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berni23 |
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| Wed Apr 04, 2007 3:43 am |
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 Post subject: Group F
Euro 2008 Qualifying Group F Table
| Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | PTS | | Spain | 12 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 23 | 8 | 28 | | Sweden | 12 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 23 | 9 | 26 | Northern
Ireland | 12 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 17 | 14 | 20 | | Denmark | 12 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 21 | 11 | 20 | | Latvia | 12 | 4 | 0 | 8 | 15 | 17 | 12 | | Iceland | 12 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 27 | 8 | | Liechtenstein | 12 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 9 | 32 | 7 | Euro 2008 Qualifying Group F Fixtures
| 02/09/06 | Spain | 4 v 0 | Liechtenstein | | Torres 20, Sanchez 45, 62, Garcia 66 | | | | 02/09/06 | Northern Ireland | 0 v 3 | Iceland | | | | Thorvaldsson 13, Hreidarsson 20, Gudjohnsen 37 | | 02/09/06 | Latvia | 0 v 1 | Sweden | | | | Kallstrom 38 | | 06/09/06 | Iceland | 0 v 2 | Denmark | | | | Rommedahl 5, Tomasson 33 | | 06/09/06 | Sweden | 3 v 1 | Liechtenstein | | Allback 2, 69, Rosenberg 89 | | Frick 27 | | 06/09/06 | Northern Ireland | 3 v 2 | Spain | | Healy 20, 64, 80 | | Xavi 14, Villa Sanchez 52 | | 07/10/06 | Sweden | 2 v 0 | Spain | | Elmander 10, Allback 82 | | | | 07/10/06 | Denmark | 0 v 0 | Northern
Ireland | | | | | | 07/10/06 | Latvia | 4 v 0 | Iceland | | Karlsons 14, Verpakovskis 15, 25, Visnakovs 52 | | | | 11/10/06 | Iceland | 1 v 2 | Sweden | | Vidarsson 6 | | Kallstrom 8, Wilhelmsson 59 | | 11/10/06 | Liechtenstein | 0 v 4 | Denmark | | | | Jensen 29, Gravgaard 32, Tomasson 51, 64 | | 11/10/06 | Northern Ireland | 1 v 0 | Latvia | | Healy 35 | | | | 24/03/07 | Spain | 2 v 1 | Denmark | | Morientes 34, David Villa 46 | | Gravgaard 49 | | 24/03/07 | Liechtenstein | 1 v 4 | Northern
Ireland | | Burgmeier 91 | | Healy 52, 75,
83, Mccann 92 | | 28/03/07 | Northern Ireland | 2 v 1 | Sweden | | | | | | 28/03/07 | Liechtenstein | 1 v 0 | Latvia | | Frick 17 | | | | 28/03/07 | Spain | 1 v 0 | Iceland | | Iniesta 81 | | | | 02/06/07 | Denmark | 3 v 3 | Sweden | | Agger 34, Tomasson 62, Andreasen 75 | | Elmander 7, 26,
Hansson 23 | | Match abandoned after fan attacks referee.
Sweden awarded the game 3-0 | | 02/06/07 | Latvia | 0 v 2 | Spain | | | | Villa 45, Xavi
60 | | 02/06/07 | Iceland | 1 v 1 | Liechtenstein | | Gunnarsson 27 | | Rohrer 69 | | 06/06/07 | Liechtenstein | 0 v 2 | Spain | | | | Villa 8, 14 | | 06/06/07 | Sweden | 5 v 0 | Iceland | | Allback 11, 51, Svensson 42, Mellberg 45, Rosenberg 50 | | | | 06/06/07 | Latvia | 0 v 2 | Denmark | | | | Rommedahl 15, 17 | | 22/06/07 | Northern Ireland | 3 v 1 | Liechtenstein | | Healy 5, 35, Lafferty 56 | | Frick 89 | | 08/09/07 | Sweden | 0 v 0 | Denmark | | | | | | 08/09/07 | Latvia | 1 v 0 | Northern
Ireland | | Baird (o.g) 56 | | | | 08/09/07 | Iceland | 1 v 1 | Spain | | Hallfredsson 40 | | Iniesta 86 | | 12/09/07 | Iceland | 2 v 1 | Northern
Ireland | | Bjornsson 6, Gillespie 91 (o.g) | | Healy 72 (pen) | | 12/09/07 | Spain | 2 v 0 | Latvia | | Xavi 13, Torres 86 | | | | 12/09/07 | Denmark | 4 v 0 | Liechtenstein | | Nordstrand 3, 36, Laursen 12, Tomasson 18 | | | | 13/10/07 | Denmark | 1 v 3 | Spain | | Tomasson 87 | | Tamudo 14, Ramos
40, Riera 89 | | 13/10/07 | Liechtenstein | 0 v 3 | Sweden | | | | Ljungberg 19,
Wilhelmsson 29, Svensson 56 | | 13/10/07 | Iceland | 2 v 4 | Latvia | | Gudjohnsen 4, 52 | | Klava 27,
Laizans 31, Verpakovskis 37, 46 | | | | | | 17/10/07 | Sweden | 1 v 1 | Northern
Ireland | | Mellberg 15 | | Lafferty 72 | | 17/10/07 | Liechtenstein | 3 v 0 | Iceland | | Frick 27, Beck 80, 83 | | | | 17/10/07 | Denmark | 3 v 1 | Latvia | | Tomasson 7 (pen), Laursen 27, Rommedahl 90 | | Gorkss 80 | | 17/11/07 | Spain | 3 v 0 | Sweden | | Capdevila 14, Iniesta 39, Ramos 65 | | | | 17/11/07 | Northern Ireland | 2 v 0 | Denmark | | Feeney 62, Healy 80 | | Bendtner 51 | | 17/11/07 | Latvia | 4 v 1 | Liechtenstein | | Karlsons 14, Verpakovskis 30, Laizans 63, Visnakovs 87 | | Zirnis (o.g) 13 | | 21/11/07 | Spain | 1 v 0 | Northern
Ireland | | Xavi 52 | | | | 21/11/07 | Denmark | 3 v 0 | Iceland | | Bendtner 34, Tomasson 44, Kahlenberg 59 | | | | 21/11/07 | Sweden | 2 v 1 | Latvia | | Allback 1, Kallstrom 57 | | Laizans 26 |
Last edited by berni23 on Thu Nov 22, 2007 2:28 pm; edited 12 times in total
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berni23 |
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| Fri Jun 29, 2007 3:09 pm |
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Post subject:
EURO 2008: GROUP F
-On-form Sweden sizzle in Solna
After the drama of their match in Denmark on Saturday, it was a calmer affair for Sweden tonight as two Marcus Allbäck goals and one each from Anders Svensson, Olof Mellberg and Markus Rosenberg left them in a strong position to reach the finals next year. Iceland, held at home by Liechtenstein at the weekend, remain sixth.
Opening goal
The home side were without suspended forward Johan Elmander, who netted twice in Copenhagen, while Iceland had even bigger problems in attack with star striker Eidur Gudjohnsen also serving a ban, and the visitors struggled from the start. Sweden's breakthrough came after just eleven minutes courtesy of Allbäck. Árni Arason did well to parry an initial strike from Tobias Linderoth but the ball only went as far as Rosenberg, who touched it on to Allbäck to shoot in on the half-volley.
Lead increases
Although Sweden continued to have the best of the play, it was not until shortly before the interval that Svensson doubled their advantage from ten metres after Christian Wilhelmsson's corner had caused panic in the Iceland defence. Lars Lagerbäck's men then made it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time thanks to Mellberg, who powered in Niclas Alexandersson's centre with a little help from the post. Five minutes after the restart Rosenberg got in on the act, beating the offside trap before lobbing Arason from 12 metres. The visiting rearguard was breached again a minute later by Allbäck, leaving Sweden well-placed for the arrival of Denmark on 8 September, when Iceland welcome Spain.
-SPAIN GETS 2 GOALS OVER Liechtenstein
Spain eased into the qualifying berths at the top of Group F after two David Villa goals earned them a comfortable 2-0 victory over Liechtenstein in Vaduz. The Valencia CF striker put the visitors in firm control by scoring twice inside the first 14 minutes - raising his total to seven in seven qualifers - but spurned the chance of a hat-trick by missing an injury-time penalty.
Fourth straight win
Luis Aragonés, the Spain coach, had announced before the game that he would be stepping down at the conclusion of his side's UEFA EURO 2008™ campaign. He expects this will be in Austria and Switzerland next summer and the likelihood of Spain reaching the finals increased here in the neighbouring Alpine principality of Liechtenstein, their fourth straight win lifting them into second place in Group F.
Early breakthrough
Villa opened the deadlock when Cesc Fabregas threaded the ball between two blue-shirted defenders and the little No7 carried it around goalkeeper Peter Jehle before converting. He doubled the lead with a superb overhead kick, finishing acrobatically after Valencia colleague David Silva had crossed from the left.
Damage limitation
Liechtentenstein had gone into this game buoyed by a draw in Iceland last weekend and they gave their fans brief hope of an equaliser to Villa's opener when Michele Polverino warmed Pepe Reina's hands with a fiercely struck drive. However, it quickly became an exercise in damage limitation for the hosts. Sergio Ramos headed narrowly wide shortly before the half-hour, then Andrés Iniesta struck the side-netting after captain Joaquín Sánchez had put him through.
Spanish profligacy
Spain's supremacy was such that at times they were guilty of trying to walk the ball into the net. Although Liechtenstein's Franz Burgmeier curled a shot against the angle of the post and crossbar shortly after the hour, it was otherwise one-way traffic. Substitute Luis Garcia missed an open goal while Villa wasted several clear opportunities of a hat-trick, notably by crashing a late penalty against the crossbar. As it was, Spain, who will resume their campaign in Iceland in September, had to settle for 2-0.
Denmark put the controversy of their match against Sweden on Saturday behind them as two goals from Dennis Rommedahl helped them ease to three points against Latvia in UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying Group F.
DENAMRK shoots down Latvia by 2 goals
With the outcome of their abandoned game at the weekend to be decided by a UEFA inquiry, one might have thought Danish minds would be elsewhere, but they showed no signs of being pre-occupied as they took the contest to their hosts in Riga. A teasing Jesper Grønkjær cross from the left that Nicklas Bendtner struck into the side-netting was a portent of things to come.
Rommedahl opener
Martin Jørgensen volleyed narrowly wide on the turn and Grønkjær sent a diving header over when free at the far post within the opening seven minutes. So it came as no surprise when Rommedahl put Denmark in front on the quarter-hour. Taking the ball down the right after fine work from Bendtner, the winger cut into the box and calmly side-footed under Latvia keeper Aleksandrs Kolinko.
Clinical volley
It took Rommedahl less than three minutes to double his tally. Bringing down a raking crossfield pass from the left by Jørgensen, he wasted no time before clinically volleying into the far corner of the net. Bendtner then had the opportunity to make it 3-0, flicking centimetres over after beating the offside trap, before Latvia ended the half well with a flurry of chances, the best of which saw Vitalis Astafjevs nodding wide from a corner.
Fourth place
Denmark regained the initiative in the second half, without creating many openings. They might have extended their advantage shortly after the hour, though, as Jon Dahl Tomasson caught the Latvia defence sleeping only for Kolinko to claw his deft chip around the post. The result moved Denmark clear in fourth place in Group F, six points ahead of Iceland and Liechtenstein, but five adrift of leaders Sweden.
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berni23 |
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| Thu Aug 23, 2007 2:18 am |
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Post subject:
EURO 2008 qualifying Group F
David Healy helped himself to another two goals as Northern Ireland kept their Euro 2008 qualifications hopes alive with a straightforward 3-1 victory over Liechtenstein at Windsor Park.
The Fulham striker took his tally in the campaign to 11 goals and 31 overall by finding the target in the fifth and 34th minutes, while Kyle Lafferty added a third in the second-half.
Mario Frick then netted a consolation for Liechtenstein two minutes from time.
Northern Ireland now leap frog Spain into second place in the table, one point ahead of Spain, with the same number of matches played.
In Nigel Worthington's first game in charge, the Irish were far from their best but the tension was lifted early on when Healy put them in front.
He showed his now legendary predatory instincts by flashing a near post header into the top corner after Laffterty had checked the ball back to Keith Gillespie to cross.
Maik Taylor had to get down low to stop a Frick header when the score was still 1-0, but once Healy got the second the match was over as a contest.
Healy pounced on an awful free from Michael Stocklasa before placing home a superb finish from just outside the box all before the Liechtenstein keeper Peter Jehle had even blinked.
There was no steam rolling of the group minnows in the second-half though, and chances were actually few and far between.
However, Burnley's teenager striker Lafferty helped himself to his first competitive international strike in the 56th minute.
Lafferty, who should have scored with a header from six yards in the first-half, finished off a lovely move involving Chris Brunt and George McCartney.
Brunt put McCartney free down the left wing, and the West Ham man, playing in his international for 26 months, then picked Lafferty out with a cross, which the striker controlled and fired low into the net.
The only blotch on the copybook was Frick's goal two minutes from time which denied a clean sheet, as he was able to get in two shots after Stephen Craigan had blocked his first effort on the line.
Next up for Northern Ireland comes a crucial away double header against Latvia and Iceland.
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berni23 |
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| Sun Sep 09, 2007 9:44 pm |
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Latvia 1-0 Northern Ireland
Latvia picked up their second win in UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying Group F as Chris Baird's own goal proved a real blow to Northern Ireland's hopes of reaching a first final tournament in 22 years.
Latvia prevail
Although the visitors – second in the group at kick-off – were dominant, they could find no way through and an Imants Bleidelis cross forced Baird into his decisive error early in the second half. While Latvia are a long way from matching their feat of getting to the 2004 finals, Aleksandrs Starkovs' side are at least off the bottom of the group while Northern Ireland will try to win in Iceland on Wednesday.
Healy denied
Nigel Worthington's men made a bright start but Latvia did well to keep them at bay. On 26 minutes, Keith Gillespie forced a save from Andris Vanins and the goalkeeper then denied the leading scorer in qualifying, David Healy. The Fulham FC striker had taken his Group F total to eleven goals in the 3-1 victory over Liechtenstein that launched the reign of new manager Worthington last month. Healy came close again just before the break.
Own goal
Kyle Lafferty threatened from distance early in the second half, yet it was Latvia who broke the deadlock. Moving forward on the counterattack, the home team worked the ball to Bleidelis and his low cross from the right was inadvertently turned into his own net by Baird as he attempted to cut it out at the far post. Now the visitors turned the pressure up a notch but Latvia were defending in numbers and held out thanks to Vanins's superb last-minute reflex save from a Jonny Evans far-post header. Latvia will face another test of resolve in Spain on Wednesday.
Iceland 1-1 Spain
Andrés Iniesta was again the scourge of Iceland as ten-man Spain salvaged a late draw in Reykjavik to take the visitors into joint second place in UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying Group F.
Late leveller
The FC Barcelona midfielder had scored an 80th-minute winner in the sides' meeting in March and he repeated the trick at the Laugardalsvöllur Stadium – this after Xabi Alonso had been sent off midway through the first half and Emil Hallfredsson headed Iceland into a 40th-minute lead. Just when it seemed the hosts were in sight of a famous win, Iniesta struck four minutes from time to rescue a point that lifts Spain to 16 points, level with second-placed Northern Ireland and three behind Sweden.
Puerta remembered
Before kick-off there was a minute's silence in memory of Spain midfielder Antonio Puerta who died last week. Luis Aragonés's team, coming into this match on the back of a six-game winning run, were quickly on the attack, David Villa forcing a fine save from Iceland keeper Árni Arason with a low free-kick. The complexion of the tie changed in the 20th minute, however, when Alonso was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Arnar Vidarsson – Iceland would have made their numerical advantage count immediately had Joey Gudjonsson not prodded wide with only Iker Casillas to beat.
Hallfredsson header
Sergio Ramos and Fernando Torres went close for the visitors, yet it was Iceland who seized the initiative five minutes before half-time when Gudjonsson curled in a deep right-wing cross and Hallfredsson placed a diving header into the bottom corner. Forced to push forward, Spain dominated possession thereafter but created few clear-cut chances; by contrast, Casillas did well to deny Gunnar Heidar Thorvaldsson. But with Iceland four minutes away from victory, substitute Iniesta collected Luis García's lay-off to advance into the penalty area and slide a shot beyond Arason. Both sides will have home advantage on Wednesday, when Iceland entertain Northern Ireland and Spain tackle Latvia.
Sweden 0-0 Denmark
Sweden stayed on course to reach UEFA EURO 2008™ thanks to a goalless draw with neighbours Denmark that took Lars Lagerbäck's team three points clear in Group F.
Chances at both ends
After the reverse fixture in Copenhagen in June had been awarded to Sweden, as a 3-0 victory, following a pitch invasion by a Denmark fan, both sides had chances to win tonight's game at the Råsunda Stadium in Solna. Johan Elmander and Zlatan Ibrahimović went close for Sweden while Daniel Agger, Martin Laursen and Jon Dahl Tomasson threatened for the visitors. Sweden now have 19 points from eight outings, eight more than the Danes who next play Liechtenstein on Wednesday. Sweden return to action on 17 October with an away match against the same opposition.
Sweden on top
Sweden started the brighter, Elmander heading over an Anders Svensson cross and also sending a shot over the crossbar, while at the other end Olof Mellberg blocked Tomasson's weak attempt. Denmark midfielder Thomas Kahlenberg then got in the way of Petter Hansson's goalbound free-kick after Elmander had been fouled, before Laursen stopped Christian Wilhelmsson's strike and goalkeeper Thomas Sørensen tipped Elmander's header from an Ibrahimović cross over.
Goalkeepers excel
Svensson was next to draw a save from the Denmark goalkeeper with an angled drive, which finally stung Morten Olsen's men into action: Agger subsequently meeting a corner to force a save from Sweden's Andreas Isaksson, who then had to keep out a Daniel Jensen effort from distance. The away team continued to press as Tomasson put a shot and a header over before Isaksson dealt comfortably with a Leon Andreasen attempt. Kennedy Bakircioglü and Svensson next tried their luck from long range as Sweden chased a winner. However, after Ibrahimović had squandered two late opportunities, both sides had to settle for a point.
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berni23 |
Brasil
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| Sat Sep 15, 2007 3:01 am |
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Spain 2-0 Latvia
A goal in either half from Xavi Hernández and Fernando Torres got Spain's qualifying campaign back on track as they returned to the top two places in Group F, level on points with Sweden.
Key victory
Spain had suffered a setback to their UEFA EURO 2008™ prospects when they drew 1-1 in Iceland last Saturday, but Northern Ireland's defeat in Reykjavik played into their hands and Luis Aragonés's side took advantage with this victory in Oviedo. Xavi broke the deadlock on 13 minutes to settle the hosts' nerves and Torres's effort four minutes from time ensured Spain moved to 19 points alongside leaders Sweden, who have a game in hand, three points ahead of Northern Ireland.
Xavi celebration
Determined to improve on Saturday's showing, Spain began on the offensive and their efforts were rewarded when Xavi celebrated his 50th cap with the opening goal. Joaquín Sánchez delivered a superb cross from the flank and the FC Barcelona midfielder nudged the ball beyond goalkeeper Andris Vanins. Just after the half-hour it was almost 2-0, David Villa directing a free header wide after rising unmarked at a corner. He was almost punished at the other end four minutes later when former Getafe CF striker Maris Verpakovskis got on the end of a quick counterrattack, missing Latvia's best chance of the match.
Iniesta influence
Four minutes into the second half Joaquín was left cursing his luck after his shot was deflected on to the woodwork by defender Kaspars Gorkss. Substitute Andrés Iniesta then elicited a fine stop from Vanins eleven minutes after the restart. The hosts struggled to break down an obdurate Latvia defence yet the points were finally sealed when Iniesta began a move that saw Miguel Ángel Angulo bring a save out of Vanins and Fernando Torres follow up to score.
Iceland 2-1 Northern Ireland
A last-minute own goal from Keith Gillespie saw Northern Ireland slump to an agonising defeat against Iceland in rainswept Reykjavik.
Late misfortune
Nigel Worthington's side had come undone against Latvia at the weekend when Chris Baird put through his own net and this time it was Gillespie's turn, directing the ball past his own goalkeeper with just seconds remaining. The hosts had taken an early lead when Ármann Björnsson fired into the roof of the net after just six minutes but, after dominating for long spells, the visitors equalised through David Healy's 72nd-minute penalty only for Gillespie's miscue to seriously dent his side's prospects of qualification.
Early opener
Northern Ireland almost made the breakthrough inside the first minute with Warren Feeney testing Árni Arason with a fierce shot, but it was Iceland who took the lead when Björnsson drilled in Gunnar Heidar Thorvaldsson's centre after a swift move. Northern Ireland raised the tempo and Gary Clinghan fired wide before Jonny Evans somehow skied his close-range shot over the bar after Arason had pushed away a free-kick from Chris Brunt.
Brunt chance
Brunt was unlucky not to equalise in the 51st minute when his ferocious 25-metre shot cannoned back off the bar with Arason beaten. Michael Duff then got on the end of a Brunt corner but was unable to put enough power on his strike. The visitors finally drew level when Healy scored his 12th goal of the campaign from the spot after being upended by Ragnar Sigurdsson. Yet in added time Gillespie turned into his own net under pressure from Eidur Gudjohnsen to leave Northern Ireland three points off the Group F summit having played a game more than Sweden and Spain.
Denmark 4-0 Liechtenstein
Denmark kept alive their hopes of reaching UEFA EURO 2008™ as Morten Nordstrand scored twice in a convincing home victory over Liechtenstein.
Early strike
Martin Laursen and Jon Dahl Tomasson were also on target, all in the first half, as Denmark matched the 4-0 scoreline they had achieved in Vaduz eleven months before. Nordstrand opened the scoring in Aarhus within three minutes with a right-footed shot into the bottom-left corner following a Dennis Rommedahl cross.
Telling crosses
Laursen promptly made it 2-0 to Morten Olsen's side nine minutes later when he slotted home from close range following Niclas Jensen's inswinging corner. Tomasson did not have to wait long to get his name on the scoresheet, being presented with an opportunity from Rommedahl's cross and making no mistake from the left side of the six-metre box.
Tomasson provides
Leon Andreasen hit the bar from 20 metres and Jesper Grønkjær was denied by keeper Peter Jehle before goal No4 arrived, Nordstrand firing a left-footed strike into the bottom corner following Tomasson's pass. Liechtenstein did their best to get back into the game early in the second half, Mario Frick prompting a good parry from Thomas Sørensen, before Denmark's Rommedahl forged two decent opportunities for himself, first driving over from 20 metres then rattling an upright.
Hat-trick spurned
Esben Hansen kept Jehle involved with a long-range effort which required a save as the Danes continued to dominate without adding to the scoreline. Nordstrand had half a chance to complete his hat-trick ten minutes from time, only to flash an attempt wide from 12 metres. By then the match had long since ended as a contest.
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berni23 |
Brasil
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| Mon Oct 15, 2007 3:45 pm |
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Post subject:
UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying Group F
Denmark 1-3 Spain
Raúl Tamudo enjoyed a terrific return to international football to help Spain take a giant step towards UEFA EURO 2008™ and effectively end Denmark's qualifying hopes.
Spain soar
Tamudo, whose previous appearance came over two years ago, was only involved due to injuries to David Villa and Fernando Torres. But the RCD Espanyol captain made the most of his chance, scoring Spain's opener and then setting up Sergio Ramos for their second just before half-time. Denmark pulled a goal back on 87 minutes through Jon Dahl Tomasson, but substitute Albert Riera's superb debut strike secured for Spain the spoils in Aarhus. The win puts Spain on 22 Group F points, the same as leaders Sweden, who beat Liechtenstein 3-0, and eight more than fourth-placed Denmark.
Ramos scores
Spain took the lead on 14 minutes when Andrés Iniesta crossed to the far post where Tamudo directed a looping header back across stranded Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sørensen and into the net. It was Tamudo's fifth international goal in ten games, and five minutes before half-time he teed up Ramos to double the advantage. Tamudo's slick first-time pass put Ramos through on the right and the Real Madrid CF defender coolly dinked a shot over the on-rushing Sørensen. Cesc Fabregas almost made it 3-0 moments before the break when his toe-poke from the edge of the box was tipped into the air by Sørensen before hitting the top of the crossbar.
Bendtner chances
Spain continued to threaten after the interval, but Denmark were not without their opportunities and Jesper Grønkjær blazed a decent opening wide before substitute Nicklas Bendtner was twice denied. First Iker Casillas stuck out a foot to somehow keep out his thumping close-range header, before the Arsenal FC forward hit the post with an 18-metre strike. Casillas produced another wonderful stop with five minutes remaining to deny Thomas Kahlenberg's header, before the Madrid keeper was finally beaten in the 87th minute when Tomasson slotted in Kenneth Perez's cut-back. Any prospect of a late Danish fightback evaporated two minutes later when Riera marked his first cap with a stunning goal, the Espanyol winger smashing an unstoppable 20-metre shot into the roof of the net.
Liechtenstein 0-3 Sweden
Sweden took another significant step towards UEFA EURO 2008™ qualification as Fredrik Ljungberg, Christian Wilhelmsson and Anders Svensson struck in a convincing 3-0 victory in Liechtenstein.
No repeat
Lars Lagerbäck's side had been pushed all the way by the minnows when the teams met in Gothenburg 13 months ago, but goals inside the opening half-hour from Ljungberg and Wilhelmsson ensured there would be no repeat in Vaduz. Johan Elmander had chances to extend the advantage but poor control let him down so it was Svensson who eventually added a third eleven minutes after the restart, his long-range strike squirming past Peter Jehle.
Ljungberg opener
The win helped Sweden keep their place atop Group F, a result that always looked likely as they dominated the opening exchanges. Daniel Majstorovic guided a header wide when well-placed and only a superb block from Jehle kept out Wilhelmsson. No matter: the pressure told on 19 minutes when Tobias Linderoth's intelligent pass split the home defence and the ever-alert Ljungberg was unerring with his finish.
Solo run
Ten minutes later it was 2-0, and if the first goal had been the product of combination play, the second was all about Wilhelmsson. The winger advanced down the right flank before cutting inside the penalty area and beating two men before sliding the ball into the bottom corner. It capped a fine first-half performance from the visitors, who should have enhanced their lead further, but Elmander failed to control Ljungberg's pass when through on goal.
Frick miss
Daniel Frick almost made him pay though contrived to head wide when it seemed easier to score. The profligacy seemed contagious as Elmander was again undone by his first touch soon after, before Svensson showed how it should be done to seal a 3-0 win. Another triumph against Northern Ireland on Wednesday and Sweden will be on the verge of a place in the finals.
Iceland 2-4 Latvia
Latvia scored four goals in 19 minutes either side of half-time as they recovered from a terrible start to claim a 4-2 victory away to Iceland and leapfrog their opponents into fifth place in Group F.
Verpakovskis double
Latvia had claimed a 4-0 win in the reverse fixture 12 months ago but Eidur Gudjohnsen ensured there would be no repeat as he broke the deadlock after just four minutes. The visitors responded well and Oskars Klava equalised on 27 minutes as they made light of their record of four successive UEFA EURO 2008™ away defeats. Ten minutes later it was 3-1 after Jurijs Laizans and Maris Verpakovskis struck, and within 60 seconds of the restart the latter left Iceland further adrift. Gudjohnsen replied but the hosts could not find another to set up a grandstand finish.
Klava breakthrough
Instead the majority of the crowd went away from the Laugardalsvöllur Stadium disappointed, having begun the match elated after Gudjohnsen guided in Emil Hallfredsson's low cross at the near post. Aleksandrs Starkovs' team took it all in their stride, however, and the lively Verpakovskis missed a golden chance to equalise when he poked wide with the goal at his mercy. Klava showed more composure by rising unmarked to head in Genadijs Solonicins' right-wing corner.
Laizans free-kick
Four minutes later Latvia were leading as Laizans curled in a free-kick, and they were cruising when Verpakovskis capitalised on hesitant defending from Iceland following a corner, swivelling and firing in from close range. Any hopes of a home comeback were vanquished within a minute of half-time once Verpakovskis guided in Girts Karlsons's low centre. Although Gudjohnsen made it 4-2 when he directed a fine effort beyond Andris Vanins's dive, there was no way back.
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berni23 |
Brasil
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| Thu Oct 18, 2007 1:16 pm |
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Post subject:
UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying Group F
Sweden 1-1 Northern Ireland
Kyle Lafferty's timely equaliser gave Northern Ireland a deserved draw in Sweden and prevented the home side from booking their place at UEFA EURO 2008™.
Sweden denied
Defeats in Latvia and Iceland last month had ended Northern Ireland's run at the top of Group F which had begun when they beat Sweden 2-1 in March. Sweden therefore knew a victory would lift them out of the reach of their visitors with two games left and into their fifth consecutive major finals – but Olof Mellberg's early header was cancelled out 18 minutes from time.
Breakthrough
The match was only 15 minutes old when the Sweden breakthrough came. Tobias Linderoth's free-kick was flicked on by Kim Källström and defender Mellberg leapt to turn the ball in at the far post. Sweden now gathered momentum and Anders Svensson headed over before Zlatan Ibrahimović made Maik Taylor save. David Healy, the leading scorer in qualifying, had been subdued but on the half-hour his overhead kick went not far above the bar. Christian Wilhelmsson was forced off by injury just before half-time and replaced by Mikael Nilsson.
Equaliser
In the second period Northern Ireland started to dictate play. Lafferty, George McCartney and Steven Davis all threatened in the first three minutes and Chris Brunt's strong shot from outside the area grazed the crossbar. It was Lafferty who eventually levelled the scores as he picked up a long ball, cut into the box by beating two defenders and curled a superb effort beyond Andreas Isaksson.
November deciders
Källström's late free-kick struck the crossbar and Healy prompted a late save from Isaksson, so leaders Sweden still need a point from next month's trip to Spain or the subsequent visit of Latvia. Northern Ireland will hope Sweden do not lose the first of those fixtures, against second-placed Spain, and must themselves collect maximum points against Denmark and in Spain.
Denmark 3-1 Latvia
Denmark kept alive their faint hopes of a place at UEFA EURO 2008™ as they held on for a hard-fought 3-1 victory against Latvia in Copenhagen.
Frantic finish
Things appeared to be going very much to plan for Morten Olsen's team as they approached the last ten minutes two goals to the good at the Parken Stadium, courtesy of Jon Dahl Tomasson's spot-kick and a first international strike from Ulrik Laursen. Yet Kaspars Gorkss reduced the deficit to set up a frenetic finale, before Dennis Rommedahl calmed home nerves with a crisp goal a minute from time. Denmark remain five points off a top-two spot in Group F with two games to play.
Lively opening
Such a nervy end looked an unlikely scenario as the Danes got off to a dream start. Just seven minutes had gone when Oskars Klava was adjudged to have handled in the area and Tomasson made no mistake from the spot to claim his 49th international goal. At 31 and making only his second appearance for Denmark, Laursen is unlikely to match that tally but he got off the mark when he converted Rommedahl's cross on 27 minutes. The winger almost got on the scoresheet himself soon after but his 18-metre effort whizzed narrowly past the upright.
Rommedahl reward
The second half continued in much the same vein though Denmark spurned several opportunities to put the result beyond doubt. It seemed they might pay for their profligacy when Gorkss headed in substitute Jurijs Zigajevs' cross with ten minutes remaining. Rommedahl allayed any anxiety as he finally found reward for all his endeavour, latching on to Leon Andreasen's raking free-kick and firing in from the edge of the box.
Liechtenstein 3-0 Iceland
Mario Frick's goal and a Thomas Beck double helped Liechtenstein to their biggest ever UEFA European Championship win against Iceland in UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying Group F.
Fine win
Having won only once before in the competition before the 2006-08 campaign, the home side took a significant step towards their second victory in Group F as Frick fired them into a first-half lead. With Iceland forced to push forward, substitute Beck exploited the extra space to score twice in the last ten minutes and secure a win that moves Liechtenstein on to seven points, one below Iceland. Their final fixture is in Latvia on 17 November, while Iceland conclude their campaign away to Denmark four days later.
Frick breakthrough
The pattern of the game was set early, with visiting goalkeeper Árni Arason being tested by Franz Burgmeier's shot and, although Ivar Ingimarsson's volley flew just too high, the hosts made the breakthrough in the 27th minute. Burgmeier was the creator, delivering a left-wing cross for Frick to finish low past the exposed Arason. Iceland tried to rally and Ingimarsson drew Peter Jehle into action for the first time with a long-range effort, although Benjamin Fischer might have extended the Liechtenstein advantage before the interval.
Late joy
Liechtenstein continued to control proceedings as the second half unfolded, Frick, Burgmeier, Andreas Gerster and Burgmeier again all missing the target, before the Nordic side wasted a golden opportunity to draw level just before the hour – Emil Hallfredsson heading straight at Jehle from close range. The home goalkeeper then denied Gunnar Heidar Thorvaldsson and Iceland were made to pay for their profligacy ten minutes from time as Beck latched on to Jehle's long clearance to double Liechtenstein's lead. Three minutes later, Beck met Burgmeier's corner at the near post to beat Arason again and complete a famous night for Hans-Peter Zaugg's team.
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berni23 |
Brasil
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Joined:
Joined: 14 Apr 2005
Posts: 1257
Location: Berlin |
| Wed Nov 21, 2007 6:14 pm |
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Post subject:
Group F
Spain booked their finals berth by beating Sweden 3-0 in Madrid. The Scandinavians are two points behind Spain in second place and will still qualify so long as they take a point from their concluding home game against Latvia. If Sweden lose, then third-placed Northern Ireland – 2-1 victors over eliminated Denmark – can pip them to second place on the head-to-head rule by winning in Spain.
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berni23 |
Brasil
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Joined:
Joined: 14 Apr 2005
Posts: 1257
Location: Berlin |
| Thu Nov 22, 2007 2:37 pm |
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Post subject:
Sweden catch up with spain
Sweden 2-1 Latvia
Kim Källström's second-half strike ensured Sweden sealed their place at UEFA EURO 2008™ with victory against Latvia in Solna.
Perfect start
A Northern Ireland win in Spain in the night's other Group F match coupled with a Sweden defeat would have cost Lars Lagerbäck's side a place in Austria and Switzerland, but there was little chance of that as Sweden pressed forward from the start. Marcus Allbäck opened the scoring within a minute of kick-off, and though Swedish hearts were in mouths when Jurijs Laizans equalised after 26 minutes, Källström made sure of the points 12 minutes into the second half.
Laizans equaliser
Sweden enjoyed the perfect opening when Zlatan Ibrahimović crossed from the right for Allbäck to head in from close range. Latvia were being pinned back in their own half and Källström came close again before Ibrahimović fired wide. At the other end, Laizans twice served notice of his danger, first shooting wide from 20 metres, then bringing a fine save from Sweden goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson. Sweden would be breached before the half-hour though, as Laizans' deflected effort gave the sprawling Isaksson no chance.
Missed chances
The hosts hit back, subjecting Latvia's defence to wave after wave of attacks, but Mikael Nilsson and Källström both missed when presented with good opportunities. Sweden picked up where they had left off after the restart, continuing to squander presentable chances, with Ibrahimović and Allbäck both wayward from close range in quick succession.
2-1 Sweden vs. Latvia | EURO 2008 Q
Källström winner
The pressure finally told on 57 minutes. Fredrik Ljungberg on the right passed to Källström, who swept the ball in left-footed from 20 metres. Sweden had further invitations to add to their advantage, but two goals would be enough to make sure of a place in Austria and Switzerland.
Spain 1-0 Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's faint UEFA EURO 2008™ qualification hopes fizzled out as a deflected Spain goal condemned them to defeat in Gran Canaria.
Spain finish first
Xavi Hernández's second-half strike settled the contest although Sweden's 2-1 win against Latvia meant Nigel Worthington's team would not have progressed even had they won. The goal came when Xavi's long-range drive clipped off Sammy Clinghan's head to wrongfoot Maik Taylor and was enough to secure Spain first place in Group F, two points ahead of the Swedes. Northern Ireland, after a remarkable campaign, finished in third place.
Pressure
Spain started brightly and Xavi cracked a shot wide of Taylor's post after two minutes. The home side had claims for a penalty waved away by referee Herbert Fandel in the seventh minute after David Silva went to ground following a challenge from Stephen Craigan. Sergio Ramos found the side-netting in the 21st minute following a neat through-ball from Cesc Fabregas and as Spain stepped up the pressure, Taylor had to get down quickly to smother a shot from Daniel Güiza.
Taylor saves
A minute later Ramos came within a whisker of making the breakthrough, only for Clingan to clear off the line. Fabregas was next to threaten, the Arsenal FC midfielder stinging Taylor's fingers with a rasping drive from distance after 38 minutes. Spain kept coming, however, Taylor clawing away Andrés Iniesta’s deflected cross and then denying Marcos Senna and Silva.
Spain 1-0 Northern Ireland
Cursing their luck
Having stood firm for 53 minutes, Northern Ireland were cursing their luck when Spain went in front. Taylor seemed to have Xavi's 25-metre effort covered but he was left wrong-footed after it took a deflection of Craigan. Spain should have extended their lead when substitute Joaquín pulled the ball back from the byline. It looked a tap-in for Silva but he somehow managed to steer his shot wide of Taylor's post.
Denmark 3-0 Iceland
Denmark rounded off in style a mixed UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying campaign as goals from Nicklas Bendtner, Jon Dahl Tomasson and Thomas Kahlenberg earned a 3-0 triumph against Iceland in Copenhagen.
Bendtner opener
With only pride to play for, this Group F dead rubber could have seen both teams going through the motions, but Denmark instilled early urgency and got their reward with three goals in a 25-minute period either side of half-time. Bendtner broke the deadlock on 34 minutes as he collected a Christian Poulsen pass and fired beyond Árni Arason and Tomasson made it 2-0 just before half-time. There was no way back for Iceland, whose disappointing campaign was compounded by Kahlenberg's strike seconds before the hour.
Euro 2008: Denmark 3-0 Iceland
Killer blow
It sealed a victory that had always seemed likely as the hosts drove forward from kick-off. Poulsen and Bendtner both went close before Daniel Jensen forced an Arason save as Morten Olsen's charges displayed greater purpose. Bendtner finally made the breakthrough eleven minutes before the interval and although Iceland rallied, with Veigar Páll Gunnarsson firing over, Tomasson hit a killer blow from close range on 44 minutes. Kahlenberg made it three following good work from Bendtner and the winning margin could have been more emphatic had Ulrik Laursen and substitute Simon Poulsen not been denied.
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