retired_deljo

Tables after two games of qualification:

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">********************************************* ************************************************** * European Championship Qualifying - Wednesday 8th September 2010********************************************** ************************************************** ================================================== ============================================== 2010 Tables============================================ ================================================== ==Group 1Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Croatia 2 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 2 1 6 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd Slovakia 2 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 2 3 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd Wales 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 3 3 4th Denmark 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 5th Lithuania 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 Group 2Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st France 2 1 0 0 5 0 1 0 0 2 0 6 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd Bulgaria 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd Hungary 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 4th Georgia 2 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 3 5th Latvia 2 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 5 3 6th San Marino 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 Group 3Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Scotland 2 1 0 0 3 1 1 0 0 3 0 6 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd Ukraine 1 1 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd Israel 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 3 3 4th Estonia 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 5th Spain 2 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 1 2 3 0 Group 4Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Greece 2 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 3 0 4 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd Sweden 2 1 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 1 1 4 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd Italy 2 1 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 1 1 4 4th Faroe Islands 2 0 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 6 1 3 5th Belarus 2 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 1 6th Luxembourg 2 0 0 1 1 6 0 0 1 0 3 0 Group 5Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st England 2 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 2 0 6 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd Austria 2 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 2 3 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd FYROM 2 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 3 3 4th Romania 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 5th Armenia 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 Group 6Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Ireland 2 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 6 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd Finland 2 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 3 1 3 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd Serbia & Montengro 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 4th Holland 2 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 5th Albania 1 0 0 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 Group 7Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Bosnia 2 1 0 0 4 1 0 1 0 2 2 4 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd Slovenia 2 0 1 0 3 3 1 0 0 2 0 4 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd Germany 2 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 4 0 3 4th Azerbaijan 2 0 0 1 0 4 1 0 0 1 0 3 5th Belgium 2 0 1 0 2 2 0 1 0 3 3 2 6th Malta 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 4 0 Group 8Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Portugal 2 1 0 0 4 1 1 0 0 1 0 6 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd N.Ireland 2 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 2 2 2 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd Moldova 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 4th Russia 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 5th Turkey 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 4 0 Group 9Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Iceland 2 1 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 2 0 6 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd Poland 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd Czech Republic 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 3 4th Cyprus 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 5th Switzerland 2 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 Second Placed TeamsPos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Slovenia 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 3 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd Poland 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3rd Austria 2 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 2 3 4th Slovakia 2 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 2 3 5th Bulgaria 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 6th N.Ireland 2 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 2 2 2 7th Sweden 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 8th Ukraine 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9th Finland 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 </pre>

retired_deljo

25th September 2010

McLaren rings changes for international double

With October's Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia followed by a friendly with Croatia, England chief Steve McLaren has decided to make a number of changes, some of which are likely to feature in the friendly. Portsmouth right back Jamie McCoombe has been replaced with Watford's Ishmail Yakabu, as McLaren looks to discover possible cover for centre backs Terry and Ferdinand. Birmingham's nineteen-year-old left sided player Stuart Richards also earns a first callup ahead of the somewhat older Darren Purse. The former under-21 captain has started the season fantastically, and although his inclusion has come as a surprise to a few, many are excited at the prospect of Richards. Michael Bridges drops out with injury, and Francis Jeffers takes his place. A win over Macedonia on Wednesday week will see England take even firmer a hold of Group Five, and allow McLaren to relax a little in his job. The Croatia friendly is being touted as Cherno Samba's big chance to shine. It's been over two years since his international debut vs France, and the Chelsea hitman has been banging in the goals in recent weeks.

Squad
Gk: Tony Fuller (Ipswich), Chris Kirkland (Liverpool), Paul Robinson (Leeds)
Def: Jonathan Woodgate (Millwall), Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd, capt), John Curtis (Chelsea), Ishmail Yakabu (Watford), John Terry (Bayern Munich), Neil Clement (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Arsenal), Chris Riggott (Arsenal), Stuart Richards (Birmingham)
Mid: Owen Hargreaves (Barcelona), Kieron Dyer (Milan), Matt Hamshaw (Bolton), Paul Ifill (Ipswich), Joe Cole (Milan), Jason Paterson (Chelsea), Matthew Etherington (Sunderland), David Dunn (Sunderland), Matthew Piper (Roma)
Fwd: Cherno Samba (Chelsea), Francis Jeffers (Celtic), Alan Smith (Hertha BSC), Marcus Bent (Leverkusen), Michael Owen (Liverpool)

retired_deljo

Lotina explains decision to leave out Celtic duo

Spanish manager Miguel �ngel Lotina has explained the rather strange decision to once again leave out Celtic duo Raul and Fernando Torres from the forthcoming internationals against Israel and the Argentina friendly. In a time where the Spanish are struggling for goals and form, common sense would suggest the prolific duo would be selected. Apparently not so, according to Lotina. "Raul and Fernando Torres are great players, but unfortunately they play in a foreign and an inferior league. I tend to look towards players plying their trade in the Primera Division, and this means that the two Celtic players must impress sufficiently to earn call-ups. I do not believe reputations stand for anything, and my selection of strikers are fully capable of achieving the job at hand."
Lotina's words are not too convincing however. Chief Sports reporter of Madrid sports daily 'Marca' - Miguel López - has slated Lotina. "In a time where Spain are struggling for form, Lotina needs to select his best players. This must include Raul, and to a lesser extent Torres. To leave out Raul - a national icon, and the top scorer in the history of Spanish football - defies belief."
Lotina has made a number of other changes to his latest 26 man squad. Carles Puyol has been rested, with uncapped Rayo sweeper Manuel Baños taking his place. Marcelo is replaced by experience and quality in Celta's Luis Prieto, whilst EspÃ*n is replaced by Raúl Bravo. Betis' Capi earns a midfield recall ahead of the injured Gerard, whilst in attack Rodolfo Bodipo has been demoted in preferrence of Valencia striker David Aganzo. Despite some praise for the changes made, Lotina still walks a very precarious plank. Defeat to Israel will almost certainly signal the end of his tenure.

Squad
Gk: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Francesc Arnau (Celta), Jonathan (Valencia)
Def: Alejandro Pardo (Valladolid), David Rivas (Betis), Manuel Baños (Rayo), Juanfran (Celta), Luis Prieto (Celta), Gálder Zubizaretta (Mallorca), Raúl Bravo (Málaga), Fernando Varela (Real Madrid), Francisco Pavón (Real Madrid), Gabri (Barcelona)
Mid: Capi (Betis), Francisco Gallardo (Racing Santander), Joseba EtxeberrÃ*a (Athletic Bilbao), Xavi (Barcelona), Fernando Sales (Bayern Munich), Raúl Ivars (Real Madrid), Roberto Trashorras (Barcelona)
Fwd: Roberto Losada (Valencia), José Antonio Reyes (Atlético Madrid), David Aganzo (Valencia), Guayre (Betis), José Mari (Atlético Madrid), Güiza (Celta)

retired_deljo

Guidolin's Italy takes shape

After three months into the job, Italian coach Francesco Guidolin is starting to shape his Azzurri squad to his liking. The most notable absentee is captain Gianluigi Buffon, surprisingly found to be surplus to requirements for the clashes with the Faroes and Sweden. Ivan Pelizzoli - admittedly in good form - is his replacement, a man who Guidolin rates highly. A number of defensive changes sees newcomer Francesco Vianello and old hat Fabio Rustico replace Marco Zamboni and Nicola Pagliarin. Alessandro Nesta has been unable to train for the last ten days and is a notable name missing from the sheet. Experienced Perugia holder Stefano Morrone, and the man who used to have his role in Umbria, Manuele Blasi (now of Milan) are acknowledged by Guidolin as Roberto Guana and Nicola Orru didn't make their marks in their first call up. Betis striker Fausto Rossini replaces former Atalanta teammate Nicola Ventola and Inácio Piá in attack are the only other changes. Seven changes shows how much Guidolin believes his sides below-par performances in the opening games might have cost them. The intent is firmly upon youth in this squad. The other point to note is the new captain. In the absence of Nesta and Buffon, the armband may well go to Fabio Rustico or Gianluca Comotto - although this is as yet unconfirmed.

Squad
Gk: Ivan Pelizzoli (Roma) Christian Abbiati (Milan), Gian Luca Pegolo (Juventus)
Def: Manuel Amantini (Roma), Giovanni Castellini (Juventus), Claudio Cioffi (Atalanta), Marco Zanchi (Bologna), Marco Cassetti (Lecce), Gianluca Comotto (Dortmund), Fabio Rustico (Juventus), Massimo Oddo (Milan), Francesco Vianello (Perugia)
Mid: Luciano Zauri (Milan), Andrea Pirlo (Milan), Matteo Brighi (Parma), Marco Marchionni (Parma), Manuele Blasi (Milan), Damiano Zenoni (Milan), Stefano Morrone (Perugia), Giuseppe Colucci (Juventus)
Fwd: Salvatore Bruno (Lecce), Alessandro Pellicori (Lazio), Eder Bau (Roma), Alberto Gilardino (Parma), Fausto Rossini (Betis), Inácio Piá (Inter)

In brief...
...Kuipers drafted into Dutch squad, Bouma and Lamey also return; captain Silva banned....Henry restored to French squad after injury, joined by Mexes....Völler rings German changes with six in total....Olisadebe back for Poles.....

retired_deljo

Spotlight on....

Cherno Samba

Cherno Samba. A name not too unfamiliar to English football fans. He first hit the headlines in 1999 as a fourteen year old with amazing potential. Now Samba has started to turn that potential into reality. Early seasons with Millwall offered glimpses of what might be possible, but 2003/04 was a real breakthrough. Samba struck 18 goals in Millwall's promotion season, and started to attract attention from big clubs. He was in demand from some of Europe's top clubs, but since he was still eighteen he decided to stay in London and join Arsenal. After an initial spell fitting into the lineup (whilst still impressing in the reserves, scoring prolific amounts) Cherno found his niche in the 2006/07 season, scoring nineteen times in little more than thirty appearances. The goals continued to come, and not just any goals. Respect came from all areas for the sheer quality Samba possesses for such a built player. To the naked eye he is reminiscent of Emile Heskey, but study him further and there is so much more. His form attracted the attention of England manager Jamie Peake, and in 2008 he was called into the England squad for the European Championships, making his debut at the unglorified surroundings of Ninian Park against France. Further glory followed as he found himself in ownership of a European Championship Winners Medal. He became hot property, whilst still in great form at Arsenal. But he found it a struggle at Highbury to get a first team place on a regular basis, and clashed with manager Nicky Law. Chelsea stepped in February of this year, and Cherno hasn't looked back. £10.25m means Ken Bates expects some return, and how Samba has paid it back. He simply cannot stop scoring. Which begs the question: why has he not played more for England. Twenty-four minutes two years ago is the total sum of his international experience. To break in ahead of Michael Owen and Alan Smith would be a tough task, but one man who believes he can do it is Chelsea teammate and international colleague Neil Clement. "Cherno's been in and about the England party for such a long time that what he has learnt is invaluable. When he gets his opportunity, I know he'll take it with open arms, and prove his worth." Only time will tell how influential he can be for England.

Profile
Date of Birth - 10th November 1985
Club - Chelsea
Career Appearances/Goals - 257/94
Previous Clubs - Millwall, Arsenal
Honours - European Champions (2008), FA Cup 2005, European Super Cup 2004, English First Division Title 2004

retired_deljo

8th October 2010
Preview of the weekend's big international games:

Group One - Wales vs Denmark
After poor starts for both sides in the qualification campaign, a win is a must if either country wants to make an impression. Wales are feeling the heat after a slack performance against Lithuania and an abysmal showing against Slovakia, but Mark Hughes refuses to panic. "We've got plenty of time left, and we've had some injuries, but at full strength we can do this." Denmark's slip in their first game leaves them plenty of room to recover, and manager Tortsen Dürr knows as much. "Our squad is superior to everyone in the group. We slipped against Croatia, but I'm confident of recovery." Robert Earnshaw is set to return to the Welsh fold after injury, whilst Denmark should be at full strength, which includes centre back Martin Laursen.

Group Six - Serbia & Montenegro vs Finland
Perhaps not the most attractive game on paper, but the prize at stake for either side might well depend on the result in Belgrade. In a Group where Ireland are doing well but World Champions Holland are toiling, Serbia & Montenegro and Finland may fancy themselves. The former in particular will take heart from a draw in Amsterdam, a feat which manager Dusan Bajevic rates amongst his highest achievements. "We had struggled for form over a long period, but a draw in the Netherlands is great for Serbia & Montenegro. Hopefully we can use it as a catalyst to drive for qualification." Prolific PSV attacker Mateja Kezman has again been left out in favour of Lecce's Mirko Vucinic, who is expected to lead the line. Finland are fully capable of performing, and on their day are a match for most. Mikael Forssell, despite an average start to the club season, will lead the line alongside a rejuvenated Juho Mäkelä, although Tomi Petrescu will push for a start.

Group Nine - Iceland vs Poland
A clash of the potential qualifiers from the group in Reykjavik. Both sides have a 100% record in qualification so far, although Poland have only played one game. Iceland, after causing a major stir by finishing losing finalists in Scotland/Wales 2008, are starting to perform very consistently. However, they are still prone to defeats to smaller nations, as Slovakia and Bosnia have shown in recent times. A huge blow is the withdrawal of Eidur Gudjohsen to injury. The Dortmund striker is amongst the best today, and without disrespect Garðar Gunnlaugsson is not an ideal replacement. Poland have recalled Polish-born striker Emmanuel Olisadebe after injury, but Poland are quite frustrating for the fan. For all their quality, they often flatter to deceive. Mateusz Dobek could control their play, but only if he is used correctly as a second striker and not the lead man. With the poor Czech start the winner on Saturday may hold claim to winning the qualification from the group.

retired_deljo

9th October 2010

Irish stunned by Albanian smash and grab

After a fantastic start to their campaign, Mick McCarthy's side threw away their good work with a quite shocking 1-0 defeat at home to Albania. It was all innocent for a lot of the match. As expected, Ireland started positively. Clinton Morrison drove past the post on eleven minutes, and hit the crossbar with a header ten minutes later. The pressure continued, but Ciarán Keane, Reid, Morrison and company were wasteful in the face of goal, and Astrit Shala was playing very well in goal. Damien Duff was the next player to find the woodwork non-too friendly, as his run and shot cannoned off the bar and over. The pressure was all with the Green, but a setback arrived twenty minutes from time when Steve Finnan - who had only arrived on the pitch seconds before - was sent off for shoving Alban Lika in the chest. Finnan had reacted to a confrontation near the touchline minutes before, and his act of petulance did not go down well with McCarthy. Albania dared to venture forward for the first time, and struck gold. Captain Altin Lala layed a ball into Eduard Meka's path, and the Borussia MGB striker slammed the ball high past Sheridan. Their defence (notably weakened by the injury to Varese prodigy Domenico Asara) held out for a famous away win.


Republic of Ireland 0
Albania 1 (Meka 77)
Attendance - 47,952
Referee - Hovane Assadourian (Armenia)

Ireland - Sheridan, Geary, Harte, O'Shea, O'Brien (Gavin 64), Foley Sheridan (O'Connor 76), Duff, C.Keane, Morrison (Finnan 70), R.Keane, Reid

Albania - Shala, Di Palma, Aliaj, Muca, Dupré, Morina, Zeneli (Aliji 51), A.Lika, Lala(c), Meka, Skela (K.Lika 57)

retired_deljo

Iceland soar onwards in Reykjavic

A late goal from Gunnar Heidar þorvaldsson gave Iceland three more precious points to make the trip across Scandinavia to Norway in 2012 a little more easier. Heidar Helguson signalled the Icelandic aims at an early stage, as his third minute run and shot went agonisingly close to giving them a great start. Yet Poland had similar ideas, as Emmauel Olisadebe volleyed over the crossbar in an almost immediate response. The Nigerian born striker should have done better midway through the half with a shot that he dragged embarrasingly wide from a position he really should have scored from. Two minutes after the hour mark passing Poland came closest to troubling the scorers. Piotr Pawlowski broke free in the area to meet Dobek's cross, but the header only rebounded away off of the crossbar. As time went on it looked as if Poland would be the likeliest winners, but with just five minutes remaining þorvaldsson collected possession and rifled a low shot into the back of the net. Poland will feel harshly done, but the match was well balanced and such a late goal would always be the winner. Iceland have a comfortable six point lead at the top after three games. whilst Poland still have work to do.


Iceland 1 (þorvaldsson 85)
Poland 0
Attendance - 13,991
Referee - Robert Hoyzer (Holland)

Iceland - Hauksson, Ólafsson, I.Sigurðsson, S.Sigurdsson, Gudmundsson, B.Gudjonsson, þorvaldsson, J.Gudjonsson(c), Helguson, Jónsson, Guðlaugsson

Poland - Wierzchowski, Zurawski (Wichniarek 9), Kosowski, Prasnal, Klimek, Szymanski, Stasiak(c), Klimowicz (P.Pawlowski 21, K.Pawlowski 85), Dobek, Olisadebe, Sokolowski

retired_deljo

Scottish cement stronghold in Group Three

David Körner's Scotland side made their position atop Group Four even stronger after an emphatic win in Estonia meant they maintain a 100% record. Gary Twigg, chosen ahead of in-form Stephen McPhee, showed he has the calibre to lead after just three minutes. A lovely flowing team move was too hot for Estonia to handle, and Twigg swept the ball into the back of Mart Poom's net. Estonia had lined up ambitiously, but the goal took all the steam out of them, and Keigan Parker's eleventh international goal made it two halfway through the first period. As with the first goal, right back Jamie McCunnie supplied the cross, and Parker nodded in for 2-0. Ten minutes into the second half a third goal came all too easily for captain Barry Ferguson. A smart one-two with Keigan Parker gave the Rangers man some breathing space, and after holding off Stepanov he slipped past Poom and made it 3-0. Minutes later Twigg headed in his second, after yet another delicious cross from Ipswich's Jamie McCunnie, enjoying a fruitful 50th cap. Darren Fletcher might have added another late on, but four was enough for Scotland, who know that a win in their next qualifier against Ukraine (in March) will almost seal their path to Norway. Estonia meanwhile share bottom place with Spain after two losses in two games.


Estonia 0
Scotland 4 (Twigg 3, 66, Parker 23, Ferguson 56)
Attendance - 14,968
Referee - Martin Ingvarsson (Iceland)

Estonia - Poom(c), Palatu, V.Stepanov, Metsmaa, Piiroja, O.Stepanov (Gross 77), Antonov (Karlsson 57), Paivil (Post 57), Losanov, Tðelnokov, Lindpere

Scotland - Young, McCunnie, McNaughton, Wilkie (Naysmith 83), Caldwell, McGuire, Fletcher (Miller 77), McFadden (Paterson 83), Parker, Twigg, Ferguson

retired_deljo

Round Up
Denmark took a positive step towards qualification from Group One whilst almost certainly ending Welsh hopes of Euro 2012. Morten Skoubo's 4th minute goal was of the highest order. Wales almost levelled through Rob Earnshaw's post-bound shot, but in all truth Mark Hughes' side were never in the contest, and although they have three points from three games, their chances of progression are slim. Slovakia move into second spot with a 1-0 win in Lithuania, courtesy of Robert Vittek's second half goal. However, Ladislav Jurkemik's side have played a game more than Croatia and Denmark.

France continue to saunter through Group Two as they brushed aside San Marino 3-0 at the Stade de France. Despite the San Marinese fielding their strongest side ever, France still found it too easy. Captain Patrick Vieira scored his 21st international goal on 35 minutes to open the scoring, and Stephane Dalmat doubled the advantage shortly before half time. Liverpool's Willy Sagnol converted a late penalty to seal the win for Les Bleus, who are in a commanding position. Georgia upset Hungary with a 2-1 win in Tblisi. All was going to plan as the visitors lead through Gábor Szerekes on 32 minutes. Georgi Adamia levelled instantly before star man Kobiashvili struck a header to give the Georgians a second straight win. Bulgaria ran out 3-1 winners easily in Latvia to stay second in the group. By the quarter hour mark Dimitar Berbatov and Valeri Bojinov had given the Bulgarians a 2-0 lead, which proved unassailable. Romanov pulled a late consolation back, but Martin Petrov restored the two goal lead with four minutes to go.

With Scotland dominating and Spain toiling, Ukraine took a further step towards qualification from Group Three, even at such an early stage, with a 2-1 win in Israel. Sergiy Valyaev headed in an opener to reward a spell of Ukrainian pressure. A dire match was levelled when Yossi Benayoun capped a flowing move, but with twenty minutes left Vitaliy Lisitskiy headed home a first international goal to preserve their 100% record after two games.

The Greek goal machine continues to work as well as ever in Group Four. Alexandros Papadopoulos and Manolis Ligkos each struck once again in Belarus to keep the table wide open with a 2-1 win. Belarus were no pushovers, but Papadopoulos showed his predatory instinct just after half time by stealing in for an open goal rebound. Veteran 34-year-old defender Vitaliy Volodenkov slammed in a goal with his weaker left foot to equalise, but a Greek counter attack was consumnately headed in by Ligkos to take the points. Italy went past the Faroe Islands without much effort, and with it showed signs that a competent strikeforce has been found again. First half goals from Eder Bau, Andrea Pirlo, and Alessandro Pellicori were enough to take an easy win, as Italy looked to preserve their energy for the visit to Sweden on Wednesday. The Swedes also won 3-0 in Luxembourg, with strikes from Yksel Osmanovski (twice) and Alex Farnerud doing the business.

With England taking a rest, Romania and Austria looked towards gaining ground in Group Five. Wolfgang Wimmer's 61st minute header was enough to see off Armenia and put Austria into second, ahead of Romania, who went to Macedonia and came away with a 2-1 win. An injury time blockbuster from Daniel Florea got them off the hook after Adrian Mihalcea's opener was cancelled out by Aico Stojkov's penalty.

With Ireland's shock Group Six defeat to Albania, Finland took a giant stride with an impressive victory in Serbia & Montenegro. Mikael Forssell's goal was just reward for the Finns, who always looked like winning against a Montenegrin side who had Dragoljub Jeremic dismissed.

A second consecutive 4-0 victory away from home for Germany against a minnow put the Nationalmannschaft top of Group Seven. Three goalscorers enjoyed their first ever goals at international level, with the other enhancing his growing reputation. Marcel Ketelaer struck a scorching right foot drive after 28 minutes to score his first goal for Germany to give Völler's side a 1-0 lead at the break. A few seconds into the second half Kai Brand continued his growing reputation with his eleventh international goal in sixteen caps. The prolific Union Berlin striker must be attracting attention from bigger clubs after consistently brilliant performances. Dennis Becker found his first international goal midway through the second half after Brand had made it for him, and veteran defender Thomas Cichon headed in the fourth to make his mark in the international record books. Bosnia and Slovenia shared a 1-1 draw in Sarajevo. Ermin Poturak's first international strike had given the home side a lead, but it was cancelled out by Gregor Spasojevic's tap in. Finally, Belgium took little interest in beating Azerbaijan 2-0. Early goals from Nico Waseige and Steed Malbranque allowed Alain Giresse to preserve his best for the match in Germany on Wednesday.

Russia beat Moldova 2-0 on Group Eight to put a mark in the wins column after a poor start. Simak and Kerzhakov struck early goals to put the game out of Moldova's reach, and with it any feint hopes of qualifying. Northern Ireland find themselves in a similar situation after also going down to a 2-0 away defeat, in Turkey. Galatasaray forward Akin Serhat struck at the start and end of the first half to keep the Turkish interest in qualification well and truly alive.

Cyprus and Switzerland shared a dull and drab 0-0 draw in Nicosia to do nothing for either countrys Group Nine hopes. Switzerland dominated but couldn't find a way through. It leaves qualification well and truly between Iceland, Poland, and the Czech Republic.