Coleman’s leg break mars Ireland versus Wales encounter
Wales were held to a 0-0 draw by the Republic of Ireland on Friday in a World Cup qualifier overshadowed by a sickening injury to Irish captain Seamus Coleman.
The Everton right-back was given oxygen and stretchered off in the 71st minute after his right leg was broken by a crude lunge from Wales left-back Neil Taylor, who was sent off.
“It’s a bad break. He’s a fantastic player and character. It’s a major blow for the lad, his club and us,” said Ireland manager Martin O’neill, who confirmed Coleman had gone to hospital.
“Seamus is a major blow. At the end of it all, the most important thing is Seamus’s health.”
DEMPSEY HAT-TRICK SEES USA TO VICTORY
Clint Dempsey made a fairytale return to international duty with a hat-trick as the United States reignited their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 6-0 thrashing of Honduras on Friday.
ENGLAND’S DIER WARY OF LITHUANIA THREAT
England’s Euro 2016 humiliation by Iceland means they will never again underestimate teams like Sunday’s opponents Lithuania, according to Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Eric Dier.
OZIL STILL DOUBTFUL FOR AZERBAIJAN: LOEW
Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil is doubtful for Sunday’s World Cup 2018 qualifier at Azerbaijan after receiving treatment for a back injury, coach Joachim Loew said on Saturday “Everyone trained apart from Mesut,” Loew said. “He will have to wait until the last session.