Football in September 1997

• Tore André Flo scores the only goal as Norway win in Azerbaijan to become the second European team to qualify for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France after Romania. Four days later Bulgaria join them.

• Italy are held 0-0 in Georgia and relinquish top spot in Group 2, meaning England need only a draw to gain automatic qualification at the Azzurri's expense when the top two meet four weeks later in Rome.

• Olaf Marschall scores a hat-trick, taking him to seven in six games, as 1. FC Kaiserslautern beat VfB Stuttgart 4-3. It maintains their lead over FC Bayern München at the summit – they never lose it.

• Liverpool FC draw 0-0 against Celtic FC to advance to the UEFA Cup second round on away goals, the Reds indebted to Steve McManaman's stunning last-minute effort in Glasgow which made the first leg 2-2.