Thursday football - as it happened

1. First-leg result: AEL Limassol 1-2 Tottenham
2. Winners of play-off ties into group stage
3. Result: Wales women 0-4 England women
4. England qualify for Women's World Cup

We will be back with live coverage of that one and Tottenham's return against AEL Limassol in seven days.

Before then though there is the thrills and spills of the Premier League, not least Liverpool's visit to Manchester City on Monday. Will firework safety spokesman and sticker album perfectionist Mario Balotelli be in the red ranks?

BBC Radio Humberside are still hoovering around for post-match reaction in Belgium, but it is goodnight from us.

The return fixture is a week today: Thursday 28 August.

FULL-TIME

Hull will have to overturn a first-leg deficit at the KC if their European jaunt is to continue.

@england

England: Pitchside as England celebrate their qualification for 2015 World Cup...

Into injury-time

We are into injury-time as Lokeren's Koen Persoons takes his time getting to his feet.

James Chester zonks Sone Aluko's cross downward with a pulse of his neck muscles but his header is wide. That was a very presentable chance.

YELLOW CARD

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Paul McShane picks up the first yellow card of the game, pinged for a challenge on Giorgios Galitsios.

Hull are peppering the Lokeren goal now. David Meyler's sweetly-struck effort is palmed over the top by Davino Verhulst before Tom Ince calls the Lokeren keeper into action once again.

Five minutes to go.

SUBSTITUTION

Mohamed Essa trots on in place of George Boyd in Hull's third and final change.

Ten minutes to go.

Hull are building a bit of pressure now.

Tom Ince's low drilled effort is blocked by the outstretched ankle of Davino Verhulst before Harry Maguire, rolling up from the back, heads wide from the resulting corner.

CLOSE!

Hull's Liam Rosenoir gets into a pocket of space at the back post, but his downward header lacks power and is gathered by Davino Verhulst in the Lokeren goal.

SUBSTITUTION

A double switch from Hull as Tom Ince and Nikica Jelavic replace Yannick Sagbo and Robbie Brady.

Former England captain Faye White on BBC Three: "Mark Sampson will be very happy to have 75-80% possession, but you have to keep your concentration. Against better sides than Wales those second-half lapses will be punished."

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England coach Mark Sampson: "It is a special moment for the group and in the first half we were outstanding for spells. We are going to keep going as we are until Canada and keep working hard. There is that hunger in this side."

FULL-TIME

England coach Mark Sampson applauds his team off the pitch, keeping a relative poker face. Behind him the England substitutes are not so restrained, leaping up and embracing as they look forward to Canada 2015.

GREAT SAVE!

Hull are being pinned back now.

Allan McGregor partly redeems his earlier error with a splendid save before George Boyd flings himself in the way of a shot from Nils De Pauw.

Five minutes to go

Time to take the bubbly out of the chiller.

England's place at Canada 2015 will be assured in a little less than five minutes.

You can get across to BBC Three or watch online to see the celebrations.

GOAL

Someone get Danny Baker/Nick Hancock/Tim Lovejoy on the blower. We have a grade-A blooper ready for your next video compilation.

Allan McGregor passes the ball straight to Hans Vanaken who doesn't return the favour. Instead the Lokeren man smashes the ball back past McGregor and into the Hull net.

Hull had looked good until then.

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Hull's third strip looks only marginally less comfortable than playing in a shirt and tie.

Rob Westall

BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff City Stadium

"The rain is lashing down here now but it is doing little to dampen the spirits of the England supporters. Manager Mark Sampson is still venturing to the edge of his technical area to bark instructions. To be fair to the Welsh fans they have not left early despite the scoreline - but perhaps that's got more to do with the shelter the stand roof provides."

Great save!

Lokeren come out for the second half showing a lot more intent than before the break. Nils De Pauw's right-foot blast requires a full-length save from Allan McGregor to keep the scoreline blank.

Mijat Maric hooks over the top from the resulting corner.

KICK-OFF

Referee Matej Jug peeps his whistle to re-start hostilities. It has been a bit of a phoney war so far though.

HITS THE WOODWORK

That is a miss to haunt Jodie Taylor....

Karen Carney's rasping effort comes back off Wales goalkeeper Nicola Davies and Washington Spirit striker Taylor has an age and acres to convert the rebound. But her shot bounces back off the post and into grateful arms of Davies.

If you are going to miss one of those, 4-0 up is a good time to do it.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Tom Miskowski: England Women looking very good, switching formations with ease, Fara Williams dropping back to make a back three, full backs bombing on

England's concentration lapses with the game already won. Wales's Sarah Wiltshire is alive to the chance to mend the scoreline and twice she goes close bringing a save out of Karen Bardsley from 18 yards and then slashing a shot into the "wrong" side of the side-netting.

Just over an hour gone.

Text us on 81111

John in London via text: You'd have thought Champions League matches would be played on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Europa League games on Wednesdays. Champions league teams have bigger squads, better suited to two games in four days.

HALF-TIME

A clean sheet away from home is never a bad result, but Hull head for their half-time pep talk knowing that Steve Bruce might have Yannick Sagbo in his sights after an eyesore of a miss inside the first 10 minutes.

As if to prove the point a stat pops up on the BBC Three coverage showing that England have had 71% of the ball.

It is difficult to pull back a four-goal deficit with the remaining 29%.

Arsenal's Jordan Nobbs lets fly with a solid effort from 20 yards, but it is always clearing the bar. England still making all the running, starving Wales of the ball.

Yannick Sagbo flicks a header over the bar from Robbie Brady's free-kick. Clever idea, slightly less smart execution.

Five minutes until the break. To call it a slow burner would be kind.

KICK-OFF

The second half is off and running at the Cardiff City Stadium.

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If there is a cooler haircut in football today than Lianne Sanderson's I don't know it.

Feel free to text and tweet any nominations, but they will have to be good.

BBC Sport's Rob Westall at the Cardiff City Stadium: "The party has begun now for England. Their supporters are waving flags, hugging and dancing to the music here at half-time, knowing that their side have surely booked their place at Canada 2015."

Lokeren striker Nill De Pauw punts a dipping shot just over the bar from distance. Allan McGregor was more confident than the home fans that it was too high.

That is why he gets the big bucks.

LMA on Mackay

The League Managers' Association has released a statement following claims that former Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay sent texts of a racist, sexist and homophobic nature while employed by the Welsh club.

"The LMA wish to clarify the position in relation to recent reports and speculation regarding matters alleged to have arisen during Malky Mackay's time at Cardiff City FC.

"In the course of a search by the club in early 2014 of 10,000 private text messages sent to and from another member of staff during Mr Mackay's employment at Cardiff, in relation to other matters, it emerged that Malky had, it seems, sent a couple of one line texts that were, with the benefit of hindsight, very regrettable and disrespectful of other cultures.

"These were two text messages sent in private at a time Malky felt under great pressure and when he was letting off steam to a friend during some friendly text message banter. That said, Malky believes he could and should have conducted himself better on these two isolated occasions. The precise details need to remain private for the time being until any FA process is complete."

You can read more soon on the BBC Sport football page.

@thecurtisdavies

Hull City captain Curtis Davis on Twitter: A brilliant following from our fans tonight. Playing their part in a great atmosphere.

Just a shade over 28 minutes gone.

Still scoreless over in Belgium, but Hull boss Steve Bruce will be pleased with the Tigers' work so far.

The visitors have been assured in defence and have applied plenty of pressure without opening up Lokeren as they did for Yannick Sagbo's early chance.

HALF-TIME

GOAL

England are picking over the carcass now.

A pin-point cross from Alex Scott, a bullet header from Lianne Sanderson and the half-time oranges will taste extra sweet for England.

GOAL

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Pack those bags.

Laura Bassett prods in a deep corner as the Wales defence allow the ball to bounce and that is surely their place in next summer's World Cup booked.

GOAL

Have that! Eni Aluko's volley flashes past Nicola Davies before she even has a chance to twitch in the Wales goal.

Aluko controlled a throw-in on her chest out on the angle, 15 yards from goal, and her next touch is a lashed volley that gives the goalkeeper no chance.

A stunner of a strike.

A little under 10 minutes to the break and England are probing around the Wales penalty area but have been frustrated by a sheer weight of number in the red-shirted defence.

Ennie Aluko's pace looks the likeliest route to a second. She is mobbed by defenders every time she picks up the ball though.

There is crowd of 7,935 in the house for Hull's visit.

It is short of capacity but the fact that the standing areas are ruled out of bounds for Uefa matches has meant that that was always going to be the case.

Close!

The goal is gaping for Yannick Sagbo but the Hull striker's scruffy effort lacks the legs to make the six-yard trip to the back of the net and is hacked clear by a covering defender.

It should really be 1-0.

HITS THE WOODWORK

England are still enjoying more of the ball and they are looking dangerous when they come forward. Arsenal's Jordan Nobbs clips the bar with a careful, curling side-foot in their best chance of a second.

Manager reaction

@spursofficial

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino: "In the end it was an important win and another victory. It was a difficult game and I'm happy with the players. Erik Lamela, Nacer Chadli and Mousa Dembele had an impact when they came on which is important."

KICK-OFF

We are up and running in Lokeren with Harry Maguire making his Hull debut as one of three centre-backs alongside Paul McShane and James Chester.

Hull City midfielder Robert Snodgrass: Good luck to the lads tonight in Belgium.

Snodgrass is recovering from a a dislocated kneecap that is set to keep him sidelined for up to six months.

Hull City: McGregor, Rosenior, Figueroa, Chester, Maguire, McShane, Meyler, Boyd, Brady, Aluko, Sagbo. Subs: Harper, Robertson, Elmohamady, Huddlestone, Livermore, Ince, Jelavic.

Over in Belgium, Hull are about to get underway against Lokeren in the first leg of their Europa League play-off.

You can get live radio commentary online via BBC Radio Humberside.

Rob Westall

BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff City Stadium

"Karen Carney's goal seems to have sprung the crowd into life. Up until her strike there had been no songs or chants apart from the two national anthems, despite the best efforts of an enthusiastic England fan a couple of rows down from the press box."

GOAL

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Birmingham midfielder Karen Carney's swirling free-kick commits both the Wales goalkeeper and Eniola Aluko. Neither get a touch and the ball continues on into the far corner. England have the lead. They need only a point to make the final remember.

Text us on 81111

Dave in Essex via text: Is this a first? Brother and sister playing in top-flight football at the same time? Hull's Sone Aluko playing in Europa League at the same time as his sister Eniola is turning out for England's women.

Other

In the words of manager Steve Bruce, Hull had to "dig deep" even to get to the play-offs. After a goalless first leg in Slovakia, Trecin took the lead after two minutes of the second leg of their qualifying tie at the KC Stadium.

It was not until 10 minutes from time that Sone Aluko scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 win.

@HullCity

Hull City on Twitter: Hull City fans arriving at the Daknamstadion are in fine voice.

Rob Westall

BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff City Stadium

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"Difficult to see from the press box whether England's manager Mark Sampson was singing either anthem just before kick-off. The Welshman and Cardiff City fan intends to do the country of his birth no favours tonight, as he seeks to guide England to the point they need to qualify for Canada 2015."

KICK-OFF

We are up and running in south Wales.

England's record so far in the group is eight wins from eight matches, 38 goals scored and only one conceded. Impressive stuff.

A total of 24 teams will compete at the World Cup finals in Canada in 2015.

There are eight European places up for grabs, with the winners of the seven Uefa qualifying groups going through automatically.

The four runners-up with the best record against the top five teams in their group, will battle it out via the play-offs for the remaining European World Cup slot.

The play-off semi-finals and final will both be played over two legs.

You can see the latest standings on the Uefa website.

Meanwhile in Belgium...

@Hullcity

Hull City on Twitter: The first Hull City fans inside the Daknamstadion.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Rob Gorry: Is it time to start mentioning Harry Kane for England?

Text us on 81111

Rick in Kent via text: And everyone writes Spurs off after two games. It's going to take a lot longer than that for the players to respond to the way the manager wants to play.

Women's football

Rob Westall

BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff City Stadium

"The teams are out. A lot of expectant England fans are draped in St George's flags hoping to see Mark Sampson's side seal a place at Canada 2015. Welsh fans are also out in force as Wales look to spoil the party and boost their own hopes of reaching the finals."

A point will be enough for England to book their plane tickets.

At the Cardiff City Stadium, the cross of St George and the Y Ddraig Goch, are already out on the pitch.

The two sets of players who will represent those flags are just behind.

It is live on BBC Three, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra and online right now.

FULL-TIME

The referee blows time on the match and, after a less-than-convincing first hour, Tottenham have a lead to take back to White Hart Lane.

Getty Images

Text us on 81111

Ross in London via text: I've just taken Erik Lamela out of my dream team. I'm frightened to bring him back in in case he's rubbish again, so may leave him out!

Women's football

Rob Westall

BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff City Stadium

"Both squads are out on the pitch going through some last-minute drills ahead of tonight's crunch World Cup qualifier. The shouts of the players and coaching staff can be heard above the buzz of the small but growing crowd. With World Cup qualification up for grabs, who will be shouting loudest at the end of the match, Wales or England?"

Erik Lamela rifles a shot wide after jinking through a forest of legs. His best performance yet in a Tottenham shirt? It might well be...

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Christian Evans: So happy for Harry Kane - one of football's good guys who is starting to do well.

Peter Daniel: I am not worried about the lack of transfer business from Spurs as I feel Poch can get the best out of these players.

BreakingBreaking team news

Nine changes from the Hull side that won at QPR with goalkeeper Allan McGregor and defender James Chester the only survivors.

Hull City: McGregor, Rosenior, Figueroa, Chester, Maguire, McShane, Meyler, Boyd, Brady, Aluko, Sagbo. Subs: Harper, Robertson, Elmohamady, Huddlestone, Livermore, Ince, Jelavic.

SUBSTITUTION

AEL Limassol make a change with a second Carlitos - there is already one on the pitch for them - coming on in place of goalscorer Adrian Sardinero.

It is like the Welsh rugby team, all Jones and Williams, out there.

GOAL

The first goal was largely down to him and the second is all about Erik Lamela.

He jags in off the left and supplies Harry Kane with a glorious pass to put Spurs in front.

Now can he do it against a better side than the Cypriot top-flight's runners-up? That'll be the test.

A way to go before that Gareth I reckon.

But it would not be a surprise if his countryman Mauricio Pochettino got more out of him this term.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Gareth Brett: Is Erik Lamela Spurs' new Bale? Poor performance then he comes on and sets up a goal with pretty much his first touch.

Tottenham academy coach Bradley Allen on London 94.9: "It was a wonderful finish - what that'll do to his confidence."

GOAL

AP

Out of nowhere, Spurs weave together a move of pure silk.

Harry Kane prods the ball onto Erik Lamela who clips a glorious pass over the last man into the path of Roberto Soldado, who hammers a first-time finish past a startled Karim Fergrouche.

No-one saw that one coming.

SUBSTITUTION

What can Erik Lamela bring to the party? The Argentine playmaker is on in place of Andros Townsend.

Tottenham academy coach Bradley Allen on London 94.9: "Harry Kane still had a lot to do, but somehow the Limassol keeper got something on it and pushed it on to the bar. We though it was going to go in but it didn't."

HITS THE WOODWORK

Harry Kane blasts goalwards from Nacer Chadli's cross and Roberto Soldado's nod-down and it looks for all the world like an equaliser.

But Karim Fergrouche manages to get half a hand to the shot and turn it onto the crossbar.

Kane looks aghast. He has been the brightest spark in the Tottenham attack.

Women's football

England boss Mark Sampson makes three changes to the side that started the 4-0 friendly win against Sweden earlier this month.

Manchester City's Toni Duggan and Chelsea's Laura Bassett and Eniola Aluko all come into the side, captained by record cap holder Fara Williams.

Wales make only one change from the team which drew 1-1 against Scotland, with captain Jess Fishlock returning in midfield, as Carys Hawkins drops to the bench.

Wales: Davies, Dykes, Cousins, Davies, Ingle, Green, James, Fishlock, Harding, Wiltshire, Bleazard. Subs: Dando, Hawkins, Wynne, Quayle, Green, Lawrence, Keryakoplis

England: Bardsley; A. Scott, Houghton (C), Bassett, Stokes; Williams, Nobbs, Carney; Duggan, Sanderson, Aluko. Subs: Greenwood, Chamberlain, Stoney, J.Scott, Kirby, Taylor, Dowie.

SUBSTITUTION

AEL Limassol have been containing Spurs comfortably. They have decided they need a little more ballast in midfield though, with George Eleftheriou on for Diego Barcelos.

SUBSTITUTION

Another roll of the dice for Mauricio Pochettino with Mousa Dembele on in place of Lewis Holtby.

Getty Images

Text us on 81111

Graham via text: Whatever happens, it'll ultimately be the same old sorry story for Spurs. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. Forever the nearly men!

Chris via text: Spurs were supposed to use the Gareth Bale money to strengthen but all they've done is flooded their squad with average players. They're having a laugh if they think they'll break into top four again any time soon.

Lewis via text: A lot of work needs to be done at Spurs, but patience is needed from fans and everyone at the club.

SUBSTITUTION

It is not a 7-1 shellacking in front of an expectant home crowd in a World Cup semi-final, but Paulinho has also been very underwhelming on his first start since.

Nacer Chadli is on his place.

YELLOW CARD

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Roberto Soldado has been toothless at the point of Tottenham's attack tonight. And the Spaniard's most meaningful intervention comes as he picks up a yellow for a clumsy foul on Diallo Guidileye.

Tottenham academy coach Bradley Allen on London 94.9: "I don't think anybody can argue this is what Limassol deserve. I think Spurs need freshening up - new players on the pitch and new ideas."

Listen live online.

The frustrations get the better of Nabil Bentaleb. The Tottenham midfielder is hauled over for a talking-to by Manuel de Sousa who objects to some argy-bargy at a corner.

PA

AEL are still more than holding their own. Carlitos thumps wide for the hosts and Tottenham might even take a 1-0 defeat at this stage.

They certainly have had to reassess what would be a good result in light of AEL's quality and commitment.

@HullCity

Hull City on Twitter: The team has arrived at the Daknamstadion.

Text us on 81111

Dave from Newcastle via text: The last time two Eriks were in the same top-flight squad was 2008. That year Wigan Athletic's squad contained both Erik Edman and Erik Hagen.

Good knowledge. Any advances on 2008?

Diego Barcelos goes close for the hosts with Hugo Lloris needing a little help from his covering defence to get the ball up, out and away...

KICK-OFF

Back up and running in Cyprus.

You can listen live on BBC London 94.9. Not in the big smoke? Don't despair. The commentary is also streaming online.

Get Involved

The hunt for the last top-flight squad to contain two Erics/Eriks/a variation thereof is over:

M-Tec Engineering: Eric Djemba-Djemba and Erik Bakke at Aston Villa

Unless any of you know any better?

Is Fazio heading to Tottenham?

AP

While Tottenham have been playing, the Daily Mail have published a story on their website that Spurs have been told they must meet giant defender Federico Fazio's £8m release clause to lure him away from Sevilla.

The report claims Spurs are confident of securing Fazio's services in the next 24 hours.

Fazio, who has two caps for Argentina, is 6ft 5ins tall and has made 179 appearances for Sevilla.

Women's football

Rob Westall

BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff City Stadium

"England need just a point from their remaining two Group Six matches - against Wales this evening in Cardiff and against bottom side Montenegro on 17 September - to qualify for the 2015 World Cup in Canada.

"Second-placed Wales, who are five points behind England with two games to go, will have to pin their qualification hopes on gaining a play-off place if they fail to beat Mark Sampson's side."

BBC

Women's football

@england

England on Twitter: We've arrived at Cardiff City Stadium. England v Wales kick-off at 19:05 BST.

A draw will be enough to guarantee England's place in Canada at the 2015 World Cup. Jacqui Oatley presents live coverage of the match from 19:00 BST on BBC Three, with expert analysis from Sue Smith, former Wales captain Jayne Ludlow and England's skipper at the last World Cup, Faye White. You can also listen to live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra from 18:30 BST.

Tottenham academy coach Bradley Allen on London 94.9: "I expect changes - maybe 10 to 15 minutes into the second half. Give credit to Limassol they played deep and hit Tottenham. Their goalscorer Adrian Sardinero has done well. Spurs have played well and had a few half-chances - I do expect them to improve."

Text us on 81111

Gary Chapman in London via text: To be honest, even if Spurs lose they are likely to get four or five in the home leg.

George in London via text: Paulinho isn't deserving of his place at the moment. Especially with players like Sandro and Etienne Capoue breathing down his neck.

David in London via text: Paulinho didn't claim to be Neymar's cousin did he?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Kieran123111: I really don't see the fuss about this. Spurs will probably score two in the second half.

Brave Front: Either I missed the final whistle, or a lot of people can't count to 90.

Christopher York: Worth remembering Spurs fans, the Europa League is not such a worthless competition this season as the winners qualify for the Champs League.

HALF-TIME

Just as their defence gets stretched out of shape once again, the referees' whistle blows to bring an end to Tottenham's first-half pain.

The visitors trudge off and look like they are suffering in the heat. Kyle Naughton has peeled off his shirt and I don't think there will be a rush from the AEL players to swap that sweat-soaked garment.

YELLOW CARD

Diego Barcelos has a fierce shot blocked on the edge of the Tottenham box.

Barcelos' team-mate Cadu picked up a yellow card for a rash sliding challenge on Roberto Soldado as well.

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Albert Wilcox via text: Spurs need a 20 goal a season striker if they are to get Champions League football.

Five minutes to go

PA

Five minutes to go in the first half and Spurs have not impressed yet. Debutant Ben Davies has looked fine going forward, but a little loose in defence.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Simon Morris: Spurs need a playmaker if we are to have any chance this season. We've never replaced Luka Modric.

Haiden Winter: Spurs should put everything into this competition, we won't get Champions League football for a while without winning the Europa League.

Sam Rossiter: Here we go again. If Spurs are taking the Europa League seriously then why are Christian Eriksen and Emmanuel Adebayor at home with their feet up?

YELLOW CARD

Lewis Holtby tries to help out referee Manuel de Sousa, pointing out that the Portuguese official missed a foul on Harry Kane.

De Sousa thanks him for his help with a yellow card.

Ben Davies' defensive positioning was dubious for AEL's first goal and the Welshman was almost caught wandering again.

Goalscorer Adrian Sardinero's diagonal dart into the space behind the former Swansea man unlocks the Spurs backline and it is only a good save from the alert Hugo Lloris that denies him.

This is turning into bit of a personal grudge match. Again Harry Kane fires on goal, again Karim Fegrouche sees it off in the AEL goal.

Harry Kane rattles in another ambitious long-distance effort, getting plenty of power off his laces, but Karim Fegrouche is equal to it in the AEL goal.

Tottenham academy coach Bradley Allen on London 94.9: "Limassol have come into it in the last 10 minutes - their manager Ivaylo Petev will be thinking whether his team can double their advantage."

Listen live online.

Quicker in thought and action, AEl Limassol are getting on top of their illustrious neighbours.

The Cypriots beat Zenit St Petersburg at home in their Champions League qualifier first leg so have a bit of pedigree about them.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Mark Steadman: Spurs need to accept they are a 5th, 6th, 7th or 8th league place club.

Martyn Wrather: As a Spurs fan I'd be more than happy for us not to progress in this worthless competition - the focus has to be on the Premier League.

Sean Patrick: Why are people shooting down Spurs chances already? Strengthened at the back, new manager, Erik Lamela fit. Don't write them off.

AEL Limassol could be two to the good. Lukasz Gikiewicz gets up well to meet a corner-kick but can only direct his header wide of target.

Luciano Bebe hits it hard, but straight at the Tottenham wall which stands strong.

A free-kick in a dangerous position, 20 yards out, for the hosts....

Roberto Soldado wants a penalty, but there is no dice from referee Manuel de Sousa who waves away his appeals for a handball.

Nabil Bentaleb whips the ball back into the dangerzone but defender Valentinos Sielis heads clear...

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Chris Thompson: Maybe Spurs should have signed Sardinero - not Soldado.

Crashma: Mr Levy you need to get some new signings in, work your magic.

Tottenham have responded well to falling behind. Andros Townsend and Ben Davies are both looking lively. But the visitors looked in charge in the first 14 minutes before shipping the opening goal.

Tottenham academy coach Bradley Allen on BBC London 94.9: "How big could that goal prove to be? It was an interception. Paulinho dallied on the ball, Adrian Sardinero got beyond Ben Davies and then keeper Hugo Lloris just couldn't get his hand to it. Spurs don't want the scoreline to be too distant."

Listen live online.

GOAL

What a noise!

Paulinho dawdles in midfield, losing possession, and his defence fail to pick up the run of Adrian Sardinero, who calmly slots past Hugo Lloris after being played in.

Cue loud and long celebrations.

Dearie me.

PA

Harry Kane takes on the responsibility of a free-kick some 25 yards out and he'll be allowed another crack next time judging by that effort.

There is some vicious dip on his side-foot slap and it is only a foot or so over.

Tottenham academy coach Bradley Allen on BBC London 94.9': "Spurs have begun the game in confident fashion - they're not rushing, just probing."

Listen live online.

Eric Dier. Erik Lamela. When was the last time that a top-flight squad contained two Erics/Eriks?

I can't think of one playing alongside Cantona at either Leeds or Manchester United....

Nabil Bentaleb has made a bright start for Tottenham, spraying a fine pass wide to Ben Davies to set up that earlier chance for Roberto Soldado and he has just tested the AEL goalkeeper with a decent effort from the fringes of the penalty area.

Text us on 81111

David in London via text: Pressure on Paulinho tonight, can't exactly complain about the heat and has a point to prove now he's been dropped by Brazil.

Dan via text: I don't think Spurs are even strong enough to finish in the top eight this season. No strength in depth which will be found out in the Europa League.

Jonners in Chelmsford via text: We may not be favourites to win it, but the Europa League is Tottenham's only realistic chance of genuine glory. I'd take a shot at the Europa League final over fourth place any day of the year.

Oh Roberto! New season, same old story for the Tottenham striker.

Ben Davies' neat cut-back is drilled goalwards by Harry Kane and goalkeeper Karim Fegrouch can only palm the ball into the path of Roberto Soldado six yards out.

The goal is gaping but the Spaniard's finish is wide and into the hoardings.

Harry Kane cannot quite control Andros Townsend's deep cross, the ball escaping his touch and running through to goalkeeper Karim Fegrouch.

Paulinho sells Eric Dier a little short and the young Tottenham defender fouls Lukasz Gikiewicz as he attempts to regain the ball.

The home fans break off from their rhythmic chanting to squeal for a free-kick and the referee duly obliges.

KICK-OFF

We are go in Cyprus...

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Max Kurek: Wonderful to see Hugo Lloris finally wearing the armband for Spurs. Should be made club captain if/when Michael Dawson leaves.

Odutola Kamorudeen: What I see is a fresh start for Spurs in Europe.

The Cypriot fans are in good voice, bellowing away as kick-off nears.

Live radio commentary has just begun on BBC London 94.9 and you can get across that online wherever you are.

@Spursofficial

Tottenham Hotspur on Twitter: The noise levels in the stadium go up a notch as the teams are read out. A good gathering of Tottenham fans behind one goal.

LINE-UPS

AEL: Fegrouch, Nicolaou, Sielis, Tavares Carlitos, Cadu, Edmar, Bebe, Guidilleye, Sardinero, Gikiewicz, Diego Barcelos. Subs: Pulpo, Espana, Tagbajumi, Stavrou, Miguel Carlitos, Eleftheriou, Nadeau.

Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris, Vertonghen, Dier, Naughton, Davies, Paulinho, Holtby, Townsend, Bentaleb, Soldado, Kane. Subs: Friedel, Rose, Lamela, Dembele, Dawson, Chadli, Sandro.

Referee: Manuel de Sousa (Portugal)

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Mark in Newcastle via text: The Europa League - where fallen giants remember fondly the Cup Winners' Cup.

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When in Belgium. . .

@Hulldailymail

Hull Daily Mail on Twitter: Hull City fans enjoying some Belgian hospitality ahead of the Lokeren match.

@Spurs official

Tottenham Hotspur on Twitter: The warm-up is well underway.

Warm is the key word there. It is early evening in Larnaca and it is still very, very hot. Can Spurs overcome the heat? Or will they return to White Hart Lane all flustered?

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Tommy T-rex: Anyone who still thinks Spurs have a chance at top four spot needs to go and see a doctor.

Pete Stilliard: People forget that doing well in the Europa league gets you good UEFA ranking points = better seedings if you get into the Champions League.

Andy Thompson: From an Everton fan, I'm actually looking forward to the Europa League. Winners get Champions League spot and that's not to be sniffed at.

Andy can take it easy tonight. Everton don't enter the competition until the group stage, the draw for which takes place on 29 August.

AEL Limassol finished as runners-up in the Cypriot league last season, losing to champions Apoel on the final day.

They have already claimed a notable continental scalp at home this season - beating Zenit St Petersburg in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier, before succumbing 3-0 in Russia in the return.

One-time Fulham striker Orlando Sa scored 13 goals for them last season, but has since moved on to Legia Warsaw.

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Mike Hanson: Could Mauricio Pochettino be using this match for players to prove themselves before the transfer window shuts?

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All very well. But how many of those game were played in 30-degree heat? That is what we are expecting in Larnaca tonight...

Lucky some of those Tottenham lads spent the summer in Ayia Napa and the like...

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Andy via text: The Europa League is a poisoned chalice. Spurs aren't good enough to win it to gain Champions League qualification. And by playing in Europe on Thursday nights their Premier League top-four hopes will be damaged as a direct result.

Make sure you put your names on the texts people. You are weeing in the wind otherwise.

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Even before four 'lucky losers' from the Champions League drop into the Europa League mix, there is a far bit of quality knocking around the Europa League.

Last year's winners Sevilla are already into the group stages along with Fiorentina while Inter Milan, PSV and Lyon are knocking around the play-offs.

Did you know that Ossie was sent on loan by Tottenham to Paris St Germain during the Falklands War?

Anyway, he makes a good point about the depth of the Tottenham squad.

I'm a little surprised that Erik Lamela was not given a chance to boost his confidence. There should be more space tonight than at Upton Park on Saturday.

A first start of a big season for Harry Kane as well. Handed a new five-year deal at the start of this season, will the 21-year-old be able to become a first choice at the Lane?

Former Tottenham Hotspur player Ossie Ardiles on Twitter: Not only Europa Cup but any competition Spurs enters, very important. And we have a big squad to challenge. Come on you Spurs!

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So with the carrot of Champions League football to play for, should Tottenham and Hull consider prioritising the Europa League?

Will Christian Eriksen be benched for a north London derby to keep him fresh for a tricky trip to Metalist Kharkiv?

Will Tom Huddlestone rest up at Old Trafford in preparation for the visit of Guingamp to the KC?

Successfully negotiating the next 17 games of Europa League football might well be easier than achieving a top-four finish across 38 games in the Premier League.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball on Twitter, 81111 on text or the BBC Sport Facebook and Google+ pages.

Flag day

@hulldailymail

Hull Daily Mail on Twitter: Hull City flags in Lokeren.

First up on the Europa League magical mystery tour for Spurs is a trip to the Cypriot city of Larnaca to face AEL Limassol in the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium.

Hull climb aboard a little later this evening, travelling to Belgian side KSC Lokeren at 19:30 BST.

England's third and final participant, Everton, are already through to the group stages courtesy of their fifth-place Premier League finish last season.

Number one. This season's Europa League winners, in addition to that nice big shiny pot, will get their hands on a 2015-16 Champions League spot.

Number two. After his summer switch from Southampton to Spurs, Mauricio Pochettino is now in charge of a side that has the resources to pick a £26m striker, a £10m left-back and two England internationals on the bench on the opening day of the season.

Number three. Probably as a result of the first two, Pochettino has had a rethink on the Europa League. It is now a "different competition" and represents a "big challenge".

Reuters

Certainly the workload involved in a Europa League run did not appeal to Mauricio Pochettino six months ago.

"I don't see the appeal of the Europa League," he said in February.

"I think it is a competition that kills you in the sense that there are a lot of mid-table teams that put a lot of effort into it and then are not able to do anything in the league."

Three things have changed since then.

@spursofficial

Tottenham Hotspur on Twitter: Here's a glance inside our changing room ahead of the Europa League play-off first leg.

Tottenham give a debut to left-back Ben Davies as Jan Vertonghen replaces Younes Kaboul in the centre of defence. Paulinho starts in midfield with Harry Kane and Roberto Soldado in harness up front.

Tottenham: Lloris; Naughton, Dier, Vertonghen, Davies; Bentaleb, Paulinho; Holtby, Townsend, Kane; Soldado.

Subs: Friedel, Rose, Dawson, Chadli, Dembele, Sandro, Lamela.

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One thousand, five hundred and thirty minutes, or 25 and a half hours of football.

Seventeen games. Almost half a Premier League season.

That is all that separates Hull and Tottenham from climbing the steps at the National Stadium in Warsaw and hoisting the Europa League trophy.

You can almost taste it....