41.   Swedish forward Henrik Larsson hopes to have shaken off a leg injury and French defender Stephane Mahe should be fit to face the Irish club.

42.   Striker Andrzej Juskowiak dribbled past two French defenders in the final minute and passed to Warzycha, who failed under pressure to find a way to the net.

43.   The French defender was shown the yellow card for hauling down the Bulgarian striker who had taken a well-placed pass from Yordan Letchkov and was racing towards goal.

44.   The other finalists for best foreigner were French defender Lilian Thuram of AC Parma and Argetine midfielder Sebastian Veron of Sampdoria.

45.   The Spaniards dominated the rest of the half, despite missing French international defender Laurent Blanc and midfielder Luis Enriquem.

46.   The threat of a freak killer goal, might turn teams even more defensive, said French defender Laurent Blanc.

47.   Under Robson, who replaced Cruyff in May, Barcelona has already signed contracts with Brazilian top scorer Giovanni, Portuguese goalkeeper Vitor Baia and French defender Laurent Blanc.

48.   Vialli was upset after being tackled by French defender Patrik Valery.

49.   With two minutes left, Del Piero slalomed through French defenders and offered Zidane the chance to kick in a powerful right drive from the penalty edge.

50.   Ze Maria added to newly-signed Argentine striker Hernan Crespo, Brazilian midfielder Amaral and French defender Lilian Thuram.