Sober Irishmen? Right, and I'm not Fat.

The weekend is nearly here and it means we are all even closer to getting through another international break. Many countries in Europe will be playing in qualifiers for the Euro 2008 competition and there are some cracker matches. England v. Macedonia, Cyprus v. Rep. of Ireland to name a few….. Actually, there are a few good ones to watch out for. The Sweden v. Spain match could prove interesting and pits newly appointed captain Freddie Ljungberg against Arsenal chum Cesc Fabregas. Beyond that, I hope the players all come back healthy and injury free. Wenger would like French manager Domenech to rest Gallas because of the hamstring injury, but Domenech will have to ring Miss Cleo to see if it is in the stars before committing to anything. Wenger, in his own witty style had this to say:

“The case of Gallas is still worrying. I do not think he’s cured.

“Gallas has trained but, from what I have seen, I am convinced he has gone back a bit.

“Domenech is like other managers of countries. They don’t contact you.

“It’s like giving your car to a guy and him returning it without any petrol in it.”

Good stuff. Here is the complete schedule for matches on Saturday. Setanta is your best bet on catching any of them.

07/10 Grp D Wales 15:00 Slovakia
07/10 Grp B Faroe Islands 15:00 Lithuania
07/10 Grp B Scotland 17:00 France
07/10 Grp E England 17:00 F.Y.R. Macedonia
07/10 Grp D Czech Republic 17:15 San Marino
07/10 Grp C Moldova 19:00 Bosnia-Herzegovina
07/10 Grp E Russia 19:00 Israel
07/10 Grp D Cyprus 19:30 Republic of Ireland
07/10 Grp C Hungary 19:45 Turkey
07/10 Grp F Sweden 20:00 Spain
07/10 Grp F Denmark 20:00 Northern Ireland
07/10 Grp G Romania 20:15 Belarus
07/10 Grp E Croatia 20:15 Andorra
07/10 Grp A Serbia 20:15 Belgium
07/10 Grp G Slovenia 20:45 Luxembourg
07/10 Grp B Italy 20:50 Ukraine
07/10 Grp A Portugal 21:00 Azerbaijan
07/10 Grp G Bulgaria 21:00 Netherlands
07/10 Grp F Latvia 21:00 Iceland
07/10 Grp A Armenia 21:00 Finland
07/10 Grp A Kazakhstan 21:00 Poland
07/10 Grp C Greece 21:30 Norway
*match times are local, so you'll need a calculator to figure when you can watch them

In another important story (well, it involves beer), it seems the Irish are **gasp, this can’t be true** drinking less? AP reports that some “major research firm” found that drinking cappuccino is becoming more popular in Eire and is threatening beer consumption. The study indicated that the o’people of the Isle are consuming 3 gallons less alcohol than they did in 2000. Also, spending every night in a pub is becoming a frowned upon offense. What’s next? A story about how the French have found soap and manners? The world is falling apart my friends.

That story has really thrown me for a loop. Therefore, I’m going to get my life back in line by heading out to shoot guns at small birds and drink beer. This afternoon I’m going to a company dove hunt to entertain clients and blast some birds. There is nothing more exciting than novice hunters drinking beer in a field! At least Cheney is in Washington (or so they have you believe), so I feel a bit safer.

Adios.