Ronaldo, Messi, no Bale: Champions League Team of the Season 2013-14

The beginning of another star-studded edition of the Champions League is just around the corner, with the world's finest footballers jousting to win Europe's most coveted club competition. Bearing in mind the ability of their respective teams to go deep in the tournament, Goal brings you the XI players who will set the measure of excellence on the road to Lisbon.Thibaut Courtois - Atletico Madrid

Drawn in a generous group, there can be few doubts that Atletico Madrid have what it takes to progress through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. While David Villa will be key for them offensively, it is their young Belgian goalkeeper who is set to catch the eye once more. The 21-year-old has never previously played at this level but is a custodian of undoubted class and is ready to make his big-time breakthrough as Diego Simeone's men show there is more than just one great team in the Spanish capital.

Stephan Lichtsteiner - Juventus

The Swiss right-back has long been one of the most underrated defenders in the European game but should come into his own this season in a Juventus side capable of going deep in the competition. A reliable presence defensively, he is also capable of operating in several other roles. His multi-talented attributes and consistent level of performance should see him recognised as one of the best players in his position this term.

Dante - Bayern Munich

A lynchpin of the defending champions, the 29-year-old truly came of age under Jupp Heynckes at the Allianz Arena last season and is now seen as one of the best players in his role. With the Bavarians set to excel again, this time under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, it is Dante who will play the key role in the rearguard. 

Thiago Silva - Paris Saint-Germain

Considered by many to be the best defender in the world, the Brazil international will be vital for PSG as they attempt to progress beyond the quarter-final berth they managed last season. With a relatively straightforward group, the former AC Milan centre-back should not be overly stretched in the initial stages of the competition but is likely to come into his own in the knockout stages. He will show the kind of exemplary form he did as PSG ran Barcelona so close before going out on away goals. 

Ashley Cole - Chelsea

The dynamic Englishman continues to be seen as an outstanding left-back and should flourish further under Jose Mourinho's system at Chelsea. While Cole is adept at getting forward and supporting his attack, he does so in a measured manner that means his defensive duties are rarely compromised. Even at 32, Cole remains a model for the modern, more attacking, full-back.

Ilkay Gundogan - Borussia Dortmund

Jurgen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund side will not have it easy in a difficult group alongside Arsenal, Napoli and Marseille, but energetic holding midfielder Gundogan should help ensure they negotiate this tricky task and reach the post-Christmas stages of the competition. A hugely energetic midfielder, he typifies Dortmund's approach to the game, which won them so many friends as they reached last season's final. While the club may struggle to replicate that form, the 22-year-old remains a player very much on the up.

Paul Pogba - Juventus

Perhaps the outstanding young midfielder in the world, Pogba has started to make real waves with Juventus, who prize the Frenchman so highly. The 20-year-old certainly does not lack confidence and is firmly establishing himself already in one of the outstanding sides on the planet. With the Italian champions set to enjoy a strong competition, the former Manchester United youth will surely remind the English club they were wrong to undervalue his talents.

Franck Ribery - Bayern Munich

A hero in Bavaria because of his consistently excellent performances for Bayern Munich, that the Frenchman is considered, along with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the outstanding candidates for the Ballon d'Or shows just what a terrific year he has had. Voted the competition's Best Player last season, expect the Frenchman to dazzle just as readily on the wing this term.

Oscar - Chelsea

Jose Mourinho has several exciting young offensive midfielders at his disposal this season, with the likes of Eden Hazard and Andre Schurrle both making waves, but it was Oscar who showed the greatest maturity last term and who is set to shine brightest this term. His work ethic means that he will likely feature ahead of Juan Mata in Mourinho's side, while his technical abilities mean that he will be a vital offensive weapon as Chelsea enjoy another fine run in the competition.

Cristiano Ronaldo - Real Madrid

Ronaldo may have been eclipsed as the world's most expensive player by Gareth Bale, yet his new contract shows that he is still top dog at Real Madrid. The Portuguese's phenomenal all-round game make him a certainty to be one of the outstanding players in the Champions League this season as Carlo Ancelotti's side go hunting the elusive Decima.

Lionel Messi - Barcelona

While Tata Martino's Barca side are not yet looking quite as fluent as teams of the recent past, their Argentine star remains the planet's best player. The 26-year-old has scored at a rate of more than one goal a game over the course of the past five years at club level and it is difficult to see him slowing down any this term. In tandem with Neymar, he will again be a massive force in this competition.

Marotta says:Buffon a true champion

Juventus director Beppe Marotta has lauded Gianluigi Buffon as a true champion and voiced his hope that the goalkeeper will retire at the club.

The Bianconeri skipper has spent the last 12 years in Turin, winning four Serie A titles with the club and becoming captain in 2012.

Marotta believes the 35-year-old is an excellent professional and would like to see the former Parma man continue to represent the club for years to come.

"Buffon is a true champion," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He is a superlative professional.

"My hope and wish is that he can defend Italy and Juve's goal for many years to come.

"I believe and I hope that he will finish his career with Juve and this is the basis for him to remain at Juve for a long time."

Ribery says:I'm not the saviour

France winger Franck Ribery has denied that he is Les Bleus saviour following his match-winning performance against Belarus on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old netted a double as Didier Deschamps' side twice came from behind, eventually winning 4-2 against their Group I rivals.

"I'm not the saviour," Ribery told reporters.

"I scored at the right time, when France needed me to score. We're happy to have put in a great second half.

"We'd not scored for a while and we were strong mentally. After going 2-1 behind we were fortunate enough to equalise quickly."

The Bayern Munich star, who recently won Uefa's Best Player in Europe award, was an injury concern before the game, but he says he always felt he would take part in the contest.

"Some other players might not have given it a go with the injury I was carrying but I like to contribute what I can," he added.

"The physio did a great job and I knew from the eve of the game that it would be okay."

Deschamps, meanwhile, lauded Ribery's performance in a difficult game for his side.

"We've got a great player in Franck Ribery and he confirmed that here," he added.

"It was tough and we didn't have many chances in the first half. We scored early in the second and were in the midst of a good spell when we conceded a second goal that hurt us.

"We were 2-1 down in the 57th minute and a long way away from our objective. We scored four goals and that's something France have not done since 2009.

"The importance of getting a result had made us tense but we were much better in the second half in all departments of the game."

Gareth Bale Betting Special: Back the Welshman to net less than 16 league goals

Our man in Madrid believes backing Los Blancos' newest star to fire less than 16 La Liga goals in his debut season provides punters with a chance to make some solid profit

After a long and arduous summer, Gareth Bale is finally a Real Madrid player and the Welshman will be desperate to take to the pitch wearing the iconic white shirt of Spain's most successful club. 

It may happen this weekend at Villarreal although given his lack of fitness it is unlikely, and the Welshman is going to have to work hard to get fully fit after a summer without proper training. 

Having missed three league games already it is likely to be a few more before Bale is starting in the Real Madrid team, and this is an important factor when considering how many goals he may score. Bet365 offer odds of evens (2.00) that he will score over 15.5 goals and 8/11 (1.73) that he will net under that total. 

Not only is the forward likely to miss a few matches before he is fully back to his best, but he also has to contend with the fact that there are plenty of goal scorers in the side. 

Cristiano Ronaldo's record is nothing short of brutal, while Karim Benzema and Isco have both begun the season is fine scoring form. 

Furthermore it is worth noting that until last season, Bale was not really renowned for his scoring ability, with his previous highest season tally (prior to the last campaign) being 10 league goals. 

Big money has been spent on Bale and the fans will expect a return, but if punters want a return, then backing him to net under 15.5 goals at 8/11 (1.73) looks to be the best move.

Flamini demands end to Arsenal trophy drought

The 29-year-old, who rejoined the club on a free transfer in August, says the €47 million capture of Mesut Ozil is proof that the club are ready to challenge on multiple fronts
Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini is desperate to end the club's trophy drought after returning to the north London club this summer.

The Frenchman was a member of the last Arsenal squad to win a trophy, as the Gunners beat Manchester United on penalties in the 2005 FA Cup final.

Following his return to the Emirates Stadium, Flamini says the club's wait for silverware has gone on "too long" and believes the signing of Mesut Ozil shows the club are ready to compete for the title."It's an important season for me and Arsenal. Our ambitions are clear, as the arrival of Mesut Ozil proved," Flamini is quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror.

"[We want] to fight for the title and compete in the Champions League. We want to win trophies. The club has waited for them for too long.

"We have the means to compete for the title, even if we are outsiders, not favourites, like in 2007-08.

"That is my motivation. I want to write another beautiful story with Arsenal."

Flamini feels he has "unfinished business" at Arsenal, after going close to winning the Premier League and Champions League in the past.

"When I say that, I am thinking of the Champions League final loss in Paris to Barcelona in 2006," the 29-year-old continued.

"And in my last season we led the table until we collapsed after the match at Birmingham when Eduardo was injured.

"They were four years of great moments and strong regrets [at Arsenal], because there is a feeling of not finishing the job."

Roberto Carlos hits out at Eto'o

The Sivasspor coach has slammed the experienced attacker's behaviour in Russia prior to his move to the Premier League
Brazil legend Roberto Carlos has hit out at Chelsea striker Samuel Eto'o, claiming that the former Anzhi Makhachkala star always puts himself ahead of the team.

Carlos and Eto'o first played together at Real Madrid in the 1990s, before they were re-united at Anzhi in 2011, but the current Sivasspor boss was not impressed with the Cameroonian attacker's attitude at the Dagestan side.

"I've known Eto'o since he was 16. He's a good person and I've always liked him, but he always thinks of himself, not the group," Carlos told Globoesporte.

"It's quite confusing and odd when a footballer, instead of playing, is interested in bringing in players who are his friends. He did everything at Anzhi, except play football.

"There were a few small problems in the dressing room with the arrival of Eto'o, which were resolved. His signing had to be explained to several players. 

"Then there came a point when Samuel wanted to interfere in my work. He wanted to control the club, taking my place and that of the coach, Guus Hiddink."

The 32-year-old Eto'o left Anzhi for Chelsea in the summer transfer window after a squad overhaul at the Dagestan outfit.

Neymar: Provocation only motivates me

Brazil international Neymar has revealed he is motivated by the sort of provocation he was subjected to in the 3-1 friendly win over Portugal on Tuesday.

The former Santos star was on the receiving end of a number of harsh tackles from the Portuguese defence, but still set up the equaliser and scored a stunning goal himself in a man-of-the-match performance.

"I have a bit of pain right now, but that will go away again in a bit," Neymar told reporters after the game. 

"I saw a video of players trying to taunt me and showed it to Thiago Silva. I usually don't react to any provocations. These bad tackles are actually a good thing and motivate me and my team-mates."

The 21-year-old then went on to voice his satisfaction with Brazil's performance against Portugal.

"Brazil against Portugal was a great spectacle, it’s always a show. Portugal are always a strong team that plays hard. 

"I’m happy with the team’s performance. We were able to play good football."

Messi: I dream of winning the World Cup

Argentina international Lionel Messi has admitted that he dreams of guiding his country to World Cup glory in Brazil next year.

Alejandro Sabella's men beat Paraguay 5-2 on Tuesday evening to seal qualification for next summer's showpiece and the Barcelona star is eager to follow in the footsteps of Diego Maradona and steer la Albiceleste to their first world title since 1986.

"I dream of winning the World Cup. We all do in Argentina. But there is still a long way to go," Messi told reporters after his side's away victory over Paraguay.

"We got what we wanted, but it was difficult to play here. The most important thing was to qualify as soon as possible.

"We want to continue like this and we want to keep winning."

Messi also briefly reacted to rumours that Barcelona have asked the Argentine football association (Afa) to leave the attacker out of the squad for their remaining two World Cup qualifiers and stressed that he always wants to play for the national team.

"I don't know anything about that. I always want to play for Argentina."

Argentina, Italy & the nations that have qualified for the World Cup

Tuesday's qualifiers saw a number of countries from Europe, South America and North America book their ticket for next year's tournament

With the 2014 World Cup one step closer after Tuesday's round of qualifiers across the globe, several more nations have secured qualification for next year's showpiece in Brazil.

The hosts had already been joined by Asian representatives Japan, Australia, Iran and South Korea at an earlier stage and the first teams from Uefa, Concacaf and Conmebol have now wrapped up qualification, too.

Italy booked their place in next summer's World Cup finals after recovering from going a goal down to beat Czech Republic 2-1 in Turin. 

Former Lazio striker Libor Kozak opened the scoring after 20 minutes but their lead was overhauled within eight minutes of the second half. Defender Giorgio Chiellini restored parity by nodding home from a corner, before AC Milan hitman Mario Balotelli secured his country's ticket to Brazil with a 54th-minute penalty in typically cool fashion.

Cesare Prandelli's men will be joined in South America by the Netherlands, whose progression from Group D was ensured after a 2-0 victory over Andorra. Manchester United marksman Robin van Persie netted twice within 10 minutes after the interval to seal qualification for the Dutch, taking his international tally to 38 in 79 appearances.

Elsewhere, Argentina hammered Paraguay 5-2 to book their ticket for the World Cup from the South American qualifying section, with Barcelona star Lionel Messi netting twice from the spot to lead Alejandro Sabella's men the way.

Furthermore, USA also secured a spot at the 2014 World Cup following a 2-0 win over rivals Mexico as Eddie Johnson and Landon Donovan helped them to top spot in their section.

Costa Rica sealed qualification for Brazil as well, despite their 1-1 away draw against Jamaica. Panama's 2-2 draw versus Honduras saw the Ticos through after all, though.

No teams from Africa have qualified as of yet, with the five play-off ties - including the likes of Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt and Cameroon - scheduled to take place between 11-15 October and 15-19 November. 

Oceanian representatives New Zealand will have to deal with the fourth-placed team from North, Central America and the Caribbean in order to make it to the World Cup finals.

Brazil 3-1 Portugal: Neymar stars as Scolari's men triumph

Neymar was in inspired form as Brazil showed their strength of character to come from behind to defeat Portugal 3-1 at the Gillette Arena.

The former Santos man scored once and provided an assist, while also having a hand in Brazil's third goal, as the upcoming World Cup hosts recovered from going 1-0 down early on.

Raul Meireles, who had hit the woodwork six minutes earlier with a header, put Portugal in front in the 18th minute after capitalising on a defensive mistake from Maicon.

The Roma right-back attempted to head the ball back to his goalkeeper Julio Cesar, but Fenerbahce midfielder was quick to seize the opportunity  - with the former Chelsea man intercepting with a touch, before tucking away the opener.

But Neymar came to the rescue, putting in the corner that found the forehead of Thiago Silva, before dribbling into the box and tucking away into the left-hand corner of the net to put the South Americans in front at half-time.

Just four minutes after the break, Neymar put through left back Maxwell, who crossed for Jo to score his third goal of the week after a brace against Australia.

It was very crisp passing from the Brazilians, who were putting on a show for the American fans and Jo was handed another international goal on a plate after Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio was drawn off his line.

Meanwhile, all of Portugal's chances were being wasted by winger Nani, who struck two free-kicks well over the crossbar and had another two audacious shots from range that were not close to bothering Cesar.

The result sees Brazil stay unbeaten in their last three clashes with Portugal.

Belarus 2-4 France: Ribery stars as Bleus end barren spell in style

France ended their recent barren spell in style by beating Belarus thrillingly 4-2 finish on Tuesday, despite going behind twice.

Franck Ribery hit equalisers in either half after Egor Filipenko and Timofei Kalachev had each edged the home side ahead. 

Samir Nasri and Paul Pogba then added the extras to guarantee France at least a place in the FIFA World Cup qualifying play-offs and move them level on points with leaders Spain, having played a game more than the world champions.

Didier Deschamps made four changes from France's 0-0 draw with Georgia, as Karim Benzema, goalless for his country since June 2012, was dropped, with Olivier Giroud starting in his place.

Belarus had the first chance of the match courtesy of Sergey Balanovich after eight minutes, but he could only drag his effort wide of Hugo Lloris' far post.

France had not scored or won in their last five games going into the clash in Gomel and they struggled to create chances of note in the first half, as the hosts enjoyed the better of the possession.

The home side were rewarded for their play after 32 minutes when Filipenko headed home thanks to a Lloris error. The defender headed down from a corner with the Tottenham goalkeeper failing to keep out the effort.

While France looked to hit back before half-time, the hosts stood firm to lead at the break, but two minutes into the second half France were level after Giroud played in Ribery, who was then brought down by Belarus' goalkeeper Sergei Veremko in the penalty area.

Ribery sent Veremko the wrong way from the spot, coolly placing the ball to his left to score France's first goal since March and bring the visitors level.

France may have improved in the minutes after but Belarus were quickly ahead again, with Lloris at fault once more. Kalachev struck a fairly routine effort from just outside the area after 57 minutes which beat the Frenchman at his near post.

Ribery gained two assists and a goal in the reverse fixture and, seven minutes later, he brought France level again. Europe's recently-crowned best player latched onto a cross from Mathieu Valbuena from the right to tap home at the far post.

France went ahead for the first time in the match after 70 minutes through substitute Nasri. The Manchester City midfielder drove a right-footed effort through a crowd of Belarusian defenders to beat Vermenko and edge his side ahead.

Two minutes later, France were home and hosed when Pogba capitalised on a loose ball in the box to poke home his first international goal.

Faroe Islands 0-3 Germany: Ozil on target in comfortable win

Mesut Ozil scored a second-half penalty as Germany cruised to a 3-0 win over Faroe Islands on Tuesday.
The new Arsenal signing struck midway through the second half after club-mate Per Mertesacker has put Joachim Low's side in front, with Thomas Muller sealing the three points in the closing minutes.

The hosts made three changes from the team that lost 2-1 in Kazakhstan on Friday, with Atli Gregersen, Pol Johannus Justinussen and Daniel Udsen replacing Jonas Naes, Hallur Hansson and Christian Mouritsen.

Germany had just one change from the side that defeated Austria 3-0 on Friday, with Julian Draxler coming in for Marco Reus, who was absent with a stomach infection.

The visitors fired the first warning shot in the fourth minute as Sami Khedira sent a low drive narrowly wide of Gunnar Nielsen's right-hand post, before Suni Olsen deflected the ball onto his own crossbar from Draxler's cutback.

The hosts responded immediately, Justinussen breaking down the left and letting fly with an effort from the corner of the box that Manuel Neuer had to be alert to tip over.

Miroslav Klose was next to threaten the Faroe Islands goal, but his low drive in the 10th minute was saved by the legs of Nielsen.

Midway through the half, Klose was inches away from scoring a record-breaking 69th international goal for Germany.

After patient build-up play involving Muller and Philipp Lahm, Klose struck the base of the post from 10 yards before Gregersen hacked the rebound over his own crossbar.

But Germany were not to be denied for long as, from the resulting corner, Jerome Boateng flicked the ball on at the near post and Mertesacker prodded home from two yards out.

Klose continued to search in vain for the goal that would take him clear of Gerd Muller as his country's all-time leading goalscorer, as his header from Marcel Schmelzer's cross was gathered low to his left by Nielsen in the 30th minute.

Nielsen was called into action once again three minutes later, beating away Draxler's fierce effort following a short corner from Toni Kroos.

In the second half, Germany continued to press for a second goal, with Ozil curling a free-kick narrowly wide from 30 yards in the 48th minute.

Draxler created an opening for himself on the hour mark with some quick feet inside the area, but his left-footed effort lacked power and was easy for Nielsen to deal with.

Khedira almost grabbed a second in the 67th minute, rising at the far post to meet Draxler's cross from the left, but his downward header was cleared off the line by Rogvi Baldvinsson.

Five minutes later, Nielsen made hard work of denying the visitors once again, fumbling an Ozil shot before diving at Draxler's feet to smother the rebound.

A difficult night for the hosts was made even harder in the 73rd minute as Gregersen was dismissed for bringing down Muller inside the area as he bore down on Nielsen, and their resistance was finally broken.

Ozil stepped up and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way as Germany at last had the second goal their dominance merited.

With 10 minutes to go, substitute Andre Schurrle, on in place of Draxler, fired just over the angle of bar and post from outside the area as Germany looked to give the scoreline a more convincing gloss.

Muller did just that four minutes later, firing home from Lahm's cut-back from the right as the hosts visibly tired.

Germany currently lead Group C by five points with two games remaining and look a safe bet to progress to the finals in Brazil in 2014, with Sweden's earlier win over Kazakhstan denying them qualification on Tuesday.

Italy 2-1 Czech Republic: Balotelli fires Azzurri to World Cup

Mario Balotelli

Mario Balotelli fired home to a penalty to complete a comeback and fire Italy to World Cup 2014 in a 2-1 win over Czech Republic.

Libor Kozak had put the visitors ahead in Turin after 19 minutes, sparking fears among home fans that what had looked set to be a celebratory night could take a turn for the worse.

However, the Azzurri scored twice in the space of four minutes - first Giorgio Chiellini, then Balotelli - to secure a spot in Brazil next summer.

Ukraine 0-0 England

Roy Hodgson's side have qualification for the 2014 World Cup in their own hands following a dour stalemate in Kiev, but still have work to do against Montenegro and Poland

England held on to earn a goalless draw against Ukraine in Kiev, meaning they stay one point ahead of Tuesday's opponents and Montenegro in Uefa World Cup qualifying Group H with two games to play.

Ukraine made a fast start to the fixture in Kiev but failed to convert their early dominance, as England sat back to soak up their consistent pressure.

Roy Hodgson's side had chances of their own – Theo Walcott went close on two occasions while Frank Lampard nearly scored a late header – but Ukraine were the better side and could count themselves unlucky not to have scored.

The excellent Yevhen Konoplyanka was a consistent threat for the hosts, but England defended well to leave Kiev with a valuable point.

England remain on top of Group H in European qualifying as a result, with just two fixtures left to play.

Ukraine may have thrashed San Marino 9-0 in their last fixture but that did not stop manager Mikhail Fomenko making four changes, with attacker Roman Zozulya and midfielder Taras Stepanenko among the inclusions.

In Lampard's 100th appearance for England, the visitors made just one change to the team that cruised past Moldova 4-0, as James Milner replaced the suspended Danny Welbeck.

Zozulya could have won Ukraine a penalty in the first minute as Joe Hart lunged at him, but referee Pedro Proenca turned down their appeals, while at the other end Walcott went close.

The Arsenal man showed superb pace to get in and behind Vyacheslav Shevchuk, only to be denied by the onrushing Andriy Pyatov.

The early chances set the tone for a frantic first 15 minutes as both sides attacked with vigour and had numerous opportunities to score.

Gary Cahill had a goal-bound header hacked away by Artem Fedetskiy and the Chelsea defender was instrumental at the other end, making three important clearances to deny the hosts.

One of those interceptions was particularly vital, with Oleg Gusev denied the chance to shoot, as Konoplyanka was proving a real threat with his pace and delivery on the left wing.

It was impossible for the match to be played at that pace for 90 minutes and a lull was inevitable, as England put extra attention on Konoplyanka and dropped back to deny their opponents space.

It led to a successful period for the visitors, who created attempts on goal through Rickie Lambert and captain Steven Gerrard, while Zozulya's touch let him down after a terrific ball from Konoplyanka on the stroke of half-time.

Ukraine nearly opened the scoring in the 58th minute as a Konoplyanka cross was flicked on by Andriy Yarmolenko and then Zozulya, but Gerrard saved the day with a timely clearance.

Konoplyanka then went close with a free-kick in the 71st minute, but saw his effort deflected behind by Phil Jagielka, while Fedetskiy could only direct a free header at Hart.

Walcott had a good chance for England at the other end, flicking just wide with eight minutes to play, while Lampard almost scored a late header, but both sides settled for a point in Kiev.

The Three Lions, who have only beaten Moldova and San Marino so far, host Montenegro and Poland in October as they bid to clinch their place in Brazil.

Austria 1-0 Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland's slim hopes of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup were dashed after David Alaba once again struck late against Giovanni Trapattoni's side to earn Austria three crucial points with a 1-0 victory at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion on Tuesday evening.

The 21-year-old, who broke Irish hearts with an injury time equaliser back in March, proved to be the difference in a game largely bereft of any real quality as he struck six minutes from time in Vienna. 

With their prospects of securing a place in Brazil and manager's job hanging by a thread, the Boys in Green knew nothing less than three points would be enough but failed to create any meaningful opportunities before Alaba pounced on Marc Wilson's loose clearance to clinch all three points for the hosts.

The defeat is sure to signal the end of Giovanni Trapattoni's tenure with the Italian expected to pay for a turbulent twelve months and another unsuccessful qualifying campaign while Austria's chances of qualifying for their first World Cup since 1998 have been enhanced greatly with a couple of games remaining. 

With both sides needing a victory to keep their World Cup hopes alive, both managers opted to make changes from their respective defeats to Germany and Sweden. The hosts were boosted by the return of Julian Baumgartlinger, who missed Friday's loss in Berlin through suspension, while Werder Bremen defender Sebastian Prodl and Guido Burgstaller were also re-called.

Trapattoni, not surprisingly, made just the two changes with one of those enforced as Paul Green replaced the injured Glenn Whelan and Anthony Pilkington starting on the left wing in place of James McClean.

Just as they did against Sweden in Dublin, the Boys in Green saw plenty of the ball in the opening exchanges and started in the ascendancy but once again looked devoid of any real quality in the final third. After a bright opening for the visitors, a scrappy midfield battle ensued as both sets of players conceded possession at regular intervals.

It wasn't until the twenty-first minute that either side managed to put together a meaningful attack together but Shane Long couldn't get on the end of Walters' cross, albeit he had strayed offside, after the Stoke man had dispossessed Prodl on the left.

The Austrian defence, who have conceded just eight goals during the qualification campaign, looked vunerable against the long ball and David Forde's innocuous free-kick sailed over Christian Fuchs but Robbie Keane's cross come shot travelled harmlessly across goal.

As the half wore on and the rain continued to fall in Vienna, the game began to open up as both sides searched for the vital opening goal. However, it was Ireland who continued to look more likely to break the deadlock as Pilkington shot just wide of Almer's upright after determined build-up by Long.

The 50,000 home fans came alive ten minutes before the break when Fuchs set Bayern Munich speedster David Alaba free but his stinging left-footed effort was well turned around the post by Forde before the Millwall 'keeper was quickly off his line to deny Martin Harnick. 

In an attempt to gain control of proceedings, Marcel Koller introduced Christoph Leitgeb for the ineffectual Kavlak but the substitution did little to alter the flow of the game as both sides continued to attack at will in search of all three points.

Long-range efforts from West Brom striker Long and then Marc Wilson hinted at the visitors' desperation but hardly threatened Almer in the Austrian goal before John O'Shea was forced off with an ankle injury. Pilkington showed glimpses of his club form during his full debut and nearly created the opening shortly after the hour mark but his low cross was cut out by Fuchs at the near post.

Despite their dominance, the Boys in Green should have found themselves behind with twenty minutes remaining but Aston Villa striker Andreas Weimann could only fire straight at Forde from the penalty area - adding to the frustration of the home fans.

The hosts began to turn the screw as the Irish defence came under increasing pressure and had Seamus Coleman to thank for keeping their inferiorily ranked opponents at bay with a superb double-block when Harnik expected the net to bulge.

However, the pressure eventually told as Wilson failed to deal with Fuch’s cross from the left, allowing Alaba time and space to compose himself before smashing past the helpless Forde into the roof.

Marcel Koller's side now sit three points behind second-placed Sweden in Group C, while Ireland are a further three points adrift and effectively out of the running. 

Macedonia 1-2 Scotland

An 88th-minute free kick cancelled out Jovan Kostovski leveller to record an impressive win for Gordon Strachan's charges after Ikechi Anya opened the scoring

Ikechi Anya starred for Scotland as they recorded an impressive 2-1 win over Macedonia in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier.The Watford winger was the best player on the pitch in his first international start, and gave Scotland a deserved lead in the 59th minute.

The visitors had dominated the first half and were well worth their lead, but they looked like only getting a draw when Jovan Kostovski netted with seven minutes to play for Macedonia.

There was still time for the Scots to win it, though, as an 88th-minute free-kick from Shaun Maloney curled into the top corner.

Macedonia coach Chedomir Janevski made four changes to the side that beat Wales 2-1 on Friday, with Barcelona youngster David Babunski and attacker Adis Jahovic among the inclusions.

Anya made his first start for Scotland, who also brought in Barry Bannan and Steven Naismith in place of James Forrest, Leigh Griffiths and the suspended Robert Snodgrass.

Gordon Strachan's decision to include Anya looked a wise one, with Scotland dominating the first-half play in Skopje.

The pace and trickery of Anya caused Macedonia several problems, and he created the first chance of the game, crossing for Naismith, who could only head over.

The pair should have linked up again moments later, but Naismith agonisingly failed to get anything on a terrific cut-back.

The chances kept coming for Scotland, as Scott Brown was denied by a good save from Macedonia goalkeeper Tomislav Pacovski, while Anya had a late chance of his own, only to see his curling effort tipped over.

Scotland were nearly made to pay for their profligacy on the stroke of half-time, but Jahovic wasted a good chance.

Jahovic initially ignored Goran Pandev, who was waiting for a cut-back, before firing into the side netting, as the two sides went to the break on level terms.

Macedonia were improved in the second half, and saw much more of the ball, but Scotland - who were forced to substitute goalkeeper David Marshall at half-time with a hip injury - were still more threatening going forward.

Anya went close again with a curling effort, before the 25-year-old broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, racing on to a through ball from Brown.

Anya's shot had to be perfect, given the angle, and that it was, as his first-time finish nestled into the far corner.

Macedonia pressed for an equaliser, with substitute goalkeeper Matt Gilks making good saves to deny Aleksandar Trajkovski and Pandev as the hosts gathered momentum.

And they were lucky to have a penalty appeal turned down when Pandev fell under the attention of Brown.

Macedonia's pressure eventually told, as Pandev chipped a wonderful through-ball into the path ofKostovski, who finished well past Gilks.

But just as the hosts thought they had won a point, Scotland grabbed a dramatic late winner.

Maloney was the scorer, curling a brilliant free-kick into the top corner to give Scotland a deserved victory.