Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

Republic may have fourth largest Euro fan army

The Republic of Ireland could have the fourth largest contingent of fans at this summer's European Championships in Poland and Ukraine, according to the Football Association of Ireland.

Soccer • 20 Mar 12

Lehmann lambastes ‘biased’ ref

Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has slammed Italian referee Roberto Rosetti's Euro 2008 final performance, describing him as ‘biased’.

Soccer • 30 Jun 08

Fernando Torres will return to a growing Spanish contingent at Anfield

Reds boss proud of Torres

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has spoken of his pride in Fernando Torres' Euro 2008 triumph as he has once again raided his homeland to bring in a new face at Anfield.

Soccer • 30 Jun 08

Xavi provided Spain with much of the guile that helped them to glory at Euro 2008

Xavi scoops best player accolade

Spain midfielder Xavi has been named the best player at Euro 2008.

Soccer • 30 Jun 08

German media are reporting that captain Michael Ballack will be playing in the Euro 2008 final

Ballack to start for Germany

Germany captain Michael Ballack was rated almost certain to start Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Spain despite straining his right calf in training

Soccer • 29 Jun 08

Michael Ballack once again lost out in the final of a major competition

Low praise for captain Ballack

Michael Ballack ended on the losing side in a final again but Germany coach Joachim Low insisted his skipper deserves a winners' medal for his efforts during Euro 2008.

Soccer • 29 Jun 08

Fernando Torres won the game for Spain by dinking the ball over Jens Lehmann

Spain crowned European Champions

A brilliant first-half goal from striker Fernando Torres gave Spain a deserved 1-0 victory over Germany and the European Championship title for the first time in 44 years.

Soccer • 30 Jun 08

Luis Aragones knows second place is not good enough

Aragones demands Spanish victory

Spain coach Luis Aragones has warned his players ahead of the Euro 2008 final against Germany that ‘no-one remembers the runners-up’.

Soccer • 29 Jun 08

Fernando Torres was the matchwinner for Spain as they ended their 44-year wait for a second major title

Torres jubilant after ending title wait

Fernando Torres described Spain's 1-0 victory over Germany in the Euro 2008 final as a dream come true after scoring the winner.

Soccer • 29 Jun 08

Michael Ballack may miss out on the European Championship final

Ballack doubtful for Euro final

Germany captain Michael Ballack has been rated as doubtful on the eve of Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Spain after straining his right calf in training.

Soccer • 28 Jun 08

Lilian Thuram - heart problem may scupper his transfer

Thuram optimistic despite heart issue

Former France defender Lilian Thuram still believes he is lucky despite seeing a heart problem jeopardise the twilight of his career.

Soccer • 28 Jun 08

Michel Platini does not believe increasing the number of teams at the Euros will lead to a fall in standards

European championships to expand

The Republic of Ireland's chances of qualifying for the European Championship finals could be improved after UEFA recommended the number of teams be increased to 24 teams from 2016.

Soccer • 28 Jun 08

Eric Cantona says France have played 'boring' football since winning the World Cup in 1998

Cantona criticises French style

France's style of play over the past few years represents everything bad about football, according to former Les Bleus forward Eric Cantona.

Soccer • 27 Jun 08

David Villa was injured in the semi-final with Russia

Villa definitely out of final

Spain striker David Villa will play no part in Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Germany, it has been confirmed.

Soccer • 28 Jun 08

Sweden captain Fredrik Ljungberg will concentrate on his club career with West ham United

Ljungberg announces international retirement

Sweden captain Fredrik Ljungberg announced his retirement from the national team on Friday to concentrate on playing for West Ham United in the English Premier League.

Soccer • 28 Jun 08

Joachim Low believes the pressure on his German side is easing as they have reached the final

Low thinks pressure is easing

Germany coach Joachim Low feels there will be less pressure on his side going into the Euro 2008 final than there was earlier in the tournament.

Soccer • 27 Jun 08

The Turkish Football Federation has announced that manager Fatih Terim will stay with the national side

Terim to stay with Turkey

Fatih Terim is to stay on as Turkey coach and lead the country until after the 2010 World Cup.

Soccer • 28 Jun 08

David Villa was substituted after 35 minutes with a thigh injury

Villa set to miss Vienna final

Spain forward David Villa will almost certainly miss the Euro 2008 final against Germany because of a thigh injury.

Soccer • 28 Jun 08

Cesc Fabregas was at the heart of Spain's attacking play when he came on in the semi-final

Fabregas ready to inspire Spain

Cesc Fabregas has declared himself ready if Spain coach Luis Aragones needs him for the Euro 2008 final on Sunday against Germany.

Soccer • 27 Jun 08

Switzerland and Austria experienced strong winds during Wednesday's electrical storm

Broadcasters could lodge UEFA claim

UEFA could be faced with compensation claims from broadcasters following the loss of pictures during Germany's Euro 2008 semi-final victory.

Soccer • 26 Jun 08

Joachim Low's side made hard work of overcoming a Turkey side ravaged by both injury and suspension in Basle

Nervous win takes Low places

Germany coach Joachim Low admitted his side were ‘trembling’ before they finally saw off gutsy Turkey to reach the final of Euro 2008.

Soccer • 26 Jun 08

Turkey boss Fatih Terim looks poised to return to club management

Terim thinks Turkish delight can continue

Fatih Terim will leave his post as Turkey coach secure in the knowledge his team have the ability to become regular contenders in future European Championships and World Cups.

Soccer • 26 Jun 08

Guus Hiddink's gamble on Andrei Arshavin has paid off in no uncertain style

Arshavin eager to repay Hiddink

Russia playmaker Andrei Arshavin has thanked Guus Hiddink for his chance at Euro 2008 - and he wants to repay him by sending the Dutchman into a first major final as an international coach.

Soccer • 26 Jun 08

Roberto Donadoni had come under fire for Italy's poor showing at Euro 2008

Italy confirm Lippi replacing Donadoni

Marcello Lippi has returned for a second stint in charge of the Italian national team after being named as Roberto Donadoni's replacement by the Italian Football Federation on Thursday.

Soccer • 26 Jun 08

Spain could be poised to shed the ‘perennial underachievers' tag

Ramos certain Spain can reach final

Spain's Sergio Ramos believes his team will seize their ‘unique opportunity’ and claim a place in the final of Euro 2008 with victory over Russia on Wednesday night.

Soccer • 26 Jun 08