“Who will forget those scenes from Italia 90, when David O’Leary’s penalty against Romania sent the Republic of Ireland into the quarter-finals of the World Cup?” (BBC)

The showman and the reluctant revolutionary (NEWSTATESMAN)
“The rivalry between Brian Clough and Don Revie, two of the most successful English football managers of the 1970s, tells us all we need to know about Britain’s postwar decline.”

Solano: I’m an optimist (FIFA)
“Few would dispute that Peru’s Nolberto Solano is a true ambassador for his country. Deferential, diligent and supremely talented, El Ñol has joined the pantheon of Peruvian greats thanks to his sterling displays and superb goals in Argentina, England and Greece.”

Portugal vs Sweden: It’s Do or Die (or Dive?) (WorldCupBlog)
“Big game in UEFA World Cup Qualifying this Saturday. Portugal and Sweden are the type of teams that can reasonably expect to qualify for the World Cup, or at least come very very close. But it’s not looking good for either of them in Group 1, where they’re fourth and fifth respectively. All respect to Albania, but you can’t finish below them in a qualifying group and expect a trip to the World Cup.”

Kenya’s kits stolen before Tunisia qualifier (FIFA)
“Sales of Kenyan soccer uniforms are set for a boost after the national team’s kit went missing days ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Tunisia.”

Nigeria: Jay Jay Okocha Sheds Tears (allAfrica)
“NOT even defeats while playing could make Austin Jay Jay Okocha shed tears. Not even during his ceremonial send off match signalling the end of his glittering career in the passionate world of football could make him emotional to show his other side.”

World Cup Qualifiers – Saturday Preview (OleOle)
“It’s a big week of international football for three of the home nations and the Republic of Ireland, all of whose groups are finely poised. Students of the Game previews Saturday’s matches.”

Dunga announces squad for Ecuador and Peru (sambafoot)
“Dunga has confirmed his 22 man squad ahead of the Seleção’s forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Peru. The squad will begin their preparations for the double header in Rio de Janeiro in less than two weeks. The squad travel to Ecuador on March 29th before facing Peru in Porto Alegre on April 1st.”

Djite stunned by Socceroo recall (AFC)
“Bruce Djite admitted his surprise, and delight, after being called-up to the Australia squad that will take on Uzbekistan their 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.”

Iran giants look to break US ground (AFC)
“Talk of Iran giants Piroozi and Esteghlal taking their fierce rivalry to foreign shores – the United States no less – has Iranian football fans home and abroad in frenzy.”

Without Riquelme, Maradona and Argentina look to South Africa 2010 (SI – Gregory Sica)
“With the South American World Cup qualifiers set to resume on the weekend after more than a five-month break, all eyes will be glued on Diego Maradona and the exploits of the Argentine national team.”

World Cup Qualifiers Are Coming Up! (Road to 2010 World Cup Final)
“The Road to South Africa and the 2010 World Cup resumes this weekend and next week with a full slate of qualifiers. The football aficionado has a veritable smorgasbord of matches to choose from.”

Africa’s elite aiming to impress (FIFA)
“While next year’s World Cup hosts, South Africa, must satisfy themselves with a friendly at home to Norway this weekend, the best 20 sides in Africa get on with the real business of seeing who will qualify for next year’s Nations Cup and World Cup events.”