Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi shone in Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over arch rivals Real Madrid, which was settled eleven minutes after half time with a Zlatan Ibraminovic goal. The Swede might not be going to South Africa next summer, but the talented forward volleyed home a left footed shot after good work down the right by Daniel Alves.
1998 World Cup winners France have qualified for their fourth successive World Cup finals after a controversial 2-1 victory (on aggregate) over the Republic of Ireland, who last qualified for the tournament in 2002. Thierry Henry appeared to stop the ball with his left hand before brushing it back into his path to cross for William Gallas to score.
Internazionale striker Samuel Eto’o scored in a 2-0 victory over Morocco to secure Cameroon’s place in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Cameroon, who reached the quarter finals in 1990, are joined by Ghana – who are celebrating the second successive qualification for the finals – and Nigeria, who last qualified for the finals in 2002. Ivory Coast are the other African nation to qualify for the finals.
France take a 1-0 lead to Paris for next week’s playoff second leg after Nicolas Anelka scored in the 71st minute to give Les Blues a priceless victory in Dublin. France will be without Barcelona defender Eric Abidal and Lyon midfielder Jeremy Toulalan due to injury, however the French Football Federation announced that there won’t be any replacements called up.
Real Madrid have closed the gap on European and La Liga Champions Barcelona after a 2-0 victory over city rivals Getafe – whilst Barcelona drew 1-1 with Osasuna after a very late Gerard Pique own goal. Elsewhere Villareal, who had got off to an awful start, thumped Tenerife 5-0.
Arsenal have beaten arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 in the first North London derby this season – with Robin Van Persie grabbing a brace and club captain and Spanish playmaker Cesc Fabregas scoring the other. Arsenal’s Croatian striker Eduardo was guilty of missing a whole host of chances – which would have made the scoreline even more convincing.
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