Slovakian boss targets victory

Slovakia coach Jan Kocian acknowledges Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland is a must-win game for his side.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Finnan ruled out of Slovakian game

Republic of Ireland defender Steve Finnan has been ruled out of his country's crunch Euro 2008 qualifier in Slovakia on Saturday with a knee injury.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Goodell: No more suspensions imminent (AP)

Commissioner Roger Goodell has no knowledge that any other NFL personnel are involved in an Internet drug operation being investigated by the Albany (N.Y.) District Attorney's office. The investigation led to the recent suspensions of New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison and Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com

Ballack to miss Champions League group stage

Michael Ballack was not included in Chelsea's squad list for the Champions League group stages, the club have confirmed.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Sebo drafted in to Slovakia squad

Slovakia coach Jan Kocian has called up on-loan Valenciennes striker Filip Sebo for the upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Wales following the withdrawal of captain Robert Vittek.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Drogheda United 0-1 UCD

UCD left-back Ian Bermingham was the unlikely hero at United Park as Premier Division leaders Drogheda suffered a shock home defeat.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Loew hopes Ballack will make Croker clash

Germany coach Joachim Loew hopes to have Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack playing for his country before he is expected to be fit to play for his club.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Lampard rated '50-50' to face Russians

England coach Steve McClaren claims Frank Lampard is '50-50' to play in next week's Euro 2008 Group D qualifying match against Russia.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Derby's Fagan hit by violent conduct charge

Derby County striker Craig Fagan has been charged with violent conduct in relation to an incident during the game against Liverpool on Saturday.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Wenger will commit to Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expects there will be a development in his contract negotiations on Thursday or Friday this week.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Death of League of Ireland legend Shortt

The death has been announced of the former Waterford, Limerick and Cork Celtic winger Paddy Shortt.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Finnan remains in Liverpool for treatment

Steven Staunton has given a full injury update on his players ahead of the European Championship qualifiers against Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Shinawatra will not return to Thailand

Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has reiterated he does not intend to return to Thailand despite a second set of arrest warrants being issued against him in his homeland.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

McClaren may ignore Benitez's advice

England coach Steve McClaren has refused to rule out the possibility of defying Rafael Benitez over whether Steven Gerrard should have a pain-killing injection to play against Israel on Saturday.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Lehmann set to start for Germans

Jens Lehmann is set to start for Germany against Wales on Saturday after coming through today's training session unscathed.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Fagan to fight stamping charge

Derby County striker Craig Fagan has denied a charge of violent conduct over an incident in which he appeared to stamp on Liverpool's Alvaro Arbeloa.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Ferguson admits error in Stam sale

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has admitted he was too quick to write off defender Jaap Stam.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Hopes for Finnan's fitness fade

Steve Finnan has all but been ruled out of Ireland's Euro 2008 Group D qualifier against Slovakia on Saturday with a knee injury.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Eury to follow Earnhardt to Hendrick (AP)

Tony Eury Jr. will be Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s crew chief at Hendrick Motorsports.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com

Mickelson rips playoff, pulls out of BMW (AP)

Phil Mickelson withdrew Tuesday from the BMW Championship, one day after threatening not to play because of a conflict he had with PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem over issues he wouldn't explain. "This decision was not an easy one to make, and in no way is meant as disrespectful to the tour or 'sending a message' to anyone," Mickelson said in a statement.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com

Joe Gibbs Racing becomes top Toyota team (AP)

Joe Gibbs Racing will switch to Toyotas in 2008, ending a 16-year relationship with General Motors that produced three NASCAR championships.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com

Manchester United 1-0 Sunderland

Forgotten man Louis Saha ruined Roy Keane's Old Trafford return with a goal that saved Manchester United's title defence suffering a blow at the hands of Sunderland.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Kilkenny City 1-1 Kildare County

A cracking 60th-minute header by leading goal scorer Ted O’Connor gave Kilkenny City a deserved share of the points after Eoghan Carew had fired Kildare County in front after only two minutes.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Miller slams Celtic chief exec

Kenny Miller has claimed he was forced out of Celtic by chief executive Peter Lawwell. The striker, 27, joined Derby County in a £2.3million deal on transfer deadline day.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Glazers rubbish takeover speculation

The Glazer family today firmly dismissed any chance of a Manchester United takeover in response to the latest rumours suggesting the club is being targeted by overseas investors.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Blackburn Rovers 1-0 Manchester City

Benni McCarthy maintained Blackburn Rovers bright start to the season with his first Barclays Premier League goal of the campaign.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

St Mirren 1-5 Celtic

Celtic shrugged off the effects of an exhausting Champions League qualifying win over Spartak Moscow on Wednesday to hammer St Mirren at Love Street.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Arsenal 3-1 Portsmouth

David James damaged his hopes of resurrecting his England career by gifting Arsenal a first-half penalty at the Emirates.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Round-up of Serie A action

Giorgio Chiellini's last-minute header gave Juventus a controversial 3-2 win at Cagliari in their second game back in Serie A.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Round-up of La Liga action

Two goals from Ronaldinho set Barcelona on their way to a 3-1 home win over Athletic Bilbao in the Primera Liga.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Aston Villa 2-0 Chelsea

Aston Villa fan Zat Knight scored on his debut for Martin O'Neill's side to help shatter Chelsea's eight-month unbeaten record in the Barclays Premier League.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Carroll withdraws from N Ireland squad

Rangers goalkeeper Roy Carroll has withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad to face Latvia and Iceland in Euro 2008 qualifiers on 8 and 12 September.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Mourinho plays down early Abramovich exit

Jose Mourinho has played down the significance of Roman Abramovich's decision to leave the directors' box immediately after Gabriel Agbonlahor sealed a 2-0 win for Aston Villa yesterday.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Bradley signs for Wexford Youths

Former Wexford Youths U-18 All-Ireland winning captain and prominent member of the Wexford senior football team, Eric Bradley, has signed for Wexford Youths.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Drogheda United v UCD team news

Drogheda United return to domestic action against UCD tonight following their elimination from the UEFA Cup last Thursday.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Stunned Michigan tries to regroup (AP)

Time to regroup for Michigan -- if that's possible. A day after a stunning 34-32 loss to Appalachian State, the Wolverines tried to look ahead to the rest of the season, one which could include winning the Big Ten title and playing in the Rose Bowl. "It's kind of an eye-opener, and it's best that it happened early and not late," linebacker Shawn Crable said of the season-opening defeat.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com

Jaguars sign veteran CB Glenn (AP)

Veteran cornerback Aaron Glenn signed with Jacksonville on Monday, two days after being cut by Dallas. Glenn gives the Jaguars a fifth cornerback, playing behind starters Rashean Mathis and Brian Williams and possibly competing with Terry Cousin for the nickel role. Jacksonville had planned to keep five cornerbacks, but released second-year player Dee Webb and journeyman Bruce Thornton in final...

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com

Glazers say Man United 'not for sale' (AP)

The Glazer family will not sell Manchester United, despite reports of potential billion-dollar takeover bids from China and United Arab Emirates. "United is not for sale," the family's spokesman said Sunday. "The Glazer family is 100 percent committed to long-term investment and ownership in the club ...

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com

Bowdens: Dad vs. son no longer fun (AP)

The Bowden Bowl used to be a can't-miss affair for all members of college football's famous family. These days, the once joyous father vs. son matchup has turned into a game to get past -- and much easier for some Bowdens to miss. "I don't know if my mother's coming," Clemson coach Tommy Bowden said during his weekly news conference.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com

AC Milan 3-1 Sevilla

AC Milan won the European Super Cup for a record fifth time when they beat Sevilla 3-1 and both teams paid tribute to Sevilla midfielder Antonio Puerta, who died this week.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Cork City 0-0 Galway United

Ten-man Cork City lost two home points for the second time in a week, as Galway went home with a vital point after this scoreless draw at Turner's Cross.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

St Patrick's Athletic 4-1 Waterford United

First half goals from Keith Fahey and Mark Quigley and a late double from Keith Barker were enough to give St Pat’s all three points in this action-packed encounter at Richmond Park, writes Mark Cummins.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Shamrock Rovers 0-1 Longford Town

Shamrock Rovers fan and former Hoops player Dave Mooney worked the oracle yet again as his eighth goal in nine games gave Longford a sensational late winner in this Tolka Park thriller.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Carling Cup third round draw made

Arsenal will host Newcastle United in the outstanding Carling League Cup third-round tie after the draw was made today.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Germany boss recalls five big names

Germany coach Joachim Low has been able to recall five of his big stars for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Wales next weekend.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Newcastle United 1-0 Wigan Athletic

Michael Owen headed home a late winner to end Newcastle's United's Tyneside goal drought.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Reading 0-3 West Ham United

West Ham United wiped away the bad memories of their last visit to Reading by leaving the Madejski Stadium with a well-deserved 3-0 win.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Middlesbrough 2-1 Birmingham City

Goals from David Wheater and Stewart Downing gave Middlesbrough a deserved 2-0 victory over Birmingham at the Riverside for a landmark 1,500th league win.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Fulham 3-3 Tottenham Hotspur

Diomansy Kamara scored a spectacular equaliser a minute from full-time as Fulham grabbed a point against Tottenham.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Bolton Wanderers 1-2 Everton

Joleon Lescott grabbed a late winner to give Everton all three points at the Reebok Stadium.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Liverpool 6-0 Derby County

Liverpool made it ten home goals in a week to underline the belief at Anfield that they are genuine Premier League title contenders.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Manchester United 1-0 Sunderland

Forgotten man Louis Saha ruined Roy Keane's Old Trafford return with a goal that saved Manchester United's title defence suffering a blow at the hands of Sunderland.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Monaghan United 0-4 Cobh Ramblers

Davin O'Neill struck twice as Cobh Ramblers tightened their grip on the summit of the eircom League First Dvision with this emphatic 4-0 demolition of a very disappointing Monaghan United at Kingspan Century Park.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Athlone Town 1-0 Finn Harps

A late wonder strike from Ian Rossiter at Lissywollen gave Athlone Town a 1-0 win and ended Finn Harps long unbeaten league run.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Shelbourne 4-0 Limerick 37

Shelbourne paid tribute to Ollie Byrne with a rousing 4-0 win over Limerick 37.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Cross-channel round-up

Liverpool went top of the FA Premier League in a busy day of football action in the English and Scottish leagues.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Sligo Rovers 0-0 Derry City

A man-of-the-match performance from Sligo Rovers keeper Richard Brush earned his side a 0-0 draw with Derry City at the Showgrounds in the eircom League Premier Division.

Source: http://www.rte.ie

Jaguars release oft-injured QB Leftwich (AP)

The Jacksonville Jaguars released oft-injured quarterback Byron Leftwich on Saturday, one day after announcing they planned to part ways with the former first-round draft pick. The Jaguars had hoped to trade Leftwich, but also said they were prepared to release him in hopes of avoiding any locker room problems stemming from his demotion.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com

Dodgers' Wells starts 7-game suspension (AP)

Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander David Wells dropped the appeal of his seven-game suspension he drew while with the rival San Diego Padres and began serving the punishment Saturday night. Wells will miss his next scheduled start Wednesday at the Chicago Cubs. That start will be made by left-hander Eric Stults.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com

Trojans sputter at times, but rout Idaho (AP)

As expected, No. 1 Southern California began the season with a one-sided victory. It could hardly be called a memorable performance. John David Booty threw three touchdown passes, Stafon Johnson scored the first two TDs of his college career, and the Trojans sputtered at times while beating outmanned Idaho 38-10 Saturday night for their 34th straight victory at home dating to 2001 -- the longest...

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com

Brennan leads Hawaii to rout of N Colo. (AP)

Colt Brennan had a short night of work, but gave Hawaii all it needed. Brennan threw for 416 yards and six touchdowns -- in the first half -- as No. 23 Hawaii opened its most anticipated season ever with a 63-6 win over Northern Colorado on Saturday night. "We took care of business. That's what we wanted to do," Brennan said.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com

After moving ceremony, Va. Tech wins (AP)

Virginia Tech charged onto the field with an enormous burden. Barely adults, these guys were playing for themselves, playing for their school, playing for all those maroon-clad fans. Most important, they were playing for 32 Hokies who weren't at Lane Stadium. On an extraordinary afternoon of healing and remembrance, the football game was almost an afterthought.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com

Appalachian State shocks No. 5 Michigan (AP)

Chances are, most of the 110,000 fans at the Big House had no idea exactly where Appalachian State is located. By the time they saw a blocked field goal in the final seconds, this much was certain: The little Mountaineers pulled off one of the greatest upsets in college football history. Appalachian State 34, No.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com