2225: And with that, the news all Cardiff fans were waiting to hear, I declare this here commentary closed. Don't forget to check out the League Cup Show tonight on BBC One at 2345 - and after that it's the big one. The Premier League kick-off. I - Sam Lyon - will be with you from around midday as we count down to the restart of the new top-flight season and I know you'll be right there with me. Nice.

2115: Error on the Scotland full-time! Croatia were in fact not playing twice... it was the not at all similar Danes that felt the full force of Robert Snodgrass's winner. Refresh if you please, people.

adher36 on Twitter: "RE: Fernando Torres - he's been looking dazed ever since he moved to Chelsea. Only just been taken to hospital about it though."

2212: NORTHERN IRELAND 4-0 FAROE ISLANDS
Lyle Jackson reports: "A rapturous reception for Paddy McCourt after two wonder goals helped Northern Ireland to an important qualifying win. Nigel Worthington's men suddenly have a genuine chance of qualifying. Man of the Match: Paddy McCourt."

2210: WALES 1-2 AUSTRALIA
Bruce Pope reports: "Darcy Blake's first international goal will have given Wales some encouragement in defeat, but they will need to improve for their Euro 2012 qualifiers against Montenegro and England next month. Man of the Match: Luke Wilkshire."

2207: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 0-0 CROATIA
Alvin McCaig reports: "A game of few clear-cut chances but a good workout for the Republic ahead of their Euro 2012 qualifiers against Slovakia and Russia. Man of the Match: Shane Long."

2205: SCOTLAND 2-1 DENMARK
Phil Dawkes reports: "A good workout for Scotland in awful conditions and a morale-boosting victory over a decent Denmark side to boot. Plenty of positives to take into the serious stuff against the Czech Republic and Lithuania. Man of the Match: Gary Caldwell."

2202: Let's have a look at the international matches that matter, then...

2157: Northern Ireland captain Aaron Hughes: "This puts us in a fantastic position in the group. The way other results were going meant we were always in it."

stuwho on Twitter: "Well played Paddy McCourt tonight - take a bow son."

Journalist Gabriele Marcotti on Twitter: "Fernando Torres went to hospital for scan. Light concussion. Returned to stadium, looks OK."

Rob, ex-pat in Chelmsford via text: "In response to ikesdad (see just after 2044), great team effort and excellent finish BUT still angry about Levein's stupid 9-1 formation v Czech Republic. Totally negative to play for a point away and lose."

Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan on Twitter: "Well done to Craig Levein and the Scotland team! A good win against Denmark 2-1. Useful match ahead of qualifiers."

2143: Northern Ireland, by the way, move up to third in their Euro 2012 Championship qualifying Group C - two points behind second-placed Slovenia and with a game in hand. Second place could get them into the Championships you know... where's ya money?

2138: We will have extra time in the Oxford-Cardiff match as the Carling Cup first round match greets the whistle at 90 minutes at 1-1.

2137: Three minutes in both the Scotland and Republic of Ireland matches - both games petering out to a close to be fair.

2135: Are you watching, erm, Chelsea? A fine strike by Neymar as Brazil pull one back against Germany in what has been a very fine match. It's 3-2 with barely seconds remaining.

2134: Liverpool's near-forgotten man Alberto Aquilani is a man on a mission as he gives Italy the lead against Spain with five minutes to go. Hope of some Anfield redemption?

2133: Over at Hampden Park, Denmark striker Nicklas Pedersen spurns a good chance at the back stick. The Scotland defence allow a long ball to bounce in the box and the striker is able to turn but unable to hit the target. At the other end, Scotland substitute Barry Bannan rifles a 25-yard effort at goal, but Thomas Sorenson is down sharpish to save.

Northern Ireland goal: Oh ho yes, echoes of George Best there as Paddy McCourt utterly bamboozles the Faroe Islands defence with a mazy run before clipping a cheeky lob over the keeper to put the cherry on the icing on the cake for Nigel Worthington's men.

2130: Wales a completely different proposition now and Gareth Bale is starting to enjoy himself. Couple of minutes to go and Australia are right on the back foot.

2128: Lasse Schone threatens again from range for Denmark. It's a decently-struck effort from 25 yards but not good enough to beat the diving Allan McGregor. Scotland still lead 2-1.

2126: Germany put the game to bed against Brazil with 10 minutes remaining as Bayer Leverkusen's 20-year-old Andre Schurrle strokes in the third. 3-1

Wales goal: Large element of fortune about this goal but all of a sudden it's game on in Cardiff, Darcy Blake found free by a corner that bounces in the area and the defender reacts well to nod home with the keeper beaten. A first international goal for a man who has not even scored at club level.

2122: At the Kassam Stadium extra time looms large with Oxford and Cardiff settling back into a scrappy affair after good chances for both sides go begging. It's 1-1 with 10 minutes left.

2120: Super chance for David Healy as he looks to end his international goal drought... but he misses his kick six yards out after more fine work from Paddy McCourt. It really isn't going Healy's way tonight so far.

2119: Mario Goetze, the man described by Franz Beckenbauer as Germany's answer to Lionel Messi, doubles their lead against Brazil... only for former Manchester City star Robinho to pull one back from the spot moments later. 2-1 with 15 minutes to play.

2118: Best chance of the night for the Republic of Ireland as Richard Dunne rises unmarked to meet a fabulous cross into the box from Sean St Ledger but can only head wide eight yards out. Shame.

Northern Ireland goal: A good night's work gets better for Northern Ireland as Paddy McCourt glides into the box, swaps passes with Jonny Evans, and curls into the corner. Lovely finish and fine way for the Celtic man to bag a first international goal.

2114: Better from Wales, breaking quickly against Australia and Gareth Bale and Steve Morisson combining well before Craig Bellamy's snap-shot is deflected off-target.

2112: Tactical changes made by Trappatoni. Goalkeeper Shay Given comes off to be replaced by Keiren Westwood and Stephen Hunt comes off for Andrew Keogh.

2110: Denmark almost gift Scotland a third goal. A Danish defender attempts a short pass-back, with Craig Mackail-Smith lurking, only for the sodden turf to hold the ball up and give the Scotland man a shooting chance. However, Thomas Sorenson is quickly out and rescues his side with a strong block.

Northern Ireland goal: Breathing space. Running onto a lay-off, Steve Davis cracks home an instinctive curling side-footer - from outside the box. Beauty.

2106: Germany get a penalty against Brazil, and Bastian Schweinsteiger coolly slots away to put the hosts on course for their first win over the Samba Boys in 18 years. 1-0.

2104: Denmark have started much the better side in the second half at Hampden Park and Allan McGregor has to be at full stretch to palm Lasse Schone's stinging 30-yard shot over his bar to preserve Scotland's lead.

2103: It's half time in France's match against Chile, with the hosts leading through a goal from Marseille striker Loic Remy.

Australia goal: It's been coming to be fair with Wales struggling - Robbie Kruse doubles Australia's lead after Wayne Hennessey can only parry Scott McDonald's whipped cross on the overlap. If they're watching, Montenegro - Wales' next opponents in the Euro 2012 qualifiers - will be licking their lips at this.

2101: Ooh - fine chance for Croatia from the resulting free-kick, Dejan Lovren volleying wide unmarked at the back post. Chance.

2100: Handbags! Oh handbags graphic, how I've missed you so. Nothing friendly about Darron Gibson's tackle there on Ivica Olic - and it sparks a melee that would embarrass school kids in a playground. Over before it starts.

2058: In Wales, Gareth Bale is now playing behind Robert Earnshaw in a more central role with Aaron Ramsey replaced. It's being left to Wayne Hennessey to keep Gary Speed's side just about in it, though.

2055: On the Republic-Croatia match, by the way, Luka Modric is absolutely running 'dem tings' in midfield. Tottenham's resolve strengthens... as does Chelsea's desire to get him, I'd wager.

FredLeopard on Twitter: "Ireland have had the best chnaces in Dublin but Croatia have looked more dangerous. Hoping for a breakaway goal for a 1-0 win."

2050: Second halves getting under way...

2049: BBC Wales Pundit Nathan Blake on Oxford 1-1 Cardiff thus far: "Most of Malky Mackay's first teamers are either away on international duty or on the bench - but all the Cardiff boss would want is to get the job done, get in and get home without the need for extra time. Oxford, however, are very direct, they either get the ball in the box early or go down the channels - and they have tested Cardiff's backline."

CrawfordMJ on Twitter: "Dennis Rommedahl's only 33 apparently... I thought he'd been around long enough to be picking up his pension by now!"

2048: Ivory Coast hold on for a 4-3 victory despite a late rally from Israel. Arsenal's Gervinho was in inspirational form for Les Elephants as Didier Drogba converted a penalty in the second half.

ikesdad on Twitter: "That was a great second goal for Scotland producing some actual, real silky football!"

Anon via text: "Sitting in my new uni house with newly acquired broadband hoping that the mighty Oxford progress to the next round. Come on you Yellows!"

2044: HALF-TIME Wales 0-1 Australia
Bruce Pope's HT snap-shot: "Master predator Tim Cahill livens up a largely forgettable first 45 minutes at Cardiff City Stadium with his late goal for Australia."

2042: HALF-TIME Scotland 2-1 Denmark
Phil Dawkes's HT snap-shot: "It's noticeably friendly pace at Hampden, but Scotland lead and have dished out some quality in patches to go with it. Allan McGregor won't be rushing home to catch the first-half highlights, mind."

2040: The Premier League's newest signings are on fire tonight. Manchester City's Stefan Savic, acquired from Partizan Belgrade, has grabbed a brace tonight for Montenegro - though his side are 3-2 down against Albania.

2039: HALF-TIME Republic of Ireland 0-0 Croatia
Alvin McCaig's HT snap-shot: "A bright start fizzled out to become typical friendly fare. Still, the Republic have created a few half chances while Croatia have two penalty shouts turned down."

2037: HALF-TIME Northern Ireland 1-0 Faroe Islands
Lyle Jackson's HT snap-shot: "Aaron Hughes ends his 13-year wait for an international goal but it could - and should - have been even better for Northern Ireland. Work to do."

2035: Half-time in the home nations' matches tonight - as it is in the Oxford-Cardiff match.

2034: Fulham's summer recruit from Roma John Arne Riise scores the second for Norway as they lead the Czech Republic 2-0, whilst it's scoreless at half-time in the game between Germany and Brazil.

Scotland goal: That's how you mark your full international debut - Robert Snodgrass, so low he's practically kissing the grass, gets down to head home Kenny Miller's cross at the far stick to restore the Scots' lead.

2031: No goals for David Healy his last 17 internationals… still. Pat McCourt sets him up well but the diminutive striker's side-footed shot, from 15 yards out, is tipped against the post well by Faroes goalkeeper Mikkelson. Fingertips job. Northern Ireland inches away from a second.

Australia goal: Fine strike. Tim Cahill does what he often does best, getting into the box to finish off a flowing Australia move on the volley from Luke Wilkshire's cross - low and no chance for Wayne Hennessey.

2029: Former Liverpool man Xabi Alonso draws Spain level with Italy from the spot after the referee adjudged Chiellini to have brought down Llorente in the box. 1-1.

2029: Big penalty shout in the Wales-Australia match as Gareth Bale - enjoying a rare moment on the ball - bursts into the box only to be felled by Brett Emerton. It looked like there was contact but no penalty given. Hhmm.

2027: Northern Ireland still looking good against the Faroe Islands, though I'd imagine Nigel Worthington would love a second goal before long. David Healy looking the most likely to provide it - lively on his return to the side.

2024: In the Carling Cup, Cardiff's second string are being taught a lesson at Oxford (ba dom boom boom!), who are looking the better side since that Simon Clist leveller.

2022: News reaching me, by the way, of a possible injury to Chelsea striker Fernando Torres - the frontman limping out of Spain's friendly against Italy with what looks like an ankle injury.

2021: Australia so close to an opener in Wales, Luke Wilkshire creaming a thundering strike against the post from range with Wayne Hennessey more beaten than scrambled eggs. Let-off.

Denmark goal: Stop. Clanger time. Allan McGregor hangs his head in shame - quite rightly - after coming to punch a floated Christian Eriksen free-kick away only to allow it to drift over his head and curl into the far corner. Blooper.

2117: Chance for David Healy as he rises to meet Grant McCann's cross, his header held low down by the Faroes keeper. Northern Ireland still in charge - though they are no longer having everything their own way against the Faroes.

2116: Wales just struggling to get the likes of Gareth Bale and Craig Bellamy on the ball against Australia at the moment. Those two could be their key, you'd think.

2114: West Brom new-boy Shane Long gives the Albion fans a glimpse of his ability as he rises highest between two Croatian defenders to meet a cross in Dublin, only for former Spurs keeper Stipe Pletikosa to gather low to his right.

Scotland goal: Deadlock broken at Hampden Park - Charlie Adam's drilled free-kick from the left spooned past his own keeper inadvertently by Denmark's William Kvist six yards out.

2009: Just as I say that Scotland keeper Allan McGregor is forced into a fine save to keep his side level, the Rangers man down to save from Dennis Rommedahl's snap-shot.

2008: Early substitution for Scotland as Scott Brown is forced off with a knock following a 50-50 challenge with Simon Kjaer, Don Cowie the midfielder's replacement. Craig Levein's XI starting to step it up a touch in the last few minutes, mind.

2006: World champions Spain go behind against Italy after 11 minutes as Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Montolivo bags for the 2006 World Champions

2005: All quiet on the western front in the Wales-Australia game - bit stop-start there to say the least. Still, they're 20 minutes in and still not conceded so something of a bright start as far as Wales are concerned. *Joke*.

2003: Penalty shout for Croatia at the Aviva Stadium as Luka Modric releases Ivan Strinic in the box, the striker bundled over by Stephen Kelly, but the referee waves play on. Looked a good appeal, that. Let-off for the Republic, who are playing catch-up in the first 15 minutes.

2000: Northern Ireland completely bossing things in their crunch Euro 2012 qualifier against Faroe Islands, the hosts enjoying 67% of possession so far. Exactly what Nigel Worthington would have wanted after their sticky recent patch.

1958: First half-chance for Scotland as Robert Snodgrass crosses from the right and Kenny Miller, rising between two defenders, heads straight at the keeper. Not too much occuring to be fair.

Northern Ireland goal: Just the start the boys in green wanted. A corner is swung over and helped back into the six-yard box by Gareth McAuley at the back post, Aaron Hughes on hand to prod home his first goal in 77 internationals. Timing.

1951: Northern Ireland, however, are right on the front foot early doors against Faroe Islands...

1950: Quiet starts in the Scotland and Wales matches - typical friendly fodder so far to be fair. The rain appears to have kept the droves away from Hampden Park too.

1947: Fresh from his exertions in the Community Shield, Manchester City's marauding midfielder Yaya Toure scores the first for Ivory Coast as they lead Israel 2-0 after an hour.

1945: Right then, kick-offs moments away... let's get this party started...

Doneymurp on Twitter: "ROI fan in bed in Korea watching your posts closely. Shane Long to shine. Come on you boys in green!!!"

1943: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND v CROATIA
Alvin McCaig reports: "Republic boss Giovanni Trapattoni has named a strong team despite being hit by a series of withdrawals, including Wolves striker Kevin Doyle. His absence means Robbie Keane will start in attack alongside Shane Long, who plays a day after signing for West Brom. Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric is set to feature for Croatia as the saga of a possible switch to Chelsea continues. Tottenham trio Luka Modric, Niko Kranjcar and Vedran Corluka are in the Croatia team to the face the Republic of Ireland in Dublin."

1942: WALES v AUSTRALIA
Bruce Pope reports: "Gareth Bale makes a welcome return to the Wales line-up after four matches out as Gary Speed finally has the luxury of calling on his big-name players. Craig Bellamy starts up front alongside Robert Earnshaw with Aaron Ramsay skipper in midfield. Tim Cahill turns out for Australia for the first time since January."

1941: SCOTLAND v DENMARK
Phil Dawkes reports: "Leeds' Robert Snodgrass makes his first start in midfield for Scotland alongside Charlie Adam, James Morrison and Scott Brown. Liverpool teenager Danny Wilson earns his fourth cap at full-back, while Kenny Miller is deployed as the lone front man. Denmark name a quartet of Premier League players in their team. Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorenson, Liverpool duo Daniel Agger and Christian Poulsen and Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner all start."

1939: NORTHERN IRELAND v FAROE ISLANDS
Lyle Jackson: "Record scorer David Healy starts a competitive game for Northern Ireland against Faroe Islands for the first time since the 0-0 draw against Italy 10 months ago. Healy, struggling to get first team action at Rangers, will be supported up front by Celtic's Pat McCourt. Other changes from the last qualifier at home to Slovenia see skipper Aaron Hughes and midfielder Steven Davis return."

RhysCarr86 on Twitter: "Probably the strongest Welsh XI that has started a game for a long time."

topthetipster via text: "Sam, re: Arshavin - I watched the Russia match, it was just a knock, he'll have a black eye but be fine for the weekend."

tstrachanedit on Twitter: "You didn't mention you were doing a live text! I've only gone and gone to the cinema!"

1938: WALES v AUSTRALIA
Wales: Hennessey, Gunter, Taylor, Gabbidon, Williams, Vaughan, Ledley, Bale, Ramsey, Earnshaw, Bellamy.
Australia: Schwarzer, Neill, Cahill, Spiranovic, Emerton, Wilkshire, McDonald, Zullo, Valeri, McKay, Kilkenny.

1937: NORTHERN IRELAND v FAROE ISLANDS
Northern Ireland: Camp, Baird, McAuley, Hughes, Jonathan Evans, Clingan, Davis, McCann, Corry Evans, Healy, McCourt. Subs: Mannus, Cathcart, McGivern, Thompson, Ward, McGinn, Gorman.
Faroe Islands: Mikkelsen, Naes, Johan Davidsen, Baldvinsson, Gregersen, Benjaminsen, Udsen, Olsen, Holst, Edmundsson, Elttor. Subs: Torgard, Mouritsen, Danielsen, Viljormur Davidsen, Faeroe, Hansen, Lokin.
Referee: Emer Aleckovic (Bosnia)

1935: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND v CROATIA
Rep of Ireland: Given, Kelly, Dunne, St. Ledger, Ward, Duff, Whelan, Gibson, Hunt, Long, Keane.
Croatia: Pletikosa, Corluka, Lovren, Simunic, Strinic, Srna, Modric, Vukojevic, Kranjcar, Eduardo, Mandzukic.

robA89 on Twitter: "Historic night for Northern Irish football and sport in general."

1932: SCOTLAND v DENMARK
Scotland: McGregor, Bardsley, Caldwell, Wilson, Crainey, Morrison, Brown, Adam, Snodgrass, Naismith, Miller. Subs: Bell, Berra, Robson, Goodwillie, Dorrans, Bannan, Forrest, Hanley, Mackail-Smith, Turner, Cowie, McNaughton.
Denmark: Sorensen, Christian Poulsen, Agger, Boilesen, Kjaer, Kvist Jorgensen, Eriksen, Jacobsen, Rommedahl, Krohn-Delhi, Bendtner. Subs: Lindegaard, Kristensen, Jorgensen, Schone, Silberbauer, Zimling, Pedersen, Mads Junker, Mads Junker, Enevoldsen, Kadrii.
Referee: Marco Borg (Malta)

1930: There was some worrying news for Arsene Wenger ahead of Saturday's opening fixture against Newcastle earlier, by the way, after forward Andrey Arshavin was substituted after colliding with a Serbia defender during Russia's 1-0 friendly victory. Hhmm.

Rosco_v1 on Twitter: "First Scotland home game I've missed for six years. Knowing my luck we'll win 5-0! The office is dry though, small victories..."

Nezzer99 on Twitter: "ROI fan in Canada keeping a close eye on your posts - hopefully a good result to come from the Aviva!"

1927: I also hope to bring you the odd snippet from the likes of Germany-Brazil and Italy-Spain, by the way (he says batting his eyelids at his colleague sat to his right). On a busy night of international football, I'd say there are more than a few diamonds in the rough to keep across. Kazakhstan v Syria, you say? Exactly.

chris_bates1974 on Twitter: "Sitting in a rainforest in Guyana with Northern Ireland shirt on. Come on Norn Iron!!!!!"

1923: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND v CROATIA
Alvin McCaig reports: "The Republic are a team in form, winning their last four games without conceding a goal. This has taken Giovanni Trapattoni's men joint top of their Euro 2012 qualifying group and the Aviva Stadium friendly is a warm-up ahead of crucial games against Slovakia and Russia early next month. This will be a test, too, with Croatia manager Slaven Bilic saying: "We have done the homework - we even went to see the Pogues in Zagreb." Could be a sparkler, this."

1920: WALES v AUSTRALIA
Bruce Pope reports: "Wales face Australia for the first time in tonight's friendly at the Cardiff City Stadium, looking to upset the Fifa world rankings that rate the Socceroos 89 places above them. Tottenham winger Gareth Bale is set to play for the first time under Gary Speed having missed the last four internationals through injury. Australia boast several Premier League stars including Everton midfielder Tim Cahill, while Middlesbrough defender Rhys Williams should play against the country he represented at under-21 level."

iwandthomas on Twitter: "Sitting in a library in the USA with my Cardiff shirt on!! Bluebirds!!"

1917: SCOTLAND v DENMARK
Phil Dawkes reports: "With a crucial Euro 2012 qualifying double-header against Czech Republic and Lithuania just around the corner, Scotland's players will be hoping to use this friendly as a dress rehearsal to tune up for some big future performances. Ranked 21st in the world, Denmark should provide an adequately stern test, although coach Morten Olsson has admitted his side have one eye on their own upcoming Euro 2012 matches. The Scots will not be at full-strength, with Kris Commons, Alan Hutton and Steven Whittaker having all withdrawn, so there is an opportunity for other squad members to stake a claim for the competitive encounters."

1914: NORTHERN IRELAND v FAROE ISLANDS
Lyle Jackson reports: "If ever there was a "must win" game for Northern Ireland, it's tonight's Euro 2012 qualifier against the Faroe Islands in Belfast. After a win in Slovenia, Nigel Worthington's men have taken just three points from the following four games, including a 1-1 draw away to the Faroes - and a record of three goals in their last eight games tell its own story of the boys in green's problems. Can the returning David Healy turn the tide and get qualification hopes back on track?"

nedthomasisablu on Twitter: "Really looking forward to seeing Gareth Bale back in a Wales shirt, think we can get a result."

1909: And here's what I'm going to want from you... I want you to Tweet the commentary via the hashtag #BBCFootball, Tweet me @sampatricklyon or text in via 81111 (UK).

1907: With plenty to get through ahead of our 1945 kick-offs, then, here's what I will be bringing to your interweb screens ce soir...
Euro 2012 qualifier: Northern Ireland v Faroe Islands
International:Scotland v Denmark
International: Wales v Australia
International: Republic of Ireland v Croatia
Carling Cup R1:Oxford United v Cardiff

1904: But worry ye not, people! England fans may have the night off, but for you Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Republic of Ireland supporters, those vocal warm-ups you've been carrying out the past few days will not be wasted. One Euro 2012 qualifier and three friendlies give us plenty to crow about this evening - and with a host of other internationals plus a Carling Cup tie to boot, we're more set than a 1,000,000-year-old fly smothered in amber. Jubbly.

1900: In the interests of public interest, albeit possibly a little late, I wanted to let you know that the England v Netherlands friendly tonight has been postponed. If you're currently strolling around Wembley Stadium wondering why it's so darn quiet - and indeed how you got so lucky with the car journey in and that parking space right outside the ground - you've missed the news. The Dutch aren't coming. The rioters have ruined it for everyone. Hurrumph.