Swansea City midfielder Ethan Galbraith believes Northern Ireland can upset Italy in Thursday’s World Cup play-off semi-final in Bergamo to move one step closer to the tournament in North America.
Michael O’Neill’s side are just two victories away from securing a place at this year’s global showpiece.
Should the visitors prevail against the Azzurri, they will face either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina in a decisive final.
The 24-year-old was an unused substitute in 2021 when a resolute defensive display secured a goalless home draw against the same opposition.
That famous result ultimately contributed to the four-time world champions missing out on qualification for the Qatar tournament.
Embracing a surreal opportunity
The former Manchester United academy prospect admits that being so close to football’s biggest stage feels like a dream.
“I’ve thought about it a few times and they are going to be tough games, but to even be a part of those games is huge.”
“We can go out there, give it our all and hopefully it will be enough on the night.”
“It’s a bit of a pinch me moment. To be involved in this squad is unreal, but to be two games away from a World Cup is crazy.”
Absentees and mounting pressure
The Green and White Army travel to Bergamo without several key figures, as influential duo Conor Bradley and Dan Ballard are both sidelined.
However, the hosts face their own selection issues after Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali suffered a groin injury during a weekend defeat by Sunderland.
Despite those missing players, the home side remain heavy favourites but face immense national pressure to avoid missing a third consecutive World Cup.
The Welsh club midfielder insists his international team-mates are preparing to face the strongest possible version of their opponents.
Drawing confidence from past tests
Although they finished third in their qualification group, spirited performances during two defeats against Germany have provided valuable tactical lessons.
The dynamic playmaker feels those challenging fixtures have perfectly prepared the squad for Thursday’s daunting task.
“You have to prepare for their best team and we did that with Germany.”
“Germany are a top side and so is Italy with a number of superstars, so having those games against Germany in the group has put us in good stead for this game.”
“If we can go out and give it 100%, we can be a match for anyone.”
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has demanded improved refereeing standards after a controversial VAR decision during her side’s 3-1 Women’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg defeat by Arsenal.
The Blues were trailing 2-0 late in the first half when Dutch defender Veerle Buurman appeared to head them back into the tie.
However, the goal was ruled out after she was dubiously penalised for a foul on Arsenal centre-back Lotte Wubben-Moy.
Replays indicated the contact was minimal, yet the on-field decision stood and the visitors eventually lost the all-English clash.
‘We deserve the best referees’
Following the final whistle, the frustrated French head coach insisted that the women’s game requires a higher level of officialdom.
“It is always more difficult to complain about the referees when you lose the game, but to be honest it is not good enough.”
“When you are playing a Champions League quarter-final, you need to respect the women’s game more.”
Bompastor argued that the video technology is currently failing to eliminate clear human errors.
The 44-year-old revealed that her attempts to seek an explanation from the fourth official regarding the disallowed goal were met with dismissive responses.
Men’s officials an option
The former Lyon boss even suggested she would welcome the introduction of top officials from the men’s game to immediately raise standards.
“We deserve the best referees. If it has to be coming from the men’s game, maybe.”
“We need to have VAR in the women’s game, we just need the right people to make the decisions.”
The result leaves the reigning Women’s Super League champions facing a significant uphill battle to keep their European dreams alive this season.
Despite the frustrating deficit, the manager remains defiant ahead of next week’s crucial return fixture.
“If I don’t have the belief, I just stay home.”
Republic of Ireland defender John Egan has challenged his team-mates to carry their dramatic qualifying momentum into Thursday’s crucial World Cup play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic in Prague.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side kept their North American tournament hopes alive with a sensational stoppage-time victory over Hungary in Budapest last November.
Troy Parrott provided the decisive late strike to secure second place in Group F following a difficult start to their qualification campaign.
Movie-like drama fuels Irish belief
The Boys in Green initially struggled in the group stages, suffering a damaging defeat to Armenia in September that left their progression in serious doubt.
However, the squad rallied spectacularly to rescue their campaign and set up this vital clash at the Fortuna Arena.
“When we went 2-1 down, we still had a feeling we could get the win and for Troy to do what he did felt like you were in a movie,” said Egan.
“We have to keep riding off the back of that wave and keep the confidence and positivity going.”
“These tournaments don’t come around often so when you get a week like this, you have to embrace it and give everything you can to get the result.”
Portugal heartbreak sparked crucial turning point
The 33-year-old centre-back believes a narrow away loss to Portugal served as the unexpected catalyst for their recent resurgence.
Ruben Neves broke Irish hearts with a stoppage-time winner in Lisbon, but the battling performance restored essential belief within the dressing room.
“It was a really solid performance against one of the best teams in the world, so even though it was a loss, the lads came away thinking they were a minute or two away from getting a point and that gives you confidence,” the experienced defender explained.
That resilient display laid the foundation for back-to-back home victories over Armenia and Portugal.
Those crucial results ultimately paved the way for the unforgettable Sunday afternoon in Budapest that secured their play-off berth.
Huge travelling support heads to Prague
If they can overcome the Czechs, the national team will host either Denmark or North Macedonia in a decisive final play-off next Tuesday.
Anticipation is sky-high among the fanbase ahead of the 19:45 GMT kick-off in the Czech capital.
More than 6,000 passionate supporters applied for a meagre away ticket allocation of just 1,024.
Despite being heavily outnumbered inside the 19,370-capacity stadium, thousands more are expected to travel in the hope of witnessing another famous chapter in Irish football history.
Everton have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Arsenal defender Ben White this summer as manager David Moyes looks to rebuild his backline.
The 28-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Emirates Stadium, finding himself behind Jurrien Timber in Mikel Arteta’s plans.
The former Brighton centre-back will enter the final two years of his lucrative contract at the end of the current campaign.
His lack of regular first-team football in north London has sparked persistent speculation over a permanent departure.
First-team football appeals to White
Preliminary talks have reportedly taken place regarding a potential switch to Merseyside.
While other Premier League clubs are monitoring the situation, the Toffees hold a distinct advantage by being able to guarantee regular starts.
A comprehensive defensive rebuild is a major priority for Moyes, with several veteran players nearing the end of their current deals.
Seamus Coleman and Michael Keane are out of contract this summer, while James Tarkowski is now into his thirties.
Double Arsenal raid on the cards?
Alongside their pursuit of the England international, the Blues are also exploring a deal for highly-rated Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The club are keen to provide meaningful competition for current first-choice left-back Vitalii Mykolenko.
Moyes has been forced to deploy Jarrad Branthwaite out of position to cover the role following the underwhelming impact of summer arrival Adam Aznou.
Securing a double deal for the Gunners duo would represent a significant statement of intent for the Merseysiders ahead of the new campaign.
Mohamed Salah has announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the current season following a video message shared with supporters.
The 33-year-old confirmed his impending exit via his official X account, ending months of speculation regarding his future at Anfield.
The Egypt international has endured a challenging campaign this year and will definitively depart the club in the summer.
Anfield legacy comes to a close
Salah has established himself as one of the most prolific attackers in Premier League history since arriving from Roma in 2017.
The former Chelsea winger was instrumental in guiding the Merseyside club to both domestic and European glory during a highly successful era.
Fans were informed directly by the player, who bypassed traditional club statements to address supporters through a personal broadcast.
Next steps for the talisman
It remains to be seen where the three-time Golden Boot winner will play his football next season.
He has previously been the subject of intense, lucrative transfer interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
Liverpool executives must now begin the daunting task of replacing their iconic goalscorer ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Manchester United have reportedly distanced themselves from a summer transfer for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes, with internal sources dismissing recent rumours.
The Red Devils are expected to prioritise a midfield overhaul during the upcoming transfer window.
Speculation had suggested advanced talks were under way between the Old Trafford hierarchy and the Brazilian international’s representatives.
However, prominent journalist Andy Mitten has suggested these links may be strategically manufactured by the player’s camp.
Agent tactics suspected
Speaking on the Talk of the Devils podcast, Mitten revealed that figures at both clubs remain entirely quiet on the proposed move.
“I saw the Bruno Guimaraes story recently. I have not heard anything from my sources on that.”
The reporter added that his recent visit to Tyneside yielded no corroborating evidence for the blockbuster switch.
“I suspect, but cannot prove, that is coming more from his side in regards to negotiating a new contract.”
Midfield rebuild looms
A restructure in the centre of the park is deemed necessary with veteran compatriot Casemiro set to depart upon the expiry of his current deal.
Fellow holding player Manuel Ugarte is also expected to leave following a frustrating campaign under interim boss Michael Carrick.
The 28-year-old Magpies skipper would represent an ideal theoretical partner for emerging homegrown talent Kobbie Mainoo.
Premium valuation
Acquiring the combative South American would require a substantial financial commitment from the 20-time English champions.
The St James’ Park outfit are under no immediate pressure to sell their prized asset, who still has two years remaining on his existing contract.
Furthermore, Newcastle officials would rigorously defend their valuation and likely demand a premium fee to sanction a departure to a direct Premier League rival.
Two unnamed Brentford players were left with bloodied clothes after intervening to stop an alleged racially motivated attack in Richmond early on Sunday morning.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed a 63-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of offences including common assault and a racially aggravated public order offence.
He has since been released on bail while law enforcement officers continue their investigations.
Players stepped in after away fixture
The two footballers had just returned to south-west London following their team’s goalless draw against Leeds on Saturday evening.
Because the match immediately preceded the current international break, the squad had been given permission to arrange their own travel back to the capital.
Officers were initially called to Queen’s Road at approximately 02:00 GMT on Sunday where they engaged with the primary victim of the assault.
Police have subsequently identified a second individual who was reportedly targeted with racially aggravated verbal abuse during the late-night altercation.
European push pauses for international break
Neither of the intervening athletes sustained serious injuries during the incident.
Keith Andrews’ side currently sit seventh in the Premier League table after amassing 46 points from 31 matches.
The west London club are enjoying a stellar campaign and remain firmly in contention for European qualification next season.
Following recent consecutive draws against Bournemouth, Wolves and Leeds, the Bees do not return to domestic action until they host Everton on 11 April.
Speaking after their most recent stalemate in Yorkshire, the manager praised the relentless commitment of his overachieving squad.
“Everything we can give, we will give, like they do all the time.”
Keith Andrews
He added that the group’s positive intentions will lift them for the final seven games of the season.
Tottenham Hotspur are considering the future of interim head coach Igor Tudor after a dismal run of form left the club hovering just one point above the Premier League relegation zone.
The Croatian tactician has overseen only a single victory in his seven matches since replacing Thomas Frank at the helm.
This mounting crisis was exacerbated by a damaging 3-0 home defeat against fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Pressure is now intensifying on chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange to arrest the alarming slide.
The gamble failing to pay off
The interim appointment has failed to revitalise a squad severely depleted by injuries and entirely bereft of confidence.
His brusque managerial style has struggled to resonate with supporters in an already toxic atmosphere at the north London club.
Tactical uncertainty was glaringly obvious during a disastrous Champions League first-leg defeat against Atletico Madrid recently.
The 46-year-old controversially substituted backup goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky after just 17 minutes following two catastrophic errors in that fixture.
Searching for a potential saviour
Dropping into the Championship would represent one of the most humiliating relegations in the history of the modern top flight.
Venkatesham, already under strict scrutiny from fans due to his prior Arsenal connections, must formulate a coherent strategy before facing Sunderland on 12 April.
Finding a willing firefighter to salvage this desperate situation remains the most significant dilemma for the boardroom.
Former manager Harry Redknapp has publicly indicated his willingness to answer the call, while Roberto De Zerbi and Ryan Mason present alternative options.
The hierarchy must urgently decide whether to persist with their struggling caretaker boss or enact another drastic change.