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Benfica legend José Torres passes away - 03 September 2010 |
José Augusto Torres passed away this early morning after a prolonged illness, Alzheimer's disease, at the Lusíadas hospital in Lisbon.
The striker won 9 league titles with Benfica, including 3 Portuguese cups, 2 Cup Winner's Cup, and an honourable 3rd place at the 166 World Cup in England with Portugal.
He also went on to manage the «Selecção» and qualified for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
Click here to view José Torres' Wikipedia profile.
The striker won 9 league titles with Benfica, including 3 Portuguese cups, 2 Cup Winner's Cup, and an honourable 3rd place at the 166 World Cup in England with Portugal.
He also went on to manage the «Selecção» and qualified for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
Click here to view José Torres' Wikipedia profile.
Comments: 0
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Saviola confident of turn in form - 02 September 2010 |
Saviola was featured in Benfica's weekly newspaper 'O Benfica', and the Argentine was happy to answer some intriguing questions set by the journalist.
You can subscribe to it and find more information by clicking here
Do you think the International break is positive for the team?
"I think you can say that. It gives the team an opportunity to recover their fitness and correct a few tactics which aren't going we. In that aspect it's good for all of us so we can prepare a formidable season."
Can you leave an optimist message despite the poor start of the season?
"Of course! They know what we are capable of, we have shown it in the past before. They just need to keep supporting us like they have done, even when we lose. We are ready to give our maximum on the pitch and return to the great victories! And they will be with us like always, because they are fantastic fans and deserve everything from us."
What did Benfica bring to your career?
"The possibility of playing regular football at a good level during the entire season, something which did not happen for some time. I found my joy of playing again and last season it gave me titles, another reason why I am happy here."
And Jorge Jesus? Did he surprise you as a coach?
"Definitely, because he is a type of manager who will demand the most of each player. He wants his team to be one of the best and gives a lot of confidence, he is a perfectionist. "
Original text by: Afonso de Melo
You can subscribe to it and find more information by clicking here
Do you think the International break is positive for the team?"I think you can say that. It gives the team an opportunity to recover their fitness and correct a few tactics which aren't going we. In that aspect it's good for all of us so we can prepare a formidable season."
Can you leave an optimist message despite the poor start of the season?
"Of course! They know what we are capable of, we have shown it in the past before. They just need to keep supporting us like they have done, even when we lose. We are ready to give our maximum on the pitch and return to the great victories! And they will be with us like always, because they are fantastic fans and deserve everything from us."
What did Benfica bring to your career?
"The possibility of playing regular football at a good level during the entire season, something which did not happen for some time. I found my joy of playing again and last season it gave me titles, another reason why I am happy here."
And Jorge Jesus? Did he surprise you as a coach?
"Definitely, because he is a type of manager who will demand the most of each player. He wants his team to be one of the best and gives a lot of confidence, he is a perfectionist. "
Original text by: Afonso de Melo
Comments: 0
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Rodrigo ventures on loan to Bolton - 31 August 2010 |
Benfica's recently signed striker Rodrigo Moreno will spend the upcoming season on loan with English Premiership club Bolton Wanderers.
The 19-year-old arrived in Lisbon from Real Madrid's youth system this summer and put pen-to-paper for a 5-deal. But with various options upfront already, the youngster always looked like going on loan to help him gain first-team experience.
Having been a long summer target for Bolton, the dual-nationality striker was happy with the effort from the English club to obtain his services.
"I want to give back to the club all the confidence that they have shown in me so I'm going to do my best to help the team to reach their objectives."
Rodrigo, originally from Rio de Janeiro - Brazil, has scored six goals in ten appearances for the Spanish under-19 national side.
> Also read:
Rodrigo: "I Can't Wait To Get Started" (Official BWFC website)
The 19-year-old arrived in Lisbon from Real Madrid's youth system this summer and put pen-to-paper for a 5-deal. But with various options upfront already, the youngster always looked like going on loan to help him gain first-team experience.
Having been a long summer target for Bolton, the dual-nationality striker was happy with the effort from the English club to obtain his services.
"I want to give back to the club all the confidence that they have shown in me so I'm going to do my best to help the team to reach their objectives."
Rodrigo, originally from Rio de Janeiro - Brazil, has scored six goals in ten appearances for the Spanish under-19 national side.
> Also read:
Rodrigo: "I Can't Wait To Get Started" (Official BWFC website)
Comments: 0
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Post Match Views: Benfica 3 - 0 Setúbal - 28 August 2010 |
Jorge Jesus highlighted the importance of Benfica's first victory in the Liga Zon Sagres this season.
"The team was efficient today and it was important to win the game."
"We had a pre-season without many of our players as we had seven in the World Cup who arrived just two weeks before the league started. As such, we were not as strong and subject to losing points."
Jorge Jesus was satisfied that the team were able to finish with a positive result despite playing with 10 men throughout most of the game and believes the international break will be important for the squad to get their fitness levels on par.
"Even playing with one player less we were able to score two goals. Our goalkeepers are just having bad luck. Roberto came in and defended the penalty well. We didn't lose the last two games because of Roberto, we weren't as strong as we were today. I know what the team needs, we had it last year but currently we don't."
"I want to congratulate the players, they showed great team spirit today."
David Luiz
"We knew we had to sacrifice a lot and recapture the confidence in today's game. It wasn't a typical game because we ended up playing with 10 players, but it all went well."
"The fans support us in any situation, be it the bad or good times. We were able to give a positive response today."
"The team was efficient today and it was important to win the game."
"We had a pre-season without many of our players as we had seven in the World Cup who arrived just two weeks before the league started. As such, we were not as strong and subject to losing points."
Jorge Jesus was satisfied that the team were able to finish with a positive result despite playing with 10 men throughout most of the game and believes the international break will be important for the squad to get their fitness levels on par.
"Even playing with one player less we were able to score two goals. Our goalkeepers are just having bad luck. Roberto came in and defended the penalty well. We didn't lose the last two games because of Roberto, we weren't as strong as we were today. I know what the team needs, we had it last year but currently we don't."
"I want to congratulate the players, they showed great team spirit today."
David Luiz
"We knew we had to sacrifice a lot and recapture the confidence in today's game. It wasn't a typical game because we ended up playing with 10 players, but it all went well."
"The fans support us in any situation, be it the bad or good times. We were able to give a positive response today."
Comments: 1
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Report: SL Benfica 3 - 0 V. Setúbal - 28 August 2010 |
| Liga Zon Sagres Matchday 3 | Kick-off 21:15 BST | ||
SL BENFICA | V. SETÚBAL | |
 | 3 - 0 |  |
| 4' Cardozo | ||
| 44' Luisão | ||
| 57' Aimar | ||
Superb display from 10-men Benfica as they cruise to their first Liga victory after Roberto saves penalty.
Júlio César was opted for goal by Jorge Jesus after strong critics to new signing Roberto over the past couple of weeks.
Salvio, on loan from Atlético Madrid, was given his debut for Benfica against Vitória de Setúbal at the Estádio da Luz.
It was the perfect start from the home side when Cardozo headed Nico's cross from the left side in the 4th minute.
Benfica were looking much more confident and purposeful than the previous Liga matches which ended in defeat.
But an under pressure pass back to Júlio César from Maxi Pereira said otherwise. The Brazilian stopper wasn't expecting the ball and fouled Sassá in the process, dicating a red card and a penalty.
Midfielder Salvio was sacrificed and Roberto came off the bench. The Spaniard's moment had come to change the course of his Benfica career, and he did by diving to his right and denying Hugo Leal.
Setúbal naturally adventured forward being a man up, but Benfica were dealing with their threats quite comfortably.
Cardozo had a good effort from a free kick which was parried dangerously back into the area by Diego for Maxi, who could only scuff it back to the keeper.
Captain Luisão rose high to convert Aimar's cross just before the half to double Benfica's advantage.
Ruben Amorim came on the second half to provide cover on the right flank for Saviola.
The «encarnados» moved well to compensate the disadvantage of being a man down and always looked in control.
Another goal was on the cards and it was an Argentine double with some Portuguese spice to create the third on the night. Nicolas Gaitán played a lovely one-two with Coentrão, the left-back's back heel was spot on for the winger to cross, and Aimar was at the right place to pick up the left-overs from Diego.
The manager substituted Aimar for Carlos Martins later on to see the game out in a sold fashion, with little coming from the disappointing visitors.
Benfica's next game is in two weeks time away to Guimarães, to make way for Euro 2012 qualifiers, where Portugal play Cyprus in the same city.
| Possession | Shots (on target) | Corners | Offsides | Fouls | Yellows (reds) |
| 47% | 53% | 14(6) | 8(1) | 6 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 14 | 18 | 1(1) | 2(0) |
Planet Benfica's Key Players: Aimar, Gaitán and Fábio Coentrão
Date: Saturday 28th August 2010, 21:15 BST PT/UK (22:15 CET)
Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisboa
Competition: Liga Zon Sagres - Matchday 3
Referee: - Vasco Santos (A.F. Porto)
Assistant Referees: - João Santos, Paulo Vieira
Fourth Referee - Diogo Santos
Attendance: 36,975
Weather: Partly Cloudy 24°C - Humidity: - 54% Wind: NW 16mph
TV:TVI
BENFICA - Júlio César (Roberto 24'); Maxi Pereira, Luisão (c), David Luiz and Fábio Coentrão; Javi García, Aimar, Gaitán (Carlos Martins 72') and Salvio; Saviola (Ruben Amorim 45') and Cardozo
Subs: Roberto, César Peixoto, Sidnei, Carlos Martins, Rúben Amorim, Weldon and Jara
Coach: Jorge Jesus
SETÚBAL - Diego Costa; Ney, Ricardo Silva (c), Anderson do Ó, Collin and Miguelito; José Pedro, Hugo Leal (Jaílson 51'), Zeca (Henrique 60') and Silva; Sassá (Regula 61')
Subs: Getúlio Vargas, Michel, François, Regula, Jaílson, Pimenta and Henrique
Coach: Manuel Fernandes
Disciplinary action: - Yellow card to Ricardo Silva (29'), Regula (84'), Luisão (89'). Red card to Júlio César (22')
Highlights: See highlights of the game here
Photos: See images from the game here
Comments: 1
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Yebda loaned to Napoli - 27 August 2010 |
Defensive midfielder Hassan Yebda will spend the full 2010/11 season on loan with Italian club Napoli.
The statement released on the official website also mentions that Napoli have the option to make the move permanent, although Benfica have left final fee undisclosed to the public.
The 26-year old represented Algeria in the South Africa World Cup and spent last season on loan with Portsmouth.
Hassan Yebda joined Benfica from Le Mans in 2008 and was a regular under Quique Flores where he scored an important away goal against Porto in the Liga.
The statement released on the official website also mentions that Napoli have the option to make the move permanent, although Benfica have left final fee undisclosed to the public.
The 26-year old represented Algeria in the South Africa World Cup and spent last season on loan with Portsmouth.
Hassan Yebda joined Benfica from Le Mans in 2008 and was a regular under Quique Flores where he scored an important away goal against Porto in the Liga.
Comments: 2
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SL Benfica x V. Setúbal Squad List - 27 August 2010 |
Liga Zon Sagres Jornada 3 sees the return of vice-captain Luisão and the inclusion of new loan signing Salvio.
Jorge Jesus has called Benfica's latest recruit, Salvio from Atlético Madrid, and the Argentine could make his debut for the club tomorrow.
Luisão and César Peixoto return to the manager's options whilst striker Alan Kardec remains sidelined as he continues his recovery.
Jorge Jesus believes the fans were the driving force for the successes last season and hopes the same from them tomorrow.
"Benfica's strength last year was from their fans and members, and it will continue to be. We are still without a victory and it is very important they are there tomorrow to support us. As they know, it will be much easier to win Setúbal."
Champions League
In respect to the Champions League draw, the manager underlined the key objective for Benfica.
"In any competition where there is a draw, I don't pay too much attention in the name of the oppostions. Our main aim is to qualify from the group stages, independent of who we have to compete against."
Benfica vs Vitória de Setúbal kicks-off tomorrow at 21:15 BST.
The 20 players called up are:
Goalkeepers: Roberto and Júlio César
Defenders: Luisão, Maxi Pereira, Fábio Coentrão, Luís Filipe, David Luiz, César Peixoto and Sidnei
Midfielders: Ruben Amorim, Javi García, Pablo Aimar, Carlos Martins, Nicolás Gaitán and Salvio
Forwards: Cardozo, Saviola, Franco Jara, Weldon and Nuno Gomes
Jorge Jesus has called Benfica's latest recruit, Salvio from Atlético Madrid, and the Argentine could make his debut for the club tomorrow.
Luisão and César Peixoto return to the manager's options whilst striker Alan Kardec remains sidelined as he continues his recovery.
Jorge Jesus believes the fans were the driving force for the successes last season and hopes the same from them tomorrow.
"Benfica's strength last year was from their fans and members, and it will continue to be. We are still without a victory and it is very important they are there tomorrow to support us. As they know, it will be much easier to win Setúbal."
Champions League
In respect to the Champions League draw, the manager underlined the key objective for Benfica.
"In any competition where there is a draw, I don't pay too much attention in the name of the oppostions. Our main aim is to qualify from the group stages, independent of who we have to compete against."
Benfica vs Vitória de Setúbal kicks-off tomorrow at 21:15 BST.
The 20 players called up are:
Goalkeepers: Roberto and Júlio César
Defenders: Luisão, Maxi Pereira, Fábio Coentrão, Luís Filipe, David Luiz, César Peixoto and Sidnei
Midfielders: Ruben Amorim, Javi García, Pablo Aimar, Carlos Martins, Nicolás Gaitán and Salvio
Forwards: Cardozo, Saviola, Franco Jara, Weldon and Nuno Gomes
Comments: 1
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Jesus dismisses extra pressure - 27 August 2010 |
After three consecutive defeats in competitive games, two of those in the Liga Zon Sagres, Jorge Jesus admitted need to respond.
"I hope Benfica are at the level that we know it's capable of. The first couple of results were not what we were looking for."
"We hope for a good response from the team because we are improving every week. Setúbal are a good side and we will respect them the same amount we will respect ourselves, and we want to win that game."
The manager stated to Benfica TV that the pressure is always the same.
"We play every game to win 3 points, and the pressure is identical. I don't think it increases by not winning the first three games."
"Last season we had the whole group together for the pre-season, and at the moment we have some players in the pre-season whilst the league has started, and this is costing us."
"Our opponent is motivated by the amount of points they have already gained. We are aware of the difficulties and must overcome them."
"I hope Benfica are at the level that we know it's capable of. The first couple of results were not what we were looking for."
"We hope for a good response from the team because we are improving every week. Setúbal are a good side and we will respect them the same amount we will respect ourselves, and we want to win that game."
The manager stated to Benfica TV that the pressure is always the same.
"We play every game to win 3 points, and the pressure is identical. I don't think it increases by not winning the first three games."
"Last season we had the whole group together for the pre-season, and at the moment we have some players in the pre-season whilst the league has started, and this is costing us."
"Our opponent is motivated by the amount of points they have already gained. We are aware of the difficulties and must overcome them."
Comments: 1
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Benfica in Champions League Group B - 26 August 2010 |
The UEFA Champions League draw took place today in Nyon and Benfica have been placed in Group B with Lyon, Schalke and H. Tel-Aviv .
French giants Lyon were placed in Pot 1 after Braga beat Sevillaand lead Group B. German side Schalke 04 were the last team to be drawn from Pot 3 and went straight in the remaining Group B. New joiners Israeli club H. Tel-Aviv completed the set.
The complete UEFA Champions League Groups
Fixtures
Consult the fixtures page for every date or the dedicated Champions League page for detailed information.
Matchday 1 : 14-15 September 2010 (14th - Benfica vs Hapoel Tel-Aviv)
Matchday 2 : 28-29 September 2010 (29th - Schalke 04 vs Benfica)
Matchday 3 : 19-20 October 2010 (20th - Lyon vs Benfica)
Matchday 4 : 2-3 November 2010 (2nd - Benfica vs Lyon)
Matchday 5 : 23-24 November 2010 (24th - Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Benfica)
Matchday 6 : 7-8 December 2010 (7th - Benfica vs Schalke)
French giants Lyon were placed in Pot 1 after Braga beat Sevillaand lead Group B. German side Schalke 04 were the last team to be drawn from Pot 3 and went straight in the remaining Group B. New joiners Israeli club H. Tel-Aviv completed the set.
The complete UEFA Champions League Groups
| Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D |
 Internazionale |  Lyon |  Man. United |  Barcelona |
 Werder Bremen | Benfica | Valencia |  Panathinaikos |
| Tottenham | Schalke |  Rangers |  Copenhagen |
 Twente |  H Tel-Aviv |  Bursaspor |  Rubin Kazan |
| Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H |
| Bayern Munich | Chelsea | Milan | Arsenal |
| Roma | Marseille | Real Madrid |  Shakhtar |
 Basel | Spartak Moscow | Ajax | Braga |
 Cluj |  Zilina | Auxerre |  Partizan |
Fixtures
Consult the fixtures page for every date or the dedicated Champions League page for detailed information.
Matchday 1 : 14-15 September 2010 (14th - Benfica vs Hapoel Tel-Aviv)
Matchday 2 : 28-29 September 2010 (29th - Schalke 04 vs Benfica)
Matchday 3 : 19-20 October 2010 (20th - Lyon vs Benfica)
Matchday 4 : 2-3 November 2010 (2nd - Benfica vs Lyon)
Matchday 5 : 23-24 November 2010 (24th - Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Benfica)
Matchday 6 : 7-8 December 2010 (7th - Benfica vs Schalke)
Group stage
The ten winners in the play-off round ties – five from the best-placed path and five from the champions path – join 22 automatic entrants in the 32-team group stage. The clubs are split into eight groups of four teams, who play home and away against each of their pool opponents between September and December to decide which two teams from each section advance to the first knockout round. The third-place finishers in each group enter the UEFA Europa League round of 32.
Knockout phase
From the last 16 until the semi-finals, clubs play two matches against each other on a home-and-away basis with the same rules as the qualifying and play-off rounds applied. In the last 16, group winners play runners-up other than teams from their own pool or nation, while from the quarter-finals on the draw is free.
Final
The final is decided by a single match, which this season will be played at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 28 May.
The ten winners in the play-off round ties – five from the best-placed path and five from the champions path – join 22 automatic entrants in the 32-team group stage. The clubs are split into eight groups of four teams, who play home and away against each of their pool opponents between September and December to decide which two teams from each section advance to the first knockout round. The third-place finishers in each group enter the UEFA Europa League round of 32.
Knockout phase
From the last 16 until the semi-finals, clubs play two matches against each other on a home-and-away basis with the same rules as the qualifying and play-off rounds applied. In the last 16, group winners play runners-up other than teams from their own pool or nation, while from the quarter-finals on the draw is free.
Final
The final is decided by a single match, which this season will be played at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 28 May.
Comments: 3
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Champions League draw looms - 25 August 2010 |
The UEFA Champions League Group Stage draw will take place tomorrow in Nyon at 17:00 BST - Portugal and United Kingdom time.
The remaining clubs qualified today after the last play-off games and made it to the total of 32 clubs who will be paying a close attention to the draw at the Grimaldi Forum, where the build up begins at 18:00 CET.
Benfica have been placed in Pot 2 with coefficient of 72.659 and will avoid the likes of Real Madrid, Werder Bremen, Roma, Shakhtar and Marseille.
The draw will be streamed live in its entirety on uefa.com.
> Also read:
Lineup complete for group-stage draw (detailed pots)
UEFA.com has Monaco week covered
The remaining clubs qualified today after the last play-off games and made it to the total of 32 clubs who will be paying a close attention to the draw at the Grimaldi Forum, where the build up begins at 18:00 CET.
Benfica have been placed in Pot 2 with coefficient of 72.659 and will avoid the likes of Real Madrid, Werder Bremen, Roma, Shakhtar and Marseille.
Pot 1
Inter, Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Milan, Lyon
Pot 2
Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Roma, Shakhtar, Benfica, Valencia, Marseille, Panathinaikos
Pot 3
Tottenham, Rangers, Ajax, Schalke, Basel, Braga, Kobenhavn, Spartak Moscow
Pot 4
H Tel-Aviv, Twente, Rubin Kazan, Auxerre, Cluj, Partizan, Zilina, Bursaspor
Inter, Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Milan, Lyon
Pot 2
Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Roma, Shakhtar, Benfica, Valencia, Marseille, Panathinaikos
Pot 3
Tottenham, Rangers, Ajax, Schalke, Basel, Braga, Kobenhavn, Spartak Moscow
Pot 4
H Tel-Aviv, Twente, Rubin Kazan, Auxerre, Cluj, Partizan, Zilina, Bursaspor
The draw will be streamed live in its entirety on uefa.com.
> Also read:
Lineup complete for group-stage draw (detailed pots)
UEFA.com has Monaco week covered
Comments: 1
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Benfica according to Domingo Soares |
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Benfica Magazine 'Mistica' interviewed Benfica SAD Administrator Domingo Soares de Oliveira in their May 2009 issue. The important figure reveals accounts and strategies for the club's future and gives a personal insight on the world of Benfica. Click here to read the extracts of the exclusive interview. |
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Benfica Cheerleaders |
Get bored no more at half-time. The beautiful Benfica cheerleaders were a hot transfer in 2007/08 season and were present at every home Liga Sagres game until 2008/09. Did the average attendance go up slightly? Click here to see the gallery and find out for yourself! |
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Estádio da Luz construction |
Inaugurated in 2003, Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica was built mainly during 2002/03 to replace the famous Estádio da Luz for the 2004 European Championships. With the finals in mind, the 5-star rated venue was designed for the greatest games and events, continuing the tradition of the biggest stadium in Portugal. Click here to see images of how the Cathedral was built. |
Search News by Categories
| » | Goodbye to the "Good Giant"
Former Benfica and Portugal great Jose Torres passes away |
| » | Tales: “It’s a dream to be at Sporting”
Midfielder delighted with move |
| » | Ricardo Carvalho: “It’s not an ideal situation but we shall overcome”
Captain and interim coach speak as one ahead of Cyprus clash |
| » | Portugal's World Cup bid "intelligent"
FIFA wrap up visits to Dragao and Luz |
| » | Portugal's Eduardo and Yannick: “We’re focused on getting two wins”
Duo unwilling to discuss Queiroz and confident of positive start |
| » | Defoe nets three in England romp
Jermain Defoe scores a hat-trick as England get their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign off to a fine start with a 4-0 victory against Bulgaria at Wembley. |
| » | Slovenia 0-1 Northern Ireland
Substitute Corry Evans scores with his first touch to give Northern Ireland a 1-0 win over Slovenia in the opening Euro 2012 qualifier in Maribor. |
| » | Lithuania 0-0 Scotland
Scotland have to settle for a point as their Euro 2012 qualification campaign begins with frustration in Lithuania. |
| » | Montenegro 1-0 Wales
Montenegro captain Mirko Vucinic scores a fine solo goal to condemn Wales to defeat in their opening Euro 2012 qualifier. |
| » | Armenia 0-1 Republic of Ireland
Keith Fahey's 76th-minute goal earns the Republic of Ireland victory in a tense opening Euro 2012 qualifier against Armenia in Yerevan. |
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