Football Club Buzz

05/06/2011 08:00, Report by Adam Bostock

A number of United players remain on track for Euro 2012, after helping their national teams to claim or consolidate top spots in their qualifying groups.

Portugal’s 1-0 home win over Norway was a vital one – it enabled Nani’s side to match their opponents on 10 points and go top of Group H on goal difference. Sporting Lisbon striker Helder Postiga scored the decisive goal shortly after half-time in Lisbon, where Nani played 86 minutes before being replaced by Silvestre Varela. The Portuguese have three qualifiers to complete in the autumn – the final one, in Copenhagen on 11 October, currently has the makings of a play-off as Denmark also have 10 points and lie second after winning 2-0 in Iceland on Saturday night.

Republic of Ireland are in a similar position; points-wise they are also in a three-way tie at the top of Group B but are ahead of rivals Russia on goals scored and Slovakia on goal difference. All three sides won on Saturday, with United’s Darron Gibson helping the Irish to beat Macedonia 2-1 in Dublin. Spartak Moscow midfielder Aiden McGeady gave the hosts a perfect start with the opening strike after just two minutes; Robbie Keane then doubled their lead with his 50th international goal when Gibson’s free-kick proved too hot for goalkeeper Edin Nuredinovski to handle. Although Ivan Trickovski pulled one back for Macedonia on the brink of half-time, Republic of Ireland held on to take all three points, with Gibson staying on the park until the 77th minute when he made way for Kevin Fahey.

Source : ManUtd News

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