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Graphic: talking England tactics | Graphic: just the ticket |
In contrast to that wet and woeful night 19 months ago, it will be Croatia and not England feeling the pressure when Slaven Bilic’s side visit Wembley in September. Croatia are second in group six, but ahead of Ukraine only on goal difference after they came from behind to beat Kazakhstan 2-1 last night.
Without Andriy Shevchenko, their captain, Ukraine conceded a goal in the nineteenth minute, but a double from Sergei Nazarenko secured the expected victory. Ukraine and Croatia are ten points behind England. The nine European group winners qualify automatically for South Africa and the eight best runners-up go into the play-offs.
Back as Russia’s full-time coach after his stint with Chelsea that climaxed in lifting the FA Cup, Guus Hiddink enjoyed a 3-0 win over Finland last night. His decision to recall Alexander Kerzhakov after an 18-month absence paid off as the striker scored twice and Russia moved to within a point of Germany, the group four leaders. Hiddink’s side host Germany in October.
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France are in danger of finishing second at best after Serbia’s 2-0 win over the Faeroe Isles. Serbia are top of group seven, eight points clear of Raymond Domenech’s men, who have two games in hand. France are away to Serbia in September.
In group one, a 4-0 win over Malta for Sweden kept their slim hopes of a play-off place alive. Sweden are level with Portugal in third, seven points behind Denmark, the leaders, and four behind Hungary, who are second. Portugal managed only a goalless draw with Estonia in a friendly.
Holland emulated England with their seventh win out of seven, at the expense of Norway in Rotterdam. The Dutch, who became the first European nation last weekend to secure a trip to South Africa next summer, won 2-0 against group nine’s bottom side. Andr? Ooijer, the former Blackburn Rovers defender, opened the scoring after 33 minutes and Arjen Robben doubled the lead six minutes after half-time.
The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia moved level with Scotland in second place in the group with a 2-0 victory over Iceland in Skopje. However, Scotland have a better goal difference and a game in hand over Macedonia.
In South America, Argentina suffered a blow when they were beaten 2-0 in Ecuador after second-half goals by Walter Payovi and Pablo Palacios. Carlos T?vez, the Manchester United striker, missed a first-half penalty for Diego Maradona’s side, who remain fourth in the group.
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The World Cup holders had an early taste of South Africa last night — and it was lively. Italy beat New Zealand 4-3 in a friendly in Pretoria, thanks to braces from Alberto Gilardino and Vicenzo Iaquinta. Chris Killen, the striker who is on the fringes at Celtic, scored twice for New Zealand.