Football: Heavyweights bare their teeth in Europe

Oct. 13 | Pedro Rodriguez (L) of Spain vies for the ball with Aleksandr Martynovich (R) of Belarus during the FIFA World Cup 2014 qualification soccer match between Belarus and Spain in Minsk, Belarus, 12 October 2012. Spain won 4-0. EPA/TATYANA ZENKOVICH PARIS:...

Tardelli: Ireland will go for broke against Germany

Oct. 10 | DUBLIN: Republic of Ireland assistant manager Marco Tardelli insists his side won’t just play for a draw against Germany in Friday’s crucial World Cup qualifier. Ireland have been hit with a series of injuries ahead of the Dublin clash and...

Meyler called into Ireland squad for qualifiers

Oct. 6 | DUBLIN: underland midfielder David Meyler has been called into the Republic of Ireland squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Germany and the Faroe Islands. Meyler, 23, was brought in as a potential replacement for Wolves striker Kevin Doyle, who...

Statbox: Italy v Ireland

Jun. 16 | WARSAW: Facts and figures ahead of the Euro 2012 Group C match between Italy and Ireland at the City Stadium in Poznan on Monday (1845 GMT):  * While Italy are expected to win, their recent record against the Irish does not give cause for that much optimism....

Ireland face uphill task to reach the last eight

Jun. 12 | POZNAN: In the wake of the 3-1 defeat at the hands of Croatia in their opening match of Euro 2012, Ireland know they will have their work cut out if they are to reach the knockout stages in their first Finals in a decade. Outclassed by the Croats in a...

Resolute Irish need to pull out big performance

Jun. 5 | DUBLIN: Ireland’s chances of Euro 2012 success will hinge on whether they can penetrate, and not simply frustrate, their more illustrious group opponents. Up against three of the world’s top 12 sides, Giovanni Trapattoni’s resolute and...

Euro 2012 bound Ireland outplayed in Hungary draw

Jun. 5 | BUDAPEST: Ireland were outplayed by Hungary in a Euro 2012 warm-up on Monday, escaping from Budapest with a 0-0 draw but given a glimpse of the tough task ahead in a group with the more clinical trio of Spain, Italy and Croatia. The draw in drenched conditions...

Injured Foley loses battle to make Irish squad

May. 29 | DUBLIN (Reuters): Ireland reserve right back Kevin Foley lost his fitness battle to make Giovanni Trapattoni’s 23-man squad for Euro 2012 on Tuesday, with the Italian handing the last spot to Hull City’s Paul McShane instead. Wolverhampton...

Ireland on a high as Long strikes late

May. 27 | DUBLIN (Reuters) – Ireland beat a dogged Bosnia side 1-0 on Saturday in their last home game before the European Championship, Shane Long heading a late winner and promising youngster James McClean pushing his claims for a place in the starting...

Trapattoni’s experience important for Irish

May. 2 | DUBLIN, (Reuters): When Giovanni Trapattoni was appointed Ireland soccer manager in 2008, he brought one vital ingredient – experience. The former Italy coach, who has won 10 league titles in four countries, took over a side reeling from their worst...