Russia manager Fabio Capello left Arsenal forward Andrei Arshavin out of his 24-man squad to play 2014 World Cup Group F qualifying matches with Northern Ireland in Moscow on September 7 and Israel at Ramat Gan four days later.

Russia's newly-appointed Italian manager Fabio Capello recorded a 1-1 draw in his debut match with the country's national team -- a friendly against Ivory Coast here on Wednesday.

Poland's media on Saturday hailed "half a victory" after the national side drew 1-1 with Greece in the opening match of Euro 2012 but many feared the impressive form of next opponents and traditional foes Russia.

Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenko said on Tuesday if Russia are to have a chance of at least repeating their semi-final appearance at Euro 2008 in this edition they have to beat their opening opponents Czech Republic on Friday.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is confident surprise signing Louis Saha can be a success at White Hart Lane after completing a late swoop for the veteran striker.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has told Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenko he can forget about leaving in the January transfer window to boost his chances of appearing in Euro 2012.

Roman Pavlyuchenko's first Premier League goal of the season was enough to ensure Tottenham Hotspur beat Sunderland 1-0 at White Hart Lane here on Sunday to go third in the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur got the better of Shamrock Rovers in their Europa League Group A encounter on Thursday, but only after the League of Ireland side had taken a shock second-half lead at White Hart Lane.