Egypt capitalised on Nigeria’s weaknesses - Cuper

The Pharaohs' head coach has revealed his side gained advantage of Eagles' defects to win points in Alexandria

Egypt’s head coach Hector Cuper has revealed his side exploited Nigeria’s weaknesses to win 1-0 in Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Alexandria.

Ramadan Sobhy’s 65th minute goal was enough to earn the Pharaohs maximum points to end the Super Eagles’ dream of reaching Gabon 2017.

“I am very happy that we are on the verge of qualification to the African Cup of Nations.

I am especially proud of managingthis group of players who fought on the pitch for 90 minutes tosecure the win for Egypt,” Cuper addressed the press after the match.

“I am happy with my players' fighting spirit. They did their bestsince they love their national team a lot.”

The Egypt manager also highlighted the team’s counter-attack plans against the Samson Siasia led team which worked well for the Pharaohs.

“We played very well in the first half.

The second half was not as good as the first, but that normally happens when you come against a tough opponent like Nigeria.,” he continued.

“We threatened the Nigerian goal with many counter-attacks, but were unlucky to finish them.

We also could have easily conceded a goal during the match.

“We should all be happy now that we are on the verge of qualification although we know that we made a lot of mistakesthat we will work on fixing in the upcoming period.”

The win therefore puts Cuper’s men in a comfortable position, five points ahead of second placed Nigeria and with Chad pulling out of the qualification phase, only the winner of the group would be allowed to qualify from Group G.

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360 Breaking News: Valencia sack Gary Neville

Neville was appointed on December 2 but failed to win any of his first nine matches in charge in La Liga and also suffered elimination from the Copa del Rey and Europa League.

Valencia have lost their last three matches in the league after a brief upturn in form in February and sit in 14th place in the Spanish top flight, six points clear of the relegation zone.

"After carefully analysing the sporting situation, the Club has decided to make this change in the best interests of Valencia ahead of the end of the current season," a club statement reads.

"The Club is grateful for Gary Neville's work and wish him the best of luck for the future.

"The job at Mestalla was Neville's first in management, with theformer Manchester United right-back also occupying a role as an England assistant coach.

He has most prominently worked as a pundit onSky Sportsfollowing his retirement and is a co-owner of English non-league side Salford City, along with Valencia owner Peter Lim.

"I would like to thank Valencia Football Club, the fans, staff and the players," Neville said in a statement.

"I would have liked to have continued the work I started but understand that we are in a results business and in the 28 games they have not been to my standards or to those which are required by this club.

"Ayestaran returned to Valencia to assist Neville in February having previously worked at the club under Rafael Benitez andnow takes over until the end of the season.

The 53-year-old helped to guide Los Che to two league titles and the Uefa Cup between 2001 and 2004 before joining Benitez at Liverpool, where they won the Champions League together.

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Ladan Bosso hails El-Kanemi's 'perfect' display against Nasarawa

The tactician has praised his side for their victory against the Solid Miners, which has seen them rise up the NPFL table.

Ladan Bosso believes El-Kanemi Warriors played a perfect game against Nasarawa United on Sunday  though they needed two late goals to seal a 3-0 win at the Karkanda Stadium.

A goal each from Yakubu Auta, Daniel Japhet and Chinedu Ohanachom helped Warriors secure the comfortable victory over the Solid Miners, which lifted them to 15th in the table.

"We were practically perfect," Bosso toldGoal.

"We were great at containing an opponent of great value and believing in ourselves until the end.

"From a playing point of view, I haven't managed to find any weaknesses in our last performance.

"The success against Nasarawa United, who are a great team trained by a good coach, was the most beautiful representation of the way I want my team to play.

"Warriors will look to forget about the success of Sunday and concentrate on a rescheduled game against Akwa United on Wedenesday and the coach is sure of victory.

"Our position doesn't reflect our true performance.

 We want to win against Akwa United and improve on our placement."

"The boys are aware of the task and won't joke with it," he added.

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Wikki Tourists' Ibrahim Mustapha eyes victory over Warri Wolves

The skipper insists his side must return to winning ways when they lock horns with the Seasiders.

Wikki Tourist captain, Ibrahim Mustapha has expressed hope that the Bauchi-based team will make up for last weekend's draw when Warri Wolves visit.

Tourist shared the spoils with Akwa United at the Tarfawa Balewa Stadium, but the former Golden Eaglets star insists it'stime to make up for the draw on Sunday.

"It's another opportunity for us as a team, it's a new match that comes with a new game plan.

The draw at home to Akwa United wasn't what we planned but we are hopeful of the maximum point," Mustapha toldGoal.

"Warri Wolves are strong side but with due respect to the visitors they won't get anything from the Bauchi.

A win for us today will put us in the top five and that's good for us going into week ten on April 6.

"Warri Wolves currently sit 13th on the log with just two points short of Wikki Tourist's 12 points from eight matches.

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3SC's Adetunji not bothered by past results against Enyimba

The Oluyole Warriors' forward says their past record against the People's Elephants would spur them to victory against them on Wednesday.

Adentunji Sunday insists 3SC are not focusing on their past results against Enyimba heading into Wednesday's NPFL clash.

Kadiri Ikhana will make a return to his former club - which he led to the Nigeria topflight title in 2015 against all odds.

Though head to head results does not favour the Ibadan basedside, 3SC have not got their groove on the road this term.

The Oluyole Warriors have not got a win over the People's Elephantsince 2012 but other factors may be expected in this NPFL match day two rescheduled match.

"The past details about the meeting of the clubs should be left where it belongs.

 As far as I'm concerned, it's the strength of both clubs on the day that matters," Adetunji toldGoal.

"The opportunities will come aplenty but who ever wants it more will make good use of their chances.

"Though Enyimba FC will be playing away from their traditionalhome ground in Aba, the Umuahia Stadium will still bubble with so much support since it's still in the same state.

The People's Elephants lost on the road to Enugu Rangers on match day nine but Paul Aigbogun's side won't want to lose back-to-back games.

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Demichelis charged with betting misconduct

The Argentine, who is out of contract at Manchester City this summer, has until April 5 to respond to the charge, with previous cases resulting in fines from £700 to £18,000.

Manchester CitydefenderMartin Demichelishas been charged"for misconduct in relation to betting", the Football Association(FA) have confirmed.

The Argentine defender, who has been heavily criticised for hisperformances this season, has until 5pm on April 5 2016 to respond after a statement on the FA's website confirmed the news.

"It is alleged the player committed 12 breaches of FA Rule E8 concerning football matches between January 22 2016 and January 28 2016," the statement read.

Demichelis turned out for City in matches against West Ham, a 2-2 draw, and Everton, a 3-1 win in the second leg of the League Cup semi-final, over that period.

Though little is known about Demichelis' breach of the rules, previous cases of this nature have generally resulted in a fine.

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Drinkwater hopes to have helped Euro 2016 chances

Danny Drinkwater does not think he has done his chances of reaching Euro 2016 with England any harm with his performance against Netherlands at Wembley on Tuesday.

The Leicester City midfielder made his first international appearance in the 2-1 loss for Roy Hodgson's men, playing for 84 minutes at the base of the hosts' midfield diamond.

Drinkwater relished his England debut but rued the defeat as he set his sights on continuing to impress Hodgson in order to win a place on the plane to France for the tournament in June.

"Hopefully I have not done myself any harm, it's just about carrying on now until the end of the season and seeing if I can add to it," he said to Sky Sports on his Euro 2016 chances.

"The lads have made it easy for me all week, it's an easy team to settle in to.

"A bit of game time helped me - I was able get on the ball, so it's been easy to settle into the squad. I enjoyed it, I saw plenty of the ball, but maybe could have moved it a bit faster. I enjoyed the position.

"Personally I enjoyed my debut - it was a big achievement - but overall I was disappointed with the result."

Jamie Vardy netted England's only goal of the game, following up from his strike in Saturday's win over Germany, and Drinkwater thinks his Leicester team-mate is getting better with every goal he scores.

"He's got two in two now, he's more than capable of doing it," added Drinkwater.

"The more goals he gets the better he is and the more confidence he will get. He's flying and the more he gets on the ball the better."

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Tevez: I nearly signed for Atletico

Boca Juniors forward Carlos Tevez has admitted he was close to moving to Atletico Madrid when he left Juventus at the end of last season, but ultimately decided on returning home.

The Argentinian had played two seasons at Juventus, winning two Serie A titles and helping the club to a Champions League final.

Tevez had made no secret of his desire to return to Argentina, but said he was intrigued by the idea of playing for Atletico under compatriot Diego Simeone.

"[Simeone] called me and I was excited about the idea," Tevez told Marca.

"Playing in Spain is something that is pending in my career, but I could not say no to Boca.

"Last year the only offer I had in Spain was from Atletico, but before that [Real] Madrid expressed interest in me."

With five goals in 12 league games, Tevez's return to Argentina has proven a winner on and off the pitch with the striker happy to have been able to move back home with his family.

"My daughter Flor is 11 years old and it got harder and harder to say goodbye to grandparents, uncles, cousins," he said.

"When her grandmother came to Italy and had to go, it was very hard for my daughter."

It has not been all easy for Tevez, who had come into criticism for some of his performances this season, but he said he had to accept the bad with the good.

"It is normal, the press is the same with Cristiano [Ronaldo] or [Lionel] Messi in Spain," he said. 

"When [their teams] lose they are seen as guilty. 

"I do not hide and I know the rules of the game."

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Valeri in line to make Victory return

Melbourne Victory captain Carl Valeri is in line to make his first appearance in over four months after recovering from inflammation affecting his brain.

Valeri has been included in the Victory team to travel to New Zealand for their A-League fixture against Wellington Phoenix on Saturday. 

The 31-year-old was initially ruled out for the rest of the 2015-16 season but the club confirmed he will make his return earlier than expected. 

Valeri revealed the mystery condition left him unable to walk at times, but the former Socceroo is happy to have the chance to be back on the park.

"A few months ago, we didn't know what was going to happen. When [the condition] was at its worst, I struggled to walk," he said on Wednesday.

"To be back in and among the boys, it's a great feeling and I realised how much I missed [playing] and how much it puts me in a positive mood off the park.

"It's a great bunch of guys and I thank them so much for their support, they've been fantastic through the whole process."

#MVFC football operations manager Paul Trimboli has confirmed Carl Valeri will travel to NZ tomorrow for #WELvMVC on Saturday. More to come.

-- Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) March 30, 2016

Valeri has not played for Victory since making a 20-minute cameo in the club's 2-1 win over Adelaide United in November. 

After that game, the defending champions went on a run of five games without a win, including four-consecutive defeats, but have since recovered to all but seal their spot in the finals series.

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Tabarez: No-one remembers who qualified first

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez is not getting ahead of himself despite seeing his side move to the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying group on Tuesday. 

A goal from Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani was enough for Uruguay to see off Peru 1-0 at the Estadio Centenario.

The victory moved the two-time World Cup winners to the top of the 10-team group after six games, with four wins, one draw and as many defeats.

However, despite rising to the summit, Tabarez is aware there is still a long way to go after a difficult test against Peru in Montevideo. 

"We knew it was going to be a hard match. It was even, Peru came into it urgent for points and that made them dangerous," the 69-year-old said.

"In the first half we did not find ourselves down the path we had planned for, but the team, that knows how to suffer, continued to work for it. 

"We had more chances than Peru, but they had one right at the end, which if they had converted would have given us no time to find a solution."

He added: "To be first is worth something, but it just becomes an anecdote. In the qualifiers there are no titles, and rarely anyone remembers who finished first or in what order the teams finished. 

"It's just about qualifying. When you win you are happy, because you work for that, but it gives us no security for what comes next."

Qualifying resumes on August 29 when Uruguay travel to Argentina, before hosting Paraguay a week later. 

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CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying Re-cap: USA relieve pressure, Mexico stay perfect

The United States scored an important win on home soil as they trounced Guatemala 4-0 during Tuesday's CONCACAF World Cup qualifying action.

USA found themselves under pressure ahead of Guatemala's visit after they lost to the same opponent 2-0 last week.

That result had Jurgen Klinsmann under pressure after his side dropped outside of the top two in Group C.

But a four-goal win in Columbus, courtesy of goals from Clint Dempsey, Geoff Cameron, Graham Zusi and Jozy Altidore, put USA back in control of their World Cup fate.

They still trail Trinidad and Tobago in the group, after they beat St. Vincent and the Grenadines 6-0.

It took 36 minutes for the home side to break the deadlock, and they went into half-time just 1-0 up courtesy of Sheldon Bateau's strike, but the goals came freely in the second.

Joevin Jones, Kenwyne Jones, Kevin Molino and a three-minute Trevin Caesar brace sealed the rout as the Caribbean side look to book their first trip to a World Cup since their one and only qualifying success for Germany 2006.

In Group A, Mexico kept their 100 per cent record intact with a 2-0 win against Canada.

An Andres Guardado penalty and Jesus Corona's strike on the stroke of half-time secured a fourth victory from four matches for the home team, sealing their progression to the fifth and final round of qualifying.

Canada are level on four points with Honduras, who defeated El Salvador 2-0.

Boniek Garcia's 54th-minute strike and Romell Quioto's injury-time effort keeps the door ajar for Honduras, with the three-time finalists hopeful of making a third-straight appearance at the finals.

Costa Rica remain in control of Group B after their 3-0 win over Jamaica, courtesy of goals from Celso Borges, Bryan Ruiz and Johan Venegas.

They are trailed by Panama, who have a three-point lead over third-placed Jamaica with two games to play, following their 1-0 win over Haiti.

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Tevez: United only complained after I left

Former Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez has claimed the club never offered him a deal before he moved to cross-town rivals City in 2009.

The Argentine forward moved to Boca Juniors at the end of last season having won two league titles at Juventus.

Before Juventus, Tevez also enjoyed successful stints at United, winning two Premier League titles and a Champions League crown, before moving to cross-town rivals City where he won another Premier League title and an FA Cup.

His move to City drew the ire of United supporters and then-manager Alex Ferguson, but Tevez said he never had the option of extending his stay at Old Trafford.

"With Ferguson nothing happened, it was a normal relationship," he told Marca.

"I spent two years on loan at United [from third-party owner Media Sports Investment] and Ferguson in the last year tells me they will buy the rights for me to stay. 

"We reached the Champions League final in Rome and I had no contract on the table, although I had heard about it for a year.

"Then I went to City and they complained, but I had no choice to sign for Manchester [United] and I was free."

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Infantino: Commercial transparency key for FIFA

FIFA president Gianni Infantino says reforming commercial activity is the organisation's number one priority as the corruption clear out continues.

Infantino was elected FIFA president earlier this year against the backdrop of a huge corruption crisis which saw former president Sepp Blatter and former vice-president Michel Platini banned from football.

After his election, Infantino passed a number of reforms to help clear corruption from FIFA's ranks, but he admitted there is still plenty of work to do while speaking to the press in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Infantino was asked about limiting the mandates of elected association presidents, but the Swiss administrator argued that increased transparency in commercial transactions was more important than limiting terms.

"On the issue of mandates, FIFA already imposed the president, and members, a maximum of 12 years, with Wilmar [Valdez, Uruguayan Football Association president], we were partners in the reforms committee, we proposed this and is a good example to follow by the confederations and FAs," he said.

"Personally I do not think that is the biggest problem of football, or football officials. I believe that transparency in commercial acts, in business, is what we have to regulate, much more than people, and we focused on the reform committee, to get transparency in financial flows in FIFA and in the confederations, and if we fix this and we have transparency and we know where it comes from and where goes the money in football, then I think we solve problems of the officials of football."

Infantino said re-establishing FIFA's image as a transparent and socially responsible organisation was key to restoring its image.

"We have to earn the trust with concrete acts, being honest, open, transparent, that's why we are here," he said.

"We are not afraid, we cannot change the past, but we can influence the future, and that is what we will do together with those who want.

"And those who do not want, or want to steal, that are outside of football, we will expel them. But we are going to show people that we are serious, honest and hopefully, for the good of football, not talk more about these issues and also we must not be the protagonists, the players are the ones who should be the protagonists,.""

Infantino also reiterated his support for jointly-hosted World Cups, with Argentina and Uruguay having expressed interest in a joint bid.

"Before, FIFA  was against [co-hosting nations], but I am in favour of that option, but there are issues that we will have to raise and talk, and then we'll see what happens," he said.

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Suarez: Uruguay will suffer until the end of qualifying

Luis Suarez said Uruguay will "suffer until the end" despite a win over Peru sending them top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying group.

Edinson Cavani scored the only goal of the game as Uruguay came out 1-0 winners at the Estadio Centenario on Tuesday. 

Despite having claimed just four points from their opening five games, Peru took the game to Uruguay and would have felt unlucky not to have left with at least a draw.

The win meant Uruguay moved to the summit of the 10-team group after six games, but Suarez is wary that there are many more tough matches to come. 

"We are conscious that in the qualifiers there are no favourites, that every single game is complicated," the Barcelona forward told reporters in Montevideo.

"We learn that no opponent is as easy as people speculate before the game. It always happens when people label us favourites, it costs us more [to win].

"This is a demonstration that Uruguay will be suffering until the qualifying is over."

Suarez failed to get on the scoresheet but managed to set up Cavani for the winning goal and was happy to have secured four points out of a possible six after their 2-2 draw with Brazil last week. 

"We tried to break the wall down with Edi, but the credit goes to him for scoring the golazo with his left foot," the 29-year-old said.

"I was a bit anxious, but I will go happier for everything we have achieved."

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Madrid fans should have more respect for Ronaldo, says Kaka

Real Madrid fans should show more respect towards star forward Cristiano Ronaldo for what he has achieved with the club, according to Kaka.

Ronaldo, 31, joined the La Liga outfit from Manchester United in 2009 and has gone on to score over 350 goals in seven seasons in the Spanish capital, winning a La Liga and Champions League in that time.

However, the Portugal international has been jeered by sections of the Madrid supporter base this season, along with several of his team-mates.

And Kaka, who played alongside Ronaldo for four years between 2009 and 2013, believes Ronaldo deserves more respect from the fans.

"Cristiano is a great player, I am not just talking about his quality, but in terms of what he has contributed to Madrid," the Orlando City midfielder told Cadena Cope.

"I would like to see the fans have more respect for Cristiano for what he has done for this club. 

"Sometimes I hear whistles against Cristiano and it's not good after all he has done."

Ronaldo is contracted at the Santiago Bernabeu until the end of the 2017-18 season but has been linked with a move away from the club before his deal runs out.

However, when asked where he thinks Ronaldo should go, Kaka said: "I recommend that he stays in Madrid. The proportion that things happen there is very big, on both sides.

"If things do go well the proportion is big, but if they don't then it's also still big. 

"Much of what has happened with Cristiano and the name he has today is because he played at Real Madrid."

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Ter Stegen considering his options at Barcelona

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has cast fresh doubt on his future at Camp Nou after impressing in Germany's 4-1 thrashing of Italy.

Ter Stegen made a rare appearance for his country in their win against Italy and while he has been trusted with Champions League duty by Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, the German star could yet seek a move with a view to playing regular league football.

Chile's Claudio Bravo is the preferred man between the sticks for La Liga action at the Catalan club.

"I don't know what the coach [Luis Enrique] thinks, you have to ask him. I can just say that I want to give my very best," he said after the international friendly.

"That's what I always do - I want to give my best for the team and obviously also for me.

"I hope we reach the next round in the Champions League and win our next game in the league - these are my goals with the team."

But while Ter Stegen is happy to play the team game for now, he warned that he might not always be willing to share goalkeeping duties.

"Obviously I also have personal goals," he continued.

"The coach decides the way he decides, I guess he has his reasons to do so. But we will see how this goes on in the future."

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World Cup Qualifiers: Argentina 2 vs 0 Bolivia| Highlights Download

The Barcelona star was on target from the penalty spot to reach the personal landmark, after Gabriel Mercado had opened the scoring in a routine victory for the hosts.

Lionel Messi marked yet another milestone in his career to help Argentinato a third straight World Cup qualifying victory, as the Albiceleste prevailed 2-0 overBoliviain Cordoba.

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World cup Qualifiers: Paraguay 2 vs 2 Brazil| Highlights Download

Dario Lezcano and Edgar Benitez struck for the home team to secure an excellent victory for the Guarani, but Ricardo Oliveira hit back before the full-back's equaliser.

Dani Alves wasBrazil'sunlikely hero as the Selecao salvaged a 2-2 draw againstParaguay, striking in the last minute to take a share ofthe points.

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Seluk: Toure to leave City

Yaya Toure is preparing to leave Manchester City with the midfielder in talks with European clubs, according to his agent Dimitri Seluk.

Seluk had warned City that Toure, whose contract expires at the end of the 2016-17 campaign, would depart the Etihad Stadium unless he was offered a new deal before the end of the season.

But no new contract has been forthcoming for the Ivory Coast international ahead of Pep Guardiola's arrival, with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Juventus reportedly interested in signing the 32-year-old.

"From this moment we start to discuss with different clubs about Yaya going there in the summer," Seluk told The Sun.

"City don't do anything concrete. Yaya has given everything for the club and we don't feel that this situation is the right way to show how much they appreciate him."

Toure has scored six goals in 26 Premier League appearances this term, as City cling onto the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot.

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Bonucci will undergo tests after hearing a 'crack

Leonardo Bonucci revealed he "heard a crack" before being carried off on a stretcher in Italy's 4-1 friendly defeat to Germany.

Bonucci's knee appeared to buckle as he attempted to stop a Mario Gotze flick in the lead-up to Germany's third goal, finished off by Jonas Hector just before the hour mark.

Mesut Ozil completed the rout in Munich with 15 minutes to go via a spot-kick, adding to Gotze and Toni Kroos' first-half efforts, condemning Italy to their first loss against Germany since 1995.

Bonucci said he is unsure of what type of injury he sustained, but the 28-year-old will undergo tests to examine the full extent of the damage. 

"I heard a crack and I was in a bit of pain," the Juventus defender told Rai Sport. 

"I do not know exactly where I got hurt. It could be anything.

"We'll see what the tests say tomorrow [Wednesday] and what happens next."

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Mathieu could miss France's Euro 2016 campaign with knee injury

The 32-year-old, who has made 31 appearances for Barcelona this term, faces up to eight weeks out after suffering a torn medial meniscus in Tuesday's win over Russia.

Jeremy Mathieu could miss the rest of the season and Euro 2016 afterhe suffered a torn medial meniscus during France’s 4-2 victoryover Russia on Tuesday evening.

The Barcelona defender suffered the injury to his left knee in the 53rd minute and was replaced by Lucas Digne.

Mathieu faces up to eight weeks on the sidelines, although he could also require surgery depending on the severity of the injury.

The 32-year-old has made 31 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona this season.

France continued their Euro 2016 preparations with a 4-2 win over Russia.

 N’Golo Kante, André-Pierre Gignac, Dimitri Payet and Kingsley Coman were all on target for Didier Deschamps’ side.

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Lionel Messi reaches 50 goals with Argentina

The Barcelona converted past the Verde to reach a half-century with the national team, as he keeps up the chase on top scorer Gabriel Batistuta.

Lionel Messi has reached 50 international goals after the Argentina star scored against Bolivia in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier.

The Barcelona superstar was on target with a penalty to put the Albiceleste 2-0 up against the Andean nation, with 28 minutes played of the first half.

His first goal in international colours came on March 1 2006, in a friendly against Croatia at the age of 18. 

That same year, Messi went on to become Argentina's youngest-ever scorer in a World Cup finals when he scored in a 6-0 rout of Serbia.

With a half-century of strikes, Messi also closes in on Albiceleste top scorer Gabriel Batistuta, who hit the net 56 times with the national team in 78 appearances.

La Pulga also joins an exclusive club of five South Americans who have broken the 50-goal mark, rubbing shoulders with some of the greatest strikers ever to play the game.

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O'Neill confirms Elliot injury ahead of Euro 2016

Martin O'Neill has revealed that Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Rob Elliot suffered a serious knee injury during the 2-2 draw with Slovakia.

The Newcastle United keeper was handed his fourth cap at the Aviva Stadium, but his chances of making O'Neill's Euro 2016 squad are now in tatters.

Slovakia opened the scoring through Miroslav Stoch, but Elliot was injured as he tried to stop the ball from flying into the top corner.

O'Neill refused to give a timeframe for the injury, but the former Aston Villa boss conceded Elliot's problem was serious.

"He's not great. He's got a serious knee injury and it's a real disappointment and a dampener on the evening, particularly when he's getting his career together and going well at Newcastle and looking forward to the game," the Ireland boss said.

"I've just spoken to the doctor and he's not happy with it. It might be too early to make any assumptions, but I don't think it's great. It's a really cruel injury. He's been waiting for some time now for a run of games at club level.

"He was doing very well indeed and it's naturally a big blow to him, us and his club."

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Friendly: Portugal 2 vs 1 Belgium| Highlights Download

Portugal triumphed 2-1 against Belgium with Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo on the scoresheet in Leiria.

The match had been scheduled to take place in Brussels, but was moved in the aftermath of last week's terror attacks in the Belgian capital and the visitors wore training tops with the message "In memory of all victims - Brussels, 22.03.2016" before the action got under way.

Nani gave Portugal the lead after Thibaut Courtois had pulled off a string of fine saves, the Fenerbahce winger converting a fine pass from Andre Gomes.

Courtois was again helpless after 38 minutes when Cristiano Ronaldo made it 2-0, heading in a cross from Joao Mario.

Romelu Lukaku grabbed a goal back with nearly half an hour to play, heading in a sublime cross from his brother Jordan, but Belgium - who top FIFA's rankings - could not find an equaliser.

Portugal had lost two of their three previous internationals but Fernando Santos' side were constantly threatening Belgium on the break and they will be a danger at Euro 2016 on this form.

Ronaldo had a penalty saved in Portugal's 1-0 loss against Bulgaria on Friday but his confidence was unaffected, the Real Madrid star nutmegging Jason Denayer with an early backheel.

That sumptuous skill, after nine minutes, set up Mario for a drive that Courtois blocked, with the Chelsea goalkeeper also saving Adrien Silva's follow-up.

Courtois was having a busy start to the game, turning Nani's effort away before superbly tipping Ronaldo's header on to the crossbar.

But Courtois could not continue his heroics as Portugal took a deserved lead after 19 minutes.

Gomes played a smart ball into the box with the outside of his foot and Nani ran on to bend a fine finish beyond Courtois.

Dries Mertens gave Rui Patricio his first test after 36 minutes with a long-range drive that the goalkeeper easily saved and Ronaldo made it 2-0 moments later, with Mario his supplier.

Ronaldo drifted ahead of his marker to nod in the delightful cross and Gomes blazed over shortly afterwards as the hosts threatened to increase their lead further.

Guillaume Gillet's error let in Ronaldo five minutes after half-time, but he sliced his shot wide.

World number one side Belgium had won eight of their nine previous internationals but there were few signs of a comeback, as Mertens missed a good headed chance and Patricio made a fine save from Radja Nainggolan's viciously swerving free-kick.

Belgium did get a goal back after 61 minutes, Everton striker Lukaku rising to head in a cross by his younger brother Jordan, who had just come on as a substitute.

Substitute Ricardo Quaresma whipped a free-kick just over the angle, as Belgium lost momentum amid a glut of changes made by each coach, and Marc Wilmots' side could not find a leveller.

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Friendly: France 4 vs 2 Russia| Highlights Download

N'Golo Kante scored on his first start for France to further boost his chances of Euro 2016 selection as Didier Deschamps' side beat Russia 4-2 in a thrilling encounter in Paris on Tuesday.

In what was Les Bleus' first match at the Stade de France since the Paris terror attacks on November 13, Kante - celebrating his 25th birthday - gave another tenacious performance in midfield and got the hosts off to a fine start, while Dimitri Payet - another birthday boy - also scored in spectacular style to surely secure his place in Deschamps' final squad.

Andre-Pierre Gignac replaced Olivier Giroud in one of four changes from Friday's 3-2 defeat of the Netherlands and the Tigres striker made it 2-0, expertly directing a header past Igor Akinfeev towards the end of the first period.

France monopolised possession and afforded Russia little space to attack, but the visitors did pull one back from a set-piece just before the hour mark - Aleksandr Kokorin nodding in.

Payet's glorious free-kick restored the two-goal cushion with 64 minutes on the clock, less than 60 seconds after coming on, only for Yuri Zhirkov to hit back shortly after.

France eventually put the fightback beyond Russia as Kingsley Coman netted his first international goal with a clever finish 14 minutes from time.

France played with freedom from the off, moving the ball effortlessly in midfield and attacking in numbers, ultimately resulting in the opening goal after just nine minutes.

Gignac linked well with Antoine Griezmann on the edge of the area, with the latter showing great awareness to spot the run of Kante, who confidently steered home after initially winning possession back to begin the move.

The hosts were showing great composure on the ball and another incisive move saw Griezmann presented with an opportunity, only for the Atletico Madrid man to drag wide from 20 yards.

France eventually doubled their lead seven minutes before the break, as Gignac darted in front of Kokorin to meet Griezmann's free-kick delivery and the centre-forward brilliantly directed a diving header across the face of goal and into the bottom-right corner.  

Russia halved the deficit in the 56th minute, as Lucas Digne - sent on to replace the injured Jeremy Mathieu just a few moments earlier - failed to track Kokorin and the forward headed Alan Dzagoev's free-kick past the helpless Hugo Lloris.

Payet put France two ahead once again just a few seconds after coming on in the 63rd minute, sending a 30-yard free-kick into the top corner in stunning fashion, but Zhirkov hit back soon after, tapping home after a darting run and cutback from Oleg Shatov.

France finally put the match beyond Russia in the 76th minute, though, as Coman chased Payet's pass, turned back on himself to evade Akinfeev and then slammed an emphatic strike into the roof of the net to wrap things up.

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Friendly: England 1 vs 2 Netherlands| Highlights Download

Netherlands came from a goal down to seal a morale-boosting 2-1 friendly victory away to England on Tuesday.

Roy Hodgson's side were riding high after their 3-2 victory over Germany on Saturday, but they failed to replicate the same standards they hit in the second half in Berlin against a Dutch side who looked far sharper than in recent displays.

Wembley observed an impeccable minute's silence for the victims of the recent terror attacks in Brussels, Lahore and Iskanderiyah, while applause once again sounded in tribute to Johan Cruyff, but the home fans did not have much to cheer until Jamie Vardy capped a fine team move to snatch the lead just before half-time.

Vincent Janssen, on his full debut for Danny Blind's side, equalised from the penalty spot on 50 minutes after Danny Rose had handled in the area, and Netherlands - who had lost five of their last eight matches before the game - looked happy to sit deeper and exploit the counter-attack in the second half.

Substitute Theo Walcott, whose place at Euro 2016 would seem to be under increasing threat given the form of England's forwards, proved a real handful as the hosts looked to find a winner, but Luciano Narsingh converted Janssen's cross - after a strong challenge in the build-up - to snatch a surprise victory.

Hodgson made eight changes from Berlin, Leicester City's Danny Drinkwater turning in a composed debut performance, while Netherlands - captained by Manchester United's Daley Blind - started with just five of the players who began the 3-2 loss to France.

England began in sluggish fashion and Rose was fortunate not to concede an early penalty when he slid in and caught Joel Veltman just inside the area, before Memphis Depay lashed a half-volley over the crossbar.

Applause rang out within Wembley in the 14th minute in tribute to Dutch great Cruyff, who died last week, and Ibrahim Afellay brought about the first save of the match soon afterwards, testing Fraser Forster from the edge of the area after good work from Quincy Promes.

Forster was at full stretch to deny Georginio Wijnaldum's bending effort, but England, who improved their display as the half drew on, took the lead five minutes before the break.

Adam Lallana slid a fine throughball to Kyle Walker inside the area, and his cut-back was turned into the net at the near post by Vardy from just six yards out for the 100th goal of Hodgson's reign.

England looked lively early in the second half, but they gifted Netherlands a way back into the match when Rose flicked out an arm to block Narsingh's cross after John Stones had slipped and lost possession, and Janssen swept the penalty high into the net.

England responded in positive fashion. Vardy rifled in a shot from 25 yards which Jeroen Zoet did well to tip over before substitute Walcott was denied by a timely block from Blind, and the Arsenal man whistled a shot just over the crossbar after a fine turn to beat Jetro Willems.

But Netherlands snatched the win in controversial fashion with 14 minutes to play. 

Janssen was allowed to play on after barging Phil Jagielka off the ball, and he squared across goal for the unmarked Narsingh, who fired home to ensure a first home defeat since November 2013 for a disappointing England.

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360 BREAKING NEWS: Garde leaves Villa

Remi Garde has left Aston Villa by mutual consent with the club seemingly condemned to relegation from the Premier League.

Garde was appointed at Villa Park in November after predecessor Tim Sherwood claimed a haul of four points from the opening 10 league matches of the season - the solitary victory coming on the opening day against AFC Bournemouth.

But the former Lyon boss has fared little better, winning just two of his 20 league games in charge.

Eric Black has been placed in charge until a permanent successor can be found.

A battling goalless draw in his first game at the helm against Manchester City proved to be a false dawn and a maiden Premier League win did not arrive until the visit of Crystal Palace on January 12.

Garde expressed frustration at the club's failure to secure any of his desired transfer targets during the mid-season transfer window and a 2-0 victory against fellow strugglers Norwich City on February 6 preceded an ongoing run of six straight defeats.

A 1-0 loss at Swansea City before the international break, where an error from goalkeeper Brad Guzan allowed Federico Fernandez to score the only goal of the game, left Villa 12 points behind fourth-bottom Norwich with seven matches remaining.

Villa's reshaped board under chairman Steve Hollis have been persuaded to act and former Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has been reported as the club's primary target to succeed Garde.

Following the international break, Villa will play back-to-back home matches against Chelsea and Bournemouth.

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Friendly: Germany 4 vs 1 Italy| Highlights Download

Germany ended a 21-year wait for a win over Italy as they scored two goals in each half to record a resounding 4-1 triumph in Munich on Tuesday.

Having thrown away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to England on Saturday, Joachim Low's side bounced back in style to end a seven-match winless streak against their opponents. 

Toni Kroos scored his second international goal in as many matches when his right-footed attempt from just outside the area broke the deadlock in the 24th minute.

Mario Gotze headed in his 17th goal for Germany on the stroke of half-time, while any fears the hosts might suffer another second-half collapse disappeared when full-back Jonas Hector broke his duck for the national team just before the hour mark.

Mesut Ozil made it 4-0 from the spot after Sebastian Rudy had been tripped inside the area by goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, although the visitors had the last word with a consolation effort from Stephan El Shaarawy.

Italy - who had knocked their opponents out of Euro 2012 - arrived on German soil fresh from an impressive performance in a 1-1 draw with reigning European champions Spain on Thursday.

Their hopes of winning an international friendly for the first time since November 2014 were also boosted by the hosts being without goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and midfielder Sami Khedira through illness and injury respectively.

However, Germany took the lead when Italy only partially cleared a low cross from the right wing.

The loose ball fell kindly just outside the area to Kroos, who steered a precise first-time shot beyond the diving Buffon and into the bottom right corner of the goal.

The veteran goalkeeper was able to deal with an effort from Thomas Muller soon after, tipping a curling shot over the crossbar, but could do nothing to prevent Gotze doubling Germany's lead.

Muller sent over an early cross that allowed his Bayern Munich team-mate to get in between two defenders and steer home a header.

Italy had a chance to half the deficit early in the second half, but Riccardo Montolivo poked his rushed attempt wide to the left with only goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to beat.

Germany were not so wasteful on their first real attack of the second half, Julian Draxler breaking clear of a high defensive line before squaring the ball for Hector to sweep home with his left foot.

Buffon's ill-timed tackle 15 minutes from time allowed Ozil to heap more misery on Italy, who saw defender Leonardo Bonucci carried off on a stretcher on his 50th international start.

They did at least get an 83rd-minute goal, substitute El Shaarawy firing off a quick shot that clipped defender Antonio Rudiger before reaching the back of the net.

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