With all due respect to the rest of European soccer's big guns, most eyes today could focus on the Euro 2008 fates of the only trio from the continent to have won the World Cup.
Israel's hosting of Russia and Italy's visit to Scotland will have implications for all four of those teams -- with a place at next summer's European Championships at stake for three of them.
But the results of those matches could also go a long way in deciding whether England, France and Italy get to travel to next summer's soccer extravaganza in Switzerland and Austria.
PHOTO: AP
Russia, third in Group E, could leave Steve McClaren's under-achieving England deeper in the mire by becoming one of the few teams to beat Israel at home.
A victory in Tel Aviv would leave Russia one point ahead of England in Group E. As Russia's final group match is against lowly Andorra, most observers would see them as virtually qualified.
If Russia lose in Israel, England need just a draw or victory against Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday to secure their last-minute ticket.
PHOTO: AP
Under-fire McClaren has been given support from most of his players this week, and insisted on Thursday: "I believe Israel or even Macedonia [against Croatia] will get a result on Saturday which leaves us needing a win to go through. That's what we are training for."
Scotland have not featured at a major championships since their first round exit from the 1998 World Cup, won by the hosts France.
But after stunning Raymond Domenech and `Les Bleus' twice in Group B, the final group fixture for Alex McLeish's men -- against world champions Italy at Hampden Park -- leaves them on the cusp of causing one of the biggest upsets of the year.
A Scotland win would see them through but a draw would leave McLeish still in with a chance of qualifying his men -- if Ukraine shock France next Wednesday.
Despite Italy's pedigree, the Scots' swagger is back and the coach believes they can stun the reigning world champions and thus leave 1998 world champions France with a major headache.
"The players are refreshingly confident and have great self belief in their abilities. They have a swagger and there's a cutting edge about them," McLeish said.
Italy need only a draw to ensure they qualify, before their final match at home to the Faroe Islands on Wednesday.
And Italy striker Luca Toni played down claims by France's outspoken manager Raymond Domenech that both teams would play for a draw.
"It would be better if Domenech concentrated on getting his own house in order. There's no way we're going to try and play for a draw so his words mean nothing to us," Toni said.
While Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany and reigning European champions Greece have already qualified, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands and Sweden have yet to book their tickets.
Spain host an injury-hit Sweden, the Group F leaders, in Madrid looking for the win that would qualify them and make up for their 2-0 defeat in Solna and shock 3-2 defeat to Northern Ireland.
A draw between Northern Ireland and Denmark in another crucial Group F game would send both Spain and Sweden through regardless of the outcome of their respective last games next week.
Surprise Group A leaders Poland will secure qualification with victory over Belgium, although a slip-up by Leo Beenhakker's side could open the door to second placed Portugal, Serbia or Finland.
While Romania have qualified from Group G, the Netherlands, in second place, are odds-on to beat Luxembourg.
A win, coupled with a Romania victory over third placed Bulgaria would give the Dutch -- who famously missed qualification for the 1964 European Championships after a 2-1 defeat in 1963 by the Duchy -- a ticket to their fifth successive championships.
Today's fixtures:
Group A
Finland v Azerbaijan, Poland v Belgium, Serbia v Kazakhstan, Portugal v Armenia
Group B
Scotland v Italy, Lithuania v Ukraine
Group C
Moldova v Hungary, Norway v Turkey, Greece v Malta
Group D
Wales v Republic of Ireland, Germany v Cyprus, Czech Republic v Slovakia
Group E
Andorra v Estonia, Israel v Russia, Macedonia v Croatia
Group F
Latvia v Liechtenstein, Northern Ireland v Denmark, Spain v Sweden
Group G
Netherlands v Luxembourg, Bulgaria v Romania, Albania v Belarus
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely