Ireland 1-0 Germany: Watch The Goal & Highlights

FAI Denies Messi Pay Off Rumours

Reports that Republic of Ireland players were paid to not injure Lionel Messi during a 2010 friendly have been denied by the FAI.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has issued a strong rebuttal to claims in an Argentinian newspaper that Republic of Ireland players were paid $10,000 each to not injure Lionel Messi during a 2010 friendly against Argentina.

A story in La Nacion claimed that former head of the Argentina Football Association Julio Grondona who died in July 2014 - suggested making payments to the Irish players as they could not afford to stump up the Barcelona superstar's insurance should he have picked up an injury.

PORTUGAL 5 IRELAND 1: Fit Ronaldo Returns In Midst Of Injury Fears

After missing warm-up games number one and two, Cristiano Ronaldo made an eagerly awaited comeback for Portugal in their third and final pre-tournament dress rehearsal, the very same day the team flew out to Brazil.

The forward allayed concerns over his fitness, starting against the Republic of Ireland and looking lively as he went all out in search of a goal. Ireland were such accommodating opponents that even Paulo Bento's men were surprised at how easily they were able to create openings, and they duly raced into an early lead.

At one point the crowd fell silent as Cristiano collapsed in a heap, sparking fears of a setback. He picked himself up gingerly and looked towards the dugout, but then sprang right back to life when João Moutinho won back possession.

SIX NATIONS 2014: Warburton Set To Lead Wales Against Ireland

Sam Warburton will lead Wales against Ireland in Saturday's Six Nations match in Dublin. The Cardiff Blues flanker is named at open-side, with Ospreys' Justin Tipuric dropping to the bench. Prop Gethin Jenkins takes over at loose-head, with Andrew Coombs replacing Luke Charteris at lock as Warren Gatland makes three changes.

Warburton takes over the captaincy from second row Alun Wyn Jones, who led the team in their 23-15 win over Italy. Bath prop Paul James drops to the bench, but there is no place in the match-day 23 for centre Jonathan Davies, who made his comeback for the Scarlets on Saturday after two months out through injury