Holland have already sealed their place in the championship
Holland will face Moldova and Sweden in their remaining two Euro 2012 qualifiers without injured trio Wesley Sneijder, John Heintinga and Ibrahim Afellay. In contrast Tottenham's Rafael van der Vaart and Nigel de Jong (Manchester City) are once again available after recovering full fitness and the Premier League duo duly figured in Oranje coach Bert van Marwijk's squad announced Friday for the October 7 and 11 ties. Holland, beaten by Spain in last year's World Cup final, have already sealed their place at next year's European Championships co-hosted by Ukraine and Poland. Holland squad Goalkeepers: Maarten Stekelenburg (Roma/ITA), Michel Vorm (Swansea/ENG), Tim Krul (Newcastle United/ENG) Defenders: Khalid Boulahrouz (VfB Stuttgart/GER), Edson Braafheid (Hoffenheim/GER), Jeffrey Bruma (Hamburg)/GER, Joris Mathijsen (Malaga/ESP), Erik Pieters (PSV Eindhoven), Gregory Van der Wiel (Ajax) Midfielders: Mark van Bommel (AC Milan/ITA), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City/ENG), Hedwiges Maduro (Valencia/ESP), Stijn Schaars (Sporting Lisbon/POR), Kevin Strootman (PSV), Rafael Van der Vaart (Tottenham/ENG), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV) Forwards: Eljero Elia (Juventus/ITA), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04/GER), Luuk de Jong (FC Twente), Dirk Kuijt (Liverpool/ENG), Jeremy Lens (PSV), Robin Van Persie (Arsenal/ENG), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich/GER).
Gomez, Khedira and Aogo return for Euro matches
Mario Gomez missed the last two matches
Mario Gomez, Sami Khedira and Dennis Aogo will return to the Germany squad for the final two Euro 2012 qualifiers against Turkey and Belgium next month, coach Joachim Loew announced on Friday. Germany became the first country to qualify for the tournament after they beat Austria 6-0 in Gelsenkirchen earlier this month, and will be bidding to keep their unbeaten record. "We managed to quickly assure our qualification for the final phase. But we have to remain focused to attain our objective - 10 wins from 10 matches," said Loew. Bayern Munich striker Gomez and Hamburg defender Aogo missed the last two matches while Real Madrid midfielder Khedira has not played since last June as he has suffered with adductor problems. Moenchengladbach midfielder Marco Reus will be hoping to finally make his international debut after his previous bids were ruined by injury. Germany play Turkey in Istanbul on October 7 and host Belgium four days later in Duesseldorf. Turkey and Belgium are second and third respectively in Group A and are hoping to make the play-offs. Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hanover) Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Holger Badstuber (Bayern Munich), Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke 04), Dennis Aogo (Hamburg), Mats Hummels (Dortmund), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal/ENG), Christian Traesch (Wolfsburg) Midfielders: Mario Goetze (Dortmund), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid/ESP), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Lukas Podolski (Cologne), Mesut Oezil (Real Madrid/ESP), Marco Reus (Moenchengladbach), Simon Rolfes (Bayer Leverkusen), Andre Schuerrle (Bayer Leverkusen), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich) Striker: Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich), Miroslav Klose (Lazio/ITA), Cacau (Stuttgart).
Gerrard admits ‘too early’ for England recall
Gerrard said he was not yet match fit Paul Ellis, AFP/Getty Images
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard admitted on Friday it was "probably too early" for him to earn a recall to the England squad for next week's crucial Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro. Gerrard is slowly returning to club duty after a six-month lay-off following a groin injury, but believes next Friday's game in Podgorica has come too early for him as Fabio Capello prepares to name his squad this weekend. "I think everyone knows I'm still not 100 percent match fit," Gerrard told Liverpool TV as the Reds prepared for Saturday's Merseyside derby with Everton. "I have only probably had two 12-minute games. I'm not really sure how much I'm going to play against Everton so, in my opinion, it's probably still a bit too early," Gerrard said. "I don't make the decisions. Those decisions are down to the England manager, whether he picks me or not. "In my opinion there are other players out there who are match fit who are probably more suitable for that game, but we'll have to wait and see." Gerrard meanwhile is relaxed about the probability of him having to start Saturday's derby at Goodison on the bench. "I totally understand that. With experience I have come to learn about my own body and I haven't been out for two or three weeks with a hamstring or a calf injury. I've had a reconstruction of my groin and it is going to take time," he said. "To be fair to Kenny and the medical staff, they have handled me perfectly so far and I'm sure they'll do the same in the coming weeks. "It's important that I don't force it, they don't force it and we don't push it too hard, but I am at the stage now where the only way I'm going to get my match sharpness, match fitness and get back to the form I want to play at is if I get game time."
Cologne defender Henrique Sereno was called up to the Portugal squad for the first time on Friday as coach Paulo Bento aims to plot a way past Denmark and Iceland and into the Euro 2012 finals. Portugal have 13 points from their six matches and top Group H. But they lead the Danes and Norway only on goal difference with just the group winners assured of a place in the finals. Goalkeeper Beto, defender Ricardo Costa, midfielders Ruben Amorim and Carlos Martins, as well as strikers Quaresma and Nuno Gomes are all recalled for the match against Iceland in Porto on October 7 as well as the trip to Copenhagen, four days later. Experienced defender Ricardo Carvalho is the major absentee after he was handed a year's suspension for storming out of a training session on the eve of the match against Cyprus. Portugal squad for the Euro 2012 Group H qualifiers against Iceland (Oct 7) and Denmark (Oct 11): Goalkeepers: Eduardo (Benfica/POR), Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon/POR), Beto (Cluj/ROM). Defenders: Silvio (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Eliseu (Malaga/ESP), Bruno Alves (Zenit St Petersburg/RUS), Rolando (FC Porto/POR), Ricardo Costa (Valencia/ESP), Sereno (Cologne/GER), Joao Pereira (Sporting Lisbon/POR). Midfielders: Raul Meireles (Chelsea/ENG), Joao Moutinho (FC Porto/POR), Carlos Martins (Grenada/ESP), Miguel Veloso (Genoa/ITA), Paulo Machado (Toulouse/FRA), Ruben Amorim (Benfica/POR), Ruben Micael (Real Zaragoza/ESP). Attackers: Christiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid/ESP), Danny (Zenit St Petersburg/RUS), Nani (Manchester United/ENG), Quaresma (Besiktas/TUR), Helder Postiga (Real Zaragoza/ESP), Nuno Gomes (Sporting Braga/POR).
LISBON, Portugal —Portugal coach Paulo Bento has handed Cologne defender Henrique Sereno his first call-up and recalled six others for games against Iceland and Denmark. The Portuguese are even with Norway and Denmark on 13 points at the top of Group H going into their last two 2012 European Championship qualifiers.
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Portugal is without injured Real Madrid players Pepe and Fabio Coentrao, as well as center forward Hugo Almeida.
Ricardo Carvalho is suspended for a year after he walked out of the training camp ahead of the last match against Cyprus.
Nuno Gomes, Ruben Amorim, Carlos Martins, Ricardo Quaresma, Ricardo Costa and goalkeeper Beto returned to the 23-man squad announced Friday.
Portugal plays Iceland in Porto on Oct. 7 and takes on Denmark in Copenhagen four days later.
Germany names strong side for Turkey, Belgium
BERLIN, Germany—Germany named its strongest available side for the upcoming European Championship qualifiers against Turkey and Belgium, despite having already qualified for next year’s tournament. Germany coach Joachim Loew recalled Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez, Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira, Stuttgart striker Cacau and Hamburg defender Dennis Aogo to the 24-man squad Friday, when no new call-ups were made.
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All four were missing for the September internationals when Germany became the first team to qualify for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine with a 6-2 rout of Austria on Sept. 2.
“It was important for us to qualify as quickly as possible for the European Championships,” Loew said. “Now we also want to remain fully concentrated on the games against Turkey and Belgium. Our aim is to secure two victories to finish qualification unbeaten and with 10 wins from 10 games.” Germany plays Turkey in Istanbul on Oct. 7, and hosts Belgium in Duesseldorf four days later. Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sven Bender and defender Marcel Schmelzer were dropped. “They were both heavily involved (for Dortmund) in recent weeks so we’ll do without them this time,” Loew said. “I rang them. They should use the coming days to train well with their club.” Hannover goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler and Borussia Moenchengladbach attacking midfielder Marco Reus are the only uncapped players in the squad. Sqaud: Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hannover) Defenders: Holger Badstuber (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal), Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Christian Traesch (Wolfsburg), Dennis Aogo (Hamburger SV) Midfielders: Mario Goetze (Borussia Dortmund), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Lukas Podolski (Cologne), Marco Reus (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Simon Rolfes (Bayer Leverkusen), Andre Schuerrle (Bayer Leverkusen), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Mesut Oezil (Real Madrid) Forwards: Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich), Miroslav Klose (Lazio), Cacau (VfB Stuttgart)
Greece veterans Gekas, Charisteas return to squad
ATHENS, Greece —Veteran strikers Fanis Gekas and Angelos Charisteas have been called back to Greece’s squad for its two remaining European Championship qualifiers against Croatia and Georgia. Greece coach Fernando Santos called up Gekas after the 31-year-old forward publicly apologized last weekend for quitting the national team a year ago, citing animosity with teammates.
Arsenal's Andrey Arshavin,…
Charisteas, another 31-year-old Bundesliga veteran, was recalled despite his move back to lowly Greek club Panaitolikos. Greece is hoping to regain its Group F lead from Croatia when the two meet in Athens on Oct. 7, before traveling to Georgia four days later. The Greeks are currently a point behind Croatia, which has 19 points from eight matches.
FIFA kicks Myanmar out of 2018 WCup qualifying
5 hours, 11 minutes ago
ZURICH, Switzerland.- FIFA has kicked Myanmar out of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup as punishment for crowd violence at a 2014 qualifier in July. Fans threw stones and water bottles onto the field during Myanamar’s game against Oman on July 28, forcing the referee to abandon the match. Oman was leading 2-0 at the time and was awarded the victory by that score. Oman, which also won the first leg 2-0, advanced to the next round of Asian qualifying on 4-0 aggregate. FIFA’s disciplinary committee says the Myanmar soccer federation failed to prevent “improper conduct of supporters” and “is excluded from taking part in the matches of the preliminary competition” for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The federation was also fined $28,000
Premier League club Arsenal reports reduced profit
18 minutes ago
LONDON, United Kingdom—Arsenal reported pretax profits of 14.8 million pounds (?17.1 million; $23 million) in the year ending May 31, 2011, as reduced gains from player and property sales led to a drop in the Premier League club’s earnings.
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Arsenal released the numbers Friday, revealing a drop from the record 56 million pounds (?65 million; $87 million) profit in 2010 as it failed to generate much revenue in players sales, with Eduardo’s transfer to Shakhtar Donetsk the lone standout fee of last season.
The biggest drop was in the club’s property segment as it generated only 30.3 million pounds (?35.2 million; $47.3 million) from Highbury land sales compared to 156.9 million pounds (?182.2 million; $245.1 million) the year before. “It’s a good set of results again,” Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said. “It doesn’t reflect the activity that happened during the summer—and the transfer window in particular—but it does show another good year for the club.” Arsenal’s player revenue will rebound next year after the north London club sold Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri for a combined 50 million pounds (?58 million; $78 million). The club added in a statement that overall revenue also dropped from 379.9 million pounds (?440 million; $592 million) to 255.7 million pounds (?255.7 million; $398.4 million). It also has 160 million pounds (?186 million; $250 million) in cash in the bank with Gazidis hinting more players could be coming if necessary. “We do have money that would be available to spend in the transfer market as Arsene decides is necessary,” Gazidis said. The Gunners have struggled to start Wenger’s 15th season in charge but club director Stan Kroenke backed the Frenchman. “Arsene’s our man,” Kroenke said. “That’s who we put our confidence in.”
Taking full advantage of these past two international dates were Argentina and Brazil, veritable giants of the world game, who are keen to undo the damage to their reputations done by disappointing showings at the Copa America 2011. Meanwhile, the pressure is piling up on UEFA EURO 2012 co-hosts Poland and Ukraine, who are clearly still works in progress, and Paraguay and USA took the opportunity for their new coaches to make their bows.
FIFA.com takes a look at the results of these friendly encounters which, in some cases, provided valuable insight on the countries' states of readiness for their upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifying campaigns.
The favourites? To enable incoming supremo Alejandro Sabella to take his first steps in the job away from the pressure cooker of Argentina, La Albiceleste headed to Asia for a short two-game tour. The first of these matches took place against Venezuela in Calcutta where, buoyed by an incredible atmosphere in the stands, Sabella’s charges won 1-0.
Shaping his team around Lionel Messi, who was also handed the captain’s armband, the new boss looked to provide his No10 with the kind of creative support he receives at Barcelona from Xavi and Andres Iniesta. In came gifted schemers in the shape of Lucho Gonzalez and subsequently Javier Pastore, with the new Paris Saint-Germain signing in particular combining well with the reigning FIFA Ballon d’Or winner.
And though Messi did not find the net, he saw plenty of the ball and appeared to look right at home. That impression was underlined three days later in Bangladesh, where the Barça superstar supplied two assists in a 3-1 win over Nigeria and came close to a Diego Maradona-esque strike with a weaving run that sowed panic in the Africans’ defence.
Brazil, for their part, featured the reappearance of Ronaldinho after the 2005 FIFA World Player’s recent resurgence at Flamengo. The move was designed to bring some of the swagger and verve back to a Seleção struggling for ideas and effectiveness and, against an aggressive Ghana side that played for an hour with ten men, Ronaldinho was one of the game's few bright sparks.
Though the Fla star's influence did gradually wane, A Verde e Amarelo enjoyed the better chances and eked out a 1-0 win after Leandro Damiao found the net following Fernandinho’s neat assist. What is more, Brazil and Argentina will soon get two opportunities to gain morale-boosting victories against their arch-rivals, with A Seleção and La Albiceleste set to go head-to-head in friendlies on 14 September in Cordoba and 28 September in Belem.
The surprises Francisco Arce, who has taken over from Argentinian strategist Gerardo Martino at the helm of Paraguay, enjoyed a promising start with successive wins over Panama, 2-0, and Honduras, 3-0. All of which should encourage the 40-year-old former right-back, a veteran of 61 caps for La Albirroja, whose stated aim is to guide his country to Brazil 2014 – having already appeared at France 1998 and Korea/Japan 2002 as a player.
Fellow South Americans Ecuador also enjoyed themselves over the international break, a marked contrast from their first-round exit at the Copa America. La Tri racked up an emphatic 5-2 win over Jamaica, featuring a brace from Christian Benitez, and a 4-0 success against Costa Rica.
The disappointments With EURO 2012 drawing ever closer, co-hosts Ukraine are still struggling to find the right formula. Indeed, Coach Oleg Blokhin’s charges are on a run of three consecutive defeats, having been beaten 1-0 and 3-2 at home by Sweden and Uruguay respectively, in addition to a 4-0 thrashing away to the Czech Republic.
Fellow co-hosts Poland could not pick up a win either. First they were held 1-1 by Mexico in Warsaw, a result they followed up with a 2-2 draw in Gdansk against a much-changed Germany line-up, a game in which both sides scored in the last minute.
Appointed USA coach on 29 July, Jurgen Klinsmann also looks to have plenty of work ahead of him. The Stars and Stripes lost both their friendly engagements, beaten 1-0 by Belgium and Costa Rica.
The star man Since his return to boyhood club Barcelona, Cesc Fabregas cannot seem to stop scoring. This time it was in the red of Spain, however, in a game which La Selección were trailing 2-0 at the interval. After Barça team-mate Iniesta reduced the deficit, Fabregas joined the fray on the hour mark and scored twice to seal a 3-2 comeback win. Adding to the drama, the final goal came in added time: Fabregas netting the rebound after his penalty had been saved.
POLAND - UKRAINE UEFA EUROCUP 2012: Trio book berths
Italy, the Netherlands and reigning European champions Spain booked their places at UEFA EURO 2012 on Tuesday, and will appear in Poland and Ukraine next summer alongside Germany, who secured a slot on Friday. Elsewhere, unbeaten England defeated Wales 1-0, taking a huge leap towards qualification in the process.
Game of the day Croatia 3-1 Israel, Group F Goals: Luka Modric 47, Eduardo da Silva 55, 57 (Croatia); Tommer Hemmed 44 (Israel)
Israel threatened to cause the surprise of the evening by opening the score in Croatia through a low strike from Tommer Hemmed. The goal only served as a wake-up call for Slaven Bilic’s men, however, as they pushed forward in numbers, equalising just three minutes later via an unstoppable shot from Luka Modric. The visitors’ chances then evaporated with the sending-off of West Ham defender Tal Ben Haim. Israel coach Luis Fernandez had hardly had time to adjust his formation when Eduardo struck twice in the space of two minutes to seal victory for the home side. The win propels Croatia to the top of the group, and three points in the crucial clash with nearest rivals Greece on 7 October will see them advance to EURO 2012.
Elsewhere In Group A, Austria and Turkey shared the points in a 0-0 stalemate, a result that will please fans of Belgium, who remain in the hunt for a play-off spot, albeit far behind group leaders Germany, who have already qualified.
Russia threw everything at the Republic of Ireland in their Group B fixture, but goalkeeper Shay Given, ably aided by his defence, managed to keep them at bay. Twice during the 0-0 draw Given had team-mates to thank for goal-line clearances, and he then pulled off a tremendous save of his own in injury time. But the result of the night in this section took place in Slovakia, where Armenia destroyed the hosts 4-0, with all of the goals coming in the second half. There are now four teams in with a realistic chance of winning the group – the Russians hold a two-point lead over the Irish, with Slovakia and Armenia sitting a point further back.
Italy kept their supporters on tenterhooks until the 85th minute of their Group C match with Slovenia, before finally making their possession count by securing a deserved 1-0 victory via a goal from Giampaolo Pazzini, who got his head to a cross into the box before slamming the loose ball into the net. Italy coach Cesare Prandelli had sent on Pazzini and Mario Balotelli from the bench in the second half, and his decision proved a wise one, the result booking Gli Azzurri's place at next summer’s finals. Serbia, who overcame the Faroe Islands 3-1, and Estonia, who dispatched Northern Ireland 4-1, will now fight it out with Slovenia for second place in the pool.
Group D saw Bosnia-Herzegovina obtain their second consecutive success over Belarus, Zvjezdan Misimovic scoring the winner in a 1-0 victory that cuts the gap between the Balkan side and France to one point, a situation which promises to add considerable suspense to their meeting in October. Les Bleus continue to struggle up front, and despite the changes made by Laurent Blanc following his charges’ tight 2-1 win over Albania last week, they still failed to create many meaningful chances against Romania on an admittedly poor playing surface. Elsewhere, Luxembourg recorded their first triumph of the campaign, beating Albania 2-1 in a match where only pride was at stake.
The Netherlands continued their relentless march in Group E, notching up their eighth consecutive win in an open encounter with Finland. Despite the 2-0 scoreline in favour of the Dutch, top spot is not yet assured for Bert van Marwijk's men, although they are now guaranteed a place in Poland and Ukraine as, at worst, best-placed runners-up even if they don't finish in pole. The only team who can deny them that are Sweden, who clinched a 5-0 win in San Marino, the first goal of which – scored by Kim Kallstrom – did not materialise until the 64th minute. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Co sit six points behind the leaders, level with Hungary, who triumphed 2-0 away to Moldova.
Greece were made to suffer in their Group F meeting with Latvia, where they trailed for most of the match following Aleksandrs Cauna’s 19th minute opener. Greek blushes were spared by Schalke defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos, who fired home an equaliser six minutes from time. The draw enables the Hellenic nation to remain within a point of leaders Croatia.
In Group G, Wales showed that they had not come to Wembley to simply make up the numbers, providing stiff resistance for England before Ashley Young scored what would prove to be the only goal of the game, dispatching an accurate cross from Stewart Downing into the net. While the English dominated proceedings, they took their foot off the pedal in the second half, and had Robert Earnshaw not contrived to miss a glorious opportunity in the final seconds, the outcome may have been somewhat different. The Three Lions now need just a point from their game with Montenegro on 7 October to qualify as section winners.
Denmark had a brace from rangy Sunderland striker Nicklas Bendtner to thank for their 2-0 win against Norway, a scoreline that saw them join the Norwegians and Portugal on the same points at the top of Group H. Portugal’s visit to Denmark on 11 October will prove crucial to deciding the final standings.
Spain qualified from Group I in impressive fashion, seeing off modest Liechtenstein 6-0 with doubles from Sevilla forward Alvaro Negredo and from David Villa, as well as solitary strikes from Xavi and Sergio Ramos. Boasting an eight-point lead over the Czech Republic with two games to play, the all-conquering Spanish have more than lived up to expectations. Vicente del Bosque took advantage of the undemanding nature of the match by offering a first competitive appearance to Thiago Alcantara in the second half.
Goal of the day Finland 0-1 Netherlands, Kevin Strootman 29 Wesley Sneijder, picking up the ball inside the opposition half, floated in an inviting lobbed pass that looped over the entire Finnish defence. Kevin Strootman then stole in to the right-hand side of the box to hit a stunning left-foot volley past the Finnish goalkeeper.
The stat 57,911 – the total number of minutes spent between the sticks by Ireland keeper Shay Given, all competitions combined. The Aston Villa shot-stopper, who earned his 117th cap for the Republic of Ireland (with whom he has spent 9,895 minutes defending his own goal line) on Tuesday, put in another outstanding performance in his country’s 0-0 draw with Russia, confirming that at 35 years of age, his best years may still lie ahead.
What they said “I arrived in Spain when I was three years old. It’s where I learned to read, where I grew up. I owe everything to this country and I’m going try to repay that on the pitch,” Thiago Alcantara, son of former Brazil international Mazinho, who made his international debut for La Roja against Liechtenstein.
Have your say Will France or Bosnia-Herzegovina qualify automatically from Group D?
Spain are odds-on to follow Germany as the second team to qualify for UEFA EURO 2012 next Tuesday, while Groups B, F and H remain in the balance. Russia, France, the Netherlands and England can all make a big step towards automatic qualification, with the play-off scramble still undecided.
Match of the day Italy - Slovenia, Group C, Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence
Despite enjoying an eight-point cushion over their nearest rivals, Italy still require two more from their remaining three matches to be mathematically assured of qualifying. Slovenia’s visit could be enough, although victory is anything but assured judging by the Italians’ last outing, a laboured 1-0 win away to Faroe Islands. This recent rustiness could have something to do with the delayed start to the Serie A season, which is yet to get underway.
Fortunately Cesare Prandelli can rely on a rock-solid defence that has so far shipped just one goal, fewer than any other side in the campaign. Although he would welcome another match-winning contribution from flair players Andrea Pirlo and Antonio Cassano, the Azzurri supremo is banking on Italian realism to make the difference. "We are Italy and not Barcelona," insisted Prandelli. “I’ve never claimed that we have to take inspiration from Barcelona or model ourselves on them."
The other matches Group A Turkey travel to Austria with a golden opportunity to make virtually certain of a play-off berth. A win would hand the Turks a four-point lead over third-placed Belgium, with two matches remaining for both sides. Even so, Dietmar Constantini’s men can still target second spot, aided by their favourable fixture list.
Group B Held 0-0 at home by Slovakia, Republic of Ireland visit Moscow on a mission to make up the two-point deficit with Russia, who have taken over top spot following their hard-fought 1-0 home victory over FYR Macedonia. With the top three still separated by just two points, Slovakia remain well in contention as they look to gain revenge against a plucky Armenia side that stunned them 3-1 in the away meeting.
Group C Serbia entertain Faroe Islands with the wind back in their sails following their 1-0 victory in Northern Ireland. Despite a tough run-in, at home to Italy and away to Slovenia, the Serbs have every chance of pipping their rivals to a play-off berth. In order to make amends for that home reverse, Northern Ireland will have to win a double-header against Estonia prior to a daunting away trip to Italy.
Group D France, currently three points clear at the top ahead of their trip to Romania, are unbeaten in 12 matches. Even so they are failing to fire, despite an array of attacking talent that includes the likes of Karim Benzema, Franck Ribery, Florent Malouda and Samir Nasri. Les Bleus have netted 11 goals in seven outings, an average of just 1.57 per match, and are yet to settle on a one or two-striker formation. Victory in Romania would nevertheless put France well on the way to qualification, given that their two closest rivals, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Belarus, will be going head-to-head in Zenica.
Group E The Netherlands take their free-scoring forward line to Finland, who caused them the most problems in the first half of the campaign, narrowly losing 2-1 in Rotterdam. A win would keep the Dutch six points ahead of Sweden, who visit San Marino. The Scandinavians’ 2-1 defeat in Hungary has left them needing a miracle to bridge the six-point gap in their remaining three matches, even if they beat the Oranje at home on the final matchday.
Group F A 1-0 home reverse by Greece means that Israel require nothing less than a victory in Croatia to keep alive their qualification hopes. Should they fail, the top two places will be decided by Greece’s home meeting with the Croatians on 7 October. Before that encounter, however, the 2004 European champions must bring three points back from Latvia to retain a chance of making their third consecutive EURO finals.
Group G Although Wales did group leaders England a favour by sinking second-placed Montenegro in a 2-1 home win, there will be no love lost between the neighbours when they met at Wembley on Tuesday. The Three Lions will be going in search of three points to build a six-point lead over the Montenegrins, before the two meet on 7 October. A win over the Welsh would leave Fabio Capello’s men requiring just a draw in Podgorica.
Group H Portugal, Norway and Denmark are all in contention for a top-two finish. With the Lusitanians not in action, a Norwegian win away in Denmark would move Egil Olsen’s men top and put them in pole position to qualify, given their favourable schedule. Three points behind Norway but with a match in hand, the Danish Dynamite face home matches against their two rivals either side of a trip to Cyprus, as the race for qualification looks set to go down to the wire.
Group I Reigning world and European champions Spain should make sure of qualification without too many problems against visitors Liechtenstein. With second-placed Czech Republic not playing on Tuesday, a win would see La Roja extend their lead to eight points with two matchdays remaining.
Player to watch Turkey’s fleet-footed winger Arda Turan has been busy making a name for himself with a flurry of decisive strikes for his country. The most expensive player in the history of Turkish football, Turan has fired in four goals since the start of the qualifying campaign, against Kazakhstan, Belgium and Austria. The Atletico Madrid wide-man’s most recent effort came on Friday, a last-minute winner in a 2-1 victory over Kazakhstan. With 12 goals from 46 appearances, the 24-year-old has become key to the Turks’ qualification push.
The stat 19 - 8 + 11: Any match featuring Dutch striker Robin van Persie is bound to produce goals, but not always at the right end. After losing 8-2 away to Manchester United the previous weekend, the Arsenal striker made amends at home to San Marino on Friday, netting four times in a 11-0 drubbing. This salvo takes the striker up to fourth in the goalscorers’ standings with six, trailing team-mate Klaas-Jan Huntelaar on ten, Miroslav Klose on nine and Mikael Forssell with seven.
What they said "There’s no problem in the Spanish national team. The players know the difference between the league and La Selección, they know that they are representing Spain," Spain coach Vicente del Bosque on the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Have your say In the nine groups, which team will not qualify for the play-offs even if they finish in second place?
The UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying competition is nearing its conclusion, and in time-honoured fashion Germany have already secured their place at the continental finals. Joachim Low’s side made it eight wins out of eight in Group A on Friday, breezing to a 6-2 defeat of neighbours Austria to book a trip to Poland and Ukraine next year.
The Netherlands also enjoyed a profitable evening, slamming 11 goals past San Marino to maintain their own 100 per cent record after seven games. The Dutch are now six points clear of the chasing pack in Group E following Hungary’s 2-1 defeat of Sweden.
Also well placed are the quartet of Italy, France, England and Portugal, who all won and are in position to clinch their tickets to the finals this coming Tuesday.
Game of the day Germany 6-2 Austria Goals: Mesut Ozil 8, 24, 47, Lukas Podolski 28, Andre Schurrle 84, Mario Gotze 89 (Germany); Marko Arnautovic 42, Martin Harnik 51 (Austria)
Germany’s eighth consecutive group win was earned with a minimum of fuss, Joachim Low’s side surging into a three-goal lead in the opening half-hour, with Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski rounding off a trio of polished team moves. Striking up a telepathic understanding with Miroslav Klose, the Real Madrid midfielder went on to complete a hat-trick.
While coach Low was visibly irritated by some uncharacteristic defensive lapses, he can have few complaints about his side’s sparkling display up front, which was capped by substitute Mario Gotze’s second international goal, scored just two minutes after he came on.
Elsewhere With the Germans now out of sight, Turkey moved into pole position in the play-off race in Group A thanks to a nervy 2-1 defeat of Kazakhstan, Arda Turan scoring the winner in the last minute. Having played one game fewer, Guus Hiddink’s men are now a point clear of Belgium, who drew 1-1 with Azerbaijan.
Russia’s 1-0 victory at home to a battling FYR Macedonia side allowed them to take full advantage of Slovakia’s 0-0 draw with Republic of Ireland and move two points clear in Group B. Further down the table, Armenia kept their play-off hopes flickering with a 3-0 win away to Andorra.
Italy stretched their lead in Group C to eight points courtesy of a narrow 1-0 victory away to the Faroe Islands and a surprise 2-1 reverse for second-placed Slovenia at the hands of Estonia. Serbia moved into third following a 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland in Belfast.
A disastrous two-minute spell midway through the first half consigned Belarus to a damaging 2-0 loss at home to Bosnia-Herzegovina, one that seriously jeopardises their chances of advancing from Group D. Section leaders France had no such problems in Albania, easing to a 2-1 win through goals from Karim Benzema and Yann M’Vila, with the Bosnians now their only realistic challengers for the automatic qualifying spot.
Robin van Persie helped himself to four goals as the Netherlands put 11 past San Marino to all but secure their safe passage from Group E. Sweden slipped six points behind the Dutch when they succumbed to a 2-1 reverse at the hands of Hungary, Gergely Rudolf scoring the winner in the final minute.
Sotiris Ninis’ solo effort gave Greece three valuable points against Israel, whose chances of progressing from Group F have now surely gone. The Greeks lead the section by one point from Croatia, who coasted to a 3-1 win away to Malta, with the top two facing off in Athens on 7 October in a potentially decisive game.
Wayne Rooney turned in a barnstorming display against Bulgaria in Sofia, scoring twice as England tightened their grip on proceedings in Group G. Bottom-placed Wales did their neighbours a favour by downing Montenegro 2-1 at home, a result that will only increase English confidence ahead of their all-important meeting with the Montenegrins on 7 October.
Cristiano Ronaldo was on target twice as Portugal struck four without reply against Cyprus in Group H,three of the goals coming in the final eight minutes. Norway remained level on points with the Portuguese thanks to Mohammed Abdellaoue’s winner two minutes from time against Iceland. Denmark, who were not in action on Friday, are three points adrift of the leading duo with a game in hand.
Goal of the day Russia 1-0 Macedonia, Igor Semshov 41 Collecting possession on the edge of his own penalty box, Andrey Arshavin galloped almost the entire length of the pitch before laying the ball off to Aleksandr Kerzhakov on the left side of the Macedonian box. Kerzhakov in turn picked out the advancing Semshov, who took one touch and fired a low shot beneath Martin Bogatinov.
What they said “I’ve scored a lot of goals since the start of the season because I’m less stressed and I feel more relaxed since I had my hair transplant,” England striker Wayne Rooney, the scorer of a brace against Bulgaria.
The stat 60 - The number of goals scored by Germany and the Netherlands in 15 EURO 2012 qualifying matches between them. The Dutch have racked up 32 in seven outings, while the Germans have scored 28 in one game more.
Have your say Will Portugal, Norway or Denmark take the honours in Group H?
A decade after a memorable 5-1 win over Germany in Munich, Fabio Capello's men could not quite come up with a repeat performance. Nevertheless, their hosts had no answer to a three-goal first-half that means four points from their final two games will book England a ticket to next summer's finals in Poland and Ukraine.
Rooney will approach Tuesday's Wembley meeting with Wales in fine fettle as he bagged a brace after Gary Cahill scored the opener to end a barren run that had brought him just one goal in his previous 15 appearances prior to kick-off.
Frank Lampard, on the other hand, was left digesting the news of being omitted from a competitive England starting line-up for the first time since he spent all but ten minutes of a sickening defeat in Russia on the bench nearly four years ago.
Capello rarely has a fully fit group of players to select from. However, with Jack Wilshere and Steven Gerrard missing, the obvious conclusion from the Italian's starting line-up, which paired Gareth Barry with Scott Parker in central midfield, is that Lampard's place in the squad can no longer be guaranteed.
After a tricky start, Cahill put in an excellent performance. And the manner of his first international goal, chesting down Barry's astute chip over a static home defence before nudging the ball past on-rushing keeper Nikolay Mihaylov, justified his selection ahead of Manchester United rookie Phil Jones.
Even though it was only Cahill's fourth cap - and his first competitive start - Chris Smalling's shaky debut display at full-back showed why Capello was not willing to start the match with two players of such inexperience in his defence. After that it turned into the Rooney show.
Twelve months ago, the brilliant striker was in the middle of a 12-month dip in form which it seemed he would never get out of. Now it is as though the drought never happened.
The striker first rose above John Terry at the far post to power home Stewart Downing's 21st-minute corner. Then, offered a rare chance to burst forward, Theo Walcott tore into a huge empty space, rolled a pass to Ashley Young, whose low cross presented Rooney with a tap-in.
Five days after scoring a hat-trick against Arsenal, Rooney had moved up to joint eighth on the all-time England scorers list, amongst those just above, Nat Lofthouse, the last Bolton player to score for the Three Lions, until Cahill, way back in 1959.
It was the eighth time Rooney had scored twice in a game, yet he still awaits his first hat-trick from a 28-goal haul. The goal turned the second half into an extended training session ahead of Tuesday's Wembley showdown with Wales, when victory would take England to the brink of qualification without actually being able to book a place in next summer's finals.
Downing almost bagged a fourth when he floated Walcott's cross against the far post. Walcott then fired wide after being set free by Rooney. It was a minor quibble on a night when nearly everything went right for Capello, even to the extent of Craig Bellamy getting himself booked in Cardiff, thereby ensuring he will not be playing in Tuesday's match.
Atletico Madrid's Arda Turan scored a dramatic 95th-minute free-kick to send Turkey into second place in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group A as they eventually got the better of Kazakhstan in a 2-1 win.
Knowing a win would see them overtake Belgium, who had earlier floundered against Azerbaijan, Guus Hiddink's men looked to be headed for a night of frustration as Ulan Konysbayev cancelled out Burak Yilmaz's opener, with Yilmaz also missing a penalty.
Having wasted a number of chances, Turkey lost their cool and Selcuk Inan was sent off late on, just seconds before Turan turned the situation on its head with his 12th international goal.
Turkey were the quicker of the sides to settle and had the first chance when Turan warmed the palms of Alexandr Mokin from just inside the box.
Hakan Kadir Balta then tried to make something happen from distance, his shot blocked by Yuri Logvinenko, while Serdar Kesimal was a little too ambitious when he took aim from 35 yards.
The traffic was all one way, even if Turkey were unable to get into the Kazakhstan six-yard box, and Emre highlighted their lack of final-third spark when he twice tried his luck from outside the box, with his first shot superbly tipped over by Mokin, and his second blocked by the obdurate Logvinenko.
Turan, who made a fleeting Atletico debut last weekend, also put a header wide, before Turkey finally got the goal their play had deserved. It came just after Kazakhstan had registered their first effort through a Sergei Gridin header.
The goal was simple in its creation, with Inan's pass finding Yilmaz in space, and the Trabzonspor man netted his second international goal with a crisp finish from 12 yards. Buoyed by his goal, Yilmaz tested Mokin before the break as he went in search of a double, while Logvinenko's header almost saw him make a telling contribution at the other end of the pitch.
Despite that late flourish, Kazakhstan had contributed little, and it looked set to continue that way in the second half as Colin Kazim-Richards worked Mokin and Selcuk Inan blazed over.
But then, in the 55th minute, Kazakhstan equalised against the run of play, when FC Shakhter Karagandy midfielder Konysbayev picked up possession 20 yards out and let fly, leaving the previously quiet Volkan Demirel helpless.
The home side were stunned, but had the chance to regain the lead inside eight minutes - an opportunity they squandered. Turan sent a ball in that hit the hand of Mukhtar Mukhtarov, prompting the referee to point to the spot, only for Yilmaz to blaze high and wide.
Undeterred, Egeman Korkmaz led the charge for a winner with a header that flashed wide, but Kazakhstan now had some confidence and Sergei Gridin worked Demirel with a volley.
Home tempers began to rise and Turkey ended the night a man down after Inan was dismissed for a foul on Heinrich Schmidtgal, but spirits were soon lifted when Turan bent in a free-kick from the left wing that evaded everyone and went in.
Igor Semshov solitary strike before half-time clinched a hard-fought 1-0 win for Russia over FYR Macedonia, moving his side into top spot in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group B.
The result lifts Dick Advocaat's side onto 16 points from seven matches and into top spot before the Republic of Ireland play Slovakia later.
Disappointing results such as a home defeat by Slovakia and a draw in Armenia had put Russia in a situation where they could ill-afford to drop more points in the race for automatic qualification, but they started confidently, pinning Macedonia back from the kick-off.
The visitors defended well and looked like going in at the interval on level terms until Semshov found the breakthrough in the 41st minute when his shot from the edge of the area beat Macedonian goalkeeper Martin Bogatinov with the help of a slight deflection.
Macedonia pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but could find no way past keeper Vyacheslav Malafeev.
Tottenham Hotspur forward Roman Pavlyuchenko, who replaced Semshov at half-time, missed a great chance to double Russia's lead just after the hour.
Lokomotiv Moscow's Dmitri Torbinsky then saw a header from point-blank range well-saved by Bogatinov, and the same player missed another chance with nine minutes to go, sending the ball inches wide of the right-hand post from just inside the box.
Macedonia defender Goran Popov had a chance to save the day for his team in injury-time, but his attempt was turned behind by Malafeev.
The result leaves Macedonia, playing their first match under new coach John Toshack, second-bottom on four points after seven games, while Russia on the other hand, can now go into Tuesday's crunch match with Ireland in confident mood.
Greece maintained their unbeaten Group F record in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying as Sotiris Ninis scored the only goal to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Israel in Tel Aviv.
The visitors went into the game without having lost under coach Fernando Santos and maintained that streak as they made it five wins and two draws from their seven games so far.
Greece had the better of the first half, however, misfired on several chances. Dimitris Salpingidis' 24th-minute strike was at least on target, but Dudu Aouate held on, while the majority of the visitors' efforts went wayward.
Eran Zahavi had a rare chance for Israel with a free-kick in the 35th minute, but sent his strike over the bar, while Giorgos Karagounis did likewise at the other end.
Itay Shechter fired over for Israel before Greece wasted a pair of chances in first-half stoppage-time. Ioannis Zaradoukas' effort from the edge of the box presented Aouate with a comfortable save, before Karagounis fired over the crossbar moments later.
The visitors continued to have the better of things after the restart and came close when a header from Georgios Samaras was blocked by Rami Gershon.
Greece finally got the goal they deserved on the hour mark as Ninis fired home from 20 yards. The goal sparked a response from Israel, with Lior Rafaelov's volley from a Bebras Natkho corner going over.
Greece goalkeeper Michail Sifakis was called into action to save a 25-yard free-kick in the 72nd minute after Kostas Katsouranis had fouled Rafaelov, who himself sent an effort over the bar as the game went into the last ten minutes. Samaras sent a late chance wide for Greece as the challenge from Israel sputtered out.
An irresistible performance from Pat McCourt inspired Northern Ireland to a comfortable 4-0 win over the Faroe Islands in their UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier at Windsor Park.
McCourt had been been likened to Lionel Messi by captain Aaron Hughes in the build-up to this match and produced two goals the Barcelona ace would be proud of as Nigel Worthington's side reignited their Group C campaign in some style.
Hughes got the ball rolling after five minutes with his first international goal after 77 caps, before Steven Davis powered home a second from 25 yards. But this was a night that will be remembered for a scintillating showing from Celtic's McCourt - remarkably starting his first competitive fixture at the age of 27.
With no goals in their two previous home qualifiers, an early breakthrough was necessary to ease some of the tension, and Hughes obliged from the first corner of the match. Sammy Clingan's delivery found Gareth McAuley at the far post and the defender was able to hook the ball across the six-yard box at full stretch. Hughes was first to react and poked it over the line via the the post.
The Faroes' first attack came in the 12th minute through Christian Holst, who scored when the sides drew in the reverse fixture in Toftir, but Hughes was on hand to shepherd him away from the danger area.
McCourt, looking lively in possession, created a half-chance for David Healy after 15 minutes, but the Rangers man could only force a corner. A slightly scrappy period began to unfold, with the Faroes still trying to find their feet in the game and Northern Ireland guilty of rushing their final ball at times.
Johan Simun Edmundsson of Newcastle threatened midway through the half with a skidding drive that Lee Camp was only able to push back in front of him on a greasy surface. Luckily for the hosts, there were no attackers following up the loose ball.
Healy provided 40-year-old Faroes' goalkeeper Jakup Mikkelsen with a straightforward save after a good cross from Grant McCann and the pair linked up again after half an hour. This time a neat pass from Healy sent McCann charging into the area but saw a penalty appeal rightly rejected after minimal contact from Jonas Tor Naes.
McCourt proved the home side's creator again just before the break when he surged towards the Faroes goal before laying off for Healy. His first-time effort rattled the base of the post after a goal-saving touch from Mikkelsen.
McAuley did not emerge for the second half, replaced by Craig Cathcart due to a virus he had carried into the match. It looked like Worthington would need to send on a second replacement when Clingan went down under a heavy challenge just after the resumption, but the midfielder was able to continue.
Daniel Udsen had a glorious chance to level matters in the 58th minute after good work by Hjalgrim Elttor but he sent his shot sailing over the upright. McCourt drifted into the area with some wonderful close control moments later only to lose the ball under his feet before getting his shot away.
There was another warning that Worthington's side might need to score again when Camp was almost caught in possession lining up a clearance. Davis was the man to answer the call, substitute Niall McGinn speeding down the right flank before cutting back for the Rangers midfielder. He struck the ball sweetly from 25 yards, leaving Mikkelsen to pick it out of the net.
By now, and in no small part down to McGinn's injection of energy, Northern Ireland were playing with some swagger. No one more so than McCourt, who added a wonderful third five minutes later. Once again he ghosted into the box from the left wing before Evans' deft back-heel allowed him to curl home from close-range.
By now McCourt was tormenting the away defence, beating men at ease and teeing up Healy with a thrilling run only for the striker to miscue his kick with the goal at his mercy.
There was expectation in the air every time McCourt picked up the ball now and he had one more glorious trick up his sleeve in the 88th minute. Once more he turned his marker inside and out before bearing down on goal and producing the most sublime of chips that left Mikkelsen clawing at the air and Windsor Park hailing a new hero.
The Djurgarden midfielder put the hosts two goals ahead in a one-sided first half and went close to a hat-trick in the second period. Mikael Forssell's penalty and Igor Armas' own goal put the result beyond doubt long before Serghei Alexeev scored a late consolation.
Moldova looked to catch their hosts cold, but Gheorghe Ovseanicov's first-minute header was saved by Lukas Hradecky and that was the extent of their attacking threat in the first half.
Perparim Hetemaj's 30-yard effort drew a routine save from Nicolae Calancea, but the opening goal arrived in the 11th minute when Roman Eremenko's corner was kept alive by Forssell and Hamalainen headed home from six yards.
Forssell's 20-yard drive crashed back off the post as Finland sought to quickly build on their lead. Hetemaj and Forssell both threatened in quick succession, the midfielder's 30-yard drive held by Calancea before the former Chelsea striker shot wide from the left of the penalty area.
However, Hamalainen netted the second shortly before half-time, finishing from the edge of the box after being teed up by Daniel Sjolund. The third goal came early in the second half, with Anatolie Doros' foul on Kari Arkivuo allowing Forssell to drill home a 52nd-minute penalty. Doros was booked for the foul.
Hamalainen was denied a treble by the upright before a rare Moldovan foray saw Ovseanicov head Denis Zmeu's cross wide. The fourth goal came with 20 minutes remaining when, from another corner, Eremenko's delivery was headed into his own net by Armas.
Substitute Timo Furuholm almost made an immediate impact after replacing Hamalainen, but Calancea saved well.
Moldova salvaged a measure of pride as Alexeev converted Anatolie Cheptene's through-ball, but it was to little avail and Furuholm, Eremenko and Teemu Pukki threatened further embarrassment.
Norway kept their UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying hopes on track in Oslo tonight, claiming a 1-0 victory over Iceland with a late penalty in Group H qualifying.
The home side dominated their Nordic neighbours, but appeared to be heading for an evening of disappointment until Mohamed Abdellaoui scored from the spot after a challenge on substitute John Carew. The win takes Norway above another regional rival Denmark, with the two teams set to meet in Copenhagen on Tuesday.
Iceland came into the contest with just a single point to their name in the group, but almost shocked their hosts within the opening two minutes as Rurik Gislason's 20-yard strike had to be parried away by Rune Almenning Jarstein. They soon came even closer to scoring minutes later with a close-range header from Solvi Jonsson which fell just past the left post.
Norway took their time to settle before Kjetil Waehler threatened after 18 minutes with a header from Jonathan Parr's corner which the defender put wide. That sparked the home side to life and Henning Hauger, Tom Hogli and Alexander Tettey all had chances that narrowly missed the mark.
Hogli's cross-shot had to be tipped around the post by Stefan Magnusson, with the Icelandic goalkeeper getting his hands to another effort from Hauger soon after. Norway continued to pile on the pressure after the interval and Magnusson made another excellent stop to push away Parr's left-footed strike from a few yards out.
It was proving to be a frustrating night for Egil Olsen's men and luck was once more against them after 68 minutes when Tettey hit a powerful shot which cannoned back off the post.
West Ham United striker Carew replaced Christian Grindheim after 80 minutes as Olsen tried to boost his misfiring front line. And the move paid dividends two minutes from time when Carew won a penalty for his side after he received a push in the back during a tussle with Magnusson.
Abdellaoui took the kick and added to the goalkeeper's misery with a cool left-footed strike into the top-right corner.
Ronaldo leads Portugal charge in Cyprus
Friday 2 September 2011, 23.45CET
Cyprus 0-4 PortugalCristiano Ronaldo scored twice and set up a third as his team maintained their position as joint leaders in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group H.
Portugal remain joint leaders in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group H after putting four goals past ten-man Cyprus without reply in Nicosia. The hosts held Portugal to a spectacular 4-4 draw in Guimaraes at the start of their campaign last September, but there was to be no repeat after they lost Sinisa Dobrasinovic to a red card for handball in the area after 34 minutes. Cristiano Ronaldo converted the resultant penalty and, although Cyprus then held out for much of the game, Ronaldo added a second eight minutes from time before substitutes Hugo Almeida and Danny also struck. The win was by no means undeserved, with Portugal on top from the start and Antonis Giorgallides needing to race off his line to block a shot from João Pereira after 13 minutes. The home side's rearguard then failed to deal with a cross and it was left to Giorgallides to save the day again from a Pepe header, before the Cyprus No1 smothered the danger on the half-hour as Hélder Postiga looked ready to pounce following a João Moutinho corner. Cyprus's respite did not last long as Dobrasinovic was dismissed moments later for handling Postiga's attempt on goal, which left Ronaldo to break the deadlock from the spot. The Real Madrid CF forward was not done there either, burying the ball beyond Giorgallides after playing a neat one-two with Nani, and crossing for Hugo Almeida to pass into an empty net after sprinting past Georgos Merkis. Danny rounded off the scoring in added time after latching on to a long ball from Moutinho, and the win kept Portugal level on 13 points with Norway at the summit and three ahead of Denmark, who have a game in hand. In fourth, Cyprus will look to bounce back in Iceland on Tuesday, while Portugal face the same team next on 7 October.
Antonio Cassano scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory for Italy at the Faroe Islands as they moved a step closer to qualifying for UEFA EURO 2012. Cassano struck in the 11th minute in Torshavn as the Azzurri remained unbeaten in qualifying Group C. The hosts were unlucky not to equalise in the 71st minute when Christian Holst's effort rebounded off the crossbar with Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon beaten. The result has placed Cesare Prandelli's side eight points clear of nearest rivals Slovenia in the pool with three games remaining. Slovenia lost 2-1 at home to Estonia and will travel to Florence on Tuesday to take on Italy.
"Everyone expected an easy game against the Faroe Islands, but it wasn't," Prandelli said. "We managed to put some good moves together early on but we didn't create many goalscoring chances. Prandelli had called on his players to focus ahead of this game, with most of them lacking match practice, and his cause for concern was evident with Italy failing to produce much excitement The Serie A start was postponed last weekend due to the failure of the players and Serie A to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement. Prandelli fielded Giuseppe Rossi and Cassano in attack and his selection paid dividends. Italy were first to threaten in the sixth minute, when Riccardo Montolivo set up Cassano inside the area and the AC Milan striker's right-footed shot went wide.
Everyone expected an easy game against the Faroe Islands, but it wasn't.
Cesare Prandelli, Italy coach
Italy continued to press forward and went in front soon afterwards. Andrea Pirlo found Cassano inside the six-yard box and he fired past Faroe Islands goalkeeper Rene Torgard.
The hosts' first attempt saw Joan Edmundsson's right-footed strike deflected away by a defender, but they almost pulled level in the 24th minute with Suni Olsen's 30-yard effort hitting the post. In the 34th minute, Daniele De Rossi's powerful strike from 30 yards was punched away by Torgard. Shortly after, Rossi wasted a good chance with his effort going wide. Italy almost doubled their lead before the break, though, but Domenico Criscito's left-footed strike from the edge of the area was saved by Torgard. Prandelli made his first substitution on the hour mark, with Pazzini replacing Rossi. The Inter Milan forward almost made an immediate impact, but his header from Christian Maggio's cross was easy for Edmundsson to gather. The hosts were unlucky again not to equalise when a fast counter-attack saw Hjalgrim Elttor feed Holst in the heart of the area and his right-footed shot struck the crossbar. Shortly after, Pol Johannes Justinussen's header was saved by Buffon. With five minutes remaining, Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli replaced Cassano and his strike from the edge of the area was cleared by a defender.
Hungary drew level on points with second-placed Sweden in Group E after snatching a late winner over the Scandinavian side to seal a 2-1 win in their UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier in Budapest.
The match had looked set to finish in a draw after Christian Wilhelmsson's 60th-minute goal cancelled out Imre Szabics' opener for Hungary just before half-time. However, there was to be a late twist in the tale as Hungary, who missed an early penalty through Tamas Hajnal, claimed the points when Gergely Rudolf netted a 90th-minute clincher.
Hungary and Sweden now both have 15 points in Group E, although the latter have played a game less. Holland lead the way with a 100 per cent record in the group.
Sweden had netted nine times in their previous two qualifiers against Finland and Moldova and they came closest to breaking the deadlock first tonight when Zlatan Ibrahimovic tried his luck in the sixth minute, though his effort went wide.
Andreas Granqvist then sent a header wide from Kim Kallstrom's free-kick before Hungary earned themselves a great chance to take the lead after being awarded a 19th-minute penalty. Oscar Wendt was penalised for a handball inside the area, but the visitors were let off the hook as Hajnal's resulting spot-kick hit the crossbar.
Sweden looked determined to make the most of that escape and they came within a whisker of taking the lead in the 26th minute when Johan Elmander's shot hit the post. Elmander saw another effort go over before Kallstrom's 25-yard kick was tipped around the post by Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly.
It would be Hungary celebrating a half-time lead, however, as Szabics got on the end of Rudolf's pass to slot past Andreas Isaksson. That 44th-minute goal was the perfect way for Hungary to head in at half-time, and they looked set to build on that momentum at the start of the second period with Isaksson being called on to deny Rudolf and Hajnal in quick succession.
Sweden were creating chances of their own soon enough, though, and after Ibrahimovic had brought a save from Kiraly, the visitors equalised when Wilhelmsson tucked home Elmander's pass.
Sweden pushed for a winner but they would end up empty-handed after Rudolf struck for Hungary in the 90th minute, the striker firing into the roof of the net from close range following a cross from Tamas Priskin.
Germany qualified in style for UEFA EURO 2012 with an emphatic 6-2 win over Austria, initially racing into a three-goal lead within 28 minutes with Miroslav Klose, Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski all on target. Marko Arnautovic pulled a goal back for Austria just before the break, but Ozil made it four just after the interval.
Martin Harnik again reduced the arrears, but further goals from Andre Schurrle and Mario Gotze completed the rout to book Germany's place in Poland and Ukraine.
Germany cruised to an eighth-minute lead with Klose claiming the goal after getting the slightest of touches to Ozil's shot from 16 yards out. The Lazio striker's deflection was not decisive as Ozil's shot was going to beat Christian Gratzei in the Austria goal anyway, but he was nevertheless glad to claim his 62nd international goal, now only six short of equalling Gerd Muller's German record.
He missed the chance to edge even closer to Muller in the 17th minute when he lifted his shot high over the crossbar from a tight angle. There was no doubt about who would claim Germany's second goal, though, as Ozil took the ball off Klose on the edge of the penalty area, nudged it past Gratzei and then swept it into the unguarded goal.
Five minutes later, Podolski made it three. Holger Badstuber ventured forward from the centre of the defence and exchanged passes with Podolski before feeding the Cologne striker, whose venomous shot beat Gratzei's feeble attempt to save with his foot.
Badstuber was then at fault at the other end as he lost Arnautovic, who pulled a goal back for Austria with a determined header from Florian Klein's cross.
Not even two minutes were on the clock in the second half when Ozil added his second and Germany's fourth. A long kick out of the Germany defence following an Austria free-kick was headed on by Thomas Muller into the path of the Real Madrid midfielder, who held off Christian Fuchs and then got lucky with his shot deflecting off the toe of the Schalke defender to curl past the Austrian goalkeeper.
Stuttgart forward Harnik scored another consolation for Austria in the 51st minute when he found a hole in the Germany defence to latch onto Arnautivoc's overhead pass and volley past Neuer from just inside the penalty area.
However, Schurrle ended any thoughts Austria had of a recovery in the 84th minute when he pounced on a loose ball inside the area to side-foot it in from near the penalty spot. There was even time for Gotze to complete a comprehensive victory for Germany with practically his only touch of the game after coming on as a late substitute to turn Muller's pass in off the post.
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