Atletico even better than I thought (24hfootball.info)

David Villa admits the early-season success of Atletico Madrid has exceeded his expectations, even though he knew he was joining a strong squad.

Diego Simeone's side sit second in La Liga after 13 games, just three points behind champions Barcelona, while they won their opening four matches of the Champions League group phase to confirm their place in the knockout stages.

The former Barcelona striker concedes that the capital club's fine form to date has come as a pleasant surprise to him.

"I expected to find something good, but this has been better than what I imagined," Villa told Marca.

"I had an image of a great team, a tough team who it was always very difficult to play against. Then I saw there was an exceptional group too – a very healthy locker room. 

"But in football there are not many coincidences, this team had been on a path that included two Europa Leagues, two European Super Cups, one Copa del Rey won against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. That cannot be coincidence.

"The team was already there and now I have just come in to try and help them to grow."

Villa says the team sprit at Atletico has impressed him hugely and believes it is a central factor to any successful side, such as the bond held between players in the national team.

He continued: "I always give the example of Spain. A strong and united team alone may not win you a World Cup, but it certainly helps you to win it. 

"The atmosphere here is very good. We have a tight-knit locker room where everyone would give something up for the next person. That extends to the relationship with the coaches, the physios ..."

The forward also paid tribute to Simeone for transforming the fortunes of the club in the past three seasons.

"Simeone is a guy with a very large character. He conveys through coaching what he experienced as a player," Villa added.

"Atletico have not achieved all of this by chance. The success speaks for who he is and why the players believe in him.

"Important people at the club told me that Simeone has changed the whole mentality of the club."

Nigeria, France, Portugal & the nations that have qualified for the World Cup

With the completion of the European and African play-offs, as well as the intercontinental ties between New Zealand and Mexico, and Uruguay and Jordan, we now know the identity of every participant in the 2014 World Cup.

Tuesday's games saw Portugal book their ticket for next summer's tournament at the expense of Sweden, as Cristiano Ronaldo netted four goals over two matches to help his side to a 4-2 aggregate win.

France, meanwhile, completed an impressive comeback at the Stade de France as they beat Ukraine 3-0 to overturn their 2-0 surprise loss from last Friday.

Elsewhere, Croatia eliminated Iceland as they recorded a 2-0 home win after a scoreless draw in the first leg last week. The final European ticket went to Greece, who sealed qualification with a 1-1 draw versus Romania after a 3-1 first-leg victory.

In Africa, Nigeria became the first team to make it to next year's finals as they beat Ethiopia 2-0 at the weekend to make it 4-1 on aggregate. Cote d'Ivoire also booked their ticket on Saturday as they held Senegal to a 1-1 draw following their first-leg win. 

On Sunday, Cameroon qualified with a 4-1 home win over Tunisia, while Ghana eliminated Egypt 7-3 on aggregate despite their 2-1 defeat on Tuesday. Finally, Algeria sealed their World Cup berth following a 1-0 home-win over Burkina Faso that saw them qualify on away goals.

Wednesday's intercontinental play-off between Mexico and New Zealand then saw the former become the penultimate team to reach next summer's tournament. A 4-2 away-win more than proved enough after a heavy 5-1 victory in the first leg.

Later in the day, two-time champions Uruguay were surprisingly held to a 0-0 draw by Jordan in Montevideo, but still cruised through 5-0 on aggregate to become the 32nd and final side to qualify for next summer's finals in Brazil.

Uruguay 0-0 Jordan (agg 5-0)

Uruguay were surprisingly held to a 0-0 draw in the second leg of their intercontinental play-off with Jordan on Wednesday night but still progressed to the World Cup courtesy of a 5-0 aggregate win.

A five-goal first-leg victory in Jordan last week all but guaranteed qualification but the Uruguayans still had to finish the job in front of their home fans on Wednesday.

Head coach Oscar Tabarez named an unchanged Uruguay starting line-up, with attacking weapons Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani occupying the two striking positions.

It was up to the Jordanians to make all the running, needing at least five goals to force the game into extra-time.

The away side started encouragingly, pushing numbers forward to trouble the South American's defence but once Uruguay secured control of possession, the tie fizzled out with neither side creating many clear-cut chances.

Uruguay had two good opportunities in the first half with Cavani creating space for himself before blasting high and wide and Diego Godin's close-range header from a corner hitting the crossbar.

Diego Lugano came closest for the home side in the second period when his free header drifted narrowly wide.

The Uruguayans, sixth in the Fifa world rankings, will enter Pot One for the World Cup draw on December 6 and will avoid being drawn in a group with hosts Brazil, reigning champions Spain, Germany or Argentina.

Sweden 2-3 Portugal Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick

Cristiano Ronaldo struck a sensational hat-trick as Portugal beat Sweden 3-2 (2-4 on agg) and booked their place at World Cup 2014.

The Real Madrid man had scored the only goal of the first leg in Lisbon on Friday night and it looked to be plain sailing for Portugal when he opened the scoring in the second leg just after half-time.

However, this had been billed as duel between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ronaldo and the Sweden skipper stepped up to the plate with a double to level the tie on aggregate at 2-2.

But Portugal were still in front on away goals and Ronaldo made sure as he first levelled on the night and then scored his hat-trick to take his tally to 13 goals in his last six games and become his country's joint-leading scorer in the 4-2 aggregate win.

Such was Ronaldo's brilliance that Ibrahimovic applauded the Real Madrid striker when he scored his second goal as Portugal qualified for a fourth consecutive World Cup finals, while Sweden miss out for a second successive finals.

The Seleccao lost striker Helder Postiga to injury in the warm-up and so Hugo Almeida replaced the Valencia striker, while Sweden coach Erik Hamren kept faith with the same side that was beaten in Lisbon on Friday night.

After a frantic start it was Portugal who came close to the opening goal after 15 minutes, when Bruno Alves rose to meet Jose Moutinho's inviting free-kick and his downward header was palmed away by Andreas Isaksson.

Ronaldo tried his luck with his left foot from 25 yards, 10 minutes before the break, but Isaksson got down to make the save. And the Real Madrid forward should have done better less than a minute later when he blazed over the crossbar from around 12 yards out after Joao Pereira picked him out.

Sweden were struggling to live with the Portugal captain's movement and seven minutes before half-time he found space then stood up a cross to the back post for Almeida, but the Besiktas striker headed wastefully wide of the near post from close range.

Ronaldo had yet another chance two minutes before the break when he got on the end of Nani's cross but once again failed to test Isaksson.

Sebastian Larsson had a golden opportunity to level the tie three minutes into the second half when Rui Patricio denied him from 10 yards out after Ibrahimovic had pulled the ball back.

And that miss proved costly, as just a minute later Moutinho set Ronaldo away with a delightful through ball and this time he made no mistake with a deadly left-foot finish to stun the home crowd.

Sweden looked devoid of ideas, but they were given a lifeline after 67 minutes when Ibrahimovic headed home a corner from the right.

The Swedes then thought they had a penalty soon after when Kim Kallstrom tumbled in the area, but referee Howard Webb booked the midfielder for diving.

Ibrahimovic took matters into his own hands once again, however, when he rifled a free-kick through the wall 18 minutes from time to level the tie on aggregate.

But Ronaldo was not finished yet and he levelled with a fine left foot finish as Sweden were hit on the break 13 minutes from time and then completed his hat-trick a minute later by rounding the keeper and netting once again.

There was still time for Ronaldo to almost become Portugal's leading scorer, but this time he was narrowly off target. However, that was never going to take the gloss off his outstanding display.

England 0-1 Germany (24hfootball.info)

England were consigned to back-to-back Wembley losses for the first time since 1977 as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Germany on Tuesday.

Less than a minute after Joe Hart denied Per Mertesacker, the Arsenal centre-back - Germany's only Premier League representative on the night - exposed aerial frailties in the home defence by powering home.A pair of second-half stops from Hart prevented Germany from enjoying an easier assignment on a night when leading lights such as Mesut Ozil were rested, while Tottenham winger Andros Townsend struck the post having been England's most vibrant attacking option for most of the evening.

On the back of Friday's 2-0 reverse to Chile, England manager Roy Hodgson has plenty about which to think, especially as an unseeded place in the World Cup 2014 draw leaves the prospect of similarly formidable opposition.

Hodgson opted for the XI at which he had hinted pre-match as Hart started for the first time since Manchester City's defeat at Chelsea in October and Adam Lallana retained his spot following an enterprising debut against Chile.

At 33, Roman Weidenfeller became the oldest goalkeeper to make his international debut for Germany and was one of five Borussia Dortmund players in Joachim Low's side, including the Bender twins, Dortmund's Sven and Bayer Leverkusen's Lars, in midfield.

England started brightly but failed to test Weidenfeller - Wayne Rooney's looping 20th-minute header that nestled on top of the net the closest that they came.

Germany were far more clinical and, after Hart magnificently denied Mertesacker and diverted the follow-up behind, the Arsenal centre-back rose above Chris Smalling cross to finish Toni Kroos's cross as the resulting corner was only partially cleared.

England captain Steven Gerrard was inches away from levelling on the stroke of half-time with a vicious 30-yarder that dipped over.

Hart impressed once more four minutes into the second half, out quickly to block Marco Reus's shot after Mario Gotze picked his way through a host of England challenges.

England responded well and two last-ditch tackles were required to deny Lallana before Townsend - whose searing run brought about the former opportunity - clipped the base of Weidenfeller's post with a left-footed drive.

Recalling his recent wobbles, Hart made an ill-advised dash from his area and clattered Smalling in trying to deal with a lofted pass but 26-year-old offered another demonstration of his quality with a superb reaction stop from Gotze.

England's back line was breached once again as substitute Sidney Sam lofted over but Sturridge spurned a chance at the other end with 70 minutes played, failing to take Rooney's sharp pass into his stride.

Smalling almost atoned for his earlier mistake when his 80th-minute header was deflected behind by Julian Draxler before Germany repelled an enthusiastic late push from their hosts.

Australia 1-0 Costa Rica (24hfootball.info)

Substitute Tim Cahill's second-half header earned Australia a 1-0 win over Costa Rica in Ange Postecoglou's first game at the helm.

The veteran midfielder scored just 17 minutes after being introduced from the bench, heading home Tommy Oar's 69th-minute corner with the help of a notable deflection at Sydney's Allianz Stadium.

It allowed Postecoglou, who replaced Holger Osieck after a 6-0 loss to France, to mark the occasion of his first match in charge with a promising victory.

Mark Milligan and Robbie Kruse starred for the home side, while youngster Tom Rogic looked dangerous in a 25-minute second-half cameo.

Australia almost suffered a disastrous start when Jason Davidson prodded the ball past his own goalkeeper following a mix up, but Ivan Franjic stepped in to clear to safety.

The hosts settled in to the game after that, with Patrick Pemberton becoming increasingly occupied in the Costa Rica goal.

After Milligan had set up Mathew Leckie to shoot wide, Kruse's heavy touch let him down after he had been sent clear by Rhys Williams' excellent throughball.

Postecoglou's men continued to probe, earning a corner from which Mile Jedinak fired a shot on goal from inside the six-yard box, but Pemberton made a comfortable save.

The first chance of the second half fell to Costa Rica but Wellington Phoenix striker Kenny Cunningham miscued with only goalkeeper Mat Ryan to beat.

Cahill was brought on in the 52nd minute, replacing Leckie, and he rose highest to nod in Oar's excellent delivery, with the ball taking a wicked deflection off Junior Diaz on its way in.

Argentina 2-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina (24hfootball.info)

Argentina ended their two-game winless run with a 2-0 triumph over Bosnia-Herzegovina thanks to a double from Sergio Aguero.

The Manchester City striker scored in both halves but should have been sent off before his second goal for lashing out at Bosnia defender Sead Kolasinac just before the hour-mark.

But the referee only showed Aguero a yellow card and the 25-year-old forward wrapped up Argentina's win with a thumping strike five minutes later, as Alejandro Sabella's team notched just their second victory since they secured World Cup qualification.

Argentina qualified for Brazil 2014 in September with a 5-2 win away to Paraguay but after beating Peru 3-1 in their next international, Sabella's side lost to Uruguay in their final World Cup qualifier and drew with Ecuador in New Jersey on Friday.

Monday's game at Busch Stadium started in frantic fashion with Rodrigo Palacio and Aguero both failing to convert chances from close range before Bosnia's Vedad Ibisevic missed a one-on-one opportunity, all within the first 10 minutes.

Aguero's Manchester City team-mate Edin Dzeko was next to miss in an open start to the game, as his shot across goal squirmed wide of the far post.

As the first half wore on, Argentina started to gain the ascendency and deservedly hit the front in the 40th minute. Angel Di Maria's header over the top of Bosnia's defence found Palacio and although the Inter striker failed to beat Asmir Begovic, Aguero thumped home the loose ball.

The referee erred in not showing Aguero a red card in the 59th minute as the Argentine striker stamped into the back of Kolasinac's buttock after the Bosnia defender had brought him down in the box.

Aguero took advantage of the referee's leniency in the 64th minute, running onto Maxi Rodriguez's clever chipped pass and crunching his half-volley past Begovic.

Bosnia kept attacking for the remainder of the match with Dzeko sending a 30-metre shot wide of the goal, while Argentina had two more big chances to score with Aguero scooping the ball over the bar following Begovic's save from Palacio and Erik Lamela missing from close range.

But despite the chances, both sides failed to score and Argentina claimed victory in their last match of the year.

Italy 2-2 Nigeria (24hfootball.info)

Shola Ameobi scored one goal and set up another as Nigeria held Italy to a surprise 2-2 draw on Monday.

Stephen Keshi's men headed into the game having clinched their place at next year's World Cup with a play-off win over Ethiopia on Saturday.

And the African nation carried that momentum into the friendly clash at Craven Cottage, producing a determined performance against the four-time World Cup winners.

Italy were on top for much of the encounter and took the lead early on thanks to Giuseppe Rossi.

Nigeria launched a superb fightback, though, with Ameobi setting up Bright Dike for the equaliser before giving his side the advantage with a fine improvised volley.

Cesare Prandelli's side did level through Emanuele Giaccherini, but there were to be no further goals despite numerous opportunities for both teams.

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu replaced Gianluigi Buffon in goal for Italy, while Fiorentina striker Rossi was included up front as Prandelli made eight changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Germany on Friday.

Newcastle United forward Ameobi was among those recalled to Nigeria's line-up.

Nigeria had the better of the opening exchanges, but it was Italy who took the lead 12 minutes in, as Rossi converted with a delicate finish following great hold-up play from Mario Balotelli.

Sirigu producing a strong save to prevent Ogenyi Onazi's long-range effort from finding the net as Nigeria sought an immediate reply.

Italy dominated for the majority of the half, though, and had opportunities to double their lead, with Milan duo Ricardo Montolivo and Balotelli both spurning clear chances.

Despite Italy's dominance, Nigeria levelled things up 10 minutes before half-time when Dike rose highest to head home Ameobi's superb cross.

There was then a further shock for Italy five minutes later as Ameobi cleverly converted Francis Benjamin's near-post delivery to give his side an unlikely lead.

Balotelli came close to a stunning equaliser as half-time approached, controlling a deflected high cross in audacious fashion before testing Augustine Ejide with a vicious volley.

But Nigeria's lead lasted only two minutes into the second half. Rossi linked up well with Antonio Candreva before Giaccherini slotted under Edije.

Substitute Marco Parolo twice had the chance to put Italy in front for a second time, firstly blasting over from point-blank range after substitute goalkeeper Victor Enyeama had pulled off a fine stop from an Andrea Pirlo free-kick, and then seeing a deflected effort strike the post.

Balotelli and Nigeria substitute Emmanuel Emenike each squandered clear openings in the closing stages, but neither side could find a winner.

The closing stages provided particularly frantic fare as play switched from end to end, much to the delight of those in attendance.

Brazil vs Chile-Match Preview

Brazil will aim to continue their fine form against Chile when the two sides meet for a friendly in Toronto.

Chile have not beaten Brazil in their last 11 attempts, with the five-time World Cup winners taking eight of the last nine meetings between the sides.Luiz Felipe Scolari's men will be confident of extending their unbeaten run against Chile, having won their last five matches, conceding only once in the process.

After clinching the Confederations Cup in June, Scolari's side tasted defeat in Switzerland before going on to rack up wins against Australia, Portugal, South Korea, Zambia and, most recently, Honduras.

Five different players - Bernard, Dante, Maicon, Willian and Hulk - got on the scoresheet in Brazil’s 5-0 win at the weekend.

However, Brazil are likely to face their toughest test in recent months when they take on a Chile side who are unbeaten in 10 and have the in-form Alexis Sanchez in their ranks.

The Barcelona forward has 10 goals in as many games for club and country after scoring twice in Friday's 2-0 win over England at Wembley.

His last three appearances for Chile have produced five goals and the 24-year-old believes his country could yet achieve something special in next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

"We have to believe that Chile have a chance. It is not a home tournament but we must take advantage of it being in South America," Sanchez told The Daily Express.

"We will not have to adjust to the conditions as much as other nations."

Fans at the Rogers Centre could well be in for an entertaining affair, with goals seemingly on the menu.

The last eight fixtures between the two sides have all featured at least three goals, with Brazil alone managing three or more in all but one of those encounters.

Romania vs Greece-Match preview

Romania will look to their fine recent home form as they enter Tuesday's World Cup qualifying play-off second leg with Greece 3-1 down.

In the past 12 months, the Romanians have won five out of seven encounters on home soil, beating the likes of Belgium and Australia, both of whom will be at next year's tournament in Brazil.A double from Konstantinos Mitroglou sandwiched an effort from Dimitris Salpingidis in Athens on Friday, with Romania's away goal - which could prove crucial - coming courtesy of Bogdan Stancu.

Indeed, Romania have kept three clean sheets in their last five matches in Bucharest and Salpingidis is anticipating a tough test on Tuesday.

"Of course, in theory, we have the best chance to qualify, especially after we won the first match with a two-goal difference," said the Greece forward.

"However, the distance between winning and losing is very small, especially in big football games.

"We have to be careful in Bucharest; we have an extremely difficult mission there."

Greece coach Fernando Santos has led his side to seven consecutive victories and they have only suffered defeat once in 15 matches.

Santos will hope Mitroglou continues his rich vein of goalscoring form, which has seen the 25-year-old score seven times in as many appearances for club and country.

The Olympiacos striker was the star performer in the first leg and the Romanian defence was unable to keep him under control.

Victor Piturca is without his captain Vlad Chiriches due to the defender's broken nose.

Both sides have a player suspended for the match, although Romania may not miss midfielder Alexandru Bourceanu as much as the visitors will miss captain Kostas Katsouranis.

Sweden vs Portugal-MatchPreview

Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes Sweden have Portugal's "measure" ahead of Tuesday's World Cup play-off second leg.Erik Hamren's charges looked set to claim a goalless draw in Friday's first leg in Lisbon, but were consigned to defeat in the 82nd minute as Cristiano Ronaldo stooped to head home Miguel Veloso's pin-point centre and hand the Seleccao a slender 1-0 lead.

It means Sweden face an uphill battle to secure their place in Brazil, with a two-goal cushion required at the Friends Arena in Solna to guarantee their progression.

The talk before the first encounter between the two sides was largely dominated by which Ballon d'Orcandidate, Ibrahimovic or Cristiano Ronaldo, would shine brightest. However, both players were largely marginalised, until Ronaldo's late intervention.

At 32, the 2014 World Cup could present Ibrahimovic's last chance to appear at the biggest tournament in world football and the Paris Saint-Germain forward is confident Sweden can overcome the deficit if the fans really get behind them.

"We've got the measure of them now, and that's an advantage," the forward said. "It's the last game before the World Cup now. Get behind us and we'll make it."

Hamren is expected to name a similar side to the one that started the first leg, as Sweden look to return to the the game's grandest stage after missing out on South Africa 2010.

Friday's victory was Portugal's first over Sweden on home soil and they will be confident of appearing in their fourth straight finals.

Coach Paulo Bento welcomed Ronaldo and Pepe back to training on Sunday, after sitting out Saturday's session as a precaution.

If Portugal do qualify for the tournament, it would mark the second consecutive time the play-offs have provided their route, after a 2-0 aggregate victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2009 ensured their place in South Africa.

The last time Portugal defeated their opponents in Sweden came in October 2002 as an 89th-minute strike from Rui Costa settled a friendly 3-2 in their favour.

Croatia vs Iceland Match Preview

Iceland head to Croatia for the second leg of their World Cup play-off as they look to qualify for their first major tournament.

Lars Lagerback's men held on for a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Reykjavik on Friday, despite seeing defender Olafur Skulason sent off early in the second half.

Iceland last came close to reaching a major competition during qualification for the 2004 European Championship, when they narrowly missed out on the play-offs after finishing a point behind Scotland in their qualifying group.

But the Nordics have the opportunity to etch their name into the history books on Tuesday, although they will need to get the better of a nation they have never beaten before in order to do so.

Tottenham midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson and Ajax striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson are likely to be key to Iceland's fortunes, with both players having found the net on four occasions in qualifying.

Heerenveen striker Alfred Finnbogason could also have an impact if he can replicate the form that has seen him score 14 goals in the Eredivisie this season.

Iceland's clean sheet was only their third of qualification, and they will need to be at their best defensively if they are to keep a talented Croatia outfit at bay.

The hosts head into Niko Kovac's second game in charge on the back of a tumultuous group stage campaign, which saw Igor Stimac sacked following a 2-0 defeat to Scotland last month.

Kovac will require the likes of Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric and Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic to be on top form if they are to progress with victory in Zagreb.

Mandzukic has already scored eight times for Bayern in 2013-14, but his form in qualifying has not been as impressive, with the 27-year-old netting just three goals in 11 appearances.

Croatia have struggled for goals throughout qualification, finding the net only 12 times.

But, despite their poor form in front of goal and the disappointing result in Reykjavik, captain Darijo Srna has urged his team-mates to stay positive.

"Our fatigue is more of a mental nature than a physical one," he said. "But we have to stay positive and win the game."

France vs Ukraine Match Preview

France need to produce a much-improved display in the second leg of their play-off with Ukraine if they are to reach the World Cup.

Didier Deschamps' men stand on the precipice of elimination following their 2-0 defeat in the first leg in Kiev on Friday.France have been present at each of the last four World Cups since their failure to reach the 1994 tournament in the United States, and won the 1998 competition on home soil.

However, they now face the prospect of missing out on next year's finals in Brazil, and will have to attempt an unlikely comeback at the Stade de France on Tuesday without defender Laurent Koscielny, who was sent off in the first-leg loss.

Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane could take Koscielny's place at the back after Deschamps revealed that the 20-year-old has made a speedy recovery from a knee injury.

Ukraine's clean sheet in the first leg was their eighth on the spin, but Deschamps is hopeful his side can break down the visitors' stout defence in Paris while also warning his players of their threat on the counter.

"What awaits us on Tuesday is the possibility to turn the tide," he told TF1. "We must apply pressure, but also be aware that they will not keep 10 players behind the ball.

"They will not come to defend. It will require total football and that we maintain a high tempo from beginning to end."

Ukraine have made just one appearance at the World Cup finals in their history, which came in 2006 when they reached the quarter-finals.

Mikhail Fomenko's side will be without defender Oleksandr Kucher for the game following his dismissal in injury time on Friday, but they should be confident of finishing the job following a qualification campaign that has seen them lose just one game.

Andriy Yarmolenko scored Ukraine's second goal from the penalty spot in the first leg, but the Dynamo Kiev winger has urged caution ahead of their trip to Paris, despite their commanding advantage.

"This result (2-0) should be treated calmly," he said. "We have only played the first match - there is still a game to be played in France. That will be tougher. We must play with confidence."

Turkey vs Belarus Match Preview

Turkey will look to make it a triple celebration when they host Belarus in an international friendly on Tuesday.

Coach Fatih Terim signed a new five-year deal, with the option of a further two years thereafter, ahead of Turkey's encounter with Northern Ireland in Adana on Friday - a match they won 1-0.

And Terim, in what is now his third spell as national team manager, will be hopeful of further cause to rejoice against Belarus as his side continue preparing for their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign. 

Former Galatasaray boss Terim took over from Abdullah Avci in August, initially on an interim basis, and immediately had a positive impact as Turkey won three of their final four World Cup qualifiers to finish three points adrift of second-placed Romania in European Group D.

This meant they missed out on reaching the World Cup again - their last appearance at a finals was in 2002 - but Terim is already planning for the future as he looks to revitalise his country's fortunes. 

"We won't use the term 'a new beginning'. Everyone who came made a new beginning. We will prefer the word 'reform'," he said. 

Terim was able to celebrate the signing of his contract with a win on Friday, as Mevlut Erding scoring the only goal of the game on the stroke of half-time to see off Northern Ireland and hand Turkey their fourth win in their last five outings.

Their opponents Belarus, meanwhile, have won just twice in their last eight matches - friendly victories over Japan and Kyrgyzstan - and, like Turkey, were also in action on Friday as they drew 0-0 with Albania in Antalya.

Georgi Kondratiev's side finished bottom of Group I in the European qualifying section for Brazil 2014, with their only points coming in a 2-0 win over Georgia and a 1-1 draw with Finland in a tough pool that included world champions Spain and France.

Inter can win Serie A

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon believes that Inter have the potential to challenge for the Serie A title this season.

The Nerazzurri currently sit fourth in the league table following a strong start to the campaign under Walter Mazzarri, but Buffon feels the arrival of Erick Thohir as their new owner and president could prove to be a big boost in their bid to return to the Serie A summit.

"The arrival of Thohir at Inter is a big thing. It signifies a huge change. It's good to see foreign money find its way to Serie A," Buffon told Tuttosport.

"I would say Inter are Scudetto challengers as well now."

Buffon also insisted champions Juventus have begun the season in very good form, and would be sitting clear at the top were it not for the record-breaking run of Roma.

"The only reason why we are not sitting top of the table is that Roma have been excellent. But so have we, just look at our results," he said.

"The important thing for us at Juventus is that we will not have any regrets in the end. We always want to give everything and get the best out of ourselves."

Juventus currently sit second in Serie A, trailing leaders Roma - who won their first 10 games in a row - by one point.

England vs Germany-Match Preview

England have the opportunity to beat Germany at Wembley for the first time since 1975 on Tuesday.

Doan Revie's side saw off West Germany 2-1 in north London 38 years ago, but the Three Lions have not tasted victory at home against die Mannschaft in five attempts since.The Germans have inflicted some historic defeats on England in that time; in the semi-finals of Euro 96, the last ever match at the old Wembley in 2000, and England's first loss at the new Wembley seven years later.

Controversy reigned when the sides last faced each other as an effort from Frank Lampard, which clearly landed over the line after bouncing down off the crossbar, was not awarded as a goal.

Germany went on to win 4-1 in Bloemfontein to knock England out of the 2010 World Cup, though three of their key men from that day will be rested by coach Joachim Low on Tuesday.

Mesut Ozil, Philipp Lahm and Manuel Neuer have will all miss out, while Sami Khedira has been ruled out for six months with a knee injury sustained against Italy on Friday.

Low described playmaker Ozil, defender Lahm and goalkeeper Neuer as "the backbone of our team" but underlined the need to "give others a chance against such a strong team as England".

The hosts, beaten 2-0 by Chile on Friday, will be without defender Phil Jones, who suffered a groin problem against the South Americans, but Steven Gerrard (hip) and Kyle Walker (illness) could return.

Roy Hodgson's men will be seeking a response to the Chile defeat, which was only the coach's second in 23 matches at the helm.

Striker Daniel Sturridge has recovered from a foot injury and is "raring to go" against a side who will be considered contenders in Brazil, having dropped just two points in their qualification campaign.

"(It is a) great prospect to play against them, a great occasion for players to enjoy," he said.

"I think we have to worry about the way we play, not the opposition. We have to improve as a team, and not worry about anyone else.

"It's great. Everyone gets along; everyone enjoys playing for the manager, enjoys training. We are happy to be together and it's great to be a part of it."

Argentina vs Bosnia Herzegovina

Bosnia-Herzegovina will begin preparations for the World Cup when they meet Argentina for the second time on Tuesday.

Back in 1998 Bosnia were thrashed 5-0 by the South Americans and they will be hoping for a better outcome in this friendly fixture as they have come along way since then.The Balkan nation ensured they will make their maiden appearance at the World Cup finals in 2014 with a 1-0 win over Lithuania last month.

That victory gave Safet Susic's men top spot in Group G of the European qualification section after they lost just one match throughout the campaign, edging out Greece who had to settle for the play-offs.

And Bosnia will aim to carry that momentum into their clash with Alejandro Sabella's side in St Louis, as they look to end a superb year on a high.

The performances of strikers Edin Dzeko and Vedad Ibisevic helped inspire Bosnia to the finals, with the duo scoring 18 of their nation's 30 goals in qualification.

And they will need to be at their best if they are to break down an Argentina side that lost just twice as they finished top of the Conmebol qualification group.

Sabella's team are set to make their 11th consecutive appearance at the World Cup finals next year, and go into the game on a run of just one defeat in their last 11 internationals.

But the South American outfit will be without their main talisman for the encounter, with Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi unavailable because of a hamstring injury.

Messi finished qualifying as Argentina's top scorer in qualification with 10 goals, but it will be up to the likes of Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain and Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero to fill the void after they drew a blank in the 0-0 draw with Ecuador on Friday.