for people to be a bit patient,” said O Imperador, after making his debut in the 3-0 win over Goianense on 9 October. “I'm still not ready, but I'm slowly getting back to ideal fitness.”
My comeback's been more gruelling than I expected, but I´m here to battle hard and I´m not going to let my head drop.Luis FabianoFor Luis Fabiano, the sense of frustration is arguably even greater, with O Tricolor Paulista having lost once and drawn twice since his return. “My comeback's been more gruelling than I expected, but I´m here to battle hard and I'm not going to let my head drop,” said Brazil's three-goal top scorer at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ after missing a penalty in 5 October´s draw with Cruzeiro.
“It's tough, but the goals will come,” added the front-runner, who has spent seven months recovering from a knee tendon injury picked up at previous club Sevilla.
The level of euphoria surrounding the big-name duo may have dipped, but fans of Corinthians and Sao Paulo remain a long way from doubting the potential impact of two players with proven track records in Europe and A Seleção. “He's got fantastic quality and there are very few players that know the centre-forward´s role as well as him,” said Luis Fabiano's team-mate Dagoberto, Sao Paulo's leading scorer and main man so far in the Brasileiro 2011.
“He gets hold of the ball, shields it and opens up spaces for the midfielders to break forward,” added the attacker, whose side's current five-match winless run leaves them back in fourth spot, though only three points behind joint leaders Corinthians and Vasco da Gama. "I'm certain that once Lucas comes back too it will kick-start the team again."
Turning back to O Timão, and Fabio Santos insisted that Adriano´s mere presence in training has lifted his club-mates´ morale. “While he was recovering from his injury, the tension around the place increased, and we all went through that together. It was getting to the lads,” said the wide player. “Once he came back into training the atmosphere really relaxed. It was just what we needed,” added Fabio, referring to the build-up to that win over Goianense, which sent Corinthians back into top spot.
Yet regardless of any psychological boost provided, both Paulista state heavyweights will at some point need their marquee strikers to rediscover their shooting boots. “If Adriano can get back to just 50 per cent of his best he´ll score goals,” concluded Fabio Santos, on how the club's No10 could help O Timão reclaim a Serie A crown last won in 2005. “He's an icon and someone who gets respect from opponents. That´ll be vital in helping us win the title.”

Honesty is a quality that Neil Warnock has become somewhat renowned for during his three decades of management in England. While often a refreshing change to some of the more bland personalities in the game, it is a character trait that has not always served the Queens Park Rangers manager well in the eyes of authority.
Having worked his way up from semi-professional coaching to the heights of the Premier League for a second time, following a season in the top flight back in 2006/07 with hometown club Sheffield United, it is maybe no surprise that he retains a sense of pragmatism. However, having seen frank reflections on refereeing decisions in the past lead to lengthy touchline bans, the south Yorkshireman intends to curb his outbursts and keep himself in check this time around.
He felt QPR’s recent 1-1 draw with Aston Villa was a perfect example, where, after the game, he revealed a number of penalty area incidents had caused him some ire. On his comments, he said: “I think you just have to be careful. I think myself of a few years ago would have got fined due to the circumstances and situation [of the Aston Villa match]. I’ve had meetings with the FA on what I can say and what I can’t say.” The FA responded to his comments by only handing him a warning.
The former Crystal Palace manager added: “I think some of the questions I’m asked at press conferences are really a way to get you in trouble – that’s their story. So as long as you don’t talk about the integrity of the referee you are fine giving constructive criticism.”
Since [the takeover] we’ve managed to get experienced Premiership players in and it’s given us a fighting chance.Neil Warnock, Queens Park Rangers manager
However, the changes that are really exciting Warnock are those happening around Loftus Road, following the takeover by Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes, in particular their raft of signings in the final days of the transfer window. QPR brought in five players in the shape of Shaun Wright-Philips, Joey Barton, Luke Young, Anton Ferdinand and Armand Traore to bolster their squad with Premier League talent at the 11th hour.
Since then Warnock has found the drive in his new recruits cause for celebration. “All the lads we’ve signed have things to prove in their own way, so I’ve been delighted as you need hungry players. Even at their age, people like Ferdinand, Traore, Luke Young have it, so I’ve been pleased with that.
“Until the takeover happened we were a bit thin on the ground in terms of signings, but since then we’ve managed to get experienced Premiership players in and it’s given us a fighting chance. I did feel we’d struggle if we hadn’t had the takeover.”
There is also the prospect of further forays into the transfer market, with Fernandes hinting that there are funds available. As a result Warnock is expecting to be active in the January window, saying: “I would think we definitely will be, the chairman’s very positive and he’s enjoyed the new signings, so it all bodes well really. If we can hang in there until January we can improve the squad further.”
The influx of experience led him to instantly promote Barton to captain, a move which Championship Player of the Season Adel Taarabt – the former wearer of the armband – was happy to see. “It was an easy decision as [Barton’s] a captain anyhow. I spoke to Adel about it, I think he’s revelled in not being a captain if I’m honest, seeing these players come in. [Barton’s] a born winner really, and I think when I looked at the situation it was only natural to give him the position.”
[Barton’s] a born winner really, and I think when I looked at the situation it was only natural to give him the position.Warnock on making new signing Joey Barton captain
Results have been inconsistent, however, with an opening-day 4-0 defeat by Bolton Wanderers followed recently by a humbling 6-0 loss at local rivals Fulham. Warnock maintains, though, that performances, as well as impressive away wins at Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers provide grounds for optimism. “We played quite well against Bolton for an hour, but at Everton we were super. 
“I was a bit disappointed we hadn’t got the new players in before we played Wigan [Athletic], as we hit the bar and post three times, and we only had the old lads. I feel we’d have had at least a half chance, if I’m honest, with the new signings in tow.
“I think all the promoted clubs have struggled to score goals when they first came up, and I think we have all had that period, but we’ve all got decent results and can all feel positive about competing. There’s some big clubs down at the bottom at the moment and it will be interesting to see how it develops.”
Things are not likely to get any easier, however, now the international break is over. Though Warnock will be replenished somewhat by the return of injured and suspended players to his rearguard, which he attributed the Fulham defeat to, beyond Saturday’s match with Blackburn Rovers they have a daunting schedule.
Chelsea at home, Tottenham Hotspur away, Manchester City at home and then Stoke City away is how the fixture list reads, but Warnock is remaining upbeat, happy more than anything to be entertaining sides of this stature.
“They’re difficult games, quite rightly so as there are no easy matches at this level, but I think every game at the minute we’re looking forward to,” he said. “They’re all also different teams playing different systems and when you’re playing all the top teams no one expects anything but we’re quite capable of taking points off them.”

A second-half penalty from Samir Nasri rescued a 1-1 draw for France at home to Bosnia-Herzegovina and sent Laurent Blanc's side to UEFA EURO 2012 after a tense night at Stade de France.
France required just a point to top qualifying Group D, but they appeared paralysed by nerves in the first half and fell behind shortly before half-time to a fine goal from Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko.
Already assured of a play-off place, Bosnia had played with nerveless intent but their resistance finally buckled in the 78th minute when Dzeko's City team-mate Nasri scored from the spot after he had been felled by Emir Spahic.
The win allowed France to avoid the trap they fell into in 1993, when a 3-2 defeat by Bulgaria denied them a place at the 1994 FIFA World Cup™, and means Blanc can continue his rebuilding work in Poland and Ukraine next summer.
It was tough and it was tense. But in the end, it's a huge satisfaction to be qualified for the EURO.Laurent Blanc, France coach"The match was difficult. It was what we expected," admitted Blanc. "But it's true that, even though we were poor for 45 minutes, Bosnia played very well. They were assured and showed good technical control. Their players caused us lots of problems. It was tough and it was tense. But in the end, it's a huge satisfaction to be qualified for the EURO." 
Bosnia coach Safet Susic, whose side will learn their play-off opponents on Thursday, said: "I'm particularly sad for my players. I think they played a great match. They controlled the match for around 60 minutes before their physical level fell away. I hope we'll get more chance in the play-offs. I think my team deserves a place at EURO 2012."
Seeking to qualify for their first ever major tournament, Bosnia had pledged to take the game to France and they were true to their word in the first half. Careless in possession and inattentive in defence, France's players seemed cowed by the occasion and allowed Bosnia to put them under pressure repeatedly.
Senad Lulic found the side netting after charging down an Anthony Reveillere clearance, while Dzeko tested Hugo Lloris at his near post before blazing wide after being sent clean through by Miralem Pjanic.
Dzeko shocks home sideFrance's only opening of note saw Loic Remy over-run the ball with the goal in sight, but Bosnia were stroking the ball around with disregard for the hosts' anxiety and in the 40th minute they took the lead.
Sasa Papac caught the French defence napping with a quick free-kick to Dzeko, who rolled his marker and bent an exquisite shot inside Lloris' left-hand post from the edge of the penalty area.
Florent Malouda announced France's second-half intent by marauding down the left flank and firing a cross across goal, but there was no change in their fortunes and Blanc responded by introducing Kevin Gameiro and Marvin Martin.
Martin drew a save from substitute Bosnia goalkeeper Asmir Begovic with a low free-kick before Nasri almost went one better from similar range, only for his set-piece to be touched onto the crossbar by the Stoke City keeper.
Nasri finally nets The pressure was mounting on the Bosnian goal and with 12 minutes remaining it finally told. Nasri showed dogged determination to rob Spahic inside the Bosnia box and when the former Montpellier defender brought him down, Scottish referee Craig Thomson had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
The City midfielder made no mistake from 12 yards, slamming a crisp strike into the bottom-left corner to a roar of delight and relief from the home support. The hosts even came close to a winner in the last five minutes, but Gameiro could not get a touch to Jeremy Menez's low cross from the left. Fortunately for France, it mattered not.

Laurent Blanc’s France side face Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday, hoping to seal an automatic place at UEFA EURO 2012. Despite a packed schedule of training sessions and tactical discussions, midfielder Florent Malouda was able to find time to sit down with FIFA.com for an exclusive interview.
Relaxed and full of smiles, he shed light on life with both club and country, discussing Chelsea’s fine start to the Premier League season and France’s resurgence under Blanc.
FIFA.com: Florent, seven matches in, how do you see the current season unfolding in England?Florent Malouda: The standard is really high. People talk about the ‘big four’, but for quite a while now Manchester City have been on the rise and so have Tottenham, who are quite dangerous. Teams everywhere look to progress and shake up the established order, but that’s especially true in England where clubs invest such a lot.
Do you think the title will be contested between Chelsea and Manchester United again this year?That’s the way it’s been since 2004. A real rivalry has developed, with the title going to one team and second place to the other, or vice versa. It’s always a fierce battle right up until the end. Last season, we lost the title at Old Trafford, and the year that before we won it there. History has been repeating itself a bit recently. This season, our senior players have stayed, and ambitious, talented youngsters have come on board. That mix of experience and hunger should allow us to remain competitive in every competition.
Has the injection of new blood meant your place in the team is under threat?No, not really. At Chelsea, the need to get results means there’s not really any such thing as an established order. It’s the same at all the big clubs; your place is always up for grabs and that’s what helps you keep performing. I don’t treat it as a threat when new players arrive. It just strengthens my resolve. Plus, the season is long with a lot of matches and reinforcements can help avert spells of bad results like the one we experienced last year.
Ryan Giggs and Javier Zanetti are the references for me in terms of my career, just as Paolo Maldini was.Florent MaloudaDo you see yourself continuing for as long as Ryan Giggs, who plays in the same position as you?Ryan Giggs and Javier Zanetti are the references for me in terms of my career, just as Paolo Maldini was. It happens less and less these days, but it’s an extraordinary thing to stay at a club that can win everything and remain competitive into your 30s. It’s true that we play less, but we still give an awful lot on the pitch.
How do you look back at your years with Lyon?That’s where I really gained confidence in my potential and my ability to play at the highest level. My favourite memory of my time there is my last season, 2006/07. I played in almost every position, sometimes even at left-back, scored lots of goals and was voted best player in the league.
Turning to France, what are your thoughts as the EURO 2012 qualifying campaign reaches its climax?We’re going into this last match with confidence; we know our opponents and we absolutely have to win. The only slight concern is all the injuries we have, which are affecting us a bit at the moment. That said, it’s a good opportunity to test the quality of our squad. We’re playing at home and we need to turn that to our advantage and make sure it doesn’t make us nervous.
Your last, crucial qualifier will be against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday. Is there any danger of stage fright affecting the team, as happened when France lost to Bulgaria in 1993 and missed out on USA 1994?Not really. We’ll be going into the game with a winning mentality. An experienced player should be able to cope with and prepare for that type of thing, and react to it in the right way if it happens.
As one of the most experienced players in the France line-up, you have lived through highs as well as lows – namely, the run to the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ Final and the disappointment of South Africa 2010.It’s true that I experienced the best first and the worst later. What I’ve taken from that is how the difference between the two comes down to very little. There’s always a huge amount of passion around the national team and all sorts of stories emerge. People want so much to know what’s going on that they imagine things and make stuff up. We need to shrug that off and make sure we are strong enough not to let it affect us.
Do you find the pressure greater with Les Bleus or Chelsea?It’s completely different. You spend less time with the national team. There can be big changes in the players who get called up from game to game, and you don’t always have the same freedom or advantages you have with your club. In 2006, I was there to support artists like Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry. They were the senior players and I had a role which I fulfilled. In 2008 and 2010, I did the same things but the results weren’t the same. That led to all sorts of unpleasant comments and comparisons with my club performances. It’s always results and victories which matter most.
How would you sum up your experience at the 2010 FIFA World Cup?We were in a tight spot, but things were tough in 2006 too. Until the match against Spain, people were writing off Zidane and Patrick Vieira as being past it. Everyone ends up coming in for criticism at one time or another, and you have to respond to that together. Above all, you mustn’t try to defend yourself individually or try to prove people wrong by overdoing it on the pitch. When you manage to get through challenges together, that’s when you can go far in a competition.
What has changed since Laurent Blanc took over?There have been quite a few changes and a new generation has been successfully introduced, to the extent that I’m one now of the oldest around (laughs). Things have also calmed down on the media front, because people relentlessly attacked the previous coach [Raymond Domenech] no matter what he did. Laurent Blanc represents new hope and things have changed at every level: how the players behave, their commitment, their desire to do well etc.
The results have changed too, of course.We’ve never been in a better position to qualify. People told themselves we’d get there easily playing wonderful football, but that’s a bit of a fantasy. Qualification has always been laborious and all the national teams find it hard going. We sense a little pessimism around us sometimes, but we’re still upbeat and determined.
What has been the highlight of your France career so far?The 2006 Final. I was voted man of the match in the Final even though we lost it. It’s a bittersweet memory because I missed out on the World Cup. The Trophy was shining so brightly, but I didn’t want to look at it – I just wanted to leave with it. That was my best game with the France team, especially since it could have passed me by given that I’d undergone an operation just before the tournament. Instead, I was able to finish with that great performance, feeling good on the pitch and playing with complete freedom.
Are you intent on still being involved at Brazil 2014?I’ll be there whatever happens. It’s an important event for me and for French Guiana [the overseas region of France where Malouda was born, and which borders Brazil]. They’ve been preparing for it ever since the World Cup was awarded to Brazil. Of course I want to go there with the France team, and that's another reason why it’s important for me to stay at a high-profile, competitive club for as long as possible. Added to that, I won my first cap in 2004, so 2014 will be a nice round number. It’s perfect.

Titanic clashes loom large as Asia's third qualifying round for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ reaches its midway stage on Tuesday. Topping the list is Iran’s meeting with Bahrain with both sides desperate to stamp their authority on the section with victory, while another epic clash takes place in Shenzhen as China PR seek to return to winning ways against 2007 Asian champions Iraq. 
A third straight win will see Australia and Jordan edge closer to early progression, but pointless Singapore, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates and Tajikistan face must-win scenarios if they are to keep their qualifying hopes alive. FIFA.com previews the mouth-watering clashes across Asia. 
The match Iran-Bahrain Iran enter the first of their back-to-back meetings against Bahrain with an old score to settle, having lost 3-1 in Manama on the road to Korea/Japan 2002, a defeat which ultimately ended their qualification hopes. Under Carlos Queiroz, Team Melli have seen their fortunes rise recently and, boosted by their 7-0 rout of Palestine in the build-up to this match, they must be confident of exacting revenge this time around. 
Few Asian teams have left the intimidating Azadi Stadium unscathed, yet the Bahrainis are one of the few to have bucked the trend managing a goalless draw in Tehran during the aforementioned qualifying campaign a decade ago. Peter Taylor's visiting side can also take heart from the recent return of captain Mohamed Salmeen from injury, while Swiss-based midfielder Abdulla Omar is expected to make his international debut. 
The other attractions Should Iran and Bahrain share the spoils, Qatar can move top of Group E with victory in Indonesia. The west Asians boast a proud historic record heading into the game in Jakarta, having won four of their six previous meetings. Sebastiao Lazaroni's side enter the match undefeated in the qualifying campaign, having drawn against both Bahrain and Iran. However, they will be wary of the south-east Asian's recent form, which saw them hold Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw in a warm-up. 
In Group A, a 2-1 friendly defeat of UAE offers China with a much-needed morale-booster as Jose Antonio Camacho's side seek to put their campaign back on track by defeating Iraq, having lost the previous outing 2-0 in Jordan. However, it is Zico's charges that travel to China with a mental edge, having drawn at home and won away against the Chinese on the road to South Africa 2010. In the section's other match, Jordan have fixed their sights on another three points in Singapore, which will leave the rejuvenated west Asians sitting pretty at the top of the group. 
The same can also be said of Group D's Australia, who are looking to continue their perfect run with a home win over Oman. Despite missing the services of goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and midfielder Tim Cahill due to injury, Holger Osieck's Socceroos still look very much the side to beat, particularly on the evidence of their recent 5-0 demolition of Malaysia. Saudi Arabia, though, face a tough trip to Thailand having come up with a solitary point from two matches. Frank Rijkaard’s charges arrive in Bangkok as historical favourites having prevailed in all their 12 previous meetings but the hosts, boosted by their latest 3-0 triumph over Oman, have form on their side. 
In Group B, both Korea Republic and UAE disappointed in pre-match warms-up, with the former conceding a late goal to draw 2-2 with Poland, while the latter lost to China. A home win will see the Koreans on the edge of progression, while the visiting west Asians are left with no option but to go for three points as they seek to remain in contention. The group's other match pits in-form Kuwait against hosts Lebanon, with the home side determined to pull off a surprise despite conceding six unanswered goals against the visitors in a friendly in July. 
Elsewhere, Japan may be entering uncharted waters in Tajikistan, however the Asian champions will undoubtedly expect to stamp their authority on Group C with a second win. However, Alberto Zaccheroni's side must overcome not only the hosts, but also their recent lacklustre form which saw them conjure a narrow 1-0 win over Vietnam in a recent match. In the other group encounter, Uzbekistan face a tricky test against Korea DPR at Pyongyang with a win enough to ensure temporary status in the section's top two. 
The player Having scored the match and tournament winner against Australia in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup final, Tadanari Lee proved the difference in their recent friendly against Vietnam by netting the only goal. 
The stat 4 - Korea Republic talisman Park Chu-Young has been on target four times so far to top the third stage's scoring chart. 
What they said "Bahrain coach has announced they come here to beat us but we are not scared of them. We will answer them with our performance on the pitch," Iran coach Carlos Queiroz 

England booked their ticket at UEFA EURO 2012 on Friday evening, thereby becoming the seventh team qualified for next summer’s continental contest, joining Germany, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands, as well as hosts Poland and Ukraine.
Elsewhere, Sweden and Montenegro both ensured that they would finish second in their respective groups, earning themselves a slot in the play-off round. These knockout ties will see the eight group runners-up paired off to decide the last four participants that will travel to Poland and Ukraine. The final round of fixtures will be played on Tuesday.
Game of the dayMontenegro 2-2 EnglandGoals: Elsad Zverotic 45, Andrija Delibasic 90+1 (Montenegro); Ashley Young 11, Darren Bent 31 (England)
England enjoyed the ideal start to this match, taking charge right from kick-off and creating several good chances against a static Montenegro defence. Spearheading a 4-4-2 formation with Darren Bent, Ashley Young opened the scoring from a fine Theo Walcott cross, before turning provider for Bent 20 minutes later, following a tremendous break by Wayne Rooney. Just before half-time, Elsad Zverotic’s clinical finish signalled the beginning of a fightback for the Montenegrins, whose performance markedly improved in the second half. The sending-off of Wayne Rooney a quarter-hour from full time provided a further boost to the home side’s chances, but they would have to wait until injury time to score the elusive equaliser, Rayo Vallecano forward Andrija Delibasic heading home to secure a point and an historic play-off spot for his country.
ElsewhereGroup AAzerbaijan 1-4 AustriaTurkey 1-3 GermanyBelgium 4-1 Kazakhstan
Germany overcame Turkey in typical authoritative manner, in a match that featured another goal from the in-form Mario Gomez. Belgium, who disposed of Kazakhstan without any great trouble, consequently move one point head of Turkey in the standings. This could all change during the final round of matches, however, as while the Turks host Azerbaijan, the Belgians face a tricky trip to Germany.
Group BArmenia 4-1 MacedoniaSlovakia 0-1 RussiaAndorra 0-2 Republic of Ireland
Russia, who play host to Andorra in their last match, took an enormous step towards qualification by pulling off a crucial away win in Slovakia, with CSKA Moscow midfielder Alan Dzagoev scoring the only goal of the game. As the Russians are now practically assured of finishing top of the section, the play-off place will likely be decided in Dublin, where a point will be enough for the Republic of Ireland in their clash with Armenia, for whom victory is essential.
Group CNorthern Ireland 1-2 EstoniaSerbia 1-1 Italy
Stunned by a first-minute strike by Claudio Marchisio, Serbia fought back to earn a draw with Italy, whose starting line-up included no fewer than six players from Juventus. Meanwhile, Estonia continued their impressive run of results by beating Northern Ireland via a brace from Konstantin Vassiljev. This triumph propels the Baltic side to second spot in Group C, one point ahead of Serbia, over whom they also enjoy a better head-to-head record. To leapfrog the Estonians and enter the play-offs, the Serbians must defeat Slovenia away on Tuesday.
Group DBosnia-Herzegovina 5-0 LuxembourgRomania 2-2 BelarusFrance 3-0 Albania
Leaders France and nearest challengers Bosnia-Herzegovina, comfortable winners over Albania and Luxembourg respectively, will now meet on the final matchday to decide who qualifies automatically from the group, in what promises to be a suspenseful encounter.
Group EFinland 1-2 SwedenNetherlands 1-0 Moldova
Thanks to the three points they brought back from their trip to Finland, secured via goals from Sebastian Larsson and Martin Olsson at the start of each half, Sweden confirmed their place in the draw for the play-offs. Even if the Swedes lose their last fixture against the Netherlands, and Hungary were to draw level on points, the Scandinavians will remain in second spot by virtue of their superior head-to-head results. The Dutch, meanwhile, maintained their 100-per cent record by getting the better of a stubborn Moldova side through a Klaas-Jan Huntelaar goal.
Group FLatvia 2-0 MaltaGreece 2-0 Croatia
Greece gave themselves a great chance of appearing at EURO 2012 by defeating Croatia via second-half goals from Giorgios Samaras and Theofanis Gekas in front of a raucous crowd in Athens. The Greeks now enjoy a two-point lead over the Croatians, who need to beat Latvia at home and hope that their Hellenic rivals slip up in Georgia to qualify automatically for the tournament.
Group GWales 2-0 Switzerland
After having beaten Montenegro in their last outing, Wales saw off another supposedly superior side, with Switzerland the victims this time around in Swansea. Aaron Ramsey’s penalty and Gareth Bale’s expert finish propelled the home side to victory and eliminated the Helvetians from Poland/Ukraine 2012 in the process.
Group HCyprus 1-4 DenmarkPortugal 5-3 Iceland
Denmark ruthlessly disposed of Cyprus in a match where the away side had built up an unassailable 4-0 lead after just 20 minutes of play. The evergreen Dennis Rommedahl was the star of the show with a double. Portugal, leading Iceland 3-0 at half-time through goals by Nani (twice) and Helder Postiga, gave their fans some nervous moments in the second period, allowing Hallgrimur Jonasson to score a brace, before regaining control of the match in the last ten minutes. The final group positions will become clear on Tuesday, when the Danes and Portuguese meet in Copenhagen.
Group ICzech Republic 0-2 SpainLiechtenstein-Scotland (Saturday)
Defending European champions Spain made it seven wins out of seven with victory in Prague. The Czechs will regret losing control of the game at a crucial time, especially as they have now opened the door to Scotland, who still harbour hopes of claiming a place in the play-offs.
The playerThe career of Romanian forward Adrian Mutu has continually risen from the ashes over the years. In March 2011, he hit the net twice – against Luxembourg – in a match that marked the controversial striker’s return to the national set-up, two years after being banned from the team for disciplinary factors in October 2009. Excluded from the side again in August of this year for the same reasons, the former Parma star proved once more that comebacks bring out the best in him, as he scored twice in his country’s 2-2 draw with Belarus.
Goal of the dayCzech Republic 0-1 Spain, Juan Mata 6
The Czech defence was still finding its feet in this match when Spain midfielder Xavi threaded one of his trademark slide-rule passes through to Juan Mata, who suddenly found himself bearing down on goal from the right-hand corner of the box. One-on-one with Chelsea team-mate Petr Cech, Mata made no mistake, opening the scoring and sending the Spanish on their way to an eventual 2-0 success.
The stat40 – the number of matches over which Fabio Capello has now presided as England coach. The Italian tactician boasts a record of 26 wins, 8 draws and 6 defeats, a set of statistics that places him at the top of the all-time list of Three Lions’ managers.
Have your sayWhich country has surprised you the most during this qualifying campaign?

Late goals from Georgios Samaras and Theofanis Gekas helped Greece regain control of UEFA EURO 2012 Qualifying Group F with a tense 2-0 win over Croatia in Piraeus. The Greeks started the night knowing a win was almost essential in their penultimate match in the group, with the Croatians enjoying a one-point lead.
Samaras struck in the 71st minute and Gekas added the second eight minutes later to leave the Greeks knowing a point in their final group game in Georgia next Tuesday will be enough. Latvia beat Malta 2-0 in the other Group F game.
Belgium wrested control of the race for a play-off place in Group A with a 4-1 win over Kazakhstan in Brussels, while rivals Turkey were sent crashing 3-1 by group winners Germany in Istanbul. Timmy Simons, Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany and Vitaly Yevstigneev's late own goal gave Belgium a 4-0 lead, but in order to guarantee their play-off spot Georges Leekens' men must now win in Germany.
Turkey, who have a home game against Azerbaijan, went down to strikes from Mario Gomez and Thomas Muller. Hakan Balta pulled one back before Bastian Schweinsteiger settled matters with an 86th-minute penalty. Belgium's win eliminated Austria, despite their 4-1 win in Azerbaijan.
Dutch continue chargeThe Netherlands were made to work harder than expected to extend their 100 per cent record to nine games in Group E, Klaas Jan Huntelaar scoring the only goal of the game in the 40th minute at home to group minnows Moldova. Sweden effectively guaranteed the runners-up slot with a 2-1 win over Finland in Helsinki, Sebastian Larsson's early strike setting the Swedes on their way and Martin Olsson adding a second before Joona Toivio's late consolation.
In Group D, Bosnia set up a winner-takes-all clash with France in Paris after a 5-0 win over Luxembourg in Zenica, while the French cantered to an equally convincing 3-0 triumph against Albania. Goals from Florent Malouda, Loic Remy and substitute Anthony Reveillere meant the French go into the final group fixture with a one-point advantage - but also with memories of plenty of previous last-gasp qualifying disappointments. In the other Group D fixture, Romania saw their slim play-off hopes disappear in a disappointing 2-2 draw with Belarus in Bucharest.
Spain maintained their 100 per cent record in Group I with Juan Mata and Xabi Alonso scoring in a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in Prague, a win that keeps Scotland's slim play-off hopes alive. The Scots, who face Liechtenstein on Saturday, know wins from their final two matches will guarantee second place - but their last match is against Spain in Alicante. The Czechs' final game is a trip to Lithuania next week.
Branislav Ivanovic cancelled out Claudio Marchisio's early strike as Serbia secured a potentially vital point in Group C with a 1-1 draw against Italy in Belgrade. Estonia went second as they completed their fixtures with two Konstantin Vassiljev goals giving them a 2-1 win in Northern Ireland - but a point for Serbia in their final match in Slovenia next week will be enough to earn a play-off place.
Rooney red mars qualificationAshley Young and Darren Bent scored early as England secured qualification from Group G, but only after opponents Montenegro had battled back to claim a 2-2 draw with Andrija Delibasic's injury-time equaliser. Delibasic's goal, which came after Wayne Rooney was needlessly sent off, was enough for the Montenegrins to make sure of a play-off place after rivals Switzerland fell to goals from Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale in a 2-0 defeat in Swansea.
Russia all but wrapped up qualification from Group B as Alan Dzagoev scored the only goal of the game against Slovakia in Zilina. Victory at home to Andorra on Tuesday night will secure the Russians' place in the finals. The Republic of Ireland will fight it out with Armenia for the play-off place in Dublin after both won their penultimate matches. A draw will be good enough for Ireland, for whom Kevin Doyle and Aiden McGeady scored in a 2-0 win in Andorra, but Armenia will travel full of confidence after a thumping 4-1 home win over Macedonia.
Portugal and Denmark will play off for qualification from Group H in Copenhagen next Tuesday night after the former beat Iceland 5-3 in Porto. The home side were coasting at 3-0 thanks to an early double from Nani and a third from Helder Postiga, but Aron Gunnarsson and Hallgrimur Jonasson scored in the second half to reduce the deficit. Late strikes from Joao Moutinho and Eliseu finally secured victory, before Birkir Bjarnason's injury-time penalty. Portugal will go to the Danish capital knowing a draw will be enough but the Danes will be brimming with confidence after a 4-1 win in Cyprus, in which veteran winger Dennis Rommedahl scored twice.

Haiti, Antigua and Barbuda, Guatemala, Canada, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and El Salvador have all begun CONCACAF group-stage qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ in perfect form. All these sides will be back in action on Friday with high hopes of keeping up their 100 per cent records against a field of lesser lights becoming ever-more desperate to pick up points in this third matchday in North, Central America and the Caribbean. 
The big game Bermuda-Trinidad and Tobago The last time Caribbean giants Trinidad and Tobago travelled to Bermuda, in 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying, they were shocked in a 2-1 defeat. “We beat them then and I’m confident we have the firepower to do it again,” Bermudan captain Khano Smith – a member of that winning Gombey Warriors team – told FIFA.com. The comparatively mighty Soca Warriors eventually overcame the setback and sent Bermuda packing, but the tiny Atlantic island gave T&T a run for their money again in their Brazil 2014 opener a month ago on the road in Port of Spain. They barely capitulated in a 1-0 reverse, and deserved better. “We deserved something from that game and I am sure we will get it this time out,” Smith added by way of warning to T&T, who will be without injured captain and scorer from the first leg, Kenwyne Jones. 
The best of the rest El Salvador, who last reached the world finals in 1982, are still riding high at the top of Group A with six points from their two games. They will face a tricky test away in San Cristobal when they take on the Dominican Republic, a side that stretched them 3-2 in their opening fixture in San Salvador. Second in the group, Suriname travel to Georgetown to take on whipping boys the Cayman Islands, who have conceded five goals in their two losses and look likely contenders for an early exit. 
While Trinidad and Tobago tangle with Bermuda in Hamilton, fellow Group B leaders Guyana (tied on six points) are away in Bridgetown to meet up with Barbados. The Barbadians promised much in the run-up to their campaign, but they have yet to bag a point or score a goal in their two games and, with only the group winners moving on to the next stage, hopes are dimming. 
Panama have a golden opportunity to take lone control of Group C when they travel to Dominica. Julio Dely Valdes’ Canaleros top the section (which only contains three teams after the Bahamas pulled out) on three points after beating Nicaragua in their opener. 
Canada are coasting at the top of Group D with six points from two wins, and Stephen Hart’s men from the Great White North will be doing their all to avoid a slip-up when they travel to Roseau to take on St. Lucia, a side they beat handily in their opener. Also in action in the section are Puerto Rico, who host surprise packages St. Kitts and Nevis, occupants of second place. 
Group E leaders Guatemala are in action against St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who are tied for second place. Central American minnows Belize (the other team in second) will meet Grenada, who despite improving their standing in the Caribbean zone of late, have yet to pick up a point in their previous two Brazil 2014 qualifiers. 
Both of Group F’s leaders, Haiti and Antigua and Barbuda, are in action away on Friday. The Haitians travel to the US Virgin Islands with all three points on their mind while the impressive Antiguans – led by the power and pace of Peter ‘Big Pete’ Byers – hope to add to their zone-best goals scored tally of 13 when they line up against Curacao in Willemstad. 
Player to watch – Dwayne De Rosario (CAN)Canada’s hot start to qualifying can be partially explained by the consistent leadership and fine play of one Dwayne De Rosario. The ultra-competitive striker/playmaker scored in the Canucks’ 4-1 win over St. Lucia and has played every minute of his side’s campaign so far. St. Lucia should be nervous when they face off with De Rosario again on Friday as he is fresh off a three-goal performance for MLS club side DC United, scoring a 31-minute hat-trick - the fastest in the North American league’s history.  
What they said “We’re doing better than we did in the 2010 World Cup campaign. Expectation is high among our fans as a result and we really believe we can get them partying in the streets. We have a lot of confidence in ourselves,” Marco Pappa aims to get Guatemala, who have come so close on recent occasions, to their first FIFA World Cup finals. 

Bianconeri hands smothered the Scudetto on 13 May 1984. Juventus had just won their 21st Serie A crown, which was one less than the combined total of their nearest two challengers, Inter Milan (12) and AC Milan (10). 
Yet Juve craved consequentially more than national monopoly. Inter had won two European Cups and two Intercontinental Cups, while Milan had conquered the continent twice and the planet once. The Old Lady of calcio, by embarrassing contrast, had only ever raised a European trophy once, and that was the UEFA Cup. 
Juventus nevertheless improved that record three days later. With the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup final against FC Porto all square, Zbigniew Boniek, surrounded by Porto defenders and goalkeeper Ze Beto, somehow chested the ball into freedom before slotting home to clinch a 2-1 victory. The goal also earned the Italian giants the following invitation: 
UEFA Super Cup Match: Juventus (ITA) v Liverpool (ENG) Venue: Stadio Comunale, Turin Date: 16 January 1985 Kick-off: 8:00pm 
One glance at the afore-listed invitation left their fans hugely optimistic. Not, as one might assume, because the fixture was taking place in their home city; nor because it was unfolding during a month in which the club had perpetually excelled. The confidence was down to the fact that it was an evening contest. 
Gianni Agnelli, the then Juventus owner, later explained: “We already had the best player in the world [in Michel Platini]. But when the match was on an evening, we had the best two. Zibi was unstoppable at night. Why? I don’t know, but it was as if he had the genes of a deadly predator who did his hunting at night.” 
On that dusky evening, Boniek, a hypersonic Pole who operated out wide or in a free role behind the forwards, embellished his reputation by scoring both goals in a 2-0 reverse of the Reds. Four-and-a-half months later, Juventus and Liverpool met again. And though location and prize were different - namely Brussels and the European Cup – kick-off time and Boniek having a decisive say in the contest’s outcome were not. This time the 1.81m attacker won the penalty from which Platini converted the only goal in a game tragically overshadowed by the Heysel Disaster. 
When Agnelli introduced his Juventus players to Henry Kissinger, the political scientist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, at a function in New York, he called Boniek Il Bello di Notte (The Beauty of the Night). The nickname stuck.
He was a truly magnificent player. He was so fast, his movement was very clever, he was very skilful, a great passer, could score with his right, his left and his head, and was very brave.Giampiero Boniperti on Zibi BoniekBoniek, of course, forged his subway to stardom through daytime displays. Indeed, for seven years from 1975, he inspired Widzew Lodz to two Polish top-tier titles and three runners-up finishes through Saturday- or Sunday-afternoon brilliance. 
The Bydgoszcz native made his international debut in 1976, 17 days after his 20th birthday, against Argentina, which is where he was summoned for duty two years later. Poland had finished third at Germany 1974, and with Jan Tomaszewski, Wladyslaw Zmuda, Kazimierz Deyna, Grzegorz Lato and Andrzej Szarmach, another prosperous FIFA World Cup™ campaign was anticipated. 
After coming on as a substitute in Poland’s first two outings, Boniek started their final Group 2 game against Mexico and duly scored twice in a 3-1 victory that sent them through as section winners above the defending champions, West Germany. However, Jacek Gmoch’s men finished third behind Argentina and Brazil in their second-phase pool and were consequently eliminated. 
Boniek was back in Argentina 12 months later to help a FIFA XI win 2-1 against the world champions, whose goal was scored by Diego Maradona. The Pole roomed with Platini and played alongside Juventus’s Antonio Cabrini and Marco Tardelli. When the latter pair returned to Turin, they advised their superiors to monitor Boniek with a view to signing him, which they did in April 1982 after beating off fervent interest from Roma. 
Before Boniek had time to settle in the black and white stripes, he was representing his country of birth against his country of residence in their Spain 1982 opener. It ended goalless, but Poland ultimately advanced as Group 1 winners. Their first second-round match was against Belgium. A late kick-off of 9pm was set. The moustached predator’s mouth watered. The No11 hit a hat-trick in a 3-0 win, scoring the first with a vicious piledriver, the second with a clever, looping header, and the third after a hypnotic body shuffle around goalkeeper Theo Custers. 
Regrettably, Boniek was cautioned in a 0-0 draw with Soviet Union that earned him a suspension and Poland a semi-final place. The match ultimately belonged to another Juve player. His name was Paolo Rossi. His two unanswered goals ended Polish dreams of lifting the hallowed Trophy. Boniek did take a portion of consolation by propelling his nation to a 3-2 win over France in the match for third place.
Boniek and Platini may have wanted different results that day, but over the next three years they were fighting for an identical cause. And what a terrific, telepathic tandem they formed, with Platini’s stately passes over the top proving a perfect supply for the elusive movement and electric speed of Boniek. Together, they helped Juventus win a Coppa Italia, Scudetto, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, UEFA Super Cup and, crucially, their first European Cup.
Giampiero Boniperti, Juve’s president during that era, recalled: “They were good friends off the pitch, and they had a wonderful understanding on it. When Platini received the ball, Boniek was already off. And when Platini was making a pass, you knew it would be pinpoint, and when Boniek was running, you knew nobody could catch him.” 
Boniperti added of Boniek: “He was a truly magnificent player. He was so fast, his movement was very clever, he was very skilful, a great passer, could score with his right, his left and his head, and was very brave. And he had a knack of taking his game to another level on an evening, when we played the huge European matches.” 
With such a wealth of attacking riches at Juventus, including Marco Tardelli, Platini, Rossi and an emerging Michael Laudrup, Boniek was forced to play in an unfavoured position. It proved the catalyst in his departure to Roma, whose initially sceptical fans he won over during three seasons in the Eternal City, in which he helped I Giallorossi win the Coppa Italia. 
During the Pole’s six years in Italy, he was showered in praise by some of the sport’s most successful figures. “There are players with bigger reputations, but very few players better than Boniek. He is too good to be restricted to one position,” said Pele. Maradona remarked: “He’s a totally unique player, the best of his kind in the world,” while Enzo Bearzot later reflected: “He was a supreme performer both physically and technically, one of the greatest there’s ever been. He was a brilliant goalscorer and one of the finest creators I’ve ever seen.” 
Platini would not dispute that. When Boniek left Juventus in 1985, the Frenchman, who seized three successive Capocannoniere awards alongside the Pole, was asked if he expected to make it four in a row. “No,” he replied. “The Capocannoniere will go to someone who has Boniek as a team-mate.” Sure enough, it did, with Roma’s Roberto Pruzzo the beneficiary of Boniek’s imperial invention.
Boniek’s assists proved insufficient to thrust the capital side to the 1985/86 Scudetto, with defeat in both their last two games seeing them finish second, four points behind Juventus, though Il Bello di Notte did manage to help them win the Coppa Italia. That was hardly a surprise. Cup matches were played on an evening, after all…