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* Dutch Czech mate
* Football: England Defeats N. Ireland in European World Cup Qualifier
* French Folly Boosts Republic
* Group-by-group analysis of European World Cup qualifiers
* Armenia edge Andorra 2-1 for first World Cup win
* Ljungberg On Song For Sweden
* WC Qualifying: Armenia too strong for Andorra
* World Cup 2006 qualifying review
* Traditional European powers take control of UEFA qualification
* Soccerway, Netherlands
* World Cup qualifying results and fixtures
* Armenia beats Andorra 2-1 in World Cup qualifying
* Armenia edge Andorra 2-1 for first World Cup win
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Dutch Czech mate
Special Broadcasting Service, Australia
Sunday, March 27, 2005
LATEST NEWS
PA
Dutch midfielder Philip Cocu (in white) tussles with a Romanian opponent in
Bucharest
Netherlands retained pole position in World Cup Qualifying European Zone
Group One with a win in Romania while Czech Republic defeated Finland in a
thriller.
Netherlands recorded as impressive 2-0 win over Romania in Bucharest,
although the win was tainted by an injury to Arjen Robben mid-way through
the first half.
A goal in the first minute of the match by Phillip Cocu and in the last five
minutes from debutant Ryan Babel made sure of the win, which keeps the Dutch
a point clear in the group after the Czech Republic beat Finland 4-3 to move
into second ahead of Romania.
It was a dream start to the game for Marco van Basten's travelling army,
edging in front after just 45 seconds when veteran midfielder Cocu beat
Tiberiu Ghioane in the air to head home from a Robben corner.
Romania nearly equalised in the 10th minute but Viorel Moldovan's header
from eight yards out was saved by keeper Edwin van der Sar.
The visitors looked the more dangerous creating good scoring opportunities
on rapid counterattacks by Robben and Dirk Kuijt, but were dealt a blow on
22 minutes when Robben had to leave the game with a calf injury that looks
set to force him out of the Armenia game on Wednesday.
Early reports suggest an even longer lay-off could be Robben's fate.
"He has something wrong with his calf. It's mysterious and they (the
doctors) are looking into it," Van Basten said.
"Robben's injury looks quite bad - he probably won't play against Armenia
and it looks like a longer injury."
Ruud van Nistelrooy headed narrowly wide for the Dutch just after the half
hour as they went in search of the second before the break.
However, it was the home side who came out all guns blazing after the break.
They went close in the 55th minute when Daniel Pancu fired a powerful low
shot from just inside the area but Van der Sar held onto the effort.
Pancu also went close from a free kick five minutes later but his shot went
just wide.
Netherlands retook control of the game when Kuyt and Van Nistelrooy fired
dangerous shots on goal, but their efforts were denied by goalkeeper Bogdan
Lobont.
And it was Robben's replacement, Babel, who made it 2-0 in the 85th minute
with a low shot to the near corner after a counter-attack had caught the
Romanian defence off guard.
And although Pancu had twice gone close earlier in the half van der Sar was
never placed under any real danger and the Oranje ran out worthy winners.
Romania now go to Macedonia on Wednesday and coach Victor Piturca will be
looking to bounce back to keep their chances of qualifying for the World Cup
in 2006 alive after slipping to third in the group with this defeat.
A late goal by Vratislav Lokvenc snatched victory for the Czech Republic in
a seven-goal encounter against Finland to give Karel Bruckner's side a
massive boost.
Lokvenc would not have been playing had leading Czech goalscorer Jan Koller
not suffered a thigh injury playing for Borussia Dortmund last week, but
Koller's stand-in struck with just three minutes remaining to prove his
worth.
The Bochum target-man played in attack alongside Liverpool's Milan Baros,
who gave the hosts an early lead before Tomas Rosicky put them in control
just after the half-hour.
Jari Litmanen replied immediately after the break but Jan Polak restored the
Czechs' two-goal cushion before the hour.
However, Finland came back once more to equalise through Aki Riihilahti and
substitute Jonatan Johansson, yet Lokvenc's late effort would ultimately
leave the battling Finns empty-handed.
Bruckner was also without Tomas Galasek and Zdenek Grygera through injury
but that did not stop his side getting off to a flying start.
It took Baros just seven minutes to open the scoring with his first goal of
the qualifying campaign after Rosicky had dispossessed Joonas Kolkka and
delivered a low cross for Baros to convert past Finland goalkeeper Jussi
Jaaskelainen.
Lokvenc then went close with a 19th-minute header, before Rosicky netted his
10th international goal with a 30-yard free-kick after 34 minutes.
Finland were earlier handed a lifeline when home keeper Petr Cech dropped
the ball in the 22nd minute after collecting a cross, but Shefki Kuqi missed
from 10 yards.
The visitors were level in the 46th minute though, when Litmanen volleyed
home his first goal in eight internationals from Riihilahti's left-wing
cross.
With 58 minutes gone, the pressure on the home side was eased by Polak, who
has benefited from the injuries to Galasek and Grygera to earn a recall to
the national side after five years.
The midfielder scored on his return in last month's friendly win over
Slovenia and made it two-in-two following a superb solo run and accurate
assist from Rosicky.
Crystal Palace midfielder Riihilahti beat Chelsea keeper Cech last weekend
in England's Premiership and pounced on a poor header by Sami Hyypia to
repeat the feat and give Finland hope in the 73rd minute.
With only their third shot of the half, Finland then levelled with their
third goal of the half. A minute after coming off the bench, Johansson
capitalised on a rare error by Rosicky in the 79th minute to score.
But just as Finland thought they had salvaged a point, Lokvenc dashed their
hopes with his 10th international goal, a powerful drive from the edge of
the box.
Czech Republic will now look to consolidate their place against Andorra on
Wednesday, but it's a long wait for Finland to try to revive their World Cup
dream - their home clash with the Dutch isn't until June 8.
A second-half goal from Romik Khachatrian was enough to seal a 2-1 victory
for Armenia in the basement battle with Andorra.
The Armenians therefore picked up their first win in the qualifiers and
after taking a shock point in their last match with Romania will travel to
the Netherlands for their next test in great spirits.
Their French coach Bernard Casoni will have been delighted with his team's
performance as they were missing both captain Harutyun Vardanian and
top-scorer Artur Petrosian through injury.
However Andorra have now dropped to the bottom of the group pile at the
expense of their rivals and their week is unlikely to get better for the
minnows from the Pyrenees when they host the Czech Republic in midweek.
It was all Armenia in the first-half and it was no surprise when they took a
32nd minute lead as Ara Hakobian beat Andorra goalkeeper Koldo Alvarez.
The home side then missed a good chance to extend their lead nine minutes
later as midfielder Artavadz Karamian's header just shaved the post.
Andorra had only managed a single shot on target in the first period so it
came as something of a shock as they levelled the scoreline in the 57th
minute.
Justo Ruiz's powerful free kick hit the post and bounced back to create
havoc in the home penalty area.
Fernando Silva was alert to the opportunity and was first to reach the ball
heading home past keeper Roman Berezovsky.
But Armenia were not to be denied and Khachatrian grabbed the winner in
spectacular fashion in the 73rd minute.
The midfielder smashed in a long-range rocket from more than 30 yards from
goal that left Alvarez with no chance.
Andorra, despite this setback, will at least take something from this
qualifying group when they are inevitably eliminated.
Earlier in the competition they beat FYR Macedonia in what was their first
ever victory in a competitive international in their short footballing
history.
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Football: England Defeats N. Ireland in European World Cup Qualifier
By VOA Sports
Voice of America
March 26 2005
26 March 2005
England's national football (soccer) team has defeated Northern
Ireland, 4-0, while the Czech Republic edged Finland, 4-3 in European
qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
All of England's goals came in the second half, with Joe Cole scoring
for the home side in the 47th minute. Michael Owen added a second
goal in the 52nd minute. Northern Ireland's Chris Baird knocked the
ball into his own goal to give England a 3-0 lead, and Frank Lampar
of England added the fourth score in the 62nd minute.
Also in Group-6, Austria scored a 2-0 win over Wales in Cardiff.
Ivica Vastic scored in the 82nd minute and Martin Stranzl added the
second Austrian goal four minutes later.
In Group-1, the Czech Republic needed an 87th-minute goal from
Vratislav Lokvenc to beat Finland, 4-3 in Teplice. The Czechs lead
the group with 12 points. Also in Group-1, Armenia defeated Andorra,
2-1, in Yerevan, with Ara Hakobian and Romik Khachtrian scoring for
the home side. Fernando Silva scored for Armenia.
In Group-3 play, Russia defeated Liechtenstein, 2-1 in Vaduz, thanks
to goals from Alexander Kerzhakov (23rd minute) and Andrei Kariaka
(37th minute). Also in Group-3, Slovakia defeated Estonia, 2-1, in
Tallinn.
In Group-8, Sweden shut out Bulgaria, 3-0, in Sofia. Fredrik
Ljungberg scored two goals for Sweden, including a 90th minute
penalty. Erik Edman added Sweden's other goal.
A total of 17 qualifiers are on the schedule in Europe, Saturday. In
European qualifying, the winner of each group and the two best
second-place teams earn automatic berths to next year's World Cup.
The six other second-place teams are drawn against each other for
playoffs to earn three berths to the tournament.
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French Folly Boosts Republic
By Jamie Gardner, PA Sport
Scotsman, UK
Sunday, 27th March 2005
"PA" News
Sat 26 Mar 2005
10:03pm (UK)
The Republic of Ireland clung on to top spot in World Cup qualifying Group
Four as France were held to a goalless draw by Switzerland.
Ireland were denied victory against Israel in Tel Aviv by an injury-time
equaliser, but France were similarly frustrated as they failed to find a way
past the Swiss at the Stade de France.
Ireland, Israel and France are still locked together, now on nine points,
with Les Bleus travelling to Israel for another qualifier on Wednesday
night.
Poland look set to fight England all the way for top spot in World Cup
qualifying Group Six after drubbing Azerbaijan 8-0 in Warsaw.
They kept within a point of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men, who face the Azeris
at St James’ Park on Wednesday, and possess superior goal difference.
On this evidence England’s task in midweek should not be too onerous and the
Poles won at a canter with a hat-trick from Tomasz Frankowski, two for
substitute Marek Saganowski and one each for Kamil Kosowski and Jacek
Krzynowek. An early own goal from Aftandil Hadzhiev helped Poland on their
way.
Holland held on to top spot in Group One with a 2-0 win over Romania in
Bucharest, overcoming the loss of Arjen Robben to injury after just 21
minutes.
PSV Eindhoven veteran Phillip Cocu scored the first for the Dutch in the
opening minute and Robben’s replacement Ryan Babel added a second five
minutes later.
The Czech Republic moved up to second in the group as they overcame Finland
4-3 in an extraordinary match in Teplice.
Liverpool striker Milan Baros put the home side ahead in the seventh minute
and Borussia Dortmund star Tomas Rosicky made it 2-0 after 33 minutes.
Veteran former Liverpool forward Jari Litmanen pulled one back for the Finns
a minute into the second half but the two-goal cushion was restored by Jan
Polak (58).
Finland did not give up though and pulled back to 3-3 with two goals in six
minutes from Crystal Palace midfielder Aki Riihilahti and Charlton’s Jonatan
Johansson, before Vratislav Lokvenc scored the winner three minutes from
time.
Armenia moved above Andorra at the bottom of the group with a 2-1 win in
Yerevan.
Arsenal forward Freddie Ljungberg grabbed two goals and Tottenham defender
Erik Edman scored the other as Sweden cruised to a 3-0 away win over
Bulgaria in Group Eight to stay top of their pool.
Croatia claimed a comfortable 4-0 win over Iceland to keep within two points
of the Swedes with a game in hand. Rangers striker Dado Prso scored the last
of his side’s goals in the final minute.
Bolton midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos scored Greece’s third as the
European champions cut Group Two leaders Ukraine’s lead to three points by
beating Georgia 3-1 in Tbilisi.
In the same group, Denmark saw off Kazakhstan 3-0 in Copenhagen, while
Turkey beat Albania 2-0 in Istanbul with both goals coming in the first five
minutes.
Belgium came back from the shock of conceding a first-minute goal to beat
Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 in Group Seven. Rangers midfielder Thomas Buffel
scored the fourth for Belgium with Hamburg striker Emile Mpenza scoring two.
Slovakia moved level on points with Group Three leaders Portugal after a 2-1
win in Estonia, while Russia stayed within three points of the top two by
beating Liechtenstein by the same score in Vaduz.
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Group-by-group analysis of European World Cup qualifiers
Sat Mar 26, 2005 10:42 PM GMT
Reuters, UK
March 26 2005
LONDON, March 26 (Reuters) - A group-by-group analysis of Saturday's
European World Cup qualifying matches:
GROUP ONE
The Netherlands edged ahead in the very tight group with a priceless
2-0 win over second-placed Romania in Bucharest, a defeat that sent
the Romanians down to third place.
The Czech Republic moved above the Romanians on to 12 points -- one
behind the Dutch, after their thrilling 4-3 win over Finland, who are
fourth on nine.
The Netherlands should consolidate their position with a win over
Armenia on Wednesday. The Armenians though had reason to cheer on
Saturday moving off the bottom with a 2-1 win over Andorra.
- - -
GROUP TWO
European champions Greece continued their improvement with a 2-1 win
in Georgia that lifted them on to 11 points, three behind leaders
Ukraine who did not play. Denmark and Turkey also maintained their
push towards the finals with the Danes beating Kazakhstan 3-0 in
Copenhagen and Turkey overcoming Albania 2-0 in Istanbul.
Three fascinating ties on Wednesday could prove more of a pointer as
to who might ultimately qualify, with Ukraine playing Denmark, Greece
playing Albania and Georgia hosting neighbouring Turkey.
- - -
GROUP THREE
Slovakia won 2-1 in Estonia to pull level with Portugal on 13 points
at the top of the group -- before playing Portugal at home in
Bratislava on Wednesday.
Russia stayed in contention with the leading pair by overcoming a
plucky Liechtenstein side 2-1 in Vaduz to take their total to 10
points from five matches before their visit to Estonia on Wednesday.
Portugal warmed up with a 4-1 friendly win over Canada.
- - -
GROUP FOUR Two draws between Israel and Ireland (1-1) and France and
Switzerland (0-0) left the order unchanged between the four teams
looking to qualify.
Ireland, France and Israel all moved on to nine points from five
matches while Switzerland moved on to six from four, but Switzerland
should gain three more points on Wednesday when they host Cyprus, 2-1
winners against Jordan in a friendly on Saturday.
Israel, who scored a stoppage time equaliser to deny the Irish
victory in Tel Aviv, host France on Wednesday in a crucial match for
both teams following France's third successive home goalless
qualifying draw.
- - -
GROUP FIVE Italy consolidated their leading place with 12 points from
five matches after beating Scotland 2-0 in Milan in the only match
played. Norway, in second place with seven points from four games,
should close the gap again on Wednesday when they travel to Moldova.
Slovenia, beaten 1-0 in a friendly by World Cup hosts Germany on
Saturday, must beat Belarus on Wednesday to stay in the hunt.
- - -
GROUP SIX The top three teams beat the bottom three to leave England,
Poland and Austria in a three-way battle for the top two places, with
England leading the way after their 4-0 victory over Northern
Ireland.
Poland's spectacular 8-0 win over Azerbaijan -- their biggest win for
nearly 42 years -- and Austria's 2-0 win over Wales effectively split
the group in half and the gap is likely to grow even wider on
Wednesday when England play Azerbaijan, Austria play Wales again in
Vienna and Poland host Northern Ireland. - - -
GROUP SEVEN Belgium beat Bosnia 4-1 in the only match played and
although that lifts them only up to fourth in the six-team group, it
does keep their faint hopes alive.
The picture should become a little clearer after Wednesday when
Bosnia play Lithuania, Belgium travel to no-hopers San Marino and the
leading two, Serbia & Montenegro and Spain meet in Belgrade.
- - -
GROUP EIGHT Leaders Sweden took a giant step towards the finals with
a convincing 3-0 win in Sofia over Bulgaria, who started the day in
second place but ended it in third after Croatia later beat Iceland
4-0.
Sweden, who have now won six successive qualifiers away from home --
one short of Germany's record -- do not play on Wednesday but are
almost certain to pick up another three points when they host Malta
in June.
Croatia, who were far too strong for Iceland, will go top of the
group on Wednesday, if, as expected, they beat Malta at home.
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Armenia edge Andorra 2-1 for first World Cup win
Sat Mar 26, 2005 4:34 PM GMT
Reuters, UK
March 26 2005
YEREVAN, March 26 (Reuters) - Armenia recorded their first victory in
their 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign, beating fellow outsiders
Andorra 2-1 in a Group One match on Saturday.
Midfielder Romik Khachatryan, who plays for Greek first division side
OFI Crete, scored the winner from close range seven minutes from time
to send the home crowd wild.
Ara Hakobyan put the Armenians 1-0 up with a cracking shot iafter 32
minutes but Fernando Silva equalised for the visitors shortly after
the break.
The win allowed bottom-of-the-table Armenia to draw level with
Andorra on four points from six matches and one point behind
fifth-placed Macedonia, who were not playing on Saturday.
None of those teams have a chance of reaching the finals, but all
want to avoid finishing bottom of the group when it ends in October.
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Ljungberg On Song For Sweden
SportingLife, UK
March 26 2005
Sweden's stranglehold at the top of World Cup Qualifying Group Eight
was strengthened with a superb 3-0 win at closest rivals Bulgaria.
Attacking midfielder Freddie Ljungberg was the Swede's
tormentor-in-chief, opening the scoring in the 17th minute before
closing the game out with a last-minute penalty.
Tottenham left-back Erik Edman had already sealed the points with the
second in the 73rd minute as Bulgaria.
Armenia picked up their first victory in Group One as they edged out
fellow strugglers Andorra 2-1 at the Hanrapetakan Stadium.
Ara Hakobian put the hosts ahead in the 32nd minute but they were
pegged back when Fernando Silva scored 12 minutes after the break.
Romik Khachatrian was the match-winner for Armenia with a 73rd-minute
strike as his side climb above their vanquished opponents at the foot
of the table.
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WC Qualifying: Armenia too strong for Andorra
SoccerWay, Netherlands
March 26 2005
World Cup 2006
YEREVAN, March 26 (SW) - In the first European qualifier played on
Saturday, Armenia achieved their first win of the campaign over
Andorra, it was however, anything but easy.
32 minutes had been played in Armenia's capital Yerevan, when Ara
Hakobian put the hosts ahead. However, Andorra levelled in the 57th
minute to force Armenia to start over again. In the 73rd minute, the
decisive goal came from Romik Khachatrian, to give the home team a
2-1 win.
In other Group 1 matches on Saturday, the Czech Republic host Finland
in Teplice, while the Dutch play away to Romania.
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World Cup 2006 qualifying review
BBC Sport, UK
March 26 2005
England 4-0 N Ireland
Wales 0-2 Austria
England sustained their place at the top of Group Six with a thumping
4-0 home victory over Northern Ireland.
A Joe Cole shot opened the scoring and Michael Owen hit a second
before Chris Baird's own goal and Frank Lampard's deflected shot
sealed the win.
Wales' hopes look slim after Ivica Vastic and Martin Stranzl scored
late goals to secure Austria a 2-0 victory.
Second-placed Poland can close the gap on England if they beat
Azerbaijan in their game which kicks off at 1700 GMT.
GROUP 1
The battle of the bottom two nations ended in a first victory for
Armenia, who moved above Andorra after beating them 2-1.
Ara Hakobyan put Armenia and Fernando Silva equalised but Romik
Khachatryan scored an 83rd-minute winner.
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Traditional European powers take control of UEFA qualification
Sports Network
03/26 17:11:41 ET
Bucharest, Romania (Sports Network) - Heavyweights such as Holland, England,
Italy and Sweden all continued to improve its positions Saturday with
comfortable victories in UEFA World Cup qualifying.
The Netherlands was able to walk into Romania and post a 2-0 victory in
hostile conditions. Philip Cocu and Ryan Babel scored for Marco van Basten,
whose squad now leads Group 1 with 13 points after five matches.
Babel scored his first goal for the Dutch in his first game. Cocu headed
home an early corner from Arjen Robben, who was later forced to leave the
game due to injury. The Chelsea standout has struggled all season with
various injuries.
The Czech Republic and Armenia also won in Group 1 action Saturday. The
Czech side was able to hold off Finland, 4-3, in a wild contest. Vratislav
Lokvenc scored the decisive goal just three minutes from time. Armenia beat
Andorra, 2-1, to earn its first win in six tries.
England exploded for all its goal in the second half of a 4-0 victory over
Northern Ireland in Group 6 action. The Three Lions received strikes from
Joe Cole, Michael Owen and Frank Lampard to remain unbeaten in qualifying
action. An own goal by Northern Ireland accounted for the game's other
strike.
Sven-Goran Eriksson's side now has 13 points, one ahead of second-place
Poland, which crushed Azerbaijan by a score of 8-0. Austria shut down Wales
in Cardiff, 2-0. Two late goals allowed Austria to keep pace with the top
two, but it still sits four points back of Poland and five behind England.
Sweden had little trouble in its Group 8 match against 10-men Bulgaria in
Sofia. Freddie Ljungberg scored twice in the 3-0 victory, which allowed the
Swedes to remain atop its group, two points ahead of Croatia. The Croats
easily defeated visiting Iceland, 4-0. Bulgaria dropped five points behind
Sweden and three behind Croatia.
Italy, meanwhile, received two strikes from Andrea Pirlo to lead the Azzurri
to a 2-0 win over Scotland in a Group 5 game at the San Siro. Italy now sits
comfortably atop its group with 12 points from five matches.
The only power that did not earn three points Saturday was France.
Switzerland held Les Bleus without a goal in Paris during a scoreless draw.
Israel scored a goal in extra time to earn a 1-1 draw at home against
Ireland in Group 4 action. France, Israel and Ireland all remained even on
points with nine.
To no surprise, Greece, Turkey and Denmark each posted Group 2 victories.
Greece won at Georgia, 3-1; Turkey scored twice in the first five minutes of
a 2-0 victory over Albania; Denmark easily disposed of Kazakhstan, 3-0.
Slovakia and Russia both earned 2-1 road triumphs in Group 3 games. Slovakia
won at Estonia and Russia won at Liechtenstein.
In Saturday's final UEFA game, Belgium cruised to a 4-1 victory at home over
Bosnia Herzegovina in Group 7 action.
03/26 17:11:41 ET
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Soccerway, Netherlands
WC Qualifying: Holland beat Romania, Czechs escape versus Finland
[WC Qualifying: Armenia too strong for Andorra]
World Cup 2006
BUCHAREST/TEPLICE/YEREVAN, March 26 (SW) - The Netherlands are a step closer
to qualification for the 2006 World Cup following an away win against
Romania, while the Czechs escaped at home versus Finland. Earlier, Armenia
defeated Andorra.
Marco Van Basten's team had a perfect start in the Romanian capital, as
Phillip Cocu headed home from a corner after only 41 seconds. The Romanians
were unable to pressurize the Dutch lead, and a goal from the young Ryan
Babel in the 85th minute decided the match, 0-2.
Only downside for the Dutch was the substitution of Arjen Robben, who
suffered an ankle injury in the first half.
Earlier, Liverpool striker Milan Baros put the Czech Republic ahead in the
7th minute, and Borussia Dortmund's Tomas Rosicky added a second goal in the
34th. Jari Litmanen got one back for Finland, but things seemed to have been
decided when Jan Polak restored the gap of two, in Czech favour, after 58
minutes.
The Finnish visitors refused to give up however and goals from Aki
Riihilahti in the 73rd, and Jonatan Johansson in the 79th gave the game a
new balance. But the decision came in the 87th minute when Vratislav Lokvenc
saved the day for the Czechs, scoring for 4-3.
32 minutes had been played in Armenia's capital Yerevan, when Ara Hakobian
put the hosts ahead. However, Andorra levelled in the 57th minute to force
Armenia to start over again. In the 73rd minute, the decisive goal came from
Romik Khachatrian, to give the home team a 2-1 win.
The Netherlands lead in Group 1, with 13 points from 5 matches, while the
Czechs are second with 12. Romania take the third place with 10 points from
6 matches, followed by Finland (9), Macedonia (5) and Armenia and Andorra,
both with 4 points.
copyright © Jonathan Roorda
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World Cup qualifying results and fixtures
The Guardian - United Kingdom
Mar 26, 2005
Group One
P W D L F A Pts
Holland 4 3 1 0 10 3 10
Romania 5 3 1 1 10 5 10
Finland 5 3 0 2 10 6 9
Czech Republic 4 3 0 1 6 2 9
Macedonia FYR 6 1 2 3 6 7 5
Andorra 5 1 1 3 2 11 4
Armenia 5 0 1 4 2 12 1
Previous results: Aug 18 Romania 2 Finland 1, Macedonia 3 Armenia 0. Sept 4
Finland 3 Andorra 0, Romania 2 Macedonia 1. Sept 8 Armenia 0 Finland 2, Andorra
1 Romania 5, Holland 2 Czech Rep 0. Oct 9 Czech Rep 1 Romania 0, Finland 3
Armenia 1, Macedonia 2 Holland 2. Oct 13 Andorra 1 Macedonia 0, Armenia 0 Czech
Rep 3, Holland 3 Finland 1. Nov 17 Macedonia 0 Czech Rep 2, Armenia 1 Romania
1, Andorra 0 Holland 3. Feb 9 Macedonia 0 Andorra 0.
Remaining fixtures: Today Armenia v Andorra, Czech Republic v Finland,
Romania v Holland. Wednesday Andorra v Czech Republic, Macedonia v Romania, Holland
v Armenia. Jun 4 Armenia v Macedonia, Czech Republic v Andorra, Holland v
Romania. Jun 8 Czech Republic v Macedonia, Finland v Holland, Romania v Armenia.
Aug 17 Romania v Andorra, Macedonia v Finland. Sept 3 Andorra v Finland,
Armenia v Holland, Romania v Czech Republic. Sep 7 Finland v Macedonia, Czech
Republic v Armenia, Holland v Andorra. Oct 8 Finland v Romania, Czech Republic v
Holland. Oct 12 Andorra v Armenia, Holland v Macedonia, Finland v Czech Republic.
Group Two
P W D L F A Pts
Ukraine 6 4 2 0 11 3 14
Greece 5 2 2 1 7 5 8
Denmark 5 1 3 1 7 6 6
Turkey 5 1 3 1 6 5 6
Albania 5 2 0 3 3 7 6
Georgia 4 1 2 1 5 5 5
Kazakhstan 4 0 0 4 2 10 0
Previous results: Sept 4 Turkey 1 Georgia 1, Denmark 1 Ukraine 1, Albania 2
Greece 1. Sept 8 Kazakhstan 1 Ukraine 2, Georgia 2 Albania 0, Greece 0 Turkey
0. Oct 9 Ukraine 1 Greece 1, Turkey 4 Kazakhstan 0, Albania 0 Denmark 2. Oct 13
Denmark 1 Turkey 1, Kazakhstan 0 Albania 1, Ukraine 2 Georgia 0 Nov 17
Georgia 2 Denmark 2, Greece 3 Kazakhstan 1, Turkey 0 Ukraine 3. Feb 9 Albania 0
Ukraine 2, Greece 2 Denmark 1.
Remaining fixtures: Today Denmark v Kazakhstan, Georgia v Greece, Turkey v
Albania Wednesday Georgia v Turkey, Greece v Albania, Ukraine v Denmark Jun 4
Albania v Georgia, Turkey v Greece, Ukraine v Kazakhstan Jun 8 Denmark v
Albania, Greece v Ukraine, Kazakhstan v Turkey Aug 17 Kazakhstan v Georgia Sept 3
Georgia v Ukraine, Turkey v Denmark, Albania v Kazakhstan Sept 7 Ukraine v
Turkey, Denmark v Georgia, Kazakhstan v Greece Oct 8 Ukraine v Albania, Denmark v
Greece, Georgia v Kazakhstan Oct 12 Albania v Turkey, Greece v Georgia,
Kazakhstan v Denmark.
Group Three
P W D L F A Pts
Portugal 5 4 1 0 20 3 13
Slovakia 4 3 1 0 15 3 10
Russia 4 2 1 1 10 8 7
Latvia 5 2 1 2 10 12 7
Estonia 5 2 1 2 8 11 7
Liechtenstein 5 1 1 3 8 14 4
Luxembourg 6 0 0 6 4 24
Previous results: Aug 18 Liechtenstein 1 Estonia 2, Slovakia 3 Luxembourg 1.
Sept 4 Estonia 4 Luxembourg 0, Russia 1 Slovakia 1, Latvia 0 Portugal 2. Sept
8 Luxembourg 3 Latvia 4, Slovakia 7 Liechtenstein 0, Portugal 4 Estonia 0. Oct
9 Luxembourg 0 Russia 4, Slovakia 4 Latvia 1, Liechtenstein 2 Portugal 2. Oct
13 Latvia 2 Estonia 2, Luxembourg 0 Liechtenstein 4, Portugal 7 Russia 1. Nov
17 Liechtenstein 1 Latvia 3, Luxembourg 0 Portugal 5, Russia 4 Estonia 0.
Remaining fixtures: Today Estonia v Slovakia, Liechtenstein v Russia.
Wednesday Estonia v Russia, Latvia v Luxembourg, Slovakia v Portugal. Jun 4 Estonia v
Liechtenstein, Portugal v Slovakia, Russia v Latvia. Jun 8 Estonia v
Portugal, Latvia v Liechtenstein, Luxembourg v Slovakia. Aug 17 Liechtenstein v
Slovakia, Latvia v Russia. Sept 3 Estonia v Latvia, Portugal v Luxembourg, Russia v
Liechtenstein. Sept 7 Liechtenstein v Luxembourg, Latvia v Slovakia, Russia v
Portugal. Oct 8 Russia v Luxembourg, Slovakia v Estonia, Portugal v
Liechtenstein. Oct 12 Luxembourg v Estonia, Portugal v Latvia, Slovakia v Russia.
Group Four
P W D L F A Pts
Rep of Ireland 4 2 2 0 6 1 8
France 4 2 2 0 4 0 8
Israel 4 2 2 0 6 4 8
Switzerland 3 1 2 0 9 3 5
Cyprus 5 0 1 4 4 11 1
Faroe Islands 4 0 1 3 2 12 1
Previous results: Sept 4 Republic of Ireland 3 Cyprus 0, Switzerland 6 Faroe
Islands 0, France 0 Israel 0. Sept 8 Faroe Islands 0 France 2, Israel 2 Cyprus
1, Switzerland 1 Republic of Ireland 1. Oct 9 Cyprus 2 Faroe Islands 2,
Israel 2 Switzerland 2, France 0 Republic of Ireland 0. Oct 13 Cyprus 0 France 2,
Republic of Ireland 2 Faroe Islands 0. Nov 17 Cyprus 1 Israel 2.
Remaining fixtures: Today Israel v Republic of Ireland , Switzerland v
France. Wednesday Israel v France, Switzerland v Cyprus. Jun 4 Faroe Islands v
Switzerland, Republic of Ireland v Israel. Jun 8 Faroe Islands v Republic of
Ireland . Aug 17 Faroe Islands v Cyprus. Sept 3 Switzerland v Israel, France v Faroe
Islands. Sept 7 Republic of Ireland v France, Faroe Islands v Israel, Cyprus
v Switzerland. Oct 8 Switzerland v France, Israel v Faroe Islands, Cyprus v
Republic of Ireland . Oct 12 Republic of Ireland v Switzerland, France v Cyprus.
Group Five
P W D L F A Pts
Italy 4 3 0 1 7 5 9
Norway 4 2 1 1 6 3 7
Slovenia 4 2 1 1 4 3 7
Belarus 3 1 1 1 8 5 4
Scotland 3 0 2 1 1 2 2
Moldova 4 0 1 3 1 9 1
Previous results: Sept 4 Slovenia 3 Moldova 0, Italy 2 Norway 1. Sept 8
Norway 1 Belarus 1, Moldova 0 Italy 1, Scotland 0 Slovenia 0. Oct 9 Scotland 0
Norway 1, Belarus 4 Moldova 0, Slovenia 1 Italy 0. Oct 13 Italy 4 Belarus 3,
Moldova 1 Scotland 1, Norway 3 Slovenia 0.
Remaining fixtures: Today Italy v Scotland . Wednesday Moldova v Norway,
Slovenia v Belarus. Jun 4 Belarus v Slovenia, Norway v Italy, Scotland v Moldova.
Jun 8 Belarus v Scotland . Sept 3 Moldova v Belarus, Slovenia v Norway,
Scotland v Italy. Sept 7 Norway v Scotland , Moldova v Slovenia, Belarus v Italy.
Oct 8 Norway v Moldova, Scotland v Belarus, Italy v Slovenia. Oct 12 Belarus v
Norway, Slovenia v Scotland , Italy v Moldova.
Group Six
P W D L F A Pts
England 4 3 1 0 7 3 10
Poland 4 3 0 1 10 5 9
Austria 4 1 2 1 8 8 5
Northern Ireland 4 0 3 1 5 8 3
Wales 4 0 2 2 5 8 2
Azerbaijan 4 0 2 2 1 4 2
Previous results: Sept 4 Northern Ireland 0 Poland 3, Azerbaijan 1 Wales 1,
Austria 2 England 2. Sept 8 Austria 2 Azerbaijan 0, Poland 1 England 2, Wales 2
Northern Ireland 2. Oct 9 England 2 Wales 0, Austria 1 Poland 3, Azerbaijan 0
Northern Ireland 0 Oct 13 Azerbaijan 0 England 1, Northern Ireland 3 Austria
3, Wales 2 Poland 3.
Remaining fixtures: Today England v Northern Ireland , Poland v Azerbaijan,
Wales v Austria. Wednesday Austria v Wales , England v Azerbaijan (St James'
Park), Poland v Northern Ireland . Jun 4 Azerbaijan v Poland. Sept 3 Northern
Ireland v Azerbaijan, Poland v Austria, Wales v England . Sept 7 Azerbaijan v
Austria, Poland v Wales , Northern Ireland v England . Oct 8 England v Austria
(Old Trafford), Northern Ireland v Wales . Oct 12 Wales v Azerbaijan, England v
Poland (Old Trafford), Austria v Northern Ireland .
Group Seven
P W D L F A Pts
Serbia-Mont 4 3 1 0 10 0 10
Spain 4 2 2 0 8 1 8
Lithuania 4 2 2 0 6 1 8
Bosnia-Herz 2 0 2 0 1 1 2
Belgium 3 0 1 2 1 5 1
San Marino 5 0 0 5 0 18 0
Previous results: Sept 4 Belgium 1 Lithuania 1, San Marino 0
Serbia-Montenegro 3. Sept 8 Lithuania 4 San Marino 0, Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 Spain 1. Oct 9
Bosnia-Herzegovina 0 Serbia-Montenegro 0, Spain 2 Belgium 0. Oct 13 Lithuania 0
Spain 0, Serbia-Montenegro 5 San Marino 0. Nov 17 San Marino 0 Lithuania 1,
Belgium 0 Serbia-Montenegro 2. Feb 9 2005 Spain 5 San Marino 0.
Remaining fixtures: Today Belgium v Bosnia-Herzegovina. Wednesday
Bosnia-Herzegovina v Lithuania, San Marino v Belgium, Serbia-Montenegro v Spain. Jun 4
San Marino v Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia-Montenegro v Belgium, Spain v Lithuania.
Jun 8 Spain v Bosnia-Herzegovina. Sept 3 Bosnia-Herzegovina v Belgium,
Serbia-Montenegro v Lithuania. Sept 7 Lithuania v Bosnia-Herzegovina, Belgium v San
Marino, Spain v Serbia-Montenegro. Oct 8 Belgium v Spain, Bosnia-Herzegovina v
San Marino, Lithuania v Serbia-Montenegro. Oct 12 San Marino v Spain,
Lithuania v Belgium, Serbia-Montenegro v Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Group Eight
P W D L F A Pts
Sweden 4 3 0 1 14 2 9
Bulgaria 3 2 1 0 9 4 7
Croatia 3 2 1 0 6 2 7
Hungary 4 2 0 2 5 8 6
Iceland 4 0 1 3 4 10 1
Malta 4 0 1 3 1 13 1
Previous results: Sept 4 Iceland 1 Bulgaria 3, Croatia 3 Hungary 0, Malta 0
Sweden 7. Sept 8 Sweden 0 Croatia 1, Hungary 3 Iceland 2. Oct 9 Sweden 3
Hungary 0, Malta 0 Iceland 0, Croatia 2 Bulgaria 2. Oct 13 Bulgaria 4 Malta 1,
Iceland 1 Sweden 4. Nov 17 Malta 0 Hungary 2.
Remaining fixtures: Today Bulgaria v Sweden, Croatia v Iceland. Wednesday
Croatia v Malta, Hungary v Bulgaria. Jun 4 Bulgaria v Croatia, Iceland v Hungary,
Sweden v Malta. Jun 8 Iceland v Malta. Sept 3 Sweden v Bulgaria, Iceland v
Croatia, Hungary v Malta. Sept 7 Hungary v Sweden, Bulgaria v Iceland, Malta v
Croatia. Oct 8 Bulgaria v Hungary, Croatia v Sweden. Oct 12 Sweden v Iceland,
Malta v Bulgaria, Hungary v Croatia.
************************************************** *************************
Armenia beats Andorra 2-1 in World Cup qualifying
AP Worldstream
Mar 26, 2005
Ara Hakobian and Romik Khachtrian scored a goal each Saturday, and Armenia
beat Andorra 2-1 in a European World Cup qualifying match.
Hakobian beat Andorra goalkeeper Koldo Alvarez in the 32nd minute, and
Khachtrian scored the winner for Armenia with a 30-meter drive in the 74th.
Fernando Silva briefly leveled for Andorra at Vazgen Sarkisian Stadium.
Armenia and Andorra are tied for last place in Group 1 with four points. It
was Armenia's first win in six matches.
Armenia midfielder Artavazd Karamian missed a chance to add to his team's
lead in the 41st minute when his header shaved the post.
Andorra managed just one shot on goal before the interval.
In the 57th minute, Justo Ruiz's powerful free kick hit the right post and
bounced back into the box. Silva was first to reach the ball and headed in the
equalizer.
************************************************** *************************
Armenia edge Andorra 2-1 for first World Cup win
Reuters.uk, UK
Sat Mar 26, 2005 5:34 PM GMT
YEREVAN, March 26 (Reuters) - Armenia recorded their first victory in their
2006 World Cup qualifying campaign, beating fellow outsiders Andorra 2-1 in
a Group One match on Saturday.
Midfielder Romik Khachatryan, who plays for Greek first division side OFI
Crete, scored the winner from close range seven minutes from time to send
the home crowd wild.
Ara Hakobyan put the Armenians 1-0 up with a cracking shot iafter 32 minutes
but Fernando Silva equalised for the visitors shortly after the break.
The win allowed bottom-of-the-table Armenia to draw level with Andorra on
four points from six matches and one point behind fifth-placed Macedonia,
who were not playing on Saturday.
None of those teams have a chance of reaching the finals, but all want to
avoid finishing bottom of the group when it ends in October.
************************************************** *************************
This regional compilation was contributed to by:
Katia Peltekian
Sebouh Z. Tashjian
Toros Babikian
--Boundary_(ID_6Prp34Vvz9kk+qY6agg2vg)--
* Football: England Defeats N. Ireland in European World Cup Qualifier
* French Folly Boosts Republic
* Group-by-group analysis of European World Cup qualifiers
* Armenia edge Andorra 2-1 for first World Cup win
* Ljungberg On Song For Sweden
* WC Qualifying: Armenia too strong for Andorra
* World Cup 2006 qualifying review
* Traditional European powers take control of UEFA qualification
* Soccerway, Netherlands
* World Cup qualifying results and fixtures
* Armenia beats Andorra 2-1 in World Cup qualifying
* Armenia edge Andorra 2-1 for first World Cup win
************************************************** *************************
Dutch Czech mate
Special Broadcasting Service, Australia
Sunday, March 27, 2005
LATEST NEWS
PA
Dutch midfielder Philip Cocu (in white) tussles with a Romanian opponent in
Bucharest
Netherlands retained pole position in World Cup Qualifying European Zone
Group One with a win in Romania while Czech Republic defeated Finland in a
thriller.
Netherlands recorded as impressive 2-0 win over Romania in Bucharest,
although the win was tainted by an injury to Arjen Robben mid-way through
the first half.
A goal in the first minute of the match by Phillip Cocu and in the last five
minutes from debutant Ryan Babel made sure of the win, which keeps the Dutch
a point clear in the group after the Czech Republic beat Finland 4-3 to move
into second ahead of Romania.
It was a dream start to the game for Marco van Basten's travelling army,
edging in front after just 45 seconds when veteran midfielder Cocu beat
Tiberiu Ghioane in the air to head home from a Robben corner.
Romania nearly equalised in the 10th minute but Viorel Moldovan's header
from eight yards out was saved by keeper Edwin van der Sar.
The visitors looked the more dangerous creating good scoring opportunities
on rapid counterattacks by Robben and Dirk Kuijt, but were dealt a blow on
22 minutes when Robben had to leave the game with a calf injury that looks
set to force him out of the Armenia game on Wednesday.
Early reports suggest an even longer lay-off could be Robben's fate.
"He has something wrong with his calf. It's mysterious and they (the
doctors) are looking into it," Van Basten said.
"Robben's injury looks quite bad - he probably won't play against Armenia
and it looks like a longer injury."
Ruud van Nistelrooy headed narrowly wide for the Dutch just after the half
hour as they went in search of the second before the break.
However, it was the home side who came out all guns blazing after the break.
They went close in the 55th minute when Daniel Pancu fired a powerful low
shot from just inside the area but Van der Sar held onto the effort.
Pancu also went close from a free kick five minutes later but his shot went
just wide.
Netherlands retook control of the game when Kuyt and Van Nistelrooy fired
dangerous shots on goal, but their efforts were denied by goalkeeper Bogdan
Lobont.
And it was Robben's replacement, Babel, who made it 2-0 in the 85th minute
with a low shot to the near corner after a counter-attack had caught the
Romanian defence off guard.
And although Pancu had twice gone close earlier in the half van der Sar was
never placed under any real danger and the Oranje ran out worthy winners.
Romania now go to Macedonia on Wednesday and coach Victor Piturca will be
looking to bounce back to keep their chances of qualifying for the World Cup
in 2006 alive after slipping to third in the group with this defeat.
A late goal by Vratislav Lokvenc snatched victory for the Czech Republic in
a seven-goal encounter against Finland to give Karel Bruckner's side a
massive boost.
Lokvenc would not have been playing had leading Czech goalscorer Jan Koller
not suffered a thigh injury playing for Borussia Dortmund last week, but
Koller's stand-in struck with just three minutes remaining to prove his
worth.
The Bochum target-man played in attack alongside Liverpool's Milan Baros,
who gave the hosts an early lead before Tomas Rosicky put them in control
just after the half-hour.
Jari Litmanen replied immediately after the break but Jan Polak restored the
Czechs' two-goal cushion before the hour.
However, Finland came back once more to equalise through Aki Riihilahti and
substitute Jonatan Johansson, yet Lokvenc's late effort would ultimately
leave the battling Finns empty-handed.
Bruckner was also without Tomas Galasek and Zdenek Grygera through injury
but that did not stop his side getting off to a flying start.
It took Baros just seven minutes to open the scoring with his first goal of
the qualifying campaign after Rosicky had dispossessed Joonas Kolkka and
delivered a low cross for Baros to convert past Finland goalkeeper Jussi
Jaaskelainen.
Lokvenc then went close with a 19th-minute header, before Rosicky netted his
10th international goal with a 30-yard free-kick after 34 minutes.
Finland were earlier handed a lifeline when home keeper Petr Cech dropped
the ball in the 22nd minute after collecting a cross, but Shefki Kuqi missed
from 10 yards.
The visitors were level in the 46th minute though, when Litmanen volleyed
home his first goal in eight internationals from Riihilahti's left-wing
cross.
With 58 minutes gone, the pressure on the home side was eased by Polak, who
has benefited from the injuries to Galasek and Grygera to earn a recall to
the national side after five years.
The midfielder scored on his return in last month's friendly win over
Slovenia and made it two-in-two following a superb solo run and accurate
assist from Rosicky.
Crystal Palace midfielder Riihilahti beat Chelsea keeper Cech last weekend
in England's Premiership and pounced on a poor header by Sami Hyypia to
repeat the feat and give Finland hope in the 73rd minute.
With only their third shot of the half, Finland then levelled with their
third goal of the half. A minute after coming off the bench, Johansson
capitalised on a rare error by Rosicky in the 79th minute to score.
But just as Finland thought they had salvaged a point, Lokvenc dashed their
hopes with his 10th international goal, a powerful drive from the edge of
the box.
Czech Republic will now look to consolidate their place against Andorra on
Wednesday, but it's a long wait for Finland to try to revive their World Cup
dream - their home clash with the Dutch isn't until June 8.
A second-half goal from Romik Khachatrian was enough to seal a 2-1 victory
for Armenia in the basement battle with Andorra.
The Armenians therefore picked up their first win in the qualifiers and
after taking a shock point in their last match with Romania will travel to
the Netherlands for their next test in great spirits.
Their French coach Bernard Casoni will have been delighted with his team's
performance as they were missing both captain Harutyun Vardanian and
top-scorer Artur Petrosian through injury.
However Andorra have now dropped to the bottom of the group pile at the
expense of their rivals and their week is unlikely to get better for the
minnows from the Pyrenees when they host the Czech Republic in midweek.
It was all Armenia in the first-half and it was no surprise when they took a
32nd minute lead as Ara Hakobian beat Andorra goalkeeper Koldo Alvarez.
The home side then missed a good chance to extend their lead nine minutes
later as midfielder Artavadz Karamian's header just shaved the post.
Andorra had only managed a single shot on target in the first period so it
came as something of a shock as they levelled the scoreline in the 57th
minute.
Justo Ruiz's powerful free kick hit the post and bounced back to create
havoc in the home penalty area.
Fernando Silva was alert to the opportunity and was first to reach the ball
heading home past keeper Roman Berezovsky.
But Armenia were not to be denied and Khachatrian grabbed the winner in
spectacular fashion in the 73rd minute.
The midfielder smashed in a long-range rocket from more than 30 yards from
goal that left Alvarez with no chance.
Andorra, despite this setback, will at least take something from this
qualifying group when they are inevitably eliminated.
Earlier in the competition they beat FYR Macedonia in what was their first
ever victory in a competitive international in their short footballing
history.
************************************************** *************************
Football: England Defeats N. Ireland in European World Cup Qualifier
By VOA Sports
Voice of America
March 26 2005
26 March 2005
England's national football (soccer) team has defeated Northern
Ireland, 4-0, while the Czech Republic edged Finland, 4-3 in European
qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
All of England's goals came in the second half, with Joe Cole scoring
for the home side in the 47th minute. Michael Owen added a second
goal in the 52nd minute. Northern Ireland's Chris Baird knocked the
ball into his own goal to give England a 3-0 lead, and Frank Lampar
of England added the fourth score in the 62nd minute.
Also in Group-6, Austria scored a 2-0 win over Wales in Cardiff.
Ivica Vastic scored in the 82nd minute and Martin Stranzl added the
second Austrian goal four minutes later.
In Group-1, the Czech Republic needed an 87th-minute goal from
Vratislav Lokvenc to beat Finland, 4-3 in Teplice. The Czechs lead
the group with 12 points. Also in Group-1, Armenia defeated Andorra,
2-1, in Yerevan, with Ara Hakobian and Romik Khachtrian scoring for
the home side. Fernando Silva scored for Armenia.
In Group-3 play, Russia defeated Liechtenstein, 2-1 in Vaduz, thanks
to goals from Alexander Kerzhakov (23rd minute) and Andrei Kariaka
(37th minute). Also in Group-3, Slovakia defeated Estonia, 2-1, in
Tallinn.
In Group-8, Sweden shut out Bulgaria, 3-0, in Sofia. Fredrik
Ljungberg scored two goals for Sweden, including a 90th minute
penalty. Erik Edman added Sweden's other goal.
A total of 17 qualifiers are on the schedule in Europe, Saturday. In
European qualifying, the winner of each group and the two best
second-place teams earn automatic berths to next year's World Cup.
The six other second-place teams are drawn against each other for
playoffs to earn three berths to the tournament.
************************************************** *************************
French Folly Boosts Republic
By Jamie Gardner, PA Sport
Scotsman, UK
Sunday, 27th March 2005
"PA" News
Sat 26 Mar 2005
10:03pm (UK)
The Republic of Ireland clung on to top spot in World Cup qualifying Group
Four as France were held to a goalless draw by Switzerland.
Ireland were denied victory against Israel in Tel Aviv by an injury-time
equaliser, but France were similarly frustrated as they failed to find a way
past the Swiss at the Stade de France.
Ireland, Israel and France are still locked together, now on nine points,
with Les Bleus travelling to Israel for another qualifier on Wednesday
night.
Poland look set to fight England all the way for top spot in World Cup
qualifying Group Six after drubbing Azerbaijan 8-0 in Warsaw.
They kept within a point of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men, who face the Azeris
at St James’ Park on Wednesday, and possess superior goal difference.
On this evidence England’s task in midweek should not be too onerous and the
Poles won at a canter with a hat-trick from Tomasz Frankowski, two for
substitute Marek Saganowski and one each for Kamil Kosowski and Jacek
Krzynowek. An early own goal from Aftandil Hadzhiev helped Poland on their
way.
Holland held on to top spot in Group One with a 2-0 win over Romania in
Bucharest, overcoming the loss of Arjen Robben to injury after just 21
minutes.
PSV Eindhoven veteran Phillip Cocu scored the first for the Dutch in the
opening minute and Robben’s replacement Ryan Babel added a second five
minutes later.
The Czech Republic moved up to second in the group as they overcame Finland
4-3 in an extraordinary match in Teplice.
Liverpool striker Milan Baros put the home side ahead in the seventh minute
and Borussia Dortmund star Tomas Rosicky made it 2-0 after 33 minutes.
Veteran former Liverpool forward Jari Litmanen pulled one back for the Finns
a minute into the second half but the two-goal cushion was restored by Jan
Polak (58).
Finland did not give up though and pulled back to 3-3 with two goals in six
minutes from Crystal Palace midfielder Aki Riihilahti and Charlton’s Jonatan
Johansson, before Vratislav Lokvenc scored the winner three minutes from
time.
Armenia moved above Andorra at the bottom of the group with a 2-1 win in
Yerevan.
Arsenal forward Freddie Ljungberg grabbed two goals and Tottenham defender
Erik Edman scored the other as Sweden cruised to a 3-0 away win over
Bulgaria in Group Eight to stay top of their pool.
Croatia claimed a comfortable 4-0 win over Iceland to keep within two points
of the Swedes with a game in hand. Rangers striker Dado Prso scored the last
of his side’s goals in the final minute.
Bolton midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos scored Greece’s third as the
European champions cut Group Two leaders Ukraine’s lead to three points by
beating Georgia 3-1 in Tbilisi.
In the same group, Denmark saw off Kazakhstan 3-0 in Copenhagen, while
Turkey beat Albania 2-0 in Istanbul with both goals coming in the first five
minutes.
Belgium came back from the shock of conceding a first-minute goal to beat
Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 in Group Seven. Rangers midfielder Thomas Buffel
scored the fourth for Belgium with Hamburg striker Emile Mpenza scoring two.
Slovakia moved level on points with Group Three leaders Portugal after a 2-1
win in Estonia, while Russia stayed within three points of the top two by
beating Liechtenstein by the same score in Vaduz.
************************************************** *************************
Group-by-group analysis of European World Cup qualifiers
Sat Mar 26, 2005 10:42 PM GMT
Reuters, UK
March 26 2005
LONDON, March 26 (Reuters) - A group-by-group analysis of Saturday's
European World Cup qualifying matches:
GROUP ONE
The Netherlands edged ahead in the very tight group with a priceless
2-0 win over second-placed Romania in Bucharest, a defeat that sent
the Romanians down to third place.
The Czech Republic moved above the Romanians on to 12 points -- one
behind the Dutch, after their thrilling 4-3 win over Finland, who are
fourth on nine.
The Netherlands should consolidate their position with a win over
Armenia on Wednesday. The Armenians though had reason to cheer on
Saturday moving off the bottom with a 2-1 win over Andorra.
- - -
GROUP TWO
European champions Greece continued their improvement with a 2-1 win
in Georgia that lifted them on to 11 points, three behind leaders
Ukraine who did not play. Denmark and Turkey also maintained their
push towards the finals with the Danes beating Kazakhstan 3-0 in
Copenhagen and Turkey overcoming Albania 2-0 in Istanbul.
Three fascinating ties on Wednesday could prove more of a pointer as
to who might ultimately qualify, with Ukraine playing Denmark, Greece
playing Albania and Georgia hosting neighbouring Turkey.
- - -
GROUP THREE
Slovakia won 2-1 in Estonia to pull level with Portugal on 13 points
at the top of the group -- before playing Portugal at home in
Bratislava on Wednesday.
Russia stayed in contention with the leading pair by overcoming a
plucky Liechtenstein side 2-1 in Vaduz to take their total to 10
points from five matches before their visit to Estonia on Wednesday.
Portugal warmed up with a 4-1 friendly win over Canada.
- - -
GROUP FOUR Two draws between Israel and Ireland (1-1) and France and
Switzerland (0-0) left the order unchanged between the four teams
looking to qualify.
Ireland, France and Israel all moved on to nine points from five
matches while Switzerland moved on to six from four, but Switzerland
should gain three more points on Wednesday when they host Cyprus, 2-1
winners against Jordan in a friendly on Saturday.
Israel, who scored a stoppage time equaliser to deny the Irish
victory in Tel Aviv, host France on Wednesday in a crucial match for
both teams following France's third successive home goalless
qualifying draw.
- - -
GROUP FIVE Italy consolidated their leading place with 12 points from
five matches after beating Scotland 2-0 in Milan in the only match
played. Norway, in second place with seven points from four games,
should close the gap again on Wednesday when they travel to Moldova.
Slovenia, beaten 1-0 in a friendly by World Cup hosts Germany on
Saturday, must beat Belarus on Wednesday to stay in the hunt.
- - -
GROUP SIX The top three teams beat the bottom three to leave England,
Poland and Austria in a three-way battle for the top two places, with
England leading the way after their 4-0 victory over Northern
Ireland.
Poland's spectacular 8-0 win over Azerbaijan -- their biggest win for
nearly 42 years -- and Austria's 2-0 win over Wales effectively split
the group in half and the gap is likely to grow even wider on
Wednesday when England play Azerbaijan, Austria play Wales again in
Vienna and Poland host Northern Ireland. - - -
GROUP SEVEN Belgium beat Bosnia 4-1 in the only match played and
although that lifts them only up to fourth in the six-team group, it
does keep their faint hopes alive.
The picture should become a little clearer after Wednesday when
Bosnia play Lithuania, Belgium travel to no-hopers San Marino and the
leading two, Serbia & Montenegro and Spain meet in Belgrade.
- - -
GROUP EIGHT Leaders Sweden took a giant step towards the finals with
a convincing 3-0 win in Sofia over Bulgaria, who started the day in
second place but ended it in third after Croatia later beat Iceland
4-0.
Sweden, who have now won six successive qualifiers away from home --
one short of Germany's record -- do not play on Wednesday but are
almost certain to pick up another three points when they host Malta
in June.
Croatia, who were far too strong for Iceland, will go top of the
group on Wednesday, if, as expected, they beat Malta at home.
************************************************** *************************
Armenia edge Andorra 2-1 for first World Cup win
Sat Mar 26, 2005 4:34 PM GMT
Reuters, UK
March 26 2005
YEREVAN, March 26 (Reuters) - Armenia recorded their first victory in
their 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign, beating fellow outsiders
Andorra 2-1 in a Group One match on Saturday.
Midfielder Romik Khachatryan, who plays for Greek first division side
OFI Crete, scored the winner from close range seven minutes from time
to send the home crowd wild.
Ara Hakobyan put the Armenians 1-0 up with a cracking shot iafter 32
minutes but Fernando Silva equalised for the visitors shortly after
the break.
The win allowed bottom-of-the-table Armenia to draw level with
Andorra on four points from six matches and one point behind
fifth-placed Macedonia, who were not playing on Saturday.
None of those teams have a chance of reaching the finals, but all
want to avoid finishing bottom of the group when it ends in October.
************************************************** *************************
Ljungberg On Song For Sweden
SportingLife, UK
March 26 2005
Sweden's stranglehold at the top of World Cup Qualifying Group Eight
was strengthened with a superb 3-0 win at closest rivals Bulgaria.
Attacking midfielder Freddie Ljungberg was the Swede's
tormentor-in-chief, opening the scoring in the 17th minute before
closing the game out with a last-minute penalty.
Tottenham left-back Erik Edman had already sealed the points with the
second in the 73rd minute as Bulgaria.
Armenia picked up their first victory in Group One as they edged out
fellow strugglers Andorra 2-1 at the Hanrapetakan Stadium.
Ara Hakobian put the hosts ahead in the 32nd minute but they were
pegged back when Fernando Silva scored 12 minutes after the break.
Romik Khachatrian was the match-winner for Armenia with a 73rd-minute
strike as his side climb above their vanquished opponents at the foot
of the table.
************************************************** *************************
WC Qualifying: Armenia too strong for Andorra
SoccerWay, Netherlands
March 26 2005
World Cup 2006
YEREVAN, March 26 (SW) - In the first European qualifier played on
Saturday, Armenia achieved their first win of the campaign over
Andorra, it was however, anything but easy.
32 minutes had been played in Armenia's capital Yerevan, when Ara
Hakobian put the hosts ahead. However, Andorra levelled in the 57th
minute to force Armenia to start over again. In the 73rd minute, the
decisive goal came from Romik Khachatrian, to give the home team a
2-1 win.
In other Group 1 matches on Saturday, the Czech Republic host Finland
in Teplice, while the Dutch play away to Romania.
************************************************** *************************
World Cup 2006 qualifying review
BBC Sport, UK
March 26 2005
England 4-0 N Ireland
Wales 0-2 Austria
England sustained their place at the top of Group Six with a thumping
4-0 home victory over Northern Ireland.
A Joe Cole shot opened the scoring and Michael Owen hit a second
before Chris Baird's own goal and Frank Lampard's deflected shot
sealed the win.
Wales' hopes look slim after Ivica Vastic and Martin Stranzl scored
late goals to secure Austria a 2-0 victory.
Second-placed Poland can close the gap on England if they beat
Azerbaijan in their game which kicks off at 1700 GMT.
GROUP 1
The battle of the bottom two nations ended in a first victory for
Armenia, who moved above Andorra after beating them 2-1.
Ara Hakobyan put Armenia and Fernando Silva equalised but Romik
Khachatryan scored an 83rd-minute winner.
************************************************** *************************
Traditional European powers take control of UEFA qualification
Sports Network
03/26 17:11:41 ET
Bucharest, Romania (Sports Network) - Heavyweights such as Holland, England,
Italy and Sweden all continued to improve its positions Saturday with
comfortable victories in UEFA World Cup qualifying.
The Netherlands was able to walk into Romania and post a 2-0 victory in
hostile conditions. Philip Cocu and Ryan Babel scored for Marco van Basten,
whose squad now leads Group 1 with 13 points after five matches.
Babel scored his first goal for the Dutch in his first game. Cocu headed
home an early corner from Arjen Robben, who was later forced to leave the
game due to injury. The Chelsea standout has struggled all season with
various injuries.
The Czech Republic and Armenia also won in Group 1 action Saturday. The
Czech side was able to hold off Finland, 4-3, in a wild contest. Vratislav
Lokvenc scored the decisive goal just three minutes from time. Armenia beat
Andorra, 2-1, to earn its first win in six tries.
England exploded for all its goal in the second half of a 4-0 victory over
Northern Ireland in Group 6 action. The Three Lions received strikes from
Joe Cole, Michael Owen and Frank Lampard to remain unbeaten in qualifying
action. An own goal by Northern Ireland accounted for the game's other
strike.
Sven-Goran Eriksson's side now has 13 points, one ahead of second-place
Poland, which crushed Azerbaijan by a score of 8-0. Austria shut down Wales
in Cardiff, 2-0. Two late goals allowed Austria to keep pace with the top
two, but it still sits four points back of Poland and five behind England.
Sweden had little trouble in its Group 8 match against 10-men Bulgaria in
Sofia. Freddie Ljungberg scored twice in the 3-0 victory, which allowed the
Swedes to remain atop its group, two points ahead of Croatia. The Croats
easily defeated visiting Iceland, 4-0. Bulgaria dropped five points behind
Sweden and three behind Croatia.
Italy, meanwhile, received two strikes from Andrea Pirlo to lead the Azzurri
to a 2-0 win over Scotland in a Group 5 game at the San Siro. Italy now sits
comfortably atop its group with 12 points from five matches.
The only power that did not earn three points Saturday was France.
Switzerland held Les Bleus without a goal in Paris during a scoreless draw.
Israel scored a goal in extra time to earn a 1-1 draw at home against
Ireland in Group 4 action. France, Israel and Ireland all remained even on
points with nine.
To no surprise, Greece, Turkey and Denmark each posted Group 2 victories.
Greece won at Georgia, 3-1; Turkey scored twice in the first five minutes of
a 2-0 victory over Albania; Denmark easily disposed of Kazakhstan, 3-0.
Slovakia and Russia both earned 2-1 road triumphs in Group 3 games. Slovakia
won at Estonia and Russia won at Liechtenstein.
In Saturday's final UEFA game, Belgium cruised to a 4-1 victory at home over
Bosnia Herzegovina in Group 7 action.
03/26 17:11:41 ET
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Soccerway, Netherlands
WC Qualifying: Holland beat Romania, Czechs escape versus Finland
[WC Qualifying: Armenia too strong for Andorra]
World Cup 2006
BUCHAREST/TEPLICE/YEREVAN, March 26 (SW) - The Netherlands are a step closer
to qualification for the 2006 World Cup following an away win against
Romania, while the Czechs escaped at home versus Finland. Earlier, Armenia
defeated Andorra.
Marco Van Basten's team had a perfect start in the Romanian capital, as
Phillip Cocu headed home from a corner after only 41 seconds. The Romanians
were unable to pressurize the Dutch lead, and a goal from the young Ryan
Babel in the 85th minute decided the match, 0-2.
Only downside for the Dutch was the substitution of Arjen Robben, who
suffered an ankle injury in the first half.
Earlier, Liverpool striker Milan Baros put the Czech Republic ahead in the
7th minute, and Borussia Dortmund's Tomas Rosicky added a second goal in the
34th. Jari Litmanen got one back for Finland, but things seemed to have been
decided when Jan Polak restored the gap of two, in Czech favour, after 58
minutes.
The Finnish visitors refused to give up however and goals from Aki
Riihilahti in the 73rd, and Jonatan Johansson in the 79th gave the game a
new balance. But the decision came in the 87th minute when Vratislav Lokvenc
saved the day for the Czechs, scoring for 4-3.
32 minutes had been played in Armenia's capital Yerevan, when Ara Hakobian
put the hosts ahead. However, Andorra levelled in the 57th minute to force
Armenia to start over again. In the 73rd minute, the decisive goal came from
Romik Khachatrian, to give the home team a 2-1 win.
The Netherlands lead in Group 1, with 13 points from 5 matches, while the
Czechs are second with 12. Romania take the third place with 10 points from
6 matches, followed by Finland (9), Macedonia (5) and Armenia and Andorra,
both with 4 points.
copyright © Jonathan Roorda
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World Cup qualifying results and fixtures
The Guardian - United Kingdom
Mar 26, 2005
Group One
P W D L F A Pts
Holland 4 3 1 0 10 3 10
Romania 5 3 1 1 10 5 10
Finland 5 3 0 2 10 6 9
Czech Republic 4 3 0 1 6 2 9
Macedonia FYR 6 1 2 3 6 7 5
Andorra 5 1 1 3 2 11 4
Armenia 5 0 1 4 2 12 1
Previous results: Aug 18 Romania 2 Finland 1, Macedonia 3 Armenia 0. Sept 4
Finland 3 Andorra 0, Romania 2 Macedonia 1. Sept 8 Armenia 0 Finland 2, Andorra
1 Romania 5, Holland 2 Czech Rep 0. Oct 9 Czech Rep 1 Romania 0, Finland 3
Armenia 1, Macedonia 2 Holland 2. Oct 13 Andorra 1 Macedonia 0, Armenia 0 Czech
Rep 3, Holland 3 Finland 1. Nov 17 Macedonia 0 Czech Rep 2, Armenia 1 Romania
1, Andorra 0 Holland 3. Feb 9 Macedonia 0 Andorra 0.
Remaining fixtures: Today Armenia v Andorra, Czech Republic v Finland,
Romania v Holland. Wednesday Andorra v Czech Republic, Macedonia v Romania, Holland
v Armenia. Jun 4 Armenia v Macedonia, Czech Republic v Andorra, Holland v
Romania. Jun 8 Czech Republic v Macedonia, Finland v Holland, Romania v Armenia.
Aug 17 Romania v Andorra, Macedonia v Finland. Sept 3 Andorra v Finland,
Armenia v Holland, Romania v Czech Republic. Sep 7 Finland v Macedonia, Czech
Republic v Armenia, Holland v Andorra. Oct 8 Finland v Romania, Czech Republic v
Holland. Oct 12 Andorra v Armenia, Holland v Macedonia, Finland v Czech Republic.
Group Two
P W D L F A Pts
Ukraine 6 4 2 0 11 3 14
Greece 5 2 2 1 7 5 8
Denmark 5 1 3 1 7 6 6
Turkey 5 1 3 1 6 5 6
Albania 5 2 0 3 3 7 6
Georgia 4 1 2 1 5 5 5
Kazakhstan 4 0 0 4 2 10 0
Previous results: Sept 4 Turkey 1 Georgia 1, Denmark 1 Ukraine 1, Albania 2
Greece 1. Sept 8 Kazakhstan 1 Ukraine 2, Georgia 2 Albania 0, Greece 0 Turkey
0. Oct 9 Ukraine 1 Greece 1, Turkey 4 Kazakhstan 0, Albania 0 Denmark 2. Oct 13
Denmark 1 Turkey 1, Kazakhstan 0 Albania 1, Ukraine 2 Georgia 0 Nov 17
Georgia 2 Denmark 2, Greece 3 Kazakhstan 1, Turkey 0 Ukraine 3. Feb 9 Albania 0
Ukraine 2, Greece 2 Denmark 1.
Remaining fixtures: Today Denmark v Kazakhstan, Georgia v Greece, Turkey v
Albania Wednesday Georgia v Turkey, Greece v Albania, Ukraine v Denmark Jun 4
Albania v Georgia, Turkey v Greece, Ukraine v Kazakhstan Jun 8 Denmark v
Albania, Greece v Ukraine, Kazakhstan v Turkey Aug 17 Kazakhstan v Georgia Sept 3
Georgia v Ukraine, Turkey v Denmark, Albania v Kazakhstan Sept 7 Ukraine v
Turkey, Denmark v Georgia, Kazakhstan v Greece Oct 8 Ukraine v Albania, Denmark v
Greece, Georgia v Kazakhstan Oct 12 Albania v Turkey, Greece v Georgia,
Kazakhstan v Denmark.
Group Three
P W D L F A Pts
Portugal 5 4 1 0 20 3 13
Slovakia 4 3 1 0 15 3 10
Russia 4 2 1 1 10 8 7
Latvia 5 2 1 2 10 12 7
Estonia 5 2 1 2 8 11 7
Liechtenstein 5 1 1 3 8 14 4
Luxembourg 6 0 0 6 4 24
Previous results: Aug 18 Liechtenstein 1 Estonia 2, Slovakia 3 Luxembourg 1.
Sept 4 Estonia 4 Luxembourg 0, Russia 1 Slovakia 1, Latvia 0 Portugal 2. Sept
8 Luxembourg 3 Latvia 4, Slovakia 7 Liechtenstein 0, Portugal 4 Estonia 0. Oct
9 Luxembourg 0 Russia 4, Slovakia 4 Latvia 1, Liechtenstein 2 Portugal 2. Oct
13 Latvia 2 Estonia 2, Luxembourg 0 Liechtenstein 4, Portugal 7 Russia 1. Nov
17 Liechtenstein 1 Latvia 3, Luxembourg 0 Portugal 5, Russia 4 Estonia 0.
Remaining fixtures: Today Estonia v Slovakia, Liechtenstein v Russia.
Wednesday Estonia v Russia, Latvia v Luxembourg, Slovakia v Portugal. Jun 4 Estonia v
Liechtenstein, Portugal v Slovakia, Russia v Latvia. Jun 8 Estonia v
Portugal, Latvia v Liechtenstein, Luxembourg v Slovakia. Aug 17 Liechtenstein v
Slovakia, Latvia v Russia. Sept 3 Estonia v Latvia, Portugal v Luxembourg, Russia v
Liechtenstein. Sept 7 Liechtenstein v Luxembourg, Latvia v Slovakia, Russia v
Portugal. Oct 8 Russia v Luxembourg, Slovakia v Estonia, Portugal v
Liechtenstein. Oct 12 Luxembourg v Estonia, Portugal v Latvia, Slovakia v Russia.
Group Four
P W D L F A Pts
Rep of Ireland 4 2 2 0 6 1 8
France 4 2 2 0 4 0 8
Israel 4 2 2 0 6 4 8
Switzerland 3 1 2 0 9 3 5
Cyprus 5 0 1 4 4 11 1
Faroe Islands 4 0 1 3 2 12 1
Previous results: Sept 4 Republic of Ireland 3 Cyprus 0, Switzerland 6 Faroe
Islands 0, France 0 Israel 0. Sept 8 Faroe Islands 0 France 2, Israel 2 Cyprus
1, Switzerland 1 Republic of Ireland 1. Oct 9 Cyprus 2 Faroe Islands 2,
Israel 2 Switzerland 2, France 0 Republic of Ireland 0. Oct 13 Cyprus 0 France 2,
Republic of Ireland 2 Faroe Islands 0. Nov 17 Cyprus 1 Israel 2.
Remaining fixtures: Today Israel v Republic of Ireland , Switzerland v
France. Wednesday Israel v France, Switzerland v Cyprus. Jun 4 Faroe Islands v
Switzerland, Republic of Ireland v Israel. Jun 8 Faroe Islands v Republic of
Ireland . Aug 17 Faroe Islands v Cyprus. Sept 3 Switzerland v Israel, France v Faroe
Islands. Sept 7 Republic of Ireland v France, Faroe Islands v Israel, Cyprus
v Switzerland. Oct 8 Switzerland v France, Israel v Faroe Islands, Cyprus v
Republic of Ireland . Oct 12 Republic of Ireland v Switzerland, France v Cyprus.
Group Five
P W D L F A Pts
Italy 4 3 0 1 7 5 9
Norway 4 2 1 1 6 3 7
Slovenia 4 2 1 1 4 3 7
Belarus 3 1 1 1 8 5 4
Scotland 3 0 2 1 1 2 2
Moldova 4 0 1 3 1 9 1
Previous results: Sept 4 Slovenia 3 Moldova 0, Italy 2 Norway 1. Sept 8
Norway 1 Belarus 1, Moldova 0 Italy 1, Scotland 0 Slovenia 0. Oct 9 Scotland 0
Norway 1, Belarus 4 Moldova 0, Slovenia 1 Italy 0. Oct 13 Italy 4 Belarus 3,
Moldova 1 Scotland 1, Norway 3 Slovenia 0.
Remaining fixtures: Today Italy v Scotland . Wednesday Moldova v Norway,
Slovenia v Belarus. Jun 4 Belarus v Slovenia, Norway v Italy, Scotland v Moldova.
Jun 8 Belarus v Scotland . Sept 3 Moldova v Belarus, Slovenia v Norway,
Scotland v Italy. Sept 7 Norway v Scotland , Moldova v Slovenia, Belarus v Italy.
Oct 8 Norway v Moldova, Scotland v Belarus, Italy v Slovenia. Oct 12 Belarus v
Norway, Slovenia v Scotland , Italy v Moldova.
Group Six
P W D L F A Pts
England 4 3 1 0 7 3 10
Poland 4 3 0 1 10 5 9
Austria 4 1 2 1 8 8 5
Northern Ireland 4 0 3 1 5 8 3
Wales 4 0 2 2 5 8 2
Azerbaijan 4 0 2 2 1 4 2
Previous results: Sept 4 Northern Ireland 0 Poland 3, Azerbaijan 1 Wales 1,
Austria 2 England 2. Sept 8 Austria 2 Azerbaijan 0, Poland 1 England 2, Wales 2
Northern Ireland 2. Oct 9 England 2 Wales 0, Austria 1 Poland 3, Azerbaijan 0
Northern Ireland 0 Oct 13 Azerbaijan 0 England 1, Northern Ireland 3 Austria
3, Wales 2 Poland 3.
Remaining fixtures: Today England v Northern Ireland , Poland v Azerbaijan,
Wales v Austria. Wednesday Austria v Wales , England v Azerbaijan (St James'
Park), Poland v Northern Ireland . Jun 4 Azerbaijan v Poland. Sept 3 Northern
Ireland v Azerbaijan, Poland v Austria, Wales v England . Sept 7 Azerbaijan v
Austria, Poland v Wales , Northern Ireland v England . Oct 8 England v Austria
(Old Trafford), Northern Ireland v Wales . Oct 12 Wales v Azerbaijan, England v
Poland (Old Trafford), Austria v Northern Ireland .
Group Seven
P W D L F A Pts
Serbia-Mont 4 3 1 0 10 0 10
Spain 4 2 2 0 8 1 8
Lithuania 4 2 2 0 6 1 8
Bosnia-Herz 2 0 2 0 1 1 2
Belgium 3 0 1 2 1 5 1
San Marino 5 0 0 5 0 18 0
Previous results: Sept 4 Belgium 1 Lithuania 1, San Marino 0
Serbia-Montenegro 3. Sept 8 Lithuania 4 San Marino 0, Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 Spain 1. Oct 9
Bosnia-Herzegovina 0 Serbia-Montenegro 0, Spain 2 Belgium 0. Oct 13 Lithuania 0
Spain 0, Serbia-Montenegro 5 San Marino 0. Nov 17 San Marino 0 Lithuania 1,
Belgium 0 Serbia-Montenegro 2. Feb 9 2005 Spain 5 San Marino 0.
Remaining fixtures: Today Belgium v Bosnia-Herzegovina. Wednesday
Bosnia-Herzegovina v Lithuania, San Marino v Belgium, Serbia-Montenegro v Spain. Jun 4
San Marino v Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia-Montenegro v Belgium, Spain v Lithuania.
Jun 8 Spain v Bosnia-Herzegovina. Sept 3 Bosnia-Herzegovina v Belgium,
Serbia-Montenegro v Lithuania. Sept 7 Lithuania v Bosnia-Herzegovina, Belgium v San
Marino, Spain v Serbia-Montenegro. Oct 8 Belgium v Spain, Bosnia-Herzegovina v
San Marino, Lithuania v Serbia-Montenegro. Oct 12 San Marino v Spain,
Lithuania v Belgium, Serbia-Montenegro v Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Group Eight
P W D L F A Pts
Sweden 4 3 0 1 14 2 9
Bulgaria 3 2 1 0 9 4 7
Croatia 3 2 1 0 6 2 7
Hungary 4 2 0 2 5 8 6
Iceland 4 0 1 3 4 10 1
Malta 4 0 1 3 1 13 1
Previous results: Sept 4 Iceland 1 Bulgaria 3, Croatia 3 Hungary 0, Malta 0
Sweden 7. Sept 8 Sweden 0 Croatia 1, Hungary 3 Iceland 2. Oct 9 Sweden 3
Hungary 0, Malta 0 Iceland 0, Croatia 2 Bulgaria 2. Oct 13 Bulgaria 4 Malta 1,
Iceland 1 Sweden 4. Nov 17 Malta 0 Hungary 2.
Remaining fixtures: Today Bulgaria v Sweden, Croatia v Iceland. Wednesday
Croatia v Malta, Hungary v Bulgaria. Jun 4 Bulgaria v Croatia, Iceland v Hungary,
Sweden v Malta. Jun 8 Iceland v Malta. Sept 3 Sweden v Bulgaria, Iceland v
Croatia, Hungary v Malta. Sept 7 Hungary v Sweden, Bulgaria v Iceland, Malta v
Croatia. Oct 8 Bulgaria v Hungary, Croatia v Sweden. Oct 12 Sweden v Iceland,
Malta v Bulgaria, Hungary v Croatia.
************************************************** *************************
Armenia beats Andorra 2-1 in World Cup qualifying
AP Worldstream
Mar 26, 2005
Ara Hakobian and Romik Khachtrian scored a goal each Saturday, and Armenia
beat Andorra 2-1 in a European World Cup qualifying match.
Hakobian beat Andorra goalkeeper Koldo Alvarez in the 32nd minute, and
Khachtrian scored the winner for Armenia with a 30-meter drive in the 74th.
Fernando Silva briefly leveled for Andorra at Vazgen Sarkisian Stadium.
Armenia and Andorra are tied for last place in Group 1 with four points. It
was Armenia's first win in six matches.
Armenia midfielder Artavazd Karamian missed a chance to add to his team's
lead in the 41st minute when his header shaved the post.
Andorra managed just one shot on goal before the interval.
In the 57th minute, Justo Ruiz's powerful free kick hit the right post and
bounced back into the box. Silva was first to reach the ball and headed in the
equalizer.
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Armenia edge Andorra 2-1 for first World Cup win
Reuters.uk, UK
Sat Mar 26, 2005 5:34 PM GMT
YEREVAN, March 26 (Reuters) - Armenia recorded their first victory in their
2006 World Cup qualifying campaign, beating fellow outsiders Andorra 2-1 in
a Group One match on Saturday.
Midfielder Romik Khachatryan, who plays for Greek first division side OFI
Crete, scored the winner from close range seven minutes from time to send
the home crowd wild.
Ara Hakobyan put the Armenians 1-0 up with a cracking shot iafter 32 minutes
but Fernando Silva equalised for the visitors shortly after the break.
The win allowed bottom-of-the-table Armenia to draw level with Andorra on
four points from six matches and one point behind fifth-placed Macedonia,
who were not playing on Saturday.
None of those teams have a chance of reaching the finals, but all want to
avoid finishing bottom of the group when it ends in October.
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This regional compilation was contributed to by:
Katia Peltekian
Sebouh Z. Tashjian
Toros Babikian
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