The break in domestic club soccer action this past weekend was well worth it. From EURO 2008 qualifiers to international friendlies, action on the pitch provided some special moments.
EURO 2008
Group A
Portugal needed a win badly going into their next match against Belgium. Christiano Ronaldo knew he had to lead his men and he did just that as he scored 2 goals and set up another in Portugal’s 4-0 silencing of Belgium. The win by Portugal put them 3 points off from being tied for the top spot, with 1 less game played. Leaders Poland sent a message in return to Portugal when they beat Azerbaijan 5-0. The win secured the number 1 spot for Poland going into the next set of matches along with a boost of confidence going into their next match against Armenia on Wednesday. Standings
Group B
Group leaders Scotland and France were both in action this past Saturday to continue their run towards a berth in the EURO 2008 finals next summer. Scotland took on Georgia who were able to grab an early lead before Scotland tied it up before the half. As time was running out Premiership striker Craig Beattie scored the game winner in the 89th minute to give Scotland a 2-1 win. France, like Scotland, played down to the wire as well, but if it wasn’t for Bolton forward Nicolas Anelka, France would not have came away with a 1-0 victory over Lithuania. The wins by both Scotland and France sent them to 12 points a piece with even number of matches played. Ukraine, who was creeping around in 2nd place before Saturday, also won their match this round. A 2-0 victory was the result in favor of the Ukraine against the Faroe Islands. The win gave Ukraine 9 points total and put them 3 points off a top spot with 1 less game played. World Champions Italy did not play this past weekend, however they will face Scotland Wednesday in Italy. Standings
Group C
A meeting in Greece this past weekend was the task for Turkey as the two leaders met in Pireas. Greece got off to an early start scoring in the 5th minute, yet nothing else would come of that as Turkey edged back taking out the Greeks 4-1. The 3 points gave Turkey a 3 point lead on Greece heading into the next phase of matches. Even though Greece suffered the loss, the chances of them not making the final tournament next summer is very slim because the nations which lie in Group C are weak. Standings
Group D
Only 17,000 people turned out to see the Czech Republic take on Germany in Prague Saturday. The attendance, along with the result, left the Czech Republic scratching their heads as Germany rolled in and then proceeded to roll out with a 2-1 win. Germany’s 3 points were put to good use immediately, giving them a 3 point lead on the Czechs and the Republic of Ireland. Standings
Group E
Despite being tied for 3rd place in Group E, England are sure getting a lot of unneeded media attention. They have done nothing since losing to Portugal in the World Cup quarterfinals and continue to lack a spark. A fixture in Israel awaited the British this past weekend and nothing good came of it. England managed to tie 0-0 with Israel leaving them 5 points from the top of the group and 3 points away from a EURO 2008 bid. Leaders Croatia got a 88th minute goal from Da Silva Eduardo to give them a 2-1 victory over Macedonia. Along with Croatia, 2nd place Russia also won their match against Estonia 2-0. Standings
Group F
80,000 fans turned out in Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to cheer on Spain in a 2-1 victory over Denmark. Valencia strikers Fernado Morientes and David Villa each scored goals in the first half to ensure a win for struggling Spain. The Spanish do have some work to do still as they trail a first place spot by 6 points and second place spot by 4 points. Standings
Group G
Romania knew that a win or a tie against the Netherlands in Holland this past Saturday would keep them in the race for a bid in next summer’s EURO 2008 tournament. Romania was lucky enough to hold the group leaders to a 0-0 tie, but they had many chances to edge the Dutch throughout the game with their 5 shots on target. The draw by both teams left the Netherlands on top of the group with 11 points; 3 up on Romania and Bulgaria. Standings
International Friendlies
Brazil 4 vs. 0 Chile
It was all smiles for Ronaldhino and Brazil on Saturday as they killed Chile 4-0 in Sweden. Ronaldhino scored twice for the first time in nearly 2 years on the international stage. Kaka added to Brazil’s totals as he also scored a goal along with forward Juan. Brazil will take on Ghana in a rematch of a round of 16 game from last summer’s World Cup Tuesday in Sweden.
Ecuador 1 @ 3 USA
Landon Donovan put on an exhibition last Staurday in Tampa, Florida leading the USA to a 3-1 win over Ecuador. Donovan scored a beautiful strike in the first minute of the game then added 2 more which gave him a hat trick and a USA victory. The United States will play Wednesday again in Frisco, Texas near Dallas against Gautemala.
Paraguay 1 @ 2 Mexico
Jared Borgetti put on a show like Donovan, yet he could only find the net twice for Mexico. Twice was enough though for new coach Hugo Sanchez as Mexico defeated Paraguay 2-1 in Monterrey. Mexico will play another friendly match the Wednesday in Oakland against Ecuador.
