D Thursday, September 10, 2009 METROSPORT 23 soccer world cup qualifiers skipper doyle: Happy with win Armband a one-off, admits proud Doylewas all one-touch around corners, one-twos, lads ending up anywhere, and it was difficult. But you cant sit back and let them do it, as we learnt; you cant let them get too many clear-cut chances. We learnt as the game went on that we could deal with them and create something of our own. By david kennedy Carsley ends Ireland career BIRMINGHAM City midfielder Lee Carsley has announced his retirement from international football after failing to force his way into the plans of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni. Carsley, 35, won the last of his 39 international caps against Brazil in February 2008. He said: As my last game was a year last February and I havent been involved I would imagine that is the end of my international career. I may still be a Premiership player but perhaps I am a bit too old to do two games a week and all the travelling. Norths hopes take a hit Picture:ActionImages KEVIN DOYLE is confident he can maintain his 100 per cent record as Re- public of Ireland skipper because he may never get to wear the armband again. The Wexford-born 25-year-old had the privilege of leading his country in their friendly with World Cup hosts South Africa in Limerick in the absence of the rested Robbie Keane. His big night ended on a high note as Liam Lawrences 37th-minute free-kick clinched a win which, if possible, broad- ened the smile on his face. Doyle said: I could have that 100 per cent record for ever! There are not many [from Wexford] who have played soc- cer for their country, so to captain I am sure it is probably a first, so I am de- lighted. Its a privilege. My family, everyone, when they heard they were absolutely thrilled, so I was just delighted to go out there, and to win as well was nice. Doyle admitted South Africa had pre- sented Ireland with a different chal- lenge, but one which will serve them well if they make it to next summers finals. He said: I dont think we will come up against a team as fluid as they were... Thats as fluid as I have played against. We watched videos of them and we knew that was going to be the way it norTHern ireland have one last chance to make it to the world cup finals after losing at a stunned windsor park last night. They go to the czech republic next month knowing a victory in their final qualifier will be needed if a place in the play-offs is to become possible. Goals from stanislav sestak and substitute filip Holosko either side of half-time saw slovakia cement their place at the top of Group Three. northern ireland slipped down to third in the table on goal difference behind slovenia with a disappointing performance, given the way they had picked up a point against poland at the weekend. Dutch end Scotland dream SCOTLANDS World Cup hopes were left in tatters last night when a late strike from Holland substitute Eljero Elia denied them second place in Group Nine and any hope of a play-off spot for the finals in South Africa. Kenny Miller hit the woodwork and squandered another great opportunity in the first half as George Burleys men gave their all in front of a packed and passionate Hampden. However, their efforts were in vain as their visitors maintained their 100 per cent record in the campaign, while Norways victory over Macedonia saw the Scandinavians snatch the runners-up spot instead. scotland 0 holland 1 not to be: northern ireland striker Martin paterson has his effort saved by slovakia goalkeeper Jan Mucha at windsor park last night northern ireland 0 slovakia 2 index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html