Kaspars Gorkss' second-half header secured Latvia a priceless away win over Israel that moves them up to second in Group 2 of the European Zone.

Sweden gave some much-needed impetus to their qualification hopes with a win over Hungary, while France could only draw with Romania at home.

Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty, a scorer in 5 September's 1-1 draw in Poland in European Zone Group 3, may miss Wednesday's vital clash in Belfast.

Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu will miss his team's UEFA Champions League Group E opener at Lyon through injury.

Lesotho coach Zaviza Milosavljevic has been fired just 16 months after replacing German Anthony Hey, the Lesotho FA announced on Monday.

France's fraught qualifying campaign deepened when captain Thierry Henry denied he had criticised coach Raymond Domenech in front of the rest of the squad.

Liam Lawrence's stunning free kick consigned South Africa to their sixth consecutive defeat as the Republic of Ireland edged the friendly 1-0.

Ghana's U-20 side, preparing for Egypt 2009, celebrated their countrymen's South Africa 2010 qualifying success in Doha, as FIFA.com reveals.

Fabio Aurelio aims to prove his fitness this week in time for a possible return to first-team action for key domestic and European matches.

Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor believes he will no longer be 'bullied' by physical defenders after a summer programme of weight training.