Suarez faces anxious wait as controversial striker in dock after throwing PUNCH at rival

Luis Suarez

FIFA will decide whether to punish Luis Suarez once they have received the referee's report from Uruguay's clash with Chile. The Liverpool striker was caught on television throwing a punch at Chile's Gonzalo Jara.

Montenegro fans SPAT at England defender Cole as he took a throw-in

Spitting

This is the picture that appears to show Montenegro supporters leaning over railings and spitting at England and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole.

West Sam United: Allardyce to build a dream team as he closes in on deal

Stability: Sam Allardyce is to sign a new contract to remain at West Ham

Sam Allardyce is ready to sign a three-year contract worth close to £9million that will see him among the Premier League's top earners.

We're not robots! Hodgson's amazing defence of hapless England stars

Lip service: Roy Hodgson has defended his stuttering side after they could manage only a draw in Montenegro

Roy Hodgson issued a defence of his misfiring England team, claiming they failed to beat their main World Cup rivals because they are 'not robots'.

Spurs lead the chase for Benteke but face competition from City and Inter

Christian Benteke

Tottenham are among the clubs chasing Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, though they face competition from Manchester City and Inter Milan.

MARTIN SAMUEL: The only teams Roy's boys have beaten are Moldova and San Marino. That isn't transition. That's just poor

Steven Gerrard

England are transitioning from a team that seemed certain to make it to Brazil, to one left biting its nails and falling back on the hope of better days ahead.

Mourinho back at Chelsea! Special One pictured in disguise at Stamford Bridge for Brazil showdown

Mourinho at Chelsea

Hiding behind his hooded top, these are the pictures that show Jose Mourinho back inside his old Stamford Bridge fortress on Monday night.

Arsenal to hit Swansea with summer bid for Williams as Liverpool lurk

Case for the defence: Arsenal are ramping up their interest in Ashley Williams

Arsenal are pressing ahead with their interest in Swansea defender Ashley Williams. The centre back has had an impressive season for Michael Laudrup's side.

Don't wreck the Ox, says Wenger as Arsenal manager pleads with Pearce NOT to select winger

On the ball: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will suffer from burn-out if he is selected this summer, Arsene Wenger has claimed

Arsene Wenger fears Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will suffer from burn-out if he is selected for the European Under 21 Championship this summer.

DNA test reveals Defoe is NOT father of ex-girlfriend's baby boy

Heads up: Defoe promised to support the child if it was his flesh and blood

DNA tests have revealed England and Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe is not the father of a baby born to his ex-girlfriend last month, his agent said today.

He's known for THAT goal but Macheda is out to show he's not a one-hit wonder

Macheda

IAN LADYMAN: Sportsmail talks to Federico Macheda, a young footballer in grave danger of being defined by just one moment: the drag-back turn and perfect finish that marked his debut as a substitute for Manchester United.

Injury crisis puts Sunderland in the mire as Fletcher and Cattermole to miss the rest of the season

Crucial: Without Steven Fletcher's goals, Sunderland would be bottom of the table

Sunderland's survival chances have been hit by the news that top scorer Steven Fletcher and captain Lee Cattermole will miss the rest of the season.

Arsenal plan to sell Gervinho to Galatasaray for £12m... and then make a move for Liverpool keeper Reina

Targeted: Gervinho could be set for a summer exit from Arsenal

Arsenal are planning a summer of changes which will be helped if Galatasaray make a £12million bid for striker Gervinho.

Newcastle vow to keep spending big with scout Carr scouring the globe (possibly in disguise) for new talent

Classy: France international Yohan Cabaye has proved a superb signing

Newcastle United have vowed to keep spending and scour Europe for new talent after re-entering the world's top 20 spenders.

Sergio's ready to go! City boosted by return of Aguero as Mancini's stars start training again ahead of big push to reel in United

Wrapped up warm: Sergio Aguero was back on the Manchester City training pitch on Wednesday

Sergio Aguero was spotted in full training with the Manchester City squad at Carrington in pictures that will hand City fans - and Mancini a huge boost ahead of their bid to make up lost ground and defend their title.

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Any hopes of the World Cup are all but over, so what now for the toothless celtic tigers?

PREVIEW celts woe.jpg

It does not count as consolation but England fans experiencing that familiar sense of resignation on Tuesday night were not alone. From Cork to Cardiff to Aberdeen, there were similar feelings. The wintry recession cloaking these islands extends to football.

VIDEO: RVP now has more goals than Cruyff for Holland... so sit back and marvel at some of the best bits from two Dutch masters

RVP Cruyff

Robin van Persie last night moved above Johan Cruyff in Holland's all-time leading goalscorer charts. To celebrate his achievement, here are three great strikes from both Dutch maestros.

England stuttered, Wales and Northern Ireland choked and Scotland are out... British football really is USELESS

British Football: Useless

Oh, what a night! Not in the way Frankie Valli banged on about late December 1963 but we almost need to go back that far to remember a time when the home nations were good.

Gerrard: Montenegro deserved their equaliser... we stopped playing

Dejected: A frustrated Steven Gerrard launches his shirt into the England fans after the 1-1 draw

Steven Gerrard last night admitted England's World Cup dream was under threat 'because we stopped playing' in the qualifier against Montenegro.

MARTIN KEOWN: There were some positive signs from England but ultimately, Hodgson missed Rio

Languid: Joleon Lescott looked rusty at the back for England at times

Chris Smalling and Joleon Lescott looked a little nervous in the opening stages and with all the questions surrounding them ahead of the game, you can understand why.

Fears England hooligans are back after chants in San Marino game

Fear: Some England fans chanted derogatory songs about Rio Ferdinand in San Marino

CHARLES SALE: There were worrying signs at Friday's England v San Marino match that some hardcore troublemakers had returned to follow the national team abroad.

Hart: England aren't contemplating not being in Brazil... failure's not an option

'Not ideal but that's the beauty of football': Hart took the toilet roll in his stride

Goalkeeper Joe Hart insists England are refusing to contemplate the possibility of failing to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

JAMIE REDKNAPP: Hodgson should have made changes earlier and England sorely missed Wilshere

Regretful? Earlier substitutions could have helped Roy Hodgson's side take the lead

England's lead could have been preserved if Roy Hodgson had made earlier substitutions, but at least Michael Carrick impressed.

England and their rivals' World Cup qualifying fixture list gives them hope

In the balance: England's draw with Montenegro left them second in their World Cup qualifying group

England are going to Brazil, of that there is no doubt. But will June's friendly be their ONLY appearance in the country before 2014 is out?

SECOND RATE! Fed-up Gerrard tosses his shirt to fans as England are left in second place after second-half shambles. Welbeck is shown a yellow for diving... but our picture shows it WAS a penalty

Montenegro v England

MONTENEGRO 1 ENGLAND 1 - MARTIN SAMUEL REPORTS FROM PODGORICA: England return from the land of the black mountains with the gloom around their World Cup campaign slowly descending. This was a useful point, but not the three that would have turned the group on its head. But who knows what would have happened had Danny Welbeck got the penalty he deserved after trip by Stefan Savic just before half-time, rather than a booking for diving.

Northern Ireland 0 Israel 2: More Windsor Park woe after two late goals

Gutted: Northern Ireland keeper Roy Carroll looks back in dismay after Lior Refaelov gave the visitors a late lead

Northern Ireland failed to convert possession and territory into goals against Israel before late sucker punch strikes from Lior Refaelov and Eden Ben Basat cost them dear.

Wales 1 Croatia 2: Eduardo's late goal wrecks Bale's World Cup dream

Snap: Eduardo fires in the winner with a quick-fire volley

Wales saw their hopes of World Cup qualification all but ended as Croatia came from a goal down to claim victory at the Liberty Stadium.

Serbia 2 Scotland 0: Strachan's woes continues after Djuricic double

Concern: It is difficult to see how new manager Gordon Strachan can improve Scotland's prospects

When the call came, the Tartan Army responded. They travelled from miles around armed with their shovels and brushes, working for hours to ensure this game went ahead.

The pampered kids of today are rubbing shoulders with us and taking it for granted... they should be cleaning our boots, says Cole

Carlton Cole

Carlton Cole talks to Sportsmail about his opinion that 'pampered' youth-team players need to learn respect.

Arsenal Ladies see off Torres to move into Champions League semi-finals

Into the last four: Arsenal Ladies continued their progress in the Champions League, beating ASD Torres

Arsenal Ladies moved just one step away from an appearance in May's Champions League final as they completed an impressive last-eight triumph over Italian side ASD Torres.

The World Cut XI: Ronaldo, Bale and Suarez in danger of missing Brazil

Struggling: Ronaldo's Portugal are currently in third place in their qualification group

The World Cup is supposed to be the stage on which the planet's greatest footballers compete for the most coveted prize in football - but there will be several glaring omissions.

I don't want to go back to Arsenal! In-form Vela wants Real Sociedad stay

Target man: Real Sociedad's Mexican forward Carlos Vela (left)

Carlos Vela says he is happy at Real Sociedad and has no desire to return to the Emirates amid reports the Gunners were ready to take up the option of a buy-back clause.

Oscar: Four games in eight days... Chelsea pile-up is season-defining

Season defining: Oscar insists he and his team-mates, including Demba Ba and John Terry who trained at the Blues' Cobham training HQ on Tuesday, face an important week ahead

Chelsea playmaker Oscar believes the Blues are in for a week like no other as they prepare to play four games in nine days.

Southampton to make summer move for £10m Italy defender Astori

International recognition: Italy's Davide Astori (left) is a £10m target for Southampton

Southampton have revived interest in Italy defender Davide Astori and hope to complete a £10million summer deal.

EXCLUSIVE: Richards will be forced to follow special training programme

Missing man: Micah Richards has been injured for most of the season

Micah Richards will be put on a meticulously planned summer training regime to ensure he does not suffer another injury-ravaged season.

Super Mario continues scoring streak with two goals for Italy

Euro round-up

Italy striker Mario Balotelli and Dutchman Robin van Persie scored two goals each for their national sides in Tuesday's World Cup qualifiers.

Lineker staying at BBC... but he'll take a cut on £2m deal to host MOTD

Gary Lineker

Match of the Day anchor Gary Lineker is understood to have agreed a new deal to stay at the BBC, which will involve him doing more Sunday shows.

He's a '61 Petrus! Wine lover Fergie compares Ronaldo to vintage tipple (but will he be red or white next season?)

He's wining again: Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson's eye for a player is matched by his nose for a fine wine and the United manager compared a couple of his favourites this week.

Norwich signed Van Wolfswinkel... now they want Van Ginkel!

Next in line? Marco van Ginkel is wanted by Norwich

Norwich are monitoring Vitesse Arnhem midfielder Marco van Ginkel, 20. They have recently secured his compatriot, Ricky van Wolfswinkel from Sporting Lisbon.

Watford eye 12th loan signing with swoop for Everton's Hitzlsperger

Loan ranger: Hitzlsperger is wanted by promotion-chasing Watford

Watford want to take Thomas Hitzlsperger on loan until the end of the season. Gianfranco Zola is keen to bolster his squad before Thursday's emergency loan deadline.

Brunt urges West Brom to move fast and tie down in-form McAuley

Gareth McAuley, seen here blocking Stoke striker Jon Walters, has been a revelation for West Brom this season

West Brom skipper Chris Brunt believes Gareth McAuley deserves to be rewarded with a new contract and has urged his club to move fast to tie down the defender.

Ibrahimovic cleared to face Barcelona after UEFA halve PSG striker's ban

Successful appeal: Uefa have halved Zlatan Ibrahimovic's ban

Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be available for both legs of the Champions League quarter-final meeting with Barcelona after UEFA halved his two-match ban.

World's oldest season ticket finds its way back to Burnley... 129 years later

Burnley season ticket

The world's oldest football season ticket has been handed back to its home club by the great-grandson of its former holder.

Fergie eyes all-time points record as dominant Red Devils power toward title

Closing in: Sir Alex Ferguson says his side can earn a record number of points

Sir Alex Ferguson believes his Manchester United team can become the Barclays Premier League's all-time record points scorers this season.

As minnows San Marino suffer again, we remember some other famous thrashings

Golden Years preview

After San Marino suffered another embarrassment at the hands of England, the latest feature in our Golden Years series recalls some other famous football thrashings. Nick Metcalfe has been searching the archives once again to bring you some memorable images.

KEVIN BLACKWELL: I've taken two different teams to the play-off final. To do that takes some doing. I think I've shown my quality...

Kevin Blackwell

Making his Footballers' Football Column debut, Bury boss Kevin Blackwell lifts the lid on the toils of being in charge at a cash-strapped club and explains why the Football League must act to prevent top-flight sides pinching young talent from the lower leagues. The 54-year-old remembers his time at Leeds when the car park at went from being filled with Bentleys and Range Rovers to W-reg Fords...

Gary Neville's dad Neville Neville ARRESTED on suspicion of assault

PREVIEW Neville Neville2.jpg

Neville Neville, the father of footballers Gary and Phil Neville, has been arrested on suspicion of indecent assault.

Park set to 'quit' football after next season following struggle at QPR

Calling it a day? Ji-sung Park could quit football after next season

QPR midfielder Park Ji-sung will retire at the end of next season even if the club are still in the Barclays Premier League - according to the player's father.

Terry to Turkey? Fenerbahce target Chelsea captain for summer move

Heading off? John Terry is being targeted by Fenerbahce for a summer transfer

Chelsea captain John Terry could be on his way to Istanbul after he emerged as a summer target for Fenerbahce. Terry is no longer first choice at Stamford Bridge.

Vydra is Championship Player of the Year (even though he's only on loan...) as Ince and Parkinson also bag top awards

Football League Awards

Watford striker Matej Vydra was named the npower Championship's Player of the Year at the Football League Awards in London on Sunday night. The 20-goal Czech Republic international has spearheaded the Hornets' unlikely promotion bid under the guidance of former Chelsea and Italy striker Gianfranco Zola.

Broke Bury playing for love not money

Bury's Tom Soares at Gigg Lane stadium.

'I can play you but I can't pay you.' It's fair to say these are not the words most professional footballers are used to hearing. Just a few miles down the road from Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium, however, Bury manager Kevin Blackwell has had to deliver the message all too often.

Bolton willing to give Davies a testimonial... as long as he asks

Kevin Davies

Bolton have offered to give Kevin Davies a testimonial 'should he ask for it', according to Wanderers' chairman Phil Gartside.

Burnley fan promises back-to-back relegation in bid for Blackburn job

Reply: Shebby Singh invited the Burnley fan for an interview despite him promising a second relegation

Blackburn Rovers have offered a Burnley fan an interview for the vacant manager's job at Ewood Park, despite him promising to complete back-to-back relegations.

Palace sign former Portsmouth striker Dindane to help push for promotion

Aruna Dindane

Crystal Palace have signed Ivory Coast international striker Aruna Dindane on a deal until the end of the season.

Kiwomya named Notts County boss after impressing as temporary manager

Magpies boss: The former Ipswich, Arsenal and QPR striker has been handed a three-year contract at Meadow Lane

Notts County have appointed caretaker boss Chris Kiwomya as their permanent manager on a three-year deal.

MARTIN SAMUEL: You wanted the party, you wanted the holiday, you wanted the fun. You got it. Now it's back to brutal reality

London Legacy Development

The terrorists have won was a well-worn phrase at the time. It still is. Delayed at the airport? The terrorists have won. And since September last year, in Britain we have enjoyed our equivalent. You hear it every day now. There is no Olympic legacy.

Is this the worst miss of all time? Comical error sparks laughter

He's got to score! Baneba has the ball yards from the line with the goal at his mercy

Move over Fernando Torres, there's a new king of missed sitters. This friendly between Georgian sides Zestafoni and Merani Martvili during the international break saw one of the worst goal-line misses of all time.

Lowe blow for BT as ESPN's Rebecca heads for Stateside

American dream: Lowe, pictured exclusively by Sportsmail snapper Kevin Quigley at her home in Wiltshire last year, will be NBC's lead anchor for their Premier League football coverage from next season

CHARLES SALE: ESPN presenter Rebecca Lowe has landed a big broadcasting job in America as the lead host of NBC's coverage of the Premier League.

ADRIAN DURHAM: This Brazil team are far from special, Cleverley is not quite Scholes (or Carrick)... and selling Suarez will send Liverpool on the road to mediocrity

Neymar

Sportsmail's hard-hitting columnist delivers a Tuesday blast for Brazil, questions just what role Tom Cleverley should play for club and country and expresses his fears for Liverpool if they decide to sell Luis Suarez.

   

DON'T MISS...

Steadfast Strachan unafraid of backlash after qualification failure

Concern: It is difficult to see how new manager Gordon Strachan can improve Scotland's prospects

Gordan Strachan says the prospect of a public mauling as won't stop him doing things his way after they became the first European nation to crash out of the World Cup qualifiers.

Dunfermline braced for 'brutal' cuts with axe set to fall on stricken outfit

The last walk? Dunfermline players trudge off after defeat to Falkirk last night

Dunfermline players and staff have been told to brace themselves for 'brutal and savage' redundancies today - just 24 hours after the Pars won a temporary stay of execution from liquidation.

Rangers 0 Stirling 0: Ibrox faithful make anger known on tough day

Tough times: Rangers boss Ally McCoist was unable to conjure up a win from his ailing side

Stirling took points off Rangers for the third time this season after comfortably holding Ally McCoist's uninspired side to a goalless draw at Ibrox.