WC 2010 Euro Qualifiers, Matchday 2

Vokes

Albania v Malta, Gp 1, 19:45
Andorra v Belarus, Gp 6, 18:00
Azerbaijan v Liechtenstein, Gp 4, 17:00
Bosnia-Herzegovina v Estonia, Gp 5, 19:15
Croatia v England, Gp 6, 20:00
Faroe Islands v Romania, Gp 7, 17:30
Finland v Germany, Gp 4, 18:35
France v Serbia, Gp 7, 20:00
FYR Macedonia v Holland, Gp 9, 19:30
Iceland v Scotland, Gp 9, 19:30
Italy v Georgia, Gp 8, 19:50
Kazakhstan v Ukraine, Gp 6, 17:00
Latvia v Greece, Gp 2, 19:15
Lithuania v Austria, Gp 7, 18:30
Moldova v Israel, Gp 2, 18:30
Montenegro v Rep of Ireland, Gp 8, 18:00
Northern Ireland v Czech Republic, Gp 3, 19:45
Portugal v Denmark, Gp 1, 20:45
Russia v Wales, Gp 4, 16:00
San Marino v Poland, Gp 3, 19:30
Slovenia v Slovakia, Gp 3, 19:45
Spain v Armenia, Gp 5, 21:00
Sweden v Hungary, Gp 1, 19:15
Switzerland v Luxembourg, Gp 2, 19:30
Turkey v Belgium, Gp 5, 19:00

Qualifying tests all round

England will aim to put an end to their Croatia jinx on Wednesday when the sides continue their rivalry in Zagreb with FIFA World Cup™ qualifying points at stake. The Group 6 clash stands out on busy night of action that includes European champions Spain's Group 5 tie against Armenia, and world champions Italy at home to Georgia.

Russia begin their campaign in Group 4 at home to Wales in Moscow, while the Netherlands face a tricky trip to Macedonia in Bert van Marwijk's first competitive match in charge.

England's new coach Fabio Capello got his first competitive victory on Saturday in a drab 2-0 win against Andorra in Barcelona, but things are about to heat up for the experienced Italian charged with restoring England's flagging fortunes.

Croatia, who won their Group 6 opener 3-0 against Kazakhstan on Saturday, beat England home and away to qualify for UEFA EURO 2008 and in so doing ended the dour reign of former England coach Steve McClaren.

The 2-0 defeat in October 2006 seemed to sum up England's malaise during the McClaren era: a comical own goal from experienced defender Gary Neville after an air kick from goalkeeper Paul Robinson, leaving bitter memories. Another loss would cast further gloom over a national side struggling to repair battered reputations.

"Croatia will be strong and the level of the quality of the players will be better and more dangerous," said Capello, who will hope central defender Rio Ferdinand recovers from a back injury, after the Andorra victory. "They are a good team and, when they play at home, the fans help the players a lot. The fans are very strong in terms of emotion and passion."

The match will have added spice as English Premier League club West Ham United have admitted they are keen to talk to Croatia coach Slaven Bilic about their managerial vacancy.


Unconvincing

Spain began with a 1-0 defeat of Bosnia on Saturday in Vicente del Bosque's first meaningful match, and should make it six points out of six when they host Armenia. The world's top-ranked side were not totally convincing against Bosnia, likewise Italy who began Group 8 with a 2-1 victory in Cyprus courtesy of Antonio Di Natale's stoppage time goal for the Azzurri.

Marcello Lippi will be looking for a more fluent display against the Georgians, who were beaten 2-1 on Saturday by Ireland in a "home" match played in neutral Germany.

Russia, who reached the semi-finals of EURO 2008, will need a good start to their campaign where Germany will provide the main hurdle to FIFA World Cup qualification. They should be too strong for a young Welsh team in Moscow while Germany will need to be on their toes away to Finland, a much tougher proposition that Liechtenstein who they walloped 6-0 on Saturday.

The Netherlands were beaten by Australia in a friendly on Saturday, but the real business begins for Van Marwijk in Skopje, where Macedonia have already beaten Scotland in Group 9.

Lithuania and Austria, who recorded Group 7 shocks against Romania and France on Saturday, meet in an unlikely early battle for top spot in Marijampole.

Raymond Domenech's days as France coach could be numbered if his side fail to bounce back from Saturday's humbling 3-1 defeat against Austria when the Germany 2006 runners-up face Serbia in Paris.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=874519.html#qualifying+tests+round

Hoping Georgia nick a draw against Italy. *fingers crossed*

I think Wales are gonna get completely thumped by Hiddink & co., and possibly Croatia to steam roll over England.

Domenech to walk the plank later tonight?

darkman2

England's defeat tonight is almost inevitable - I just cannot see them winning.

ibh

I think England will get a draw out of the game tonight. They will need discipline from rotund Frank however. Prob going for a Xmas tree formation so he could have Barry and Beckham either side of him in a MidField 3 with JCole and Walcott roaming in front of them.
I actually like this system for England although not necessarily the personnel being used.

Nico Kovac loves time on the ball so Cole an d Walcott will be charged with upsetting him. Still don't think Croatia are all that good. Need a top class striker (eduardo) to really push on, but they are good in possession and Modric is very impressive.

I also fancy NornIron to get a draw at Windsor tonight against the Czechs. Czech are decent but not wonderful and NI are tough to beat (although very limited still) at home.

Possible upset could be Finland at home to Germany or Serbia away to France. Serbia could probably get at least a point out of it.

I think Wales could get a trimming in Russia. Seem to be going backwards since Sparky left a few years ago.

Gareth37

Last time England played them it was a 3 5 2 formation with Parker Neville and Ashley Cole all in midfield. Robsinson made a howler too.

Edwardo was mom that day and he is missing tonight.

A shock England result could be on the cards although nobody can be sure how good Croatia could be. They are ranked 5th but are missing their best player.

Betting wise I think the safe bet is to lay Croatia +1.

Italy are missing their back 4 tonight against Georgia so this poor Georgia side could score.

Based on past head to head results I will go for a small margin victory for Italy, 1-0, 2-0:

Results
World Cup Europe
02.06.2001 qrg8 Georgia 1-2 Italy
11.10.2000 qrg8 Italy 2-0 Georgia
10.09.1997 qrg2 Georgia 0-0 Italy
09.10.1996 qrg2 Italy 1-0 Georgia

European Championships
13.10.2007 qrgb Italy 2-0 Georgia
11.10.2006 qrgb Georgia 1-3 Italy

Unearthly

I just hope the England Croatia match is another cracker, very entertaining last time

ibh

Its a bit of a fcuking joke for England that they don't even have highlights on MOTD.
I'm not going to see it cause its on Setanta and i can't be arsed going out for it. NI on sky for me by the looks of it.

kenco

I see England nicking a win and at worst a draw against what is only an ok Croat side.

Italy should just do it against Georgia but there wont be a whole lot in it.

Northern Ireland have a big chance to upset the Czechs

Scotland and Wales should lose.

Agree on the poss upset with France, that team is clearly vunerable

Gareth37

ibh wrote: »

Its a bit of a fcuking joke for England that they don't even have highlights on MOTD.
I'm not going to see it cause its on Setanta and i can't be arsed going out for it. NI on sky for me by the looks of it.

Setanta has replaced Sky Sports as the live football channel. Well worth getting for the National and International football from Ireland.

ibh

Unfortunately finances do not allow at the moment. I don't even have sky sports in my place but the folks live close by.

I think i am going to have to find a way of 'aquiring' it soon though. It costs more in paying for pints down the pub when i'm watching a match than the subscription.

KevIRL

Russia 1 Wales 0, nearing half time. Bale missed a penalty for Wales

emc2

wales just scored to make it 1-1

kryogen

1-1 poor

Vokes

G'wan Wales. Would be nice to see Toshacks young guns do well this campaign.

genericgoon

2-1 Russia

kryogen

is it weird to be cheering for azerbaijan?

Vokes

England line-up looks decent.

Heskey in for Defoe. A proper big targetman for Rooney.

dfx-

Finland 3-2 Germany

KevIRL

LOL

Switzerland 1 Luxembourg 2

and Lithuania beat Austria 2-0, 2 from 2 for them

eagle eye

Luxembourg beating Switzerland:eek:

CiaranC

eagle eye wrote: »

Luxembourg beating Switzerland:eek:

9 yellow cards, 6 of em for luxembourg

_blank_

Fookin' hell, Bosnia certainly did a number on Estonia.

7-0

eZe^

David Villa scores again for Spain. What a machine...


Bojan coming on, take that Serbia... :pac:

cooker3

Oh wow. Just watched the Portugal vs Denmark game
I caught it at the start of the 2nd half and Portugal were 1-0 up and non stop attacking, should had it wrapped up well before the end. The Danes then equalise on 83 minutes. Portugal immediately go on the attack and get a penalty on the 84th minute which they duly converted. The danes are not finished though and on the 90th minute they get another equaliser. It was a very scrappy goal, cross fell at the feet of the Danish striker and he converted it from 3 yards out.
Looks like finish as a draw but no *bang* 25 yards out, big deflection and Denmark win in it the 93rd minute. It finishes 3-2

What a game!

dfx-

Have just seen the highlights of the Portugal Denmark game and laughed out loud when the deflection went in at the end.

Another case of you have to take your chances:D

eirebhoy

Larsson set up both goals for Sweden.

http://www.uefa.com/competitions/worldcup/fixturesresults/round=15218/match=301713/report=rp.html?cid=rssfeed&att=index

Xavi6

1-0 away win for Australia over Uzbekistan. Scott Chipperfield with the goal.

JæKæ

Lithuania have won two out of two. Beat Austria home and Romania away. Five goals for and none conceded. They're on fire

Xavi6

Wasn't there some Bohs lad playing for Lithuania?

cournioni

KevIRL wrote: »

LOL

Switzerland 1 Luxembourg 2

Wonder if it has anything to do with that big scientific thingamajig in Switzerland? :pac:

Gareth37

Gareth37 wrote: »

Last time England played them it was a 3 5 2 formation with Parker Neville and Ashley Cole all in midfield. Robsinson made a howler too.

Edwardo was mom that day and he is missing tonight.

A shock England result could be on the cards although nobody can be sure how good Croatia could be. They are ranked 5th but are missing their best player.

Betting wise I think the safe bet is to lay Croatia +1.

Italy are missing their back 4 tonight against Georgia so this poor Georgia side could score.

Based on past head to head results I will go for a small margin victory for Italy, 1-0, 2-0:

Results
World Cup Europe
02.06.2001 qrg8 Georgia 1-2 Italy
11.10.2000 qrg8 Italy 2-0 Georgia
10.09.1997 qrg2 Georgia 0-0 Italy
09.10.1996 qrg2 Italy 1-0 Georgia

European Championships
13.10.2007 qrgb Italy 2-0 Georgia
11.10.2006 qrgb Georgia 1-3 Italy

England counter Croatia's style of play and finish on a similar scoreline as to the World Cup which was 4-2 England and Rooney scored twice. Poor FC Twente, I think this result highlights how bad a manager Steve McClaren was.

I think that England will top the group and with their style of play and manager they will do very well i 2010. They are going to be difficult to beat.

As seen above the past trends proved right in Italy vs Georgia. Always 1-0 or 2-0 Italy and a 90th minute goal for Italy makes it 2-0.

I think that Ireland will easily beat Cyprus away and home, by a decent margin in both cases

Nalz

Xavi6 wrote: »

Wasn't there some Bohs lad playing for Lithuania?

Yeah, Mindaugas played last half hour for them

Gareth37

Could be a LOI based footballer in Africa in 2010

delija_sever029

eZe^ wrote: »

Bojan coming on, take that Serbia... :pac:

you thought i am not gonna see this?:mad::mad::mad:

estebancambias

delija_sever029 wrote: »

you thought i am not gonna see this?:mad::mad::mad:

what was his father doing? he should have been drumming young Bojan will great tales of his homeland.

delija_sever029

Well we tryed to get him,his father said he would like him to play for Serbia,but i understand Bojan,he is born and grown up in Spain and he said he loves Serbia but he feels like spanish and this is normal,i didnt expected he will play for Serbia and it would be weird after all