First European Team In For World Cup
September 3, 2005
After a last-minute goal by Georgia looked to hinder Ukraine from booking early a trip to Germany, coach Oleg Blokhin's side got some outside help and is now the first team from Europe, besides host Germany, to be guaranteed a spot in the World Cup 2006. Their fans, disappointed after the draw, can now celebrate because a late Danish goal provided the necessary distance ahead of second-place Turkey.
Turkey let victory slip away against Denmark in an exciting 2-2 draw. Denmark got the equalizer in injury time but the result won't help them as the 1992 European champs are wallowing in fourth place in Group 2.
In Cardiff, Wales, Joe Cole scored the lone goal in the 54th minute to push England past a scrappy Welsh team. For Sven Goran Eriksson, the hard-fought victory was a small restoration of pride after a 4-1 demolition at the hands of Denmark in a friendly last month. After eight Group Six matches, England remain undefeated.
The Lions however do not sit atop the group. That honor goes to Poland who beat Austria 3-2 in a nailbiter. Poland lie two points atop of England who have a game in hand however.
Netherlands get unexpected help
Marco van Basten's Oranjes had a long journey to make in their group one match and it showed. They had to travel to Yerevan where they encountered an Armenian wall that was impenetrable most of the match. Ruud van Nistelrooy finally found a a weak link in the defense in the 63rd minute for the lone goal.
The Oranjes could extend their lead in Group One because the Czech Republic suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Romania. Adrian found the net in each half. The victory resuscitated Victor Piturca's squad's chance of finishing if not first, then second in the group. Holland lie three points ahead of the Romanians and four ahead of the Czechs.
In Group Five, Norway came away with an important 3-2 road win against Slovenia to pull them back into contention for the group title and in the process, knocked off their nearest competitor for second place. Leader Italy only managed a 1-1 draw in Glasgow and are ahead of Norway by two points with three matches remaining in the group.
Group Four extremely tight
Zinedine Zidane made his comeback to the French national team following his retirement in April. He didn't score but the 1998 World Cup champs came away victorious against the minnow Faroe Islands. The win created a three-way tie at the top of the group.
Switzerland tied Israel 1-1 in Basel, leaving them even with Ireland and France. Israel are only one point back as all four teams remain unbeaten in Group Four.
In Group Eight, it has turned into a two-horse race. Croatia tallied three second-half goals to turn around their match against Iceland and win 3-1. They lie one point ahead of Sweden, who pummeled 10-man Bulgaria, 3-0.