England struggle as tempers flare in Italy

PARIS: Tuesday’s Euro 2012 qualifiers brought drama on and off the pitch as England were held goalless by Montenegro, Germany walloped Kazakhstan, Spain edged Scotland and Holland trounced Sweden to maintain their 100 per cent records , while Italy’s match against Serbia was postponed.

England turned in a disappointing Group G draw but Fabio Capello insisted there was no chance of him quitting after the poor performance.

Clashes between Serbian fans and Italian police that forced the cancellation of the qualifying match triggered shock and anger, leading Serbia to issue a formal apology to Italy.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 14^th, 2010.