Burkina Faso booked their place at the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, while defending champions Egypt crashed out to Sierra Leone.

The third day of action in Ravenna/Italy proved particularly positive for European nations as Italy, Portugal and Switzerland all recorded wins, while El Salvador earned a historic victory.

El Salvador reignited their bid for progression as they secured a late 4-3 victory over Oman to send their opponents packing at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

Spanish winger Albert Riera has signed a four-year contract with Turkish club Galatasaray, completing a move from Olympiacos.

Italy defeated Senegal 3-2 on penalties at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup after an incredible flurry of goals levelled the two sides late on in normal time.

An 89th minute Michal Kadlec penalty denied Scotland of all three points in their UEFA EURO 2012 Group I qualifying match, securing a late 2-2 draw for the Czech Republic.

Though Spain missed out on Ravenna 2011, it has not stopped Ramiro Figueiras Amarelle, the adidas Golden Ball winner at Marseille 2008, making it here as Ukraine’s assistant coach. 

Portugal found their way past a sturdy Argentinian defence to seal a convincing 5-0 victory for a second win in as many matches at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

Tournament favourites Brazil are back in action against Mexico on Sunday after their scare against Ukraine, while European heavyweights Russia face an intriguing test against Tahiti.

Tahiti’s player-coach Teva Zaveroni told FIFA.com about his team’s emotional winning debut at Ravenna 2011 against fellow newcomers Venezuela.

Germany made sure of their place at UEFA EURO 2012 in emphatic style on Friday, while Italy, the Netherlands, France and England all moved a step closer to joining them.

Cesc Fabregas scored a double after Andres Iniesta sparked Spain to life in a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Chile.

France survived a second-half scare to defeat Albania 2-1, scoring through Karim Benzema and Yann M'Vila to move three points clear at the top of UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group D.

Despite a brave attempt from Faroe Islands, a solitary goal from Antonio Cassano sealed a slender victory for Italy to move them one step closer to UEFA EURO 2012 qualification.

Germany cruised to an emphatic 6-2 win over Austria in their Group A match, booking their place in UEFA EURO 2012 in convincing fashion.

Hungary snatched a 2-1 victory over Sweden through a 90th-minute Gergely Rudolf strike, drawing level with their opponents in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group E.

Wayne Rooney bagged a brace after Gary Cahill opened the scoring in a convincing 3-0 victory for England over Bulgaria to set the Three Lions well on their way to qualifying for UEFA EURO 2012.

Norway clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over Nordic neighbours Iceland, with Mohamed Abdellaoui scoring a penalty late on to move his side ahead of Denmark in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group H.

Arda Turan scored a last-gasp free-kick to rescue a 2-1 victory for Turkey over Kazakhstan, sending his side into second place in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group A.

Ukraine came close to ending Brazil’s lengthy unbeaten FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup run, while new boys Tahiti won their first ever game in the competition.

Igor Semshov scored just before half-time to lift Russia 1-0 past FYR Macedonia, clinching top spot in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group B.

Brazil were made to wait for victory as they laboured to defeat Ukraine at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, seeing off their opponents 2-1 on penalties.

Kasper Hamalainen bagged a brace in a comfortable 4-1 victory for Finland over Moldova in their UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group E match.

Frank Lampard was left out of Fabio Capello's starting line-up for England's UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying match with Bulgaria, with the coach handing Scott Parker the start.