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Michael Ballack has voiced his disappointment at his surprise omission from Chelsea's Champions League squad.
The Germany captain is currently recovering from ankle surgery and does not figure in his club's 23-man party for the group stages of the competition.
Chelsea insist they took the decision because they could not guarantee Ballack would be fit for the majority of their six group matches, suggesting he will not return until the end of October at the earliest.
Speaking in a video interview on the German federation's official website, www.dfb.de, the midfielder vowed to put the trouble behind him.
He explained: 'I am disappointed. But I have to accept it and focus on getting healthy again. Then I can make up my mind about other things.'
The 30-year-old was unable to name a date for his long-awaited return from a nagging ankle injury.
He continued: 'It has got better - but it is not like I could play again or train with the team. I can4t give a prognosis.'
Ballack is currently in Cologne, where he met with national team coach Joachim Low following Germany4s 2-0 victory over Wales yesterday.
The duo discussed his situation at Chelsea. Furthermore, it was revealed that Ballack will work out in a special shoe manufactured just for him.
Source: Soccernet.com
The Glazer family have strongly denied that Manchester United's debts are spiralling out of control.
A report from the Manchester United Supporters Trust, due to be released tomorrow, claims that the club's interest payments have increased by £28million this year.
It also claims that increased TV revenue and money from a new shirt sponsorship deal with AIG is being used to service debts.
But a Glazer family spokesman this morning dismissed the report saying: 'The story is inaccurate. Nothing has changed. The debts continue to be comfortably serviced by the business, which is performing better than ever.
'As always there have been substantial funds for the manager to purchase players over the summer.'
The Manchester United Supporters Trust have challenged the Glazer family to 'open up the books to independent scrutiny' amid claims that the club's debts are spiralling out of control.
A publication from the MUST, due to be released tomorrow, claims the interest payments of the Old Trafford club have increased by £28million this year.
A statement from MUST released to PA Sport read: 'The Glazers' claim that 'nothing has changed' is laughable. Why then were they forced to cancel plans to refinance some of the debt this summer? Have interest rates not gone up? Has the global credit crunch not begun to bite?
'The Glazers' debt is tied into LIBOR [the London Interbank Offered Rate], and if the economics of the world change, then debt changes.
'Furthermore, our calculations are based on the Glazers' own refinancing documents of 2006, which were signed by Joel Glazer himself. If they wish to dispute the figures, then let them open up the books to independent scrutiny.
'Let the Glazers bring their own figures out and we would be happy to be proved wrong and for the club to be shown to be less debt-laden than we think it is.'
The statement continued: 'The facts are simple: there is a vast debt of £660m hanging over the club, which carries with it vast interest rates and annual repayment demands of up to £100m, whilst ticket prices have risen astronomically in each of the last three seasons under the Glazers.
'Money for players has either been offset by sales, or has had payment schedules spread way into the future, with little money offered up front.'
The statement concluded: 'The team did wonderfully last season, and we're delighted, but sticking our heads in the sand about what's happening off the pitch would do a grave disservice to those marvellous efforts.'
United have spent heavily since the end of last season, recruiting Owen Hargreaves, Carlos Tevez, Nani and Anderson, and Sir Alex Ferguson has not been restricted in the transfer market since the Glazers completed their £790m takeover in 2005.
United fans have been hit with a 14% rise in ticket prices this season but the club has to fund rising player salary demands and keep stars like Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand at Old Trafford.
The Trust report claims that the Glazer family 'continue to face an extraordinary and growing debt problem'.
The report states that since last year's refinancing, United and the Glazers have been faced with 'a series of interest rate rises which have increased the annual debt service bill from £62m a year on the total debt of £660m.
'The interest bill is currently an annualised £100m-plus, of which £73m is payable this year and the other £27m in the future - a ticking debt time-bomb.'
Reports have emerged over recent weeks of potential buyers for United based in China and Dubai but the Glazers have stressed that they have no interest in selling and are completely committed to the club.
Source: Soccernet.com
Scotland full-back Jay McEveley found the play-acting of Lithuania an eye-opener on his competitive international debut.
The Derby County defender learned to be wary around his opponents after some theatrical falls from the likes of Andrius Velicka and Tomas Danilevicius early in the Hampden encounter.
And a blatant dive from Hearts midfielder Saulius Mikoliunas almost delivered a huge blow to Scotland's Euro 2008 qualifying hopes when Slovenian referee Damir Skomina pointed to the spot on the hour mark.
Danilevicius converted the penalty to cancel out Kris Boyd's first-half header but late goals from Stephen McManus and James McFadden earned the Scots a 3-1 triumph to ensure they go into Wednesday's clash with Group B leaders France in second place.
McEveley was relieved that the penalty, awarded when Mikoliunas threw himself over Darren Fletcher's outstretched leg, did not prove costly.
'I came back and took the ball when he cut inside and he just fell,' the Derby defender said. 'It was embarrassing but that's the way it is.
'He got a penalty and it would have been sad if we drew the game on a decision like that, but we had the confidence and the ability in the squad to go on and get the next two goals.
'It's hard because they do con the ref a little bit. They fall over and they make it look convincing and it's a difficult job for him.
'But that's up to us, we have got to be a bit smarter, maybe just stand off them a little bit and not get tight and not let them feel us so they can fall over.
'It's about adapting to teams like that and adapting to international football because it is so different to league football.'
The former England Under-21 player, who switched allegiance on the basis of his late Scottish grandfather, was impressed with his first Hampden experience.
'It was magnificent, it was what I dreamed it would be,' said Liverpool-born McEveley, who made his debut in last month's friendly win over South Africa.
'The crowd coming out gives you that extra lift and it gets you up for the game.
'The lads had told me what the atmosphere was like and how passionate the supporters are up here about their football.
'It was just a brilliant occasion to be involved in.
'In the camp it has been brilliant, they have accepted me and it's like I'm one of the squad now.
'I'm very happy to be involved and that's exactly why I chose to represent Scotland - because of days like that and nights like Wednesday hopefully.'
McEveley's Hampden debut continued the upturn in his career in 2007.
'Twelve months ago I was sitting on the bench at Blackburn, wondering when the next game was going to come,' he said.
'I couldn't see light at the end of the tunnel.
'But getting to Derby in the January transfer window and getting up to the Premier League with them, my first international cap against South Africa, I'm made up with the way it has gone.'
• Meanwhile, Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith has hit out at Saulius Mikoliunas for the blatant dive that won Lithuania a penalty against Scotland.
'I was disappointed in Mikoliunas,' Smith told The Times. 'It could be that he reverted to what is acceptable in Lithuania because he was playing for his national side, even though it's unacceptable here.
'This is a blight on our game and the more we recognise it the better.
'I don't think the referee helped the situation, either, possibly because he comes from a country where that sort of behaviour isn't so frowned upon. I thought the referee was poor.'
Source: Soccernet.com
England midfielder Steven Gerrard has declared himself fit for Wednesday's crunch Euro 2008 qualifier with Russia at Wembley after suffering no reaction to his broken toe.
Gerrard was substituted with 20 minutes remaining in Saturday's 3-0 win over Israel at the same venue.
But the Liverpool captain was only suffering from a bout of cramp caused by his lack of recent training after picking up the toe problem three weeks ago.
Gerrard said: 'The toe is fine. There is no reaction. I'm fit for Wednesday no problem. I am really pleased with how the toe is feeling at the moment.'
Reds boss Rafael Benitez has been in close contact with Gerrard to assess his fitness.
Gerrard said: 'I've been in dialogue with Rafa (Benitez) all week. He has been asking how the toe is but he also congratulated us on the win and the performance against Israel.
'He knows how much I want to play in Wednesday's game.'
England's main injury worry remains midfielder Owen Hargreaves and they will be hoping he can resume training this afternoon as he battles a thigh problem.
The Manchester United midfielder was not even named amongst the substitutes to face Israel when his replacement Gareth Barry impressed alongside Gerrard.
Striker Peter Crouch will be back in contention to face Russia after serving a one-match suspension.
Source: Soccernet.com
France goalkeeper Mickael Landreau admits Les Bleus will have to change their tactics for Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifying clash with Scotland.
The French secured a 0-0 draw against World Cup winners Italy on Saturday in Milan and now face a top-of-the-table clash with second-placed Scotland.
Landreau paid Scotland a compliment when he reiterated remarks made on Sunday by coach Raymond Domenech that the Scotland game was just as important as the Italy clash.
Landreau said: 'We got a good point but now we will have to consolidate that by getting three against Scotland.
'We know the Scots will be up for the game and that it will be a difficult match. That's why we did not speak only about Italy and we knew the match at the Parc (des Princes) would be decisive.'
Landreau admitted Les Bleus would have to change their game plan against the Scots.
The Paris St Germain goalkeeper told L'Equipe: 'It will be a different game because the qualities of the two teams are different.'
France's task against the Scots will be complicated by the absence of striker Thierry Henry who will miss the chance to equal or surpass Michel Platini's goalscoring record for Les Bleus.
That means Nicolas Anelka and David Trezeguet are expected to form the front pairing against Alex McLeish's side.
Landreau said: 'It's a pity when we cannot count on a top player but I know there will be others which will fill in.'
William Gallas is also a doubt with Julien Escude set to continue alongside Lilian Thuram in place of the Arsenal man if he does not recover from injury.
On Sunday Domenech had expressed concerns that Scotland could benefit from the Parc des Princes pitch which is also being used in the Rugby World Cup.
Domenech said: 'There is a rugby game between South Africa and Samoa - both sides have big packs - three days before.
'The pitch will be damaged. I cannot understand. I love rugby but we need good conditions to play.'
Meanwhile, Escude also believes France will need to pull out the stops to prevent the Scots from completing the double after their 1-0 win at Hampden Park.
Domenech said: 'They are not very far off. They beat us at their place and we will have to play a good match on Wednesday at the Parc to win and continue in our qualification race.'
Source: Soccernet.com
Scotland skipper Barry Ferguson is set to return to the starting line-up for the Euro 2008 qualifier against France at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.
The Rangers skipper missed Saturday's game at Hampden Park against Lithuania through suspension and watched from the stands as the Scots won 3-1 to move in to second place in Group B.
Scotland coach Andy Watson, however, indicated that Ferguson will slot back into the midfield for the game in Paris.
He said: 'I would think that with Barry being captain and being one of our key players, then all being well he should be fit and available for selection, as they say.
'Everyone trained and there is obviously the bumps and knocks that you get after games which take a day or two to settle down.
'But everyone is in fine fettle.'
France sit on top of the group after the 0-0 draw against World Cup winners Italy at the San Siro on Saturday while Scotland's nervy victory against Lithuania saw them leapfrog the Azzurri into second place, a point behind Raymond Domenech's men.
Georgia's late equaliser at home to Ukraine also helped Scotland's qualification chances, a favourable turn of events not missed by Watson.
He said: 'It was a good weekend. First and foremost, we got our own result right.
'We were always going to be looking for results elsewhere.
'Georgia got a late draw against Ukraine, who we see as being one of the top challengers, and the Italy and France game ended up a draw so all in all, we gained two points on our main rivals.'
Source: Soccernet.com
Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne insists his side still have every chance of qualifying for Euro 2008 despite their injury-time heartbreak against Slovakia on Saturday.
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The Republic would have headed into Wednesday's crucial Group D showdown against the Czech Republic in a much stronger position had they not twice squandered the lead in Bratislava.
Now they can settle for nothing less than three points against the Czechs - and they must win without influential midfielder Stephen Ireland, who has flown home following the death of his grandmother.
But Dunne is convinced his side can bounce back, insisting: 'Our aim was to get four points from these two matches against Slovakia and the Czech Republic and we still have that target in our sights.
'We're all disappointed but we feel in ourselves that we can go to the Czech Republic and get a victory. We've got to be positive and make sure everybody gets behind us for that game.
'Maybe we just didn't have the experience of winning games away from home. But it was a valuable lesson for us all. Hopefully that won't happen again and we move on to Wednesday's match.'
Effectively Ireland's destiny is still in their own hands. Victory in Prague will take them above the Czech Republic into second place in the group, courtesy of the new UEFA head-to-head rule.
But it remains to be seen how they will respond to both the mental and physical toil of their late disappointment. Kevin Doyle's 30-yard wonder-goal looked set to seal the points until Marek Cech popped up with the late equaliser.
Ireland boss Steve Staunton said: 'We will be disappointed with it but it is over with and we have to move on. We have got a big game on Wednesday night and we know what we have to do.
'I think we always had to win that game. We know we have to go and beat the Czechs. I know from the disappointment in the dressing room there is a real determination to put things right.'
Ireland flew back to be with his family on Sunday morning when the rest of the team travelled to Prague, having been informed of his grandmother's death shortly after the match on Saturday night.
Dunne and Doyle are expected to shake off knocks they sustained in Bratislava to make the starting line-up. It is still unclear whether Steve Finnan will be fit to join the squad after his battle with a knee injury.
Source: Soccernet.com
Wigan Athletic midfielder Jason Koumas is out of Wales' trip to face Slovakia in Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier in Trnava.
Koumas, 27, suffered a foot injury in the 2-0 defeat to Germany in Cardiff on Saturday, and will not be able to train for the next two days.
Wales boss John Toshack sent Koumas back to Wigan for treatment as the squad today prepared to fly out from Cardiff.
Koumas was implicated in Saturday's defeat after an uninspiring display, with Toshack being critical of his experienced midfielders.
Wales have also lost Wrexham midfielder Mark Jones, who was also sent home today with a high temperature. But club-mate Steve Evans was included in the squad after a scan showed his ankle injury had healed.
Also training were skipper Craig Bellamy, who missed the Germany defeat due to the illness of his baby daughter. He spent three days at her bedside in hospital over the weekend and also missed training on Sunday night.
But the baby was discharged this morning and Bellamy was able to rejoin the squad at their Vale of Glamorgan headquarters ahead of the trip.
Source: Soccernet.com
David Bentley has defended the decision which ensured he got a cool welcome from Wembley on his England debut, insisting: 'I was doing the right thing for my career.'
Bentley pulled out of Stuart Pearce's England Under-21 squad for the European Championships in the summer citing fatigue after a long season with Blackburn.
It was a decision that did not go down well with Pearce, or senior boss Steve McClaren who refused to consider the midfielder for the friendly defeat to Germany as a one-off punishment.
And when he finally did earn his England debut in the 3-0 qualifying win over Israel, the fans made their feelings known with a chorus of boos.
But Bentley, 23, insists he has no regrets.
He said: 'I thought it was coming. To be honest, it was probably good entertainment if you're not on the receiving end.
'But I was there making my England debut so I'm not worried about anyone else.
'I've made a lot of strong decisions in my career, like whether to leave Arsenal and also with the decision not to go to the Under-21s.
'I've never, ever regretted it.
'A lot of people had a go at me but I knew I was doing the right thing for my career, for Blackburn and for my England career. I think Saturday proved that.'
Bentley also believes his willingness to make unpopular decisions will stand him in good stead throughout his England career.
'I reckon you have to be a strong person, a strong character to make it as an international. We need strong characters in the England team,' he added.
'Those decisions make you stronger as a person and as a player and what happened at Wembley will only make me stronger. But I loved it. It was brilliant and I'm still buzzing.'
Bentley went on to explain that his decision to drop out of the Under-21s in the summer was made because he had his eyes on a bigger prize next year.
'I was worried about fatigue come November or December this year.
'If I'm fatigued in a couple of months' time then I won't be going to the Euros. That is my goal and my dream and I really think I can push on from here.'
Source: Soccernet.com
England's assistant coach Terry Venables has accused Russia boss Guus Hiddink of 'kidology' in the build-up to the sides' crucial Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday night.
But Venables who, along with manager Steve McClaren, is plotting a second successive home win as England bid to get their Group E campaign back on track, insists that the Dutchman's mind games will not affect their goal.
Hiddink has been vocal about England's qualification chances in the build-up to the clash at Wembley but Venables, who led the national side between 1993 and 1996, is not surprised by such tactics.
He wrote in The Sun: 'Hiddink has already had plenty to say for himself, claiming England lack passion, are scared to play and won't qualify - then in the next breath he is telling us Russia are in transition.
'You also hear him moaning about having to play his third-choice goalkeeper.
'When you have coached at the level both he and I have, you know all the tricks and the mind games.
'I'm not buying any of it. I'm shutting my ears. It's all kidology.'
The former Tottenham and Barcelona coach also revealed he would be calling on one of his finest achievements in the game to help McClaren score a victory over the experienced Russia boss.
'In Euro 96, Hiddink was Holland boss when I was England manager and we beat them 4-1 on a fantastic night at Wembley.
'There were things he did that night, albeit with a totally different set of players, which he might try again.'
Source: Soccernet.com
Wales captain Craig Bellamy has contacted national team boss John Toshack tonight and said after all that he may well be able to travel with the squad to Slovakia tomorrow.
The West Ham striker has spent the last three days at the hospital bedside of his recently born daughter, who has had feeding complications.
The baby - born last Monday - has understandably been the striker's sole priority, prompting him to withdraw from Wales' 2-0 defeat in Cardiff against Germany yesterday.
Toshack initially gave Bellamy an early evening deadline today to attend training or Wales would organise their trip without him.
Bellamy did not attend training at 5.30 tonight at Wales' Vale of Glamorgan headquarters - but he has since telephoned Toshack and advised him that his wife Claire and their new daughter are expected to be discharged from hospital tomorrow morning.
And if that is the situation Bellamy has said that he will join up with the Wales squad for their mid-afternoon flight to Bratislava for Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Slovakia.
Wales are tentative about the situation and will wait for tomorrow morning before finalising the trip but are obviously delighted that their influential captain feels confident enough to make the trip.
Source: Soccernet.com
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic, whose team stayed top of Group E by beating Estonia in their Euro 2008 qualifier, believes he needs two more wins to secure a berth at next year's tournament.
Croatia, who defeated Estonia 2-0 on Saturday, play Andorra away on Wednesday and host Israel in October. They top the group with 20 points, ahead of Russia (18) and England (17) -- who meet each other at Wembley on Wednesday.
'We are hoping for Russia and England to draw,' Bilic was quoted as saying by spornet.hr, a Croatian sports Web site.
'But really, we only need to look at our own games. We are 90 percent secure. If we beat Andorra and Israel, I think we are definitely in.
'Likewise, one blunder and we can drop the ball completely.'
Bilic said he was very pleased with his team's commitment, and added it had to be sustained to the end of the campaign.
'Playing Andorra at home is a game one must win... But playing Andorra away, on their pitch, that's something else.
'We will not be relaxed, we shall treat this game like any other,' he said.
'We are now in a position where we wanted to be and we deserved it. But this position forces you to treat any further games with utmost seriousness. And that's what this team has.'
Striker Eduardo da Silva, whose two superb goals sank the defensive Estonia, said he enjoyed returning for the first time since his pre-season signing for Arsenal.
'I felt so good at Maksimir (stadium). I felt at home, as if I've never left, and I look forward to coming back again to play Israel,' he told the Web site.
After playing Israel, Croatia's remaining fixtures are away to Macedonia on Nov. 17 and against England at Wembley four days later.
Source: Soccernet.com
Stephen Ireland has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad for Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic in Prague.
Ireland flew back to the Republic this morning after learning of the death of his grandmother shortly after last night's draw in Slovakia.
The Manchester City midfielder was on the scoresheet in Bratislava following his return from injury.
Boss Steve Staunton has not reached a decision on whether to call up a replacement.
Kevin Doyle and Richard Dunne will face fitness tests this week after picking up knocks in Bratislava.
Defender Steve Finnan remains in Liverpool for treatment on his knee injury and a decision is yet to be reached on his participation.
Source: Soccernet.com
Paul Robinson has vowed to repay Steve McClaren for retaining him as England number one after admitting he feared he could have faced the axe for his blunder against Germany.
McClaren showed his faith in the Tottenham keeper for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel at Wembley on Saturday after his clanger had handed the Germans an equaliser at the same venue last month.
He responded by keeping his seventh clean sheet in eight qualifiers, although in fairness he did not have to make a testing save as England cruised to a 3-0 win.
But Robinson is determined to try to continue that sequence of shut-outs when England face what is likely to be a much sterner test against Russia on Wednesday.
Russia have conceded only one goal in eight qualifiers and England just two.
Robinson said: 'It's always difficult as a goalkeeper. You make one mistake and you can be out of a job. That's the nature of our profession.
'We make one error and everybody sees it. It (the criticism) is not difficult for me personally, I've got broad shoulders and I can take it.
'It's when it affects the people that are closest to you that it starts to affect you. But people close to me have been very strong over the last couple of weeks.
'It's obviously very disappointing when you get a negative press like that (after the German game). I've got very strong people around me.
'I am the most self-critical person. You speak to any goalkeeper and they are the most self-critical people you'll ever speak to.
'Every goal that goes in, the goalkeeper will analyse himself even if the goalkeeper had nothing to do with it.
'All goalkeepers are like that and, when people are pointing out your mistakes, it's even harder to take because you know yourself.'
Robinson admitted: 'Did I think there was any doubt I would start? Yes, in the week I think there was. But the manager told me during the week I was playing and obviously I was very pleased and now hope to continue through to Wednesday.
'I didn't expect to start. You never expect to start. I liked to think I'd start. I've played eight games and kept seven clean sheets in the qualifiers so I am always confident in my own ability.
'But full credit to the manager who has stuck with me and I really appreciate that. I hope I can repay him by keeping more clean sheets.
'I relished training during this last week, to show the manager I hadn't gone down, that I am still performing well and I hope I did that.
'The manager has been very good to me. I can't fault the manager. I think he's been very good with all the players. His communication is good. He's been honest with everybody, told everybody what's happening.
'I think that's the sign of a good manager and you can only get respect from the players when he works with you like that.'
Source: Soccernet.com
Michael Owen is confident he can be 'as good as ever' after demonstrating the goal threat which can help England qualify for the Euro 2008 finals.
Owen scored his 37th goal for his country with a superb turn and half volley from 20 yards out in Saturday's 3-0 win over Israel in a qualifier at Wembley.
The relief was there for all to see as Owen was mobbed by his team-mates as months of injury frustration after his knee setback during last summer's World Cup evaporated.
He also spurned two easier chances but his return to sharpness and show of predatory instincts inside opponents' penalty areas was something England have been lacking.
Now England will look for something similar from the Newcastle striker in Wednesday's home meeting with Russia when chances are likely to at a premium.
Owen said: 'In terms of picking up injuries, I'm no different to anyone else. Getting injured is part and parcel of football. I've been the luckiest man in the world in my career so far.
'I've played 80 odd times for England at 27. I was probably due a bad one at some point but I'd like to think I've come back just as good as before what was a career-threatening injury.
'It is great to be back in the team and scoring again. It makes all the hard work worthwhile.
'But it is not about me. It is about everyone. I think everyone knows what I am about and I've played many times for England and scored many goals.
'The most important thing is qualifying for Euro 2008.'
Owen gives the impression of being tired of being questioned about his injury which occurred in the first minute of the group clash with Sweden in Germany 15 months ago.
But he insisted: 'I feel fine. I've played plenty of games already this season. I will play better at times, I will play worse - but at least I'm in a position now to have the option of playing well.'
Owen is the first to acknowledge the contribution of the recalled Emile Heskey who caused all kinds of problems to the Israeli defence on his first England performance since Euro 2004.
Heskey has always worked effectively in tandem with Owen who has now scored 12 goals in 13 starts for his country alongside the Wigan player.
Owen said: 'We know each other like the back of your hand. We weren't worried about whether we would click going into the game. You know what you are going to get from Emile.
'He can be a real weapon in certain games and played really well. The crowd told you that. We know each other's game inside out. He got a great ovation. I am really pleased for him.
'There is strong competition for places but he has played well for England before. I don't think anyone is surprised in the least with his contribution.
'I have played with him for many a year and in some of those games when at Liverpool, he could be unplayable when he was playing well.
'You know what you are going to get. He gives you a different option. When you are struggling, you can dink the ball up to him and he is so big and strong that he can hold people off.'
Source: Soccernet.com
France coach Raymond Domenech has expressed concerned about the condition of the pitch at the Parc des Princes, where his side play Scotland in a Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday.
On Sunday, South Africa take on Samoa in a rugby World Cup match at the stadium and Domenech feared the pitch would be worn after 80 minutes of play.
France's game has been scheduled at the Parc des Princes because the Stade de France, on the outskirts of Paris, is being used during the rugby World Cup.
'They are going to erode the pitch, plus it seems that they are the two biggest packs of the World Cup. It's not normal to play like that with three days' break,' Domenech told reporters on Sunday.
'We need a flat pitch. We will have to adapt, play in the air...I'm quite upset, you can't change the grass in three days.'
France, who drew 0-0 at the San Siro against Italy on Saturday, lead qualifying Group B with 19 points from eight games. Scotland are second on 18 points with world champions Italy in third on 17.
Italy travel to Ukraine on Wednesday.
Source: Soccernet.com
With England missing several leading players through injury, Russian media have urged coach Guus Hiddink to play an attacking game when the two sides meet in a Euro 2008 Group E qualifier on Wednesday.
Russia showed plenty of attacking flair in Saturday's 3-0 home win over Macedonia that put them second in the group, a point above England and two behind leaders Croatia.
"For the most part I'm very pleased with our attacking play against Macedonia," Hiddink told Reuters. "Since day one, I've been trying to make our team play attacking, aggressive football and so far, I think, we have done that. That's our style now.
"Of course, it's a totally different proposition, playing England at Wembley," the Dutchman said.
"But we're not going there just to defend. If we sit back for 90 minutes, sooner or later they'll punish us," he added.
"We'll have to attack but we will have to defend as well. I see it as a high tempo game with both sides looking to score."
Some local experts, however, believe Russia have little to fear from "an injury-ravaged English side" missing key players, such as Frank Lampard, David Beckham and Wayne Rooney.
"I can't see why our team should travel to Wembley with eyes popping out full of fear," wrote Igor Rabiner, a columnist in the daily Sport-Express, pointing to England's weakness in goal and the less-than-stellar coaching record of England manager Steve McClaren.
"Take into account that even when injury free they don't have strong keepers and why should such a highly successful coach as Hiddink fear McClaren, who has yet to achieve anything worthy of note with England."
Russia's team officials, however, had a different view.
"In a sense, it's good that Guus doesn't fully speak or read Russian, so he won't have to listen to all that advice media and fans have for him," a source within the Russian FA told Reuters.
"There are some really crazy ideas out there."
Hiddink, who has few injury worries of his own, had a similar view: "England are a very good side. I saw a video of their match against Germany last month, where they conceded two unlucky goals to lose 2-1 but played much better than Germany."
Striker Ivan Saenko is doubtful for the England game with an ankle sprain while winger Yuri Zhirkov has a thigh injury.
Goalkeeper Vladimir Gabulov is suspended after being sent off against Macedonia and, with undisputed number one Igor Akinfeyev injured, Vyacheslav Malafeyev, who saved a penalty to preserve a 1-0 lead after replacing Gabulov on Saturday, looks like a sure starter.
"It would have been a tough choice between Gabulov and Malafeyev but (Norwegian referee Tom Henning) made that decision for me," Hiddink said with a wry smile.
Source: Soccernet.com
Steve Staunton's Republic of Ireland side headed to Prague today determined to quickly banish the disappointment of their failure to hold out for three priceless Euro 2008 qualifying points in Slovakia.
Marek Cech's injury-time equaliser dealt a major blow to the hopes of Staunton's men, who had been heading for victory after Kevin Doyle's stunning 30-yard strike in the 57th minute in the Tehelne Pole Stadium.
Cech's goal leaves the Irish trailing the second-placed Czechs by three points in Group D, and desperately in need of a victory on Wednesday night in order to realistically keep their qualification hopes alive.
But Staunton still has cause for optimism, not least because three points would lift the Republic into second place, ahead of their key group rivals on the new UEFA head-to-head rule.
Staunton said: 'We will pick ourselves up. We will be disappointed with it but it is over with and we have to move on. We have got a big game on Wednesday night and we know what we have to do.
'I think we always had to win that game. We know we have to go and beat the Czechs. I know from the disappointment in the dressing room there is a real determination to put things right.'
Staunton's side ought to have been heading to Prague in an all together better mood, having twice held the lead on a heavy pitch in front of a 12,360 crowd of which three-quarters were Irish.
But recent history repeated itself with the visitors once again unable to hold onto their lead. The Republic failed to clear their lines and Cech lashed home the loose ball for a goal which was not enough to maintain the Slovaks' own slim hopes.
'I think when you're away from home it's natural that the mentality of the players is to drop deep,' added Staunton. 'I want to change that mentality and if we do that we will see the game through.'
The Irish had made an encouraging start as they sought to shatter an extraordinary statistic of 20 years without a significant away win in a qualifying match, and were ahead inside seven minutes.
The superb Kevin Kilbane crossed into the box where Robbie Keane's unselfish step-over provided Stephen Ireland the simplest of chances to knock home his fourth goal in five Republic starts.
Ireland came close to adding a second when he curled a shot inches wide in the 29th minute, before the Slovaks hit back with the pressure which produced their equaliser, Maros Klimpl heading home Vratislav Gresko's 37th minute corner.
Kilbane shot straight at Senecky on the stroke of half-time but Slovakia looked stronger at the start of the second half, Paul McShane's tackle denying Filip Holosko a chance, and Marek Mintal sending a diving header inches wide.
The Irish grabbed back the lead out of nowhere in the 57th minute when Reading man Doyle picked up the ball 30 yards from goal, turned and unleashed an unstoppable left-foot shot past Senecky.
It was a goal which deserved to win any game. But Ireland's previous failings became all too evident once again, as they retreated too deep and presented the initiative back to the Slovaks.
Richard Dunne had to boot clear from Matej Krajcik in the six-yard box and Shay Given saved well from Gresko. But with time up on the stadium clock, Cech pounced to steer the ball home from the edge of the box.
'I wouldn't say it's a bad result,' insisted Staunton afterwards. 'We're still on course. We're playing in two difficult away games in a short space of time and it will be nice to get to the next game.'
It remains to be seen how much of a physical toil the Bratislava game took out of the Irish players, with Staunton confirming a number had taken knocks on a pitch rendered very heavy by two days of rain.
'We took Kevin Doyle off as a precaution because he had a hamstring strain, and Richard Dunne took a heavy knock in the first half but played on,' added Staunton. 'We will have to see how they are.'
Source: Soccernet.com
Steve McClaren has pointed to England's best performance of his difficult time in charge and warned his players not to drop below those standards in future.
Goals from Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Owen and Micah Richards guided the Three Lions to a 3-0 romp over Israel at Wembley which has significantly increased their chances of reaching Euro 2008 next summer.
A similar performance against Russia at the same venue on Wednesday would leave England tantalisingly close to booking their place at the finals in Austria and Switzerland.
But McClaren realises his team are yet to prove they are capable of maintaining such a high level of performance on a consistent basis. And he has left them in no doubt once is not enough.
'Yes, it is absolutely right. That performance sets the bar. It is not just the score; I would take taken one-nil. It is the fact that we had a lot of injuries, yet players have stepped in and done the job.
'Given the pressure beforehand and the fact it was our most important game so far, one we had to win, then yes, it probably was my best result as coach.
'And all of a sudden, we have competition for places, which has to be healthy.'
Under the circumstances, with Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Frank Lampard and Owen Hargreaves among the key men to miss out, McClaren could hardly have expected any more from his team.
They dominated from start to finish and, in Wright-Phillips, Emile Heskey and Gareth Barry boasted a trio who carried England's challenge despite rarely having had the opportunity to operate regularly on the international stage.
All that may change now, with Heskey and Barry, three and an incredible seven years after their previous competitive starts for England, under serious consideration for Wednesday's equally crucial encounter even though more established alternatives in Peter Crouch and Hargreaves are available.
Wright-Phillips can be more certain of his place.
The little winger has spent so long in the wilderness following his £21million move to Chelsea two years ago.
But, first for club and now with his country, Wright-Phillips is showing signs of recapturing the form which made him an international in the first place during his time at Manchester City.
He may not have the crossing accuracy of Beckham but the 26-year-old Londoner offers a rare ability to run at defenders at pace and maintain his balance. As Israel found to their cost, it is a skill which cannot easily be contained.
'Shaun is a nightmare to defend against when he is playing like that,' said McClaren. 'He has pace and power and works so hard for the team. He is so strong too.
'There are times when it looks like he is going to lose the ball but then he fights to get it back.'
Wright-Phillips' goal, a well-taken first-time effort after he had sprung Israel's offside trap perfectly to reach Joe Cole's angled cross was what McClaren described as 'the icing on the cake'.
Take out Owen and Steven Gerrard and it is not abundantly clear who is going to score England's goals.
Now, an answer may be at hand. And, while McClaren felt his team could have been far more clinical yesterday, he declared himself satisfied with the outcome - providing England have left a few in reserve.
'The goal was a key thing for Shaun because, while we knew we would get crosses in, we wondered who would get the goals from midfield if Steven Gerrard did not get them,' said McClaren.
'In a sense we followed on from the Germany game last month because we created a lot of chances and did not score as many times as we might have done.
'Hopefully, we are saving a couple for Wednesday.'
Other than the booing which greeted David Bentley's entrance and the Blackburn man's every touch thereafter, a legacy of the debutant's decision to snub under-21 duty with England at this summer's European Championships, there was barely a negative for McClaren to reflect on.
However, in confirming a 'hope' that Hargreaves would recover from his thigh injury in time to be considered for the Russia clash, the England coach did reveal Lampard is unlikely to have progressed enough from a similar problem to come under consideration.
'From what we have seen, Frank is going to struggle,' he said.
Source: Soccernet.com
Summary of Match Result:
Group A:
Serbia 0-0 Finland
Portugal 2-2 Poland
Group B:
Scotland 3-1 Lithuania
Georgia 1-1 Ukraine
Italy 0-0 France
Group C:
Hungary 1-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina
Malta 2-2 Turkey
Moldova 0-1 Norway
Group D:
San Marino 0-3 Czech Republic
Slovakia 2-2 Ireland
Wales 0-2 Germany
Group E:
Russia 3-0 Macedonia
England 3-0 Israel
Croatia 2-0 Estonia
Group F:
Latvia 1-0 Northern Ireland
Sweden 0-0 Denmark
Iceland 1-1 Spain
Group G:
Luxembourg 0-3 Slovenia
Belarus 1-3 Romania
Netherlands 2-0 Bulgaria
Group G
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| 2 | 0 |
Group G
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| 1 | 3 |
Group G
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| 0 | 3 |
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