The recent bombings in Indonesia robbed the country of one its biggest footballing attractions last week as Manchester United called off the Indonesian leg of their Far East tour. United were scheduled to meet an Indonesian Super League XI tonight but were greeted on their arrival to Kuala Lumpur with the news that their hotel had been bombed. After seeking advice from the British Foreign Office and the British High Commission in place, the united officials decided to call off this leg of their tour to safeguard their players.

The women's U19 Championships has reached the semi-final stage of the tournament with Switzerland, France, England and Sweden advancing to the last four. The last matches in Group A saw France and Switzerland go through after a 2-0 victory for France ensured they would go through together with the Swiss at the expense of Germany despite their record-breaking 9-0 win against Belarus. In Group B, England's 4-0 win over Iceland ensured them of group victory ahead of Sweden after they had came back to win 2-1 against Norway.

In another part of the world, the CONCACAF Gold Cup has also reached the semi-finals. Mexico managed to shake off their World Cup qualifying problems with a trouble-free 4-0 win against Haiti, while Costa Rica brushed aside the challenge of Guadeloupe 5-1. These two will meet in Thursday's semi-finals in Chicago. Also playing in Chicago will be the other semi-finalists, holders and hosts the USA against Honduras. The USA won a tight match 2-1 in extra time against Panama and Honduras overcame Canada 1-0 to book their place.

The season here in Europe will soon be upon us. Right now I'd love to take advantage of my Irish heritage and join part-timers Shamrock Rovers in their dream match against the stars of Real Madrid. This is the stuff comic books are made of.

All the best.