Saturday's Euro 2008 Qualifying

Wrap up of Saturday's games.

 

Upset of the round:

 

Kazakhstan 2 - 1 Serbia

 

One would have thought Yugoslavia's defeat to Azerbaijan during qualification for Euro 2004 was an all time low, never to be repeated. One was also obviously wrong as Javier Clemente ensured Serbia sunk to a new low. It made sense to rest first choice defenders, Ivica Dragutinovic and Mladen Krstaljic, as Borat's boys would obviously be Serbia's weakest opponents; but not in view of the performance their understudies delivered. 23 shots, zero goals on offence. Meanwhile, two goals conceded off defensive lapses. Serbia, are you Arsenal in disguise ? Oh and by the way - Azerbaijan still have to be played and Zigic will be suspended for two games.

 

Lame result of the round:

 

Israel 0 - 0 England

 

Here's a thought, maybe, just maybe, England's players aren't really that good. Away from the cushioning and refereeing nepotism of the domestic league, England's stars are a rudderless ship, one bad steer away from the craggy rocks of non-qualification. Mclaren may be the most unsuitable coach in International football right now, but the complete inability of any of the English 'stars' to rise to the occasion and lift the team is the more damning indictment of England's chances of winning Euro 2008. Sorry Frank. It had to be said.

 

Terrific results of the round:

 

Greece 1 - 4 Turkey

 

Turkey were playing their biggest rivals away at their home. It was a top of the table clash between two teams who were 100% going into the game. Then even went a goal behind. Massive, massive result. Much will be made of Germany and Croatia going clear in their groups, but Turkey have taken the biggest step towards Austria-Switzerland.

 

Czech Republic 1 - 2 Germany

 

Again, top of the table clash between two unbeaten teams - both talented, skilled and well drilled as a team. Germany were playing in the Czech Republic, went a goal down but came back to trump their strongest opposition in the group. Roll on Austria-Switzerland. Injuries aside, this result should go a long way towards tying up the group for the mighty Mannschaft.

 

Norway 1 - 2 Bosnia

 

Bosnia pulled off a plucky away result against a more pedigreed side. Neither country may make the Euro finals but are trying to stay in the slipstream of the top two. With this result Bosnia have gotten the upper hand in the jostling for third place. Oh and Muslimovic's goal was a real beauty.

 

Good International Derby result of the round:

 

Croatia 2 - 1 Macedonia

 

They may have left it late, and required another goal from their Brazilian import, but Croatia avoided a potential banana skin and have gone clear in Group E. For Macedonia - file under plucky, tricky, erstwhile Yugoslav republic (see also, Bosnia).

 

Good but Ultimately Irrelevent International Derby result of the round:

 

(Stephen) Ireland 1 - 0 Wales

 

Steve Staunton staved off further slagging along with Simon Davies. Wales is so far removed from their victories in the runup to Euro 2004.

 

Big win over decent opposition result:

 

Portugal 4 - 0 Belgium

 

Europe's two best wingers combined to tear Belgium to shreds. Ronaldo's purple run continues and this time he didn't need to dive. Ricardo Quaresma on the other hand is the best player in Portugal right now. Belgium aren't going anywhere - not with leaden footed Daniel Van Buyten at the back.

 

Big win over less then decent opposition:

 

Poland 5 - 0 Azerbaijan

 

The Poles have replaced Serbia as Portugal's main challengers in Group A. Azerbaijan meanwhile, have games aginst Kazakhstan and local rivals Armenia to look forward to. Only interesting aside was Radoslaw Matusiak not turning out for the Poles.

 

'We're still around' results:

 

Liechtenstein 1 - 4 Northern Ireland

 

A facile win over minnow opposition perhaps, but it leaves Northern Ireland still in the running for the second place. Hard to believe that David Healy is going to be relegated this season.

 

Scotland 2 - 1 Georgia

 

You have to beat the opposition on the day and Scotland ensured that they did the chasing pack of Ukraine and Italy no favours. Top of the group, they are now the best placed team from the British Isles and Ireland. Special mention to Shota Averladze who ensured that Jari Litmanen is not alone in being an againg, erstwhile, ex-Ajax striker to score internationally this season.

 

Onto the next set of games midweek.