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Ireland striker Robbie Keane

World Cup qualifier Sweden v Republic of Ireland match preview

A look ahead to tonight’s Group C fixture in Stockholm

Aiden McGeady battles for the ball with Simun Samuelsen

Relief for Trapattoni as Irish beat Faroe Islands

Faroe Islands 1 Republic of Ireland 4

Dawn Purvis, programme director of Marie Stopes Northern Ireland in the new Belfast clinic

End of an era as Ireland's veterans pass the baton

If tonight's match feels difficult and disconcerting for the Republic of Ireland, it will not just be because of the German opposition. This qualifier at the Aviva Stadium is the start of a new era for Irish football, or at least a preparation for one.

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni

Giovanni Trapattoni upbeat despite mounting Republic of Ireland injury list

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni will spend the next two days devising a plan to guide his injury-hit side past the might of Germany.

Giovanni Trapattoni barks instructions at his players

Giovanni Trapattoni hits back at claims he showed too much loyalty to senior Ireland players

Giovanni Trapattoni has hit back at claims that he was too loyal to his senior men during the Republic of Ireland's disappointing Euro 2012 campaign.

<b>Xabi Alonso </b> <br/> Kept possession well and kept the ball moving from deep in the Spanish midfield. 6

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso wary of Republic of Ireland threat

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso is expecting a major battle as the Republic attempt to stage a Euro 2012 smash and grab raid.

<b>Mario Gomez (Germany)</b><br/>
Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez scored on his debut for Germany in 2007 against Switzerland. In the 51 games he's played since, he's notched an noble 21 goals. Yet his form in the big tournaments has failed to impress. Despite breaking up the tried and tested partnership of Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose at Euro 2008, he failed to score at the tournament, including a substitute appearance in the final against Spain. At the World Cup in South Africa, he was similarly useless - again failing to find the net even once. But this season he's been in startling form for his club side, scoring 26 goals in the league and an incredible 12 in Bayern's march to the Champions League final - and that's why we're backing the 26-year-old to break his tournament duck and then some at Euro 2012. If he doesn't, Germany can look to those trusted old hands Klose and Podolski to see them through.

Euro 2012 files: The golden boot contenders

Euro 2012 kicks-off in just a matter of weeks and in anticipation The Independent will be running down the key factors and people to keep an eye on in Poland and Ukraine this summer.

James McClean retaining hope of Euro 2012 place with Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland new boy James McClean returned to Sunderland determined to force his way into Giovanni Trapattoni's Euro 2012 plans.

Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic: Trapattoni relishes stern test

Republic of Ireland new boys James McClean and Shane Duffy will have to wait for their chance after manager Giovanni Trapattoni kept faith with his established names for tonight's friendly against the Czech Republic in Dublin.

Alex McLeish accused Robin van Persie of elbowing Carlos Cuellar

Aston Villa open contract talks with Carlos Cuellar

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has confirmed the club have opened talks with Spanish defender Carlos Cuellar over a new contract.

<b>10. Alex McLeish £6m</b>

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish vows to 'get it right' ahead of planned protest

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has come out fighting ahead of a proposed fans' protest before Sunday's home game with Manchester City and insisted: "I'll get it right at this club."

Karl Henry apologises for 'stupid mistake'

Midfielder Karl Henry has apologised to Wolves manager Mick McCarthy, players and the club's supporters for the "stupid mistake" which led to his sending off against Aston Villa at the weekend.

Robbie Keane could join on loan from LA Galaxy

Shay Given sees benefits of Robbie Keane loan

Fit again keeper Shay Given believes Aston Villa will reap the benefits if they sign his Republic of Ireland team-mate Robbie Keane for a loan spell from Los Angeles Galaxy.

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James Pembroke: The man who's eaten everywhere

The man who's eaten everywhere

Few people know more about restaurants than James Pembroke, who only spent five mealtimes at home during his entire childhood.
A Berliner in 1963 – but did John F Kennedy once admire Adolf Hitler?

A Berliner in 1963 – but did John F Kennedy once admire Adolf Hitler?

The young JFK praised 'superior' Nordic races during visits to Germany
Banned Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof to attend Cannes Film Festival 2013, his first public appearance since prison

Banned Iranian director to attend Cannes Film Festival

Mohammad Rasoulof to make his first public appearance since being imprisoned three years ago
Seeing the larger picture: Inspiring images of space

Seeing the larger picture: Inspiring images of space

An exhibition explores images how photography has shaped astronomy
Eat Spam and carry on: Wartime pamphlets could teach us a thing or two about healthy, thrifty eating

Eat Spam and carry on

Wartime pamphlets could teach us a thing or two about healthy, thrifty eating
Facial hair: Cat beards and the purrrsuit of excellence

Facial hair

Cat beards and the purrrsuit of excellence
The 10 Best salt and pepper sets

The 10 Best salt and pepper sets

Whether they're for everyday use or to make your dining table look just right, it's worth getting a stylish shaker...
Ferran Soriano: Predicting success if Manchester City 'vision' is followed

Ferran Soriano: Predicting success if Manchester City 'vision' is followed

Chief executive says trophies will come if a 'core' of suitable players is in place
Thomas Müller: We couldn't handle losing a Champions League Final again

Thomas Müller: We couldn't handle losing a Champions League Final again

The Bayern Munich forward tells Tim Rich his side have to shed chokers' tag after two recent final defeats
Giro d'Italia: The Stelvio Pass - cycling's killer climb

The Stelvio Pass - cycling's killer climb

As the Giro d'Italia tackles the brutal climb, Simon Usborne takes on the snow and switchbacks – and soon realises what the fuss is about
National archives: Edward VIII’s phone calls - and how MI5 bugged them

Edward VIII’s phone calls - and how MI5 bugged them

Newly unearthed papers reveal a shocking extra dimension to the constitutional crisis over monarch’s abdication
Sent down at the Old Bailey: A tour of the world's most famous court

Sent down at the Old Bailey

A tour of the world's most famous court
Hollywood's random acts of red-carpet kindness

Hollywood's random acts of red-carpet kindness

The Hangover actor Zach Galifianakis’s date for his movie premieres isn’t arm candy  – it’s his 87-year-old friend who he saved from homelessness
British football scores an own goal

British football scores an own goal

Many managers barely survive a year in post. Martin Baker talks to experts who make a case for clubs using forensic business skills to find the best staff
James Lawton: Sergio Garcia cracks as major fault line opens up again

James Lawton

Sergio Garcia cracks as major fault line opens up again