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Europe kickoff road to Germany
The opening four matches for UEFA's world cup qualifying campaign have been run and won with group 1 and group 3 teams taking to the field.
Starting in group 1, Macedonia took an early lead in the group with a convincing 3-0 win over lowly Armenia. The former Yougoslav republic got on the board early when Goran Pandev slotted home in the fifth minute. That lead was doubled on 37 minutes when Artim Sakiri found the back of the net. A slightly physical match then went on to see red as Armenian Harutyun Vardantan was given his marching orders twenty minutes from full time. The result looked set to stay at 2-0 until Macedonia decided a late extra would be benificial, Velice Sumolikoski taking credit for the goal. Macedonia FYR 3-0.
In the second group 1 match, Romania had a tougher start, heading into the half time break scoreless against Finland. That soon changed when the match restarted as Adrian Mutu scored on 50 minutes for Romania. However the match was just getting interesting as soon after the group saw it's second send off. Cosmin Barcauan of Romania walked in the 78th minute. Three more significant events were to occur in the next 15 minutes however. The sides were evened up when Fin Mika Vayrynen received booking number two for the match and consequently the third send off in two group 1 matches was given. On 90 minutes Romania put the game beyond doubt when Florentin Petre doubled the lead. However Finland didn't stop and a consolation goal came about in the third minute of injury time. Alexei Eremenko Jr. gave the few diehard Fins remaining in the stands the smallest glimmer of hope. But it wasn't to be. Romania 2-1.
So that leaves Macedonia heading group 1, two goals ahead of the Romanians. Andorra, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands are yet to play while Finland and Armenia bring up the tail.
Slovakia started their campaign strongly with a convincing come from behind victory over group minnows Luxembourg. It started with a second minute shock as Luxembourg's Jeff Strasser put the Slovakians on the backfoot. And they held their lead until the 26th minute when Robert Vittek leveled. After the break Vratislav Gresko pushed the match favourites infront with a 48th minute goal. Slovakia started to dominate the match and the sealer was scored a minute from time, Igor Demo the man to seal their three points. Slovakia 3-1.
Estonia had a tougher time of it against Liechtenstein, despite ending the match with two extra men. Liechtenstein started poorly and had Christof Ritter sent off in the 24th minute. Estonia took advantage of the extra man and scored ten minutes later through Kristen Vilkmae. But Liechtenstein surprised the Estonians with an equiliser four minutes after half time. Fabio D'elia providing the final touch to see the match leveled. But Estonia fought back and pushed ahead again, this time on 80 minutes. Joel Lindpere the goal scorer. Liechtenstein's fotunes then took a turn as Andreas Gerster had a brain malfunction. His first booking came on 87 minutes and his second, and marching orders, given on 90 minutes. Liechtenstein were now reduced to 9 men. Luckily for them Estonia couldn't capitalise and the result remained the same. Estonia 2-1.
The rest of Europe gets underway in early September. The pick of the matches sees Italy host Norway, Portugal visiting Latvia, European champions Greece away to Albania, Austria hosting teh English and of course, Daves World Cup's favourite footballing team, San Marino will host Serbia and Montenegro.
27 August, 2004 |
