Bernie’s Sports Focus - 17th October 2012

Mario Balotelli helped Italy to a 3-1 win over Denmark in Milan and remain in top place in Group B of the World Cup qualifiers. Italy were reduced to ten men when Osvaldo was sent off but they still had enough to see off he Danes who are now in danger of being knocked out of the competition.

Group C leaders Germany blew a 4-0 lead against Sweden in Berlin. Germany looked to be cruising to a comfortable win until the Swedes hit back late in the second half to stun the group leaders.

France held defending world cup champions Spain to a 1-1 draw in Madrid to keep both nations level on points at the top of Group I.

The Republic of Ireland picked up three precious points with a 4-1 victory against the Faroe Islands to ease the pressure on manager Giovanni Trapatonni and lift the Irish to third place in their group.

Northern Ireland caused a major upset as they held Portugal to a 1-1 draw. The Irish took a first half lead and held off the Portuguese challenge until the last ten minutes of normal time. The result leaves Portugal third in Group F behind Russia and Israel.

Heavy rain washed out England’s qualifier against Poland. That match will now be played this evening. Officials ruled the pitch unplayable after rain storms lashed the region leaving England boss Roy Hodgson to ask why the stadium roof had not been closed.

Felipe Massa has signed a new one-year deal to keep him at Ferrari until 2013 as speculation mounts that Sebastian Vettal will join Ferrari in 2014. Red Bull still insist that Vettal is not leaving.