This message has been edited by TsarSamuil from IP address 212.181.9.227 on Jan 31, 2003 10:20 AM This message has been edited by TsarSamuil from IP address 212.181.9.227 on Jan 31, 2003 10:19 AM
The name of Serbia and Montenegro will appear for the first time in senior European football tomorrow night when the former Yugoslavia take on Azerbaijan.
Formal ratification.
The country's new name has been formally ratified by the United Nations and recognised by the European and International houses of football, UEFA and FIFA. Serbia and Montenegro has the same borders as Yugoslavia but a new constitution has been formed. As a consequence, the Football Association of Yugoslavia (FSJ), after 83 years of existence, has been renamed the Football Association of Serbia and Montenegro (FSSCG).
'Victories bring joy'
Wednesday's UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier against Azerbaijan in Podgorica will see the home team playing under its new name for the first time. The new name will also be used for the Under-21 match with the Azeris this afternoon. National coach Dejan Savicevic said: "My priority is victory over Azerbaijan on Wednesday, whether our name is Yugoslavia or Serbia and Montenegro. Our people want to see victories which will bring them joy."
'Our job is football'
Serbo-Montenegrin football officials insist that the change in name will in no way adversely affect football in the country. "We carry on where we stopped. Our primary interest is the EURO 2004™ qualifiers," said FSSCG general secretary Branko Bulatovic. "In our organisation we don't do politics. Our job is football. Serbia and Montenegro have gone through difficult times in the past decade and the Football Association has proudly defended the nation's name."
Top flight unaffected.
The country's top division, the Prva savezna liga, will stay unchanged. "It is possible that at a later stage we will change the name of the top flight, but for the current season we will finish as it was started," Bulatovic said.
Colours remain for now.
The flag of the former Yugoslavia hanging outside the United Nations seat in New York will for the time being continue to represent the new country, allowing Serbia and Montenegro to keep wearing their traditional blue, white and red shirts with the old FSJ's symbols on.
Decisions to make.
The new parliament of the new state, once assembled, will in due course make decisions about a new national flag, anthem and state symbols. "As soon as political officials decide about these changes, we will act accordingly," Bulatovic said.
Results important.
FSSCG president Dragan Stojkovic added: "For me the most important thing is that we qualify for EURO 2004™ in Portugal. Under which name we do this is less important. In football no one will judge us on our name, but on the results we have achieved."
FA history.
The Yugoslav Football Association originally comprised Serbians, Croatians and Slovenians. Since its foundation in 1919, the FSJ has lived through four state and name changes, but has been continually based in Belgrade. In total the national team of Yugoslavia has played 505 official internationals, with 293 victories, 87 defeats and 125 draws.
Qualifying Round - 29 March 2003 18:00 (local time)
Loro Borici - Shkoder
----------------------------
Flying start for Briegel.
UEFA.com
Saturday, 29 March 2003
Albania revived their chances of qualifying for UEFA EURO 2004™ after scoring twice in the last ten minutes to beat Russia 3-1 in Group 10 and give coach Hans-Peter Briegel a memorable start in his new job.
Tare seals victory
Midfield player Altin Lala dribbled past half the Russian defence to put the home side 2-1 in front on 80 minutes before Russia's goalkeeper Sergei Ovchinnikov failed to hold an Igli Tare header and the forward stuck the loose ball into the net.
Closes the gap
Albania's victory - their first in the section - closes the gap on second-placed Russia to two points and the Albanians could go above the Russians if they beat the Republic of Ireland in their next qualifying match at home on Wednesday. Ireland beat Georgia 2-1 away earlier on Saturday.
Penalty save
Ochinnikov saved a penalty from Albania's Klodian Duro before Albania striker Altin Raklli opened the scoring on 20 minutes after the goalkeeper deflected a shot from Ervin Skela. Russia's strikers, especially Alexander Kerzhakov, squandered chances until the 77th minute when substitute Andrei Karayka fired home from a perfect pass inside the area.
Improved discipline
Just when it looked like Albania, who had shown greater determination and improved tactical discipline, would let the game slip away, as has happened so often in the past, Lala gave them the lead and Tare soon added their third.
'We deserved to win'
Albania's German coach, Briegel, was pleased with the response of his players after his first match in charge, "The team deserved to win because they concentrated from the first minute to the 90th and they did not lose heart after giving away a penalty."
Briegel warning
Albania showed a vast improvement from their 4-1 thrashing by Russia in Volgograd but the former German international warned that they must now concentrate on Ireland. "As the team of a small country we should not be looking at the overall situation of the group but the next match with Ireland, who have got some stronger points than the Russians," Briegel said.
National celebration
Played in the northern town of Shkoder on the pitch where Albania played their first international against Russia in 1947, the victory delighted the 16,000 crowd, including the Albanian prime minister, Fatos Nano, who said: "Albania can now say it has beaten a former superpower".
The Netherlands had to settle for a 1-1 draw in their UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier against the Czech Republic in Rotterdam.
Level pegging
The Czech visitors equalised through Jan Koller after a Ruud van Nistelrooij strike late in the first half had given the hosts the lead. The result leaves both sides level at the top of the Group 3 table with seven points from three games, with Austria a point behind both.
Early pressure
The Netherlands got off to a flying start at the Feijenoord stadium, putting the Czech goal under pressure after three minutes when Tomas Ujfalusi was penalised for a foul on Van Nistelrooij just outside the penalty area. Clarence Seedorf took the free-kick, but though his effort beat Petr Cech, it could not quite squeeze inside the goalkeeper's left-hand post.
Near miss
After eleven minutes, Van Nistelrooij himself went close as he surged in from the right to meet Fernando Ricksen's pass only to see his shot flash just wide. Although the visitors gradually recovered from the Netherlands' early flourish, producing some stylish approach play, the nearest they got to a goal was when Tomáš Rosický's 25-metre drive sped wide of the Dutch post.
Van Nistelrooij goal
The home side took the lead in added time at the end of the first half when Rafael van der Vaart, a 39th-minute substitute for the injured Giovanni van Bronckhorst, fed the ball through to Edgar Davids on the left. The Juventus FC midfield player played a fine ball to the far post which the well-placed Van Nistelrooij headed past Cech.
Attacking edge
The Manchester United FC striker came close to doubling his side's advantage after 57 minutes when he headed a Clarence Seedorf cross just wide, but two minutes later the Czech Republic demonstrated their attacking edge when Rosický burst into the area and rolled a shot past Roland Waterreus in the Dutch goal, only for Jaap Stam to stop the ball on the line.
Golden touch
Rosický was replaced by Milan Baroš after 68 minutes, and the young Liverpool FC striker proved to be a lucky charm, as with practically his first touch of the game he laid the ball on to Koller to beat Waterreus from close range. The visitors seemed satisfied with a draw from then onwards, and despite one headed effort from Patrick Kluivert which spun wide, the Dutch did not come close to a winner.
Unnecessary risks
Netherlands coach Dick Advocaat was less than impressed by his side's defending for the equaliser, saying: "We created six chances in the first half and we played exactly like I wanted. The Czech goal was unnecessary and meant that we had to take more risks. Looking at the whole match we dropped two important points today."
Bruckner happy
His opposite number, Karel Bruckner, was significantly happier. "We knew what to expect considering the attacking power of the Dutch," he said. "I think my team did well apart from the moment in added time at the end of the first half. The goal changed my plans because I wanted to replace Rosický at half-time, because he still is not 100 per cent."
Armed security agents in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, keeping an eye on England fans during Saturday's England-Liechtenstein qualifier. Eddy Risch / AP
LONDON -- Russia was upset 3-1 by Albania on Saturday in its Euro 2004 qualifier, leaving them in second place in their group with six points, a point behind idle Switzerland.
In the Albanian city of Shkodra, the hosts missed a penalty but still outplayed Russia with goals by Altin Rraklli, Altin Lala and Igli Tare. Dimitri Loskov replied for the Russians.
Albania now has four points and Ireland three.
In other Euro 2004 qualification action Saturday, defending champion France crushed Malta 6-0 to move eight points clear in its group and looks to be winning the race to be first qualifier for next year's finals in Portugal.
Italy, runner-up in 2000, improved its qualifying hopes with a 2-0 victory over Finland, while in the top game of the night, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic tied 1-1.
England gained vital points but gained few friends, and maybe more critics, after an unimpressive 2-0 beating of soccer minnow Liechtenstein.
Before a sellout 3,500 fans in the Liechtenstein capital Vaduz, Michael Owen headed the first and David Beckham struck home a trademark free kick.
But Sven-Goran Eriksson's team missed more chances and came close to conceding goals in the last few minutes against one of soccer's weakest teams, which has just one victory in 40 competitive matches.
By contrast, Ryan Giggs scored one and set up two as Wales stayed top of its group with a 4-0 beating of Azerbaijan.
Spain was held to a 2-2 tie by Ukraine thanks to a last minute equalizer, and Denmark scored a 5-2 victory at Romania whose coach, Anghel Iordanescu, quit.
There was crowd trouble at Georgia's 2-1 home loss to Ireland in Tbilisi, where home fans threw an open penknife and a bottle onto the field.
Thierry Henry and Zinedine Zidane each scored twice in Lens as France made it four wins in four games at the top of Group 1.
Sylvain Wiltord and David Trezeguet added the other goals as the French moved eight points ahead of Israel and Cyprus who tied 1-1 at Limmasol.
Manchester United star Giggs inspired Wales to a fourth Group 9 win in a row as Mark Hughes' team moved closer to its first European Championship appearance since 1976.
Giggs set up a goal after just 13 seconds for Newcastle's Craig Bellamy, provided a cross for John Hartson's third just before halftime and then ran clear of the Azerbaijan defense for the fourth in the 52nd. Gary Speed netted the second in the 40th.
Returning to the Italian lineup for the first time in nine months, Francesco Totti set up two goals for Christian Vieri in a 2-0 win over the Finns at Palermo to climb to second and stay five points behind the Welsh.
The Italians jumped above the Serbs, who aren't playing in this latest round.
Ruud van Nistelrooy became the third Manchester United player -- as well as Beckham and Giggs -- to score Saturday when he put the Dutch ahead just before halftime against the Czechs in Rotterdam.
But Borussia Dortmund's towering striker, Jan Koller, equalized in the 67th minute, and the two teams are tied on seven points at the top of Group 3 above Austria, which didn't have a game.
Spain was on the brink of going four points clear at the top of Group 6 until Oleksandr Horoshkov volleyed a last minute equalizer for Ukraine in Kiev.
After Andriy Voronin had fired the home team ahead in the 11th minute, three goals came in the final six. Real Madrid star Raul Gonzalez and Joseba Etxeberria put Spain ahead until Horoshkov snatched a tie, which means Ukraine remains one point behind.
Scotland strengthened its chances of qualifying for a big championship for the first time in five years by beating Iceland 2-1 at Hampden Park, a result which gives the visitor little chance of making it to next year's finals in Portugal.
Although Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen canceled out a 12th minute strike by Kenny Miller, Dundee defender Lee Wilkie headed the winner for Berti Vogts team with 19 minutes remaining.
Scotland now has seven points from three Group 5 games and would have been in an even better position had it had it not dropped two against modest Faeroe Islands in a disappointing 2-2 tie.
Dennis Rommedahl scored twice as Denmark won 5-2 in Romania to go to the top of Group 2 after twice falling behind in Bucharest.
Adrian Mutu twice put the Romanians in front only for Rommedahl, Thomas Gravesen, Jon Dahl Tomasson and an own goal by Cosmin Contra to give the Danes all three points.
With leader Norway idle until Wednesday's match against Luxembourg, the Danes lead on goal difference, the Romanians dropping to third.
Qualifying Round - 02 April 2003 20:30 (local time)
Letná - Prague
Two tremendous goals from Jan Koller and a wonderful performance by Pavel Nedved helped the Czech Republic to a sparkling 4-0 UEFA EURO 2004™ Group 3 victory against ten-man Austria in the Letná stadium.
Innovative Nedved
The tirelessly innovative Nedved opened the scoring for a totally dominant Czech team and Koller scored either side of a Marek Jankulovski penalty after substitute Bozo Kovacevic, who had only been on the field for three minutes, had been sent off for bringing down Milan Baroš in the area.
Austrian chances
Despite being under pressure for much of the game, the best early chances fell to the visitors. An ambitious stab at goal from Mario Haas was deflected wide by defender René Bolf and on 17 minutes René Aufhauser's downward header found Markus Schopp at the far post - but the Brescia Calcio player was unable to turn the ball past Petr Cech in the Czech goal.
Delightful finish
Schopp's profligacy was underlined two minutes later when the Czech Republic took the lead. Karel Poborský slotted the ball into the path of Nedved, who beat the offside trap and delightfully lifted the ball over the advancing Thomas Mandl and into the Austrian net.
Neat free-kick
A prime example of the home side's invention was shown on 28 minutes, after Poborský had been wrestled to the ground just outside the Austrian penalty area. Rather than a straightforward shot at goal, the AC Sparta Praha forward surprised the Austrian defence by passing the ball wide of the defensive wall, from where Vladimír Šmicer peeled off and squared a low cross - but Koller was unable to turn the ball into the net from six metres.
Cool Koller
Koller made amends four minutes later, collecting the ball from Baroš and dribbling into the area before dragging the ball wide of Mandl and stroking a shot into the empty net to double the home side's lead. Cheered on by a vocal crowd, the Czechs began to turn on the style and Poborský almost stole the show with an audacious angled chip, which dropped just behind Mandl's goal.
Red card
The second half brought more punishment for the Austrians, who gave the home side too much time and space all evening - and to make matters worse the visitors had to play with ten men for 35 minutes after Kovacevic, who had come on for Andreas Herzog, saw red for his professional foul on Baroš. Jankulovski strode up and thumped a left-footed penalty past Mandl and the game already looked over.
Bullet header
On 58 minutes, Mandl made a fine double save to deny Baroš, who watched his flying header palmed away and a firm sidefoot moments later batted to safety. But Mandl was soon picking the ball out of his net for the fourth time after Jankulovski turned full-back Paul Scharner inside-out and delivered a left-wing cross, which Koller met at the far post with a bullet header to make it 4-0 and round off a wonderful display.
'We did not want to lose'
Koller was delighted by the performance, saying: "I think we played exactly the type of game we wanted tonight. It was good to get a couple of goals, but more importantly these were points we did not want to lose".
Qualifying Round - 02 April 2003 20:15 (local time)
Central - Ljubljana
A dazzling performance by Nastja Ceh helped Slovenia climb into second spot in UEFA EURO 2004™ Group 1 with an impressive 4-1 home win against Cyprus in the Central stadium.
Siljak double
Two goals from Ermin Šiljak as well as strikes from Zlatko Zahovic and the outstanding Ceh were more than enough to defeat a disappointing Cyprus side - and put Slovenia in the driving seat for a place in the play-offs.
Furious start
The match was off to a fast and furious start as Slovenia made the most of their stranglehold on possession as early as the five-minute mark when Zahovic took a short corner to Ceh, who curled a ball through for the on-rushing Siljak. He steered a tremendous header beyond the reach of goalkeeper Nikos Panayiotou to the delight of the local crowd.
Konstantinou leveller
Free-flowing Slovenia were quickly pegged back, however, when a fast counter-attack orchestrated by Rainer Raufmann ended up at the feet of Michalis Konstantinou, who restored parity from close range. Frantic football continued and four minutes later the hosts regained their lead when Siljak took advantage of the wet pitch and slid in to get a touch on Ceh’s curling cross and make it 2-1.
Cool Ceh
Ceh was a joy to watch throughout, constantly distributing useful passes for his team-mates as well as winning the penalty from which Zahovic made it 3-1 when he was pushed from behind inside the Cyprus box. To complete an impressive first-half performance, Ceh was on target two minutes before the interval when he threw himself at an incisive pass from Amir Karic, producing a bullet header which flew past Panayiotou.
Lacklustre second half
With the points all but secure, Slovenia were content to nudge the ball around and retain possession during a lacklustre second half. Cyprus simply lacked the tools required to unlock the Slovenian rearguard, whose only error when Konstantinou pounced was soon forgotten in light of the forwards' brilliance.
'Great start'
France's 2-1 win against Israel means Slovenia are still trailing the competition's holders by nine points, but goalscorer Šiljak was pleased with his team-mates' performance. He said: "We made a great start and scored early. Thankfully our defensive mistakes didn't prove to be costly."
Qualifying Round - 02 April 2003 18:00 (local time)
A Le Coq Arena - Tallinn
Bulgarians Lost 2 points in Tallinn.
Standartnews
Estonia held Bulgaria to a 0-0 tie in a European championship qualifier - preventing the Bulgarians from further strengthening their position at the top of Group 8. The Bulgarians arrived in Estonia having won all three of their previous qualifiers. But the home side mounted their trademark scrappy defense and even created most of the better chances throughout the match. The more skillful Bulgarians - ranked 45th in the world by FIFA, 20 places above Estonia - seemed to establish some control as the match progressed in the first half. But despite several opportunities to score, they failed to capitalize. In the second half, it was again the underdog Estonians who looked the more inspired side playing before a sparse crowd of some 3,000 in Tallinn, the capital of this small Baltic Sea coast nation.
In one of the best chances of the match, Estonian Sergei Terehov went one-on-one with goalie Zdravko Zdravkov but rifled the ball straight into the Bulgarian's arms with 60 minutes gone. The Estonians had several more chances while the Bulgarians looked increasingly flat. Bulgarian captain Krassimir Balakov, minutes after being yellowcarded, came close to scoring in the 81st minute, but Estonian goalie Mart Poom saved his free kick from just outside the box. Balakov had said before the game that a win over Estonia would go a long way towards assuring his squad a place in next year's finals in Portugal.
Lineups Estonia: Mart Poom, Sergei Terehov, Kert Haavistu, Urmas Rooba, Marko Kristal, Indrek Zelinski, Marek Lemsalu, Teet Allas, Enar Jaager, Andres Oper, Liivo Leetma.
Qualifying Round - 02 April 2003 20:00 (local time)
MOSiR - Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski
Poland regained top spot in UEFA EURO 2004™ Group 4 after a comprehensive victory that will boost confidence in their bid to qualify for Portugal.
Back on track
After a lacklustre goalless draw with Hungary on Saturday, Poland are level on seven points with Latvia but have a superior goal difference. Sweden, who won 2-1 in Hungary tonight, are two points behind but, like Latvia, have a game in hand on Poland.
Quick start
Poland began in perfect fashion tonight with in-form Wisla Kraków midfield player Miroslaw Szymkowiak scoring from 20 metres after only three minutes. His club-mate Kamil Kosowski struck a well-timed volley from 25 metres just before the half-hour mark to put the match beyond an industrious but limited San Marino side.
Selva shot
In the second half, Wisla's Marcin Kuzba scored twice for Poland after neat exchanges with another player from Krakow, Maciej Zurawski. In between, Hertha BSC Berlin's Bartosz Karwan also found the net as Poland repeatedly broke through San Marino's defence. The visitors never gave up despite having to wait until the 53rd minute for their first effort on goal through Andy Selva.
Injury concern
But the victory may have come at a price as Panathinaikos FC striker Emmanuel Olisadebe, who appeared to suffer a groin strain, and RC Lens defender Jacek Bak were both substituted early in the first half due to injury. However, Poland coach Pawel Janas was accentuating the positive after the game.
Janas happy
He said: "This is a good result. We had a new team and I am satisfied with the performance of the players." He paid particular praise to the efforts of youngsters like Marcin Burkhardt, claiming "these are the players that should be the basis for our future".
Mazza content
San Marino coach Giampaolo Mazza paid tribute to his opponents. He said: "We played against a great team tonight and they scored beautiful goals. I am satisfied with my team's performance. A five-goal difference is normal between our teams if you look at the level of football in the two countries."
Qualifying Round - 02 April 2003 19:00 (local time)
FC Spartak - Trnava
Middlesbrough FC forward Szilárd Nemeth boosted Slovakia's UEFA EURO 2004™ qualification hopes when he scored twice in a 4-0 home victory against Liechtenstein in Group 7 in Trnava tonight.
Six points
The victory was Slovakia's second of the section following their 2-0 success against F.Y.R Macedonia on Saturday and positioned Ladislav Jurkemik’s side on six points behind front pair Turkey and England. Striker Róbert Vittek missed out through suspension but Vladimír Janocko, captain Miroslav Karhan and Nemeth all started after recovering from knocks.
Exhausted reserves
Liechtenstein might have given England the odd fright in their 2-0 defeat by Sven-Göran Eriksson's side at the weekend but on tonight’s evidence they exhausted their reserves in Vaduz. The visitors, comprising professional bankers, electricians, students and wine producers, were restricted to a smattering of difficult chances from tight angles and failed to fashion any meaningful opportunities.
Reiter opener
Despite a sluggish start, striker Luboš Reiter gave Slovakia the lead just before the twenty-minute mark, turning in a cross from FK Austria Wien's Janocko with a sure touch from a central position inside the box.
Held in check
The home team, however, were mistaken if they thought the breakthrough would open the floodgates; Liechtenstein closed ranks and successfully held their opponents in check for the remainder of the half.
Nemeth on target
Jurkemik's team-talk clearly hit the right notes at half-time as Slovakia were a more formidable opponent after the break, going close soon after the re-start and doubling the advantage in the 51st minute when Nemeth, a second-half substitute for Jozef Kozlej, slammed in.
Tucked away
From there on Liechtenstein hardly had a look-in and Nemeth, who has underlined his potential at Middlesbrough this season, scored again ten minutes later, tucking away a pinpoint centre from Karhan.
Hapless Jehle
By that stage the game was finished but there was still time for Janocko to have the final word with a fourth goal in added time, squeezing a shot past hapless Liechtenstein goalkeeper Peter Jehle.
RosBusinessConsulting. Wednesday, Apr. 30, 2003, 1:39 PM Moscow Time
Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze is categorically against the politicization of the UEFA EURO 2004 qualifying match Georgia v Russia, which will take place in Tbilisi today. The Georgian leader has voiced his opinion at a government meeting today. According to Shevardnadze, if there are any incidents during the match, the responsible persons will be dismissed. The Georgian state registry office reported that the Georgian President and the government, as well as 12 Interior Ministers of the CIS member states, including Russian Interior Minister Boris Gryzlov, and Russian Federation Council Chairman Sergey Mironov were going to attend this match.
Bulgarian politicians did the same thing a year ago against For.Diplomats.
No score for this post
May 12 2003, 10:58 AM
Slavic politicians rule at football
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Slovak Politicians Beat Diplomats in Soccer Match.
Nove Zamky, May 9 (TASR-SLOVAKIA) - The historical soccer match between the team comprising government and parliamentary members and the team of foreign diplomats accredited in Slovakia ended with a result 7:5 for Slovaks on Thursday.
The most active player was opposition Smer party chairman Robert Fico who scored four times.
"Our intention was to motivate the citizens to make their historical decision in the upcoming referendum," said Speaker of the Slovak Parliament Pavol Hrusovsky.
Nove Zamky Mayor Gejza Pischinger said the match helped to attract the citizens for the upcoming referendum on EU membership slated for May 16-17, and he expects turnout in the city to exceed the needed threshold of 50 percent.
Member of the European Commission (EC) Delegation in Slovakia Michel Doumont said after the match that he would prefer Slovaks as partners rather than rivals.
Ljubljana, 04 June (STA) - A concert to raise funds for Ljubljana's new football stadium will be staged on Saturday, featuring over 30 popular Slovenian signers and bands. The event is to begin at noon and last until the night.
Qualifying round - 07 June 2003 20:15 (Local Time)
Saint Jakob Park - Basel
Russian recovery stuns Switzerland.
Saturday, 07 June 2003
Russia staged a courageous comeback from two goals down to rescue a 2-2 draw with Switzerland in their UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier in Basel.
Group wide open
Alexander Frei had struck twice for the hosts early in the first half, only for Sergei Ignashevitch to score with a header and penalty to save a point. The draw leaves Group 10 wide open, with the Swiss still top with nine points but the Republic of Ireland and Russia trailing them by two.
'All not lost'
Frei was disappointed that victory had slipped away from the Swiss. "From 2-0 up, we should not have lost it," he said. "We played well at the start and managed to do what we planned, which was to score early. All is not lost, though, and now we must concentrate on our game against Albania on Wednesday."
'Our own fault'
Coach Jakob Kuhn also believed Switzerland should have won. "I am satisfied with the performance and the result but we wasted two good chances to take all three points. Still, it is our own fault and we must now calm down ahead of the next match."
Swiss swagger
Russia coach Valery Gazzaev, meanwhile, said: "We were shocked in the first 15 minutes of the game, but thankfully we managed to draw level quickly." Switzerland certainly began the game with a real swagger. Playing an aggressive formation, Stéphane Chapuisat and Ricardo Cabanas repeatedly found themselves unmarked as the Russians struggled to cope with the hosts' pace and flexibility.
Early lead
It was little surprise when the Swiss took the lead on 14 minutes. A long throw from right-back Bernt Haas was cleared only as far as Hakan Yakin on the edge of the box. The Swiss playmaker showed exemplary technique to strike the volley on the full and when Russian goalkeeper Sergei Ovchinnikov failed to hold it, Frei reacted quickest to sweep the ball into the net.
Frei double
The second goal came just two minutes later. Chapuisat broke down the left and slid the ball inside to the unmarked Hakan Yakin, who in turn drew his man before offloading to Frei. The young striker gleefully stroked home his second goal.
Russian recovery
Russia seemed stunned and tried to slow the tempo of the game. They found a foothold, however, and could have pulled a goal back as early as the 20th minute, but Denis Popov stood on the ball with the goal at his mercy. Four minutes later, they did score. Rolan Gusev, the visitors' most threatening outlet, was fouled on the right. He stepped up and delivered a teasing cross, which Ignashevitch met with a powerful header.
Sytchev sub
Gusev continued to threaten with his expert crossing, but Switzerland went into the break with the lead. Russia coach Valery Gazzaev brought off the ineffective Popov, throwing on young livewire Dmitri Sytchev. He was to prove a constant threat in an open second half.
Penalty given
The game seemed to be going the way of the Swiss, but on 68 minutes they conceded an unexpected equaliser. Another Gusev cross seemed to have sailed past the far post only for referee Arturto Dauden Ibañez to blow up for a penalty. He had correctly spotted Rafael Wicky manhandling Igor Yanovski. Wicky was booked for the infringement and Murat Yakin booked for his protestations. Ignashevitch stepped up to take it and blasted confidently past Jörg Stiel to equalise.
Qualifying round - 07 June 2003 19:00 (Local Time)
Ukraine - Lviv.
Ukraine leave it late in thriller.
Saturday, 07 June 2003
A last-gasp goal from defender Serhiy Fyodorov gave Ukraine a crucial 4-3 victory at home to Armenia at the Ukraina stadium in Lyiv.
In touch at the top
Fyodorov's strike three minutes into injury time ensured that his country stayed in touch with leaders Spain at the top of UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying Group 6. Ukraine have taken nine points from their five matches so far, remaining unbeaten, and face the side immediately below them, Greece, away on Wednesday.
Early shock
Armenia remain in fourth position with four points from four matches, and next face Greece at home in September. The visitors caught Ukraine by surprise, taking the lead in the 13th minute as Oleg Luzhny brought down Armenian striker Arman Karamyan inside the penalty area and Albert Sarkisyan converted the resulting spot-kick.
Headed equaliser
The home side recovered from the early setback and drew level two minutes before the half-hour, as Olexandr Horshkov headed in Andriy Shevchenko's corner. The AC Milan striker then nearly gave his side the lead himself, shooting against the crossbar from a narrow angle.
Armenia back in front
Against expectations, however, it was the away team who scored the next goal, as Sarkisyan restored their lead, scoring with a powerful 40-metre shot that caught Ukraine goalkeeper Dmytro Shutkov unawares.
Shevchenko strikes
Shevchenko then scored twice in five minutes midway through the second half to turn the match in the home side's favour, first equalising from the penalty spot after 65 minutes and then beating Armenia goalkeeper Roman Berezovsky again moments later.
All square again
However, Armenia refused to accept defeat and seemed to have earned a draw when Artur Petrosyan equalised with 16 minutes remaining, but Fyodorov's dramatic intervention finally proved decisive for Ukraine.
'Lessons must be learnt'
"It will take some time to take all of this in," said Ukraine coach Leonid Buriak. "Both teams made a number of terrible mistakes, and that's why seven goals were scored. We rescued ourselves but I must praise my players for winning, although we need to learn a lesson from the game."
'Bad luck'
"I can't say anything bad about my side; this is simply bad luck," said his Armenia counterpart, Mihai Stoichita. "We surprised the hosts in the first half, and tried to play on the counterattack in the second. But in the end I think the physical condition of Ukraine told, plus Shevchenko was a factor, of course. But we're not ashamed to return home after this."
Qualifying round - 07 June 2003 19:15 (Local Time)
Vassil Levski - Sofia
Bulgaria bounce back for point.
Saturday, 07 June 2003
Bulgaria twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Belgium in the Vassil Levski stadium in Sofia in UEFA EURO 2004™ Group 8.
Leadership retained
The win kept Plamen Markov's side top of the section, but Belgium slipped to fourth in the standings following Estonia's 2-0 win against an Andorra side they themselves face next in Gand on Wednesday. Bulgaria's next assignment, meanwhile, is at home to Estonia in September.
Early chances
The home side began the brighter, and created three clear goalscoring chances within the first ten minutes, with Daniel Borimirov shooting straight at Geert De Vlieger, before both Rosen Kirilov and Marian Hristov failed to find the target when well-placed. Hristov then had an even better chance on the quarter-hour, but his shot was blocked by as De Vlieger.
Buffel goes close
The away side initially struggled to get out of their own half but might have taken the lead midway through the first period as Bart Goor's chip found Thomas Buffel in time and space inside the penalty area, but at full stretch the midfield player sent his shot just wide.
Posts intervene
Bulgaria rallied immediately, and struck the post twice in four minutes, as Martin Petrov's cross was headed against the right-hand post by Dimitar Berbatov with De Vlieger beaten, before Hristov glanced a header beyond the Belgium goalkeeper only to see the ball strike the other upright.
Own goal
A minute past the half-hour, and against the run of play, the away team took the lead. Eric Deflandre worked space down the right, and his cross into the penalty area was diverted beyond a wrong-footed Zdravko Zdravkov by Bulgaria captain Stilian Petrov.
Berbatov denied
Bulgaria almost responded quickly, as Martin Petrov's corner was met by a towering header from Berbatov which again beat De Vlieger, but Mbo Mpenza was on hand to head the ball off the line.
Deserved equaliser
The game followed a similar pattern in the second half, and on 52 minutes Bulgaria deservedly drew level, as Stilian Petrov's deep cross picked out Berbatov peeling away from his marker, and the striker's thumping header gave De Vlieger no chance.
Instant reply
Parity lasted only four minutes, however, as Belgium won a free-kick midway inside the Bulgaria half, and Walter Baseggio's ball into the area found Philippe Clement totally unmarked, and his header was equally emphatic.
Penalty equaliser
Initially it seemed as if the home side would struggle to recover again, but 19 minutes from time the ball broke for Borimirov inside the penalty area and, as he burst forward, the midfield player was tripped by Baseggio. Substitute Svetoslav Todorov made no mistake, sending De Vlieger the wrong way from the spot.
Chances at both ends
Both sides might have won the game, with Bulgarian substitute Vladimir Manchev and Belgian replacement Emile Mpenza each having good chances, but neither were able to keep their efforts down.
'No room for pessimism'
Bulgaria coach Plamen Markov chose to dwell on the positive aspects of his side's display afterwards, saying: "We lost two points because we had no luck. However, there is no room for pessimism - wins will surely follow with this style of play."
Qualifying round - 07 June 2003 21:15 (Local Time)
Atatürk - Antalya
Stubborn Slovenia frustrate Israel.
Saturday, 07 June 2003
Israel missed a glorious opportunity to take a significant stride towards qualification for UEFA EURO 2004™ after being held to a 0-0 draw by Slovenia in their Group 1 encounter.
No way through
Despite dominating the match in the Turkish city of Antalya, Israel were unable to find a breakthrough and remained third in the table with eight points, two behind Slovenia. The situation will now have to be resolved in September, when Israel travel to Ljubljana for the return fixture.
Afek caught offside
The 2,000 Israel fans who travelled to the Atatürk stadium were twice deceived into thinking they had taken a valuable lead, but on both occasions Omri Afek was caught offside. But after the match, coach Avraham Grant remained optimistic.
Israel dominant
"It was one of the most dominant matches I remember seeing an Israeli side play," he said. "You need half a chance to win matches but we missed those chances today. I can't recall even one occassion where Slovenia threatened to score and this is an encouraging fact."
Quiet start
The game started slowly but in the 12th minute Israel thought they had taken the lead. Haim Revivo's flick gave Avi Nimni the time and space to float in a telling cross and Omri Afek ghosted unmarked behind Slovenia's defence before volleying the ball into the top corner.
Celebrations shortlived
However, Afek's celebrations were shortlived as Swiss referee Massimo Busacca disallowed the effort for offside. Two minutes later, Avisahi Zano's pinpoint cross was met by Nimni's powerful header which narrowly missed the target.
Afek offside
Then Omer Afek set up his Hapoel Tel-Aviv team-mate Yossi Abuksis, whose powerful drive was saved by Slovenia goalkeeper Marko Simeunovic. On the stroke of half-time, the combination of Nimni and Afek once again had the ball in the back of the net, only for Afek, who chested down Nimni's cross before slotting the ball home, to be adjudged offside.
Second-half frustration
Grant made some tactical changes at half-time, but his side continued to be frustrated by the stubborn Slovenian defence throughout the second half. In the 80th minute, substitute Michael Zandberg crashed in a powerful volley that seemed to have beaten Simeunovic, only for it to sail agonisingly wide of the post, and with it went Israel's chances of victory.
Qualifying round - 07 June 2003 20:00 (Local Time)
City - Skopje
First win for F.Y.R. Macedonia.
Saturday, 07 June 2003
Goce Sedloski, Mile Kristev and Aco Stoikov were all on target as Nikola Ilievski's F.Y.R. Macedonia side claimed their first victory from UEFA EURO 2004™ Group
Beck opens scoring
But the home side did not have it all their way as Liechtenstein took the lead after 18 minutes when Roger Beck blasted home from close range. Ralf Loose's side then showed that they can defend as well as they withstood some furious pressure from the home side. However, Macedonia did finally equalise six minutes before half-time when Liechtenstein goalkeeper Peter Jehle brought down Aco Stoikov and Sedloski stepped up to fire home from the spot.
Stoikov shines
All square at the break, just six minutes of the second half had elapsed when midfield player Mile Kristev put the home side 2-1 up. The Macedonians then had several opportunities to increase the lead but had to wait until the 82nd minute before they could celebrate their third goal of the evening, Stoikov capping a fine display with a goal.
Liechtenstein cut adrift
The victory leaves Macedonia a point behind Slovakia in fourth place in Group 7, while Liechtenstein are now four points adrift at the bottom. Macedonia coach Nikola Ilievski said that he was pleased with the three points, but had expected his side to score more goals.
Mixed reaction
He said: "I'm satisfied with the result but not with how my players played. I expect them to score more goals in a game like this but we wasted too many chances. We didn't play in the way I had told my players before the game and I was also surprised that some players played below their capacity."
Loose satisfied
Liechtenstein coach Ralf Loose, meanwhile, was in a far better mood than his victorious counterpart. Loose said: "I am satisfied with my team. I am happy that we scored but we committed too many mistakes in defence. Overall I think we played well and I must congratulate my team as we have many new and inexperienced players."
Bulgaria registered a diplomatic even match vs Europe on the football field. The team of the Bulgarian politicians finished 4-4 vs the team of the foreign diplomats in a charity match played at the National Stadium 'Vassil Levski'. Captain of the Bulgarian team was the president of the National Assembly Ognyan Gerdjikov, while Bulgarian President Georgy Parvanov passed the ball, dressed in jersey No 10. Photo Kiril Konstantinov, Standartnews.
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Panayotov Scored a Berbatov Style Goal.
Standartnews
Elena Yaneva
Bulgaria registered a diplomatic even match vs Europe on the football field. The match between Bulgarian politicians and foreign diplomats finished 4-4 after dramatic changes at the National Stadium 'Vassil Levski'. The Bulgarians made the score even in the additional time with a goal of Deputy Justice Minister Mario Dimitrov. Minutes before that the IMRO (Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization) leader Krassimir Karakachanov scored an own goal. The score was opened by the NMS floor leader Plamen Panayotov. In a 'a la Berbatov' style he shot the goal-keeper with a unsaved header as early as the 4th minute. President Georgy Parvanov dressed in No 10 jersey, passed the ball like Balakov. He made several brilliant combinations with Bulgaria's Diplomat No 1 Solomon Passy. Loudly applauded, he left the field (20). The heartiest player in the Bulgarian team was Gen. Boiko Borissov, who wore the fatal No 13 jersey and he got the greatest number of warnings from referee Yonka Djoleva. The best player form the foreign diplomats was Sweden's ambassador Sten Ask, who let his 16-year-old son Christopher play in the match. The foreign diplomats were disheartened by the brilliant performance of the Bulgarian goal-keeper Ognyan Gerdjikov. The president of the National Assembly jumped like a lion and he saved at least 4 certain goals. Before the match President Georgy Parvanov treated the two teams to wine in the Presidency. The Head of State announced that some 50,000 levs had already been collected from the charity match and that the money would be granted to the homes for handicapped children and old people.
Football champion Vardar became the first Macedonian team to reach the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League by surprisingly eliminating Russian league leaders PFC CSKA Moskva 3-2 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw in Skopje late Wednesday.
At yesterday match, played in front of about 13.000 football fans, CSKA broke the deadlock, as Gogniev capitalised on confusion inside the Vardar penalty area to sweep the ball into the net at the 30th minute of the game. In the 65th minute it was 1-1 with Vandair's attack on CSKA net.
"I must admit that CSKA were the better team in first half," said Vardar coach Zoran Stratev. "But my team played very well. We proved that we can play against great teams and I must congratulate my players and our fans who gave us the strength to achieve this historic success."
His CSKA counterpart Valeri Gazzaev was gracious in defeat, saying: "I congratulate Vardar, and I wish them very well in third qualifying round. I accept full responsibility for this defeat - obviously we are not ready to play in Champions League.
CSKA were welcomed at yatagan drawn in Istanbul. The Turkish media broke the news: 'The Barbarians are coming to shed blood'. The 'Fanatic' is the most fierce one: 'Today, we face a Bulgarian invasion. Some 5,000 fans will watch the match live, despite the $20-tickets. So far, a major part of them has caused so much trouble to their own team and our neighbors are helpless to tackle the problem alone. Outside Sofia, these fans become dreadful. Anyway, Istanbul has to be very careful at their arrival,' the tabloid reads. The response of CSKA sounds like the patriotic song: 'Here comes Simeon, calling on his voivodes'. 'We are coming to defeat you,' head-coach of the Red team - Stoicho Mladenov, said at his arrival in Istanbul.
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Stoicho Mladenov: We Are Coming to Defeat You!
Head-coach of CSKA prepares two surprises in the line-up vs Galatasaray.
PFC CSKA has come to triumph over Galatasaray in Istanbul, were the first words of Stoicho Mladenov before the Turkish journalists. Although, the head-coach did not miss the chance to dangle the carrots for Galatasaray. He repeated once again that the Turkish team is No 1 on the Balkans and one of the top squads in Europe. Mladenov, however, will spring a surprise in the line-up this evening. Yordan Varbanov will replace injured Brazilian Joao Carlos in the center of the defence-line, while Hristo Yanev is likely to play in the attack in the stead of Portuguese Joao Paolo Brito.
Anti-Bulgarian hysteria in Istanbul over the Galatasaray-CSKA clash today.
by Misho the Turkophobe (Login Slivenets)
Posted on Aug 13, 2003, 6:51 PM
from IP address 212.50.15.91
Bulgarian News Exchange
Miroslav Darkov
Anti-Bulgarian hysteria ran high today in the Turkish media upon the long-awaited first leg Champions league qualification between the teams of Galatasaray-Istanbul and CSKA-Sofija.
"The barbarians are coming, they crave for bloodshed", unanimously alarmed the broadcasts in the Turkish capital. Special emphasis was laid on the historical encumbrance between the neighbouring Balkan countries in the light of the five-centuries long dominance of the Ottoman empire in the region. Supporters of CSKA struck lines of nationalist Bulgarian songs, including the famous "Kraj Bosfora shum se vdiga, lúskat sabi, shtitove. Eto - Simeon pristiga, vojvodi si zove..."
According to the Turkish tabloid "Fanatik", Bulgarians who travelled in the buses sponsored by CSKA, urinated en masse on Turkish soil minutes after passing through the checkpoint at Kapitan Andreevo and demonstratively burnt a Turkish national flag. Such is considered an offensive crime by the Turkish law and threatens to put behind the bars the disturbers for some five years if tried and found guilty. The newspaper expressed strong disapproval of the "highly instigative" behaviour by the CSKA-fans kept up in the same fashion in Istanbul.
The total number of Bulgarians who undertook the trip to the Turkish capital worked out at 5,000 despite the intentionally raised price of $20 for a ticket. "They are here to show how much they hate Turkey, and the officials of CSKA do nothing to prevent them from running riot", complained Turkish journalists. Clashes between aledgedly drunken Bulgarian fans and police forces on the central streets of Istanbul led to the imprisonment of nearly 200 supporters of the Bulgarian club.
Emil Gúrgorov - CSKA's most dangerous forward, said that as long as his team overthrows on time the shock of the expected 70,000 Turks screaming at the top of their lungs, a positive result for the Bulgarian side is likely to come out. Optimism emanated from the camp of the Bulgarian champion as a whole, though the Bulgarians refrained from making bombastic statements. "We believe that Fenerbahce is currently the strongest Balkan football team and we go about this match with due respect", said Stojcho Mladenov, CSKA's coach.
In return, the star of the Turks, Hakan Shukur, promised to score twice against CSKA in the upcoming match only and predicted that the qualification round would be decided in favour of Fenerbahce even after the first leg. Representatives of the Turkish heavyweight paid ritually a visit to an Imam in search for spiritual uplifting and encouragement. The news of this resulted in ethnic slurs by the Bulgarians who grouped the Turks as "cut turban savages".
The Bulgarian historian Marko Semov and football commentator Tomislav Rusev warned that sports should not stir up tension between Turkey and Bulgaria, but promote friendly relations instead. They called for self-control as long as the Bulgarian camp is concerned.
Qualifying round - 06 September 2003 16:00 (Local Time)
Comunal - Andorra La Vella.
Croatia cruise past Andorra.
Saturday, 06 September 2003
Croatia kept up the pressure on UEFA EURO 2004™ Group 8 leaders Bulgaria with a comfortable win against Andorra.
One point behind
The Balkan side have taken 13 points from six matches and remain one point behind Bulgaria, 2-0 winners at home to Estonia, with two games left. Croatia are three points ahead of third-placed Belgium whom they play away on Wednesday.
Comfortable win
Croatia triumphed this afternoon thanks to goals from Nico Kovac, Josip Šimunic and Giovanni Rosso - ensuring that Andorra's record of never having earned a point in three UEFA European Championship campaigns continued.
Kovac opener
Otto Baric's side were in front after just four minutes as Hertha BSC Berlin midfield player Kovac was allowed to rise unmarked to head in from a corner.
Šimunic strikes
A defensive error allowed the Croatians to double their lead after 12 minutes when Kovac's Hertha colleague Šimunic found the target from close range after Andorra had failed to clear a loose ball inside their penalty area.
Croatia dominant
The visitors dominated the opening spell but lost some of their momentum after Kovac was forced to leave the field through injury at the end of the first half. None the less, they continued to pen their opponents inside their own half in the second period.
Rosso on target
A third goal seemed inevitable, and it was Maccabi Haifa FC midfield player Giovanni Rosso who scored it, rising highest to head in from six metres from a corner midway through the half.
Belgian test
But for some good goalkeeping, the score could easily have been higher, but with that vital game away against Belgium on Wednesday, three goals was a satisfactory return for Croatia. Andorra, meanwhile, face Bulgaria on Wednesday in their final game.
Qualifying round - 06 September 2003 16:00 (Local Time)
Lansdowne Road - Dublin.
Dublin draw favours Russia.
Saturday, 06 September 2003
Qualification for UEFA EURO 2004™ is no longer in the Republic of Ireland's hands after Brian Kerr's side could only draw 1-1 at home to Group 10 rivals Russia.
Out of their hands
The Irish knew that wins in their final two qualifiers, at home to Russia and away to Switzerland, would win the group for them. However, they now need to beat the Swiss and depend on the results of other games, notably Wednesday's match in Moscow between Russia and Switzerland, although a win in Basel next month would guarantee Ireland a play-off spot.
Poor second half
Ireland hoped for great things when they took the lead on 35 minutes through Damien Duff, but the Russians were level within seven minutes. Sergei Ignashevich scored and a poor second-half display by the home side meant they were unable to reclaim the lead. Russia therefore walked off the pitch the happier side after coach Georgi Yartsev's first match in charge.
Sluggish start
Yartsev's men know that they will go level on points with Ireland if they can beat the Swiss. Russia's preparations for the game were not ideal - they only arrived in Dublin on Friday afternoon, 24 hours before kick-off, and they looked sluggish in the early stages.
Duff scores
Ireland had the better of the opening exchanges, with chances for Damien Duff, Colin Healy and Lee Carsley in the first half-hour. In the 35th minute Duff scored his fifth international goal, picking up the ball midway through his own half, chasing towards the Russian goal and firing a shot past keeper Sergei Ovchinnikov.
Ignashevich on hand
The Irish relaxed, however, and allowed the visitors an equaliser on 42 minutes. Shay Given failed to deal with a corner by Alexander Mostovoi and defender Ignashevich was on hand to hit the equaliser.
Near things
The second half was a dull affair with few chances. Clinton Morrison went close for Ireland on 47 minutes, while in the 72nd minute Russian captain Viktor Onopko almost stole a goal. Then, with ten minutes left, striker Dmitri Bulykin did well to get past his marker and send in a cross, but none of his team-mates was there to meet it.
Cunningham suspension
Ireland play Turkey in a friendly on Tuesday and manager Kerr will use the game to experiment, especially as captain Kenny Cunningham will miss the Swiss game in October after he was booked in the second half.
Qualifying round - 06 September 2003 18:00 (Local Time)
Vassil Levski - Sofia.
Bulgaria still on top.
Saturday, 06 September 2003
Goals from Martin Petrov and Dimitar Berbatov gave Bulgaria a 2-0 victory against Estonia in Sofia in their final UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier on home soil to retain their advantage at the top of Group 8. Plamen Markov's side will now secure at least a play-off spot with victory in Andorra on Wednesday.
Bright beginnings
With midfielder Daniel Borimirov in the right-back berth vacated by Radostin Kishishev, who has retired from international football, and PFC CSKA Sofia's Velizar Dimitrov in right midfield, Bulgaria began brightly. Estonia goalkeeper Mart Poom had already saved brilliantly from Berbatov's header before Martin Petrov opened the scoring with a powerful shot on 16 minutes after fine play from Dimitrov and Zoran Jankovic.
Missed opportunities
But Estonia, who were mostly occupied in defence, then missed two great openings within a minute. First, Kristen Viikmäe failed to take advantage of goalkeeper Dimitar Ivankov's poor clearance, although the latter did make amends with a fine stop. Then, from the resulting corner, Bulgaria somehow survived a goalmouth scramble.
Doubling up
In the second half, home coach Markov's decision to push Borimirov into midfield paid dividends as Bulgaria extended their lead through Berbatov's well-taken goal on 66 minutes. Estonia suffered another blow when striker Andres Oper was sent off for a late challenge on Ilian Stoianov. With the game over as a contest, Bulgaria then went close to a third as Marian Hristov missed an open goal.
'Stay focused'
The win kept Bulgaria a point clear of Croatia, who defeated Andorra tonight. "The most important thing was the win," said Markov. "The pressure was on as we had to win to maintain our chances of finishing in the top two. We made some mistakes and Estonia played very well, but we won. Now we go to Andorra and we have to stay focused. A win there will guarantee at least a play-off spot."
Pijpers praise
Defeat for Estonia meant they cannot now qualify for the Portugal finals. Their coach, Arno Pijpers, said: "Bulgaria have a very good side and a good chance of reaching the finals. Now we have only one game left against Belgium and we would like to prove in that game that Estonia are on the rise."
Qualifying round - 06 September 2003 18:30 (Local Time)
Dinamo - Minsk.
Czechs recover to maintain pace.
Saturday, 06 September 2003
The Czech Republic will enter their key UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier against the Netherlands on Wednesday high on confidence after coming from behind to defeat Belarus 3-1 in Minsk and extend their unbeaten run to seven matches in Group 7.
Surprise opener
Karel Brückner's side have played some superb football in a section they will win if they overcome the Dutch in Prague, after the two sides drew in Rotterdam in March. Pavel Nedved, Vladimír Šmicer and Milan Baroš all scored for the Czechs, who fell behind to Vitali Bulyha's opening strike.
Debut goal
It was an attacking match from the start, with Belarus looking for points to avoid finishing bottom of the group. The home side were rewarded for their adventure in the 14th minute when Bulhya marked his first appearance for his country with a headed goal. The Czechs almost responded immediately, Nedved's stinging drive deserving better than to strike a post.
Disallowed strike
Jan Koller was next to go close for the visitors, the tall striker causing havoc in the Belarus area before heading the ball in, only for Scottish referee Thomas McCurry to disallow it for foul play by the BV Borussia Dortmund forward. Yet the Czechs were not having it all their own way, Belarus going close through Sergei Gurenko and Maksim Romashchenko.
Dynamo duo missing
Nedved did not follow suit, the Juventus FC playmaker equalising with a superb, curling free-kick from 25 metres in the 37th minute. Baroš missed two chances to put the Czechs ahead, while Vitali Kutusov did likewise for a Belarus side missing two of their best players, the FC Dynamo Kyiv midfield duo of Valentin Belkevich and Aleksandr Khatskevich.
Liverpool connection
The second half was all about the Czechs, with the Liverpool FC connection of Baroš and Šmicer sealing the result in their country's favour. Šmicer began the move which resulted in the second goal, feeding Karel Poborský whose touch released Baroš to fire in under the crossbar in the 54th minute. With five minutes remaining Šmicer raced on to a Stepan Vachousek through-ball and secured maximum points with a third.
'Poor start'
"Even though we were aware of the strength of the opposition we still made a poor start to the match," said victorious coach Brückner. "We found our momentum later in the half and were able to apply more pressure in the second. We had no choice but to win and thankfully our attacking play was good enough."
Qualifying round - 06 September 2003 19:15 (Local Time)
Centralny - Donetsk.
Ukrainian hopes hit by draw.
Saturday, 06 September 2003
Ukraine's slim hopes of qualifying for UEFA EURO 2004™ were all but ended by a goalless draw at home to Northern Ireland, Ukraine's Andriy Nesmachniy and Olexandr Horshkov and Keith Gillespie of Northern Ireland.
Hopes fading
The result left Ukraine in third place in Group 6 with ten points from seven games, five adrift of group leaders Greece and one behind second-placed Spain, who they must beat in Elche in their final qualifier on Wednesday to have any hope of securing second position and a place in the play-offs.
Encouraging display
Northern Ireland, meanwhile – who have now gone 1,062 minutes since their last international goal – remained bottom of the group with three points from six matches yet this was another encouraging display.
Taylor in form
Ukraine, who were without the injured AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko, were in control for much of the match but were unable to turn their dominance into goals, while Maik Taylor was in fine form in the Northern Ireland goal.
Voronin denied
In front of a vociferous home crowd, Ukraine created several chances, with Andriy Voronin coming the closest to breaking the deadlock moments before half-time as his low right-foot shot beat Taylor only to strike the right-hand post and rebound to safety. Serhiy Rebrov, Gennadiy Zubov and Oleg Gusev also tested the visitors' defence in the first 45 minutes as the home side strove for a vital breakthrough.
Reflex stop
In the second period, Taylor produced a fine reflex save to save a long-range effort from Anatoliy Tymoschuk and a spectacular save to keep out Andriy Vorobei's fine strike as Ukraine threw men forward. Substitute Olexandr Melashchenko almost scored what would have been the winning goal in stoppage time, but instead headed wide from close range.
'Very disappointed'
"I'm very disappointed," said Ukraine coach Leonid Buryak. "We wanted to win so badly that we tried too hard. Our chances of qualifying look miserable now, but as long as they are still there we should fight. Shevchenko will probably be available for our last game in Spain. In this campaign, we have had to overcome too many setbacks - we haven't played a single match with our first-choice squad."
'Bright future'
His Northern Ireland counterpart, Sammy McIlroy, said: "There are very many young faces in our squad and they passed a very serious test. I'm even more delighted than when we drew with Spain. With a young team, I believe that we can be more competitive in the near future."
Qualifying round - 06 September 2003 20:15 (Local Time)
Central - Ljubljana.
Zahovic inspires stylish Slovenia.
Saturday, 06 September 2003
Zlatko Zahovic was the inspiration as Slovenia cruised to a 3-1 victory against Israel that took them closer to a place in the play-offs.
Three assists
The Slovenia captain had a hand in all three home goals in Ljubljana. The No10 helped his side score twice in quick succession in the first half through Ermin Šiljak and Aleksandrs Knavs before his late pass allowed Nastja Ceh to hit the goal of the night.
Point needed
Slovenia now have 13 points from six UEFA EURO 2004™ Group 1 games, leaving them five behind leaders France and five ahead of Israel. A point from either of their last two matches against France on Wednesday or Cyprus next month would guarantee at least a top-two finish.
Ceh impressive
Zahovic was eager to get forward at every opportunity and in Ceh, found someone willing to match his adventurous spirit. Despite plenty of desire, the away side could not find a way through. Slovenia's breakthrough finally came in the 35th minute. Zahovic lined the ball up on the right of goal before sending in a free-kick that reached Šiljak. He hooked the ball goalwards and, although Avi Nimny thought he had cleared, the referee ruled the whole of the ball had crossed the line.
Quick second
Barely a minute later and it was two. From an identical position, Zahovic's centre was met by a majestic header from Knavs that gave Shavit Elimelech no chance. Yossi Benayoun tried to get an instant reply only for Ceh to clear.
Benayoun denied
Nevertheless, Israel started the second half well and were nearly rewarded three minutes after the restart when Benayoun went close with a superb flicked header. However, Zahovic and Ceh were always a menace and were quick to join their side's attacks whenever possible.
Harazi lively
Zahovic nearly scored in the 66th minute. A delightful cross from Ceh was met by the SL Benfica man on the volley, but the shot was saved. Yet Israel got their goal three minutes later. The lively Alon Harazi pushed forward before pulling the ball back for Haim Revivo to slot in from close range.
Late dismissals
In the 78th minute, Ceh raced clear on a counterattack. Zahovic went with him and the two worked a sublime one-two before Ceh volleyed into the corner of the net. Israel were down and out and sloppy challenges from Nimny and Tal Ben Haim, that led to red cards, typified their frustration.
Worked hard
Slovenia coach Bojan Prašnikar said: "Israel are a team who force you to play hard. My players did just that so we deserved the three points." Israel coach Avraham Grant said: "We started playing very ambitious football but we did not have the luck. Free-kicks won the game for Slovenia."
Qualifying round - 06 September 2003 20:30 (Local Time)
Skonto - Riga.
Poland revived in Riga.
Saturday, 06 September 2003
Two first-half goals in Riga may have resurrected Poland's hopes of qualifying for Portugal.
Fighting chance
Miroslaw Szymkowiak and Tomasz Klos struck a goal apiece in the space of three minutes to blunt Latvia's edge at the Skonto stadium, and Pawel Janas's side are now in with a chance of securing top spot in Group 4.
Off the post
A thrilling opening period saw both sides go close, with Imants Bleidelis rattling Jerzy Dudek's left-hand post with a long-range drive after six minutes as Latvia aimed to seize second place in the group.
Relief for Latvia
However, just a minute later Jacek Krzynówek gave Aleksandrs Kolinko a fright in the Latvian goal as his low free-kick from 25 metres beat the goalkeeper only to strike the foot of his left-hand post.
Sensational save
Dudek kept Poland on level terms after 17 minutes as he palmed a magnificent drive from Valentins Lobanovs to safety, and as Andrejs Prohorenkovs squandered a great chance to beat the Polish goalkeeper after 27 minutes, the home side's luck seemed to be against them.
Magnificent free-kick
However, there was nothing lucky about Poland's opening goal on 36 minutes. Szymkowiak lined up a free-kick 25 metres from goal, and dipped an excellent drive over the Latvian defensive wall and past Kolinko to the delight of the Polish travelling support.
Decisive assist
Delight turned to rapture for the visitors three minutes later as Szymkowiak turned provider. He darted a free-kick in from the left-hand touchline which defender Klos forcefully headed into the Latvian goal from six metres.
Safe option
The second half was something of an anti-climax after that exciting opening period as Poland opted to play it safe. They easily contained Latvia, but as tempers flared, their task was made much easier.
Red card
With half an hour remaining, Jurijs Laizans seemed to lunge at Mariusz Lewandowski off the ball, and after consulting his assistant, referee Kyros Vassaras showed the Latvian the red card.
Near miss
A flurry of substitutions could not rescue Latvia and Poland nearly added insult to injury as Jacek Krzynówek tested Kolinko with a shot in the third minute of added time.
In contention
The result leaves Poland and Latvia level on ten points. Poland play host to group leaders Sweden on Wednesday while Latvia take on second-placed Hungary. Both sides remain in contention for top-two finishes in the group if they win those games.
Qualifying round - 10 September 2003 17:30 (Local Time)
Comunal - Andorra La Vella.
Bulgaria cruise into finals.
Wednesday, 10 September 2003
Bulgaria moved into the finals of UEFA EURO 2004™ with a comfortable 3-0 win away to Andorra.
Top of the table
The result left Bulgaria top of Group 8 with 17 points from seven games, and Belgium's victory against Croatia confirmed their place in Portugal. Andorra, meanwhile, ended their qualifying campaign bottom of the table, pointless and with a single goal to their name after eight matches.
Early advantage
Any early Bulgarian nerves were calmed in the tenth minute, as Georgi Peev's corner was met by Dimitar Berbatov who headed into the net from near the penalty spot.
Decisive second
The away side effectively sealed the points 13 minutes later as midfield player Daniel Borimirov's pass over the top of the defence set Berbatov clear of the offside trap and the Bayer 04 Leverkusen striker kept his head and slipped the ball under Andorran goalkeeper Koldo Alvárez to double Bulgaria's lead.
Goalmouth scramble
Martin Petrov almost made it 3-0 with a well-struck free-kick that hit the woodwork before Bulgaria completed the scoring 13 minutes into the second period as 1. FC Kaiserslautern midfield player Marian Hristov latched on to a loose ball after a goalmouth scramble to notch the third.
Late red card
Andorra ended the match with ten men after defender Francesc Ramírez was shown a late red card for a foul on Borimirov five minutes from time.
Qualifying round - 10 September 2003 20:00 (Local Time)
Lokomotiv - Moscow.
Bulykin boosts Russian bid.
Wednesday, 10 September 2003
Dmitri Bulykin scored a hat-trick as Russia defeated Switzerland 4-1 in Moscow to keep alive their hopes of automatic qualification from UEFA EURO 2004™ Group 10.
All to play for
The result moved the Russians into second place in the section with eleven points from seven games, one point behind the Swiss and ahead of the Republic of Ireland by virtue of a superior record in head-to-head games. All three sides have one match to play, with the Swiss taking on Ireland in Basel on 11 October, while Russia are at home to Georgia the same night.
Attacking intent
The opening 45 minutes was a breathless affair, with both sides eager to attack. Aleksandr Kerzhakov had the first real chance after 12 minutes, shooting just over from a narrow angle, but a minute later the visitors were in front. Patrick Müller's perceptive through-ball found Stéphane Chapuisat inside the penalty area, and his low ball across the face of goal was turned into his own net by Andrei Kariaka under pressure from Alexander Frei.
Immediate response
However, the goal seemed to inspire the home side, who began to press Switzerland back before deservedly equalising seven minutes after falling behind. Kerzhakov beat Swiss goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbühler to the ball and found Rolan Gusev, whose cross picked out the unmarked Bulykin and the forward headed into an unguarded net.
Solo strike
Both sides continued to throw men forward at every opportunity, with Kerzhakov forcing Zuberbühler into a full-length save before shooting narrowly wide, but it was Bulykin again who gave the Russians a deserved lead. The forward collected a pass and held off Remo Meyer before bursting past Murat Yakin and Bruno Berner to score with a low shot.
Bulykin hat-trick
The second half began in similar fashion, with Russia still looking the more likely scorers, and Kerzhakov's low strike forced Zuberbühler into another sprawling stop. From the resulting corner, however, it was 3-1, as Bulykin got ahead of his marker to meet Aleksandr Mostovoi's cross with a powerful downward header.
Decisive fourth
The goal visibly deflated the visitors, and the match was wrapped up 18 minutes from time. Kerzhakov's shot was blocked, but the forward regained possession and curled a cross towards Mostovoi, whose header found the bottom right-hand corner of the net.
Late chances
Both Kerzhakov and substitute Marat Izmailov had chances to add a fifth, while Switzerland ended the match with ten men after midfield player Ricardo Cabanas was sent off following a tangle with Vladislav Radimov.
Qualifying round - 10 September 2003 20:15 (Local Time)
Mestsky Sportovy - Zilina.
Spoils shared in Zilina.
Wednesday, 10 September 2003
Slovakia were held to a 1-1 draw at home by F.Y.R. Macedonia in UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying Group 7.
Out of running
Szilárd Nemeth gave the home team lead in the first half but Draganco Dimitrovski levelled after the interval to ensure the points were shared between two sides that had already been eliminated. Slovakia remained in third place behind Turkey and section leaders England.
Second half foothold
F.Y.R Macedonia, who finished second from bottom ahead of Liechtenstein, gained a foothold in the match in the second half having created few meaningful chances in the opening period. The home team were denied by solid defending early on but it was not long before Nemeth found a way through. He opened the scoring in the 25th minute, striking a powerful shot from distance which goalkeeper Petar Milosevski was powerless to stop.
Milosevski saves
The visitors were fortunate not to go further behind. Nemeth, Tomáš Oravec and Vladimír Janocko could all have increased the lead and Milosevski was forced to produce a number of fine saves to prevent Slovakia from going further ahead. Dimitrovski, who had come on as a replacement for Ilco Naumoski, eventually equalised in the 63rd minute. He collected a pass from Artim Sakiri after a fine counterattacking move and remained composed to slot in.
Missed chance
F.Y.R. Macedonia, however, missed the best chance of the game when Vanco Trajanov's volley hit the post after he had latched on to a rebound from a Dimitrija Kapinkovski free-kick in the 79th minute. Slovakia face Liechtenstein for their final qualifier on 11 October while F.Y.R. Macedonia can look back at an impressive draw in England as the highlight of their campaign.
15'Koller (pen)
38'Poborský
90'+ 4'Baroš
62'van der Vaart
Qualifying round - 10 September 2003 20:15 (Local Time)
Toyota Arena - Prague.
Poborský sets Prague alight.
Wednesday, 10 September 2003
Karel Poborský ran the show in front of his home fans at the Toyota Arena in Prague to earn the Czech Republic a direct qualifying place for UEFA EURO 2004™ at the expense of Group 3 rivals the Netherlands.
Poborský on song
The AC Sparta Praha midfield player won the 15th-minute penalty from which Edgar Davids was sent off and Jan Koller put the home side ahead, and then scored himself shortly before the break to ensure a belated Netherlands fightback came to nothing.
Czechs impose control
The joint group leaders squared off with direct qualification at stake, and neither side was willing to risk much in the opening stages. But it was not long before the nimble Czech midfield began to impose control.
Rosický sets tone
Poborský and Tomáš Rosický, in particular, set the tone with some fine interchanges and the quick passing proved too much for Davids, who was booked for a foul on Pavel Nedved on ten minutes. Three minutes later another fine ball from Rosický sent Poborský through on goal before Davids knocked him down for a penalty and a red card.
Koller strikes
With the Dutch down to ten men, Koller stepped up to inflict further damage on the visiting side, sending Edwin van der Saar the wrong way from the spot.
Poborský strike
Paul Bosvelt came on for Marc Overmars as Dick Advocaat looked to tighten the Dutch midfield, and briefly the Czech Republic were contained. On 23 minutes Phillip Cocu drilled a low shot at Petr Cech, but the home side remained ominously effective on the break and on 38 minutes struck again. This time it was Nedved who provided the killer ball through to Poborský on the right and he drifted into the area before flighting a delicate lob over the on-rushing Van der Sar.
Fine start
Dutch frstrations spilled over and Ruud van Nistelrooij was booked for a poor challenge on Nedved just before the break. And things looked set to get worse for the Netherlands when Poborský kicked off the second half as he had ended the first, bearing down on Van der Saar's goal. Then on 51 minutes Van der Saar had to be at his best to keep out Vladimir Šmicer's low drive after he had been picked out in space by the rampaging Poborský.
Fortunate goal
But the Dutch worked a toe-hold on the game soon after. A deep cross into the box was headed clear by René Bolf, but straight into the path of Rafael van der Vaart whose low shot cannoned in off the unfortunate Martin Jiránek.
Baroš leaves it late
The army of Dutch fans found their voice and urged their side forward. But as the Netherlands attacked, they left themselves exposed and the home side finally took advantage with the final kick of the match, Milan Baroš rounding Van der Saar to complete a perfect night for the Czech Republic and force the Netherlands to content themselves with a place in the play-offs.
Qualifying round - 10 September 2003 20:45 (Local Time)
FK Crvena Zvezda - Belgrade.
Italy hold on to maintain pace.
Wednesday, 10 September 2003
Italy missed the chance to gain automatic qualification to UEFA EURO 2004™, but remained in control of Group 9 after a 1-1 draw away to Serbia and Montenegro.
Home side go out
With Wales drawing 1-1 against Finland, Italy remain a point ahead with one game left. Although a late Saša Ilic equaliser denied them victory, they spent most of the game on the backfoot against an attacking Serbo-Montenegrin side, who cannot now qualify.
Suspended duo
Dejan Stankovic and Zvonimir Vukic were suspended for the home team, so Ilic and Predrag Djordjevic came into midfield, while Savo Milosevic replaced the injured Darko Kovacevic up front. For the Azzurri, defender Alessio Tacchinardi took the place of Cristiano Zanetti.
First chance
Serbia and Montenegro knew they needed a win, especially after Wales took an early lead against Finland, and started at a rate of knots, just as Italy had done in beating the Welsh 4-0 on Saturday. However, it was the Italians who had the first chance as Simone Perrotta's shot was saved by Dragoslav Jevric.
Cirkovic the danger man
The home team strived to get the ball wide, where Milivoje Cirkovic's crosses from the right were causing real problems. Mateja Kezman raced into the box to latch on to one such centre and shoot over on 16 minutes. However, six minutes later a goal came at the other end.
Inzaghi scores
The man on target was Filippo Inzaghi, scorer of a hat-trick against Wales. He ran on to Fabio Cannavaro's long free-kick, outmuscled Goran Gavrancic and slotted in. It was a shock to the home side, and although Kezman did have a header tipped over by Gianluigi Buffon, Italy held on comfortably until half-time.
Ljuboja chance
After the break, Serbia and Montenegro again pushed forward although the introduction of Gennaro Gattuso added steel to the Italian midfield. Danijel Ljuboja was sent on for Kezman to bolster the Serbo-Montenegrin attack, and headed fellow substitute Branko Boskovic's cross just wide.
Ilic levels
But with eight minutes left the deserved equaliser came as Boskovic's corner came to Milosevic, whose shot was cleared off the line but only as far as Ilic, who made no mistake.
'A brilliant game'
The home side could not score again and their turbulent campaign ended before their final trip to Wales. Their coach Ilja Petkovic said: "It was a brilliant game because we saw two great teams. But tonight we deserved to win and I am very unhappy. When you make about 15 chances and you miss 14 you cannot win, especially against Italy who have a very strong defence."
One step to go
Italy missed the chance to qualify automatically, but will be relieved with a point and now need only beat Azerbaijan at home on 11 October to reach Portugal. Coach Giovanni Trapattoni said: "We have only got one step to make it to Portugal and I believe we will win against Azerbaijan."
UKRAINE, POLAND TO MAKE JOINT BID TO HOST EURO SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIPS.
Ukraine and Poland have agreed to submit a joint bid to host the EURO 2012 soccer championships, Reuters reported on 29 September, quoting the Ukrainian Soccer Federation (FFU). "I think this is a great undertaking for both countries and we already asked the presidents of the two nations to give this project their full support," FFU President Hryhoriy Surkis said. Last year there was a proposal for a joint Russia-Ukraine bid to stage the 2008 European finals, but it was rejected by the Russians, who bid alone and lost.
Qualifying round - 11 October 2003 17:00 (Local Time)
Puskas Ferénc - Budapest
Polish victory is in vain
Saturday, 11 October 2003
Two goals from Andrzej Niedzielan gave Poland a 2-1 win in Hungary in their final UEFA EURO 2004™ Group 4 qualifier on Saturday - but Latvia's surprise win in Sweden meant the Polish missed out on a place in the play-offs.
Off to a flier
The 23-year-old Groclin Grodzisk Wielkopolski striker got the visitors off to a flier, latching on to a through-ball in the tenth minute and slotting crisply past Gábor Kiraly. Niedzielan struck again in the 63rd minute, rounding Kiraly and doubling his tally, despite Hungary's appeals for offside.
Entertaining match
In between, Hungary created several chances in an entertaining match, drawing level early in the second half through in-form VfB Stuttgart striker Imre Szabics, who finished well after good work from Ákos Füzi. Both sides went into the game with a chance of winning a play-off berth - but only if Latvia lost so when the news came through of their shock 1-0 win in Sweden the Poles were downcast.
Swedes win group
Poland finished third in the group with 13 points, three behind Latvia. Sweden won the group with 17 points and Hungary ended fourth on eleven.
Qualifying round - 11 October 2003 17:00 (Local Time)
Ernst Happel - Vienna
Koller clinches last-gasp win.
Saturday, 11 October 2003
Jan Koller's stoppage-time goal ensured the Czech Republic concluded their UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying campaign with a 3-2 defeat of ten-man Austria in the Ernst Happel stadium in Vienna.
Confidence high
The Czech team had done enough to reach the final tournament in Portugal next summer before kick-off and, on a run of 17 matches without a loss, went into the encounter brimming with the confidence of a side in form. Austria, meanwhile, entertained no chance of qualification and finished the section in third position in the standings.
Admirable spirit
The hosts, nevertheless, showed admirable spirit despite the fact that their opponents seized the early initiative, taking control in the sixth minute when Marek Hein's reflex shot cannoned off the post after a save from Thomas Mandl fell neatly into his path.
Jankulovski opener
Midfield player Marek Jankulovski proved a more than capable stand-in striker in the absence of Vladimír Šmicer and Milan Baroš, putting his side ahead after 27 minutes. Austria found themselves on the back foot after the goal and barely created a dangerous opening in the remainder of the half.
Different script
In the second half, however, the match took on a different complexion. The home team, looking increasingly lively and combative, equalised in the 51st minute when striker Mario Haas latched on to a long ball from midfield and slotted past goalkeeper Petr Cech.
Frenetic pace
From that moment on the encounter was played at a frenetic pace, with both teams pouring forward in search of victory. Although Austria were left a man short when Markus Schopp received a second yellow card for a late tackle on Jankulovski, they took the lead in the 77th minute through Andreas Ivanschitz.
Vachousek leveller
The visitors, however, drew level two minutes later with a goal from Stepan Vachousek and the strike infused them with the enthusiasm to settle the match, the inspirational Pavel Nedved storming down the left to feed Koller, who made no mistake from an unmarked position inside the area.
Usual suspects
Austria midfield player Mario Schopp claimed that it was the Czech Republic's big names who proved the difference. "We saw the class of Nedved and Koller, who fought until the last minute," he said.
Qualifying round - 11 October 2003 19:30 (Local Time)
Lokomotiv - Moscow
Russia live to fight again.
Saturday, 11 October 2003
Russia are through to the UEFA EURO 2004™ play-offs after coming from behind to secure a 3-1 win against Georgia in Moscow.
Play-off place
Georgi Yartsev's side were made to sweat for their victory by a committed and mobile Georgia, but in the end they had to settle for a place in the play-offs after the morning leaders, Switzerland, won their final qualifier 2-0 against the Republic of Ireland in Basel.
Disastrous start
The game started disastrously for Russia as Merab Zhordania's side showed how little they had been affected by the absence of injured Rangers FC striker Shota Arveladze, opening the scoring after just three minutes. The Russian defence allowed Aleksandr Iashvili time and space just outside the area and he happily fired a shot into Sergei I. Ovchinnikov's net off the inside of the right-hand post.
Busy goalkeeper
The home side, lifted by fanatical support at the Lokomotiv stadium, went on to dominate possession, but some fine Georgian defending limited their chances. Indeed, Ovchinnikov was to be the busier of the two goalkeepers throughout the first half, making a number of fine diving saves including one from Gocha Jamarauli after 27 minutes.
Bulykin header
Russia levelled the scores after 29 minutes with Andrei Kariaka's cross from the left being met by the head of the tall Dmitri Bulykin who glanced his effort across Georgia goalkeeper Georgi Lomaia and into the net.
Georgian counterattacks
The equaliser did not entirely settle Russia who looked vulnerable on the counterattack and Ovchinnikov made a fine save to deny Georgi Demetradze after 37 minutes and another after 45 minutes as Levan Tskitishvili was allowed room to shoot.
Pressure pays
However, Russia's efforts at the other end were rewarded with a second goal on the stroke of half-time. A cross from the left was headed back across the face of goal by Aleksandr Kerzhakov and deflected kindly off a team-mate for Yegor Titov to drive the ball past Lomaia.
Sytchev arrives
The second half saw the pace dip slightly but Rolan Gusev should have added to Russia's lead after 50 minutes, blasting wide when the ball came to him unmarked in the area. In the end it took the arrival of young Dmitri Sytchev as a 56th-minute substitute to signal the end of Georgia's hopes.
Fine finish
The youngster was in supreme form, tormenting the Georgian defence down both flanks, and he had already passed up two good scoring opportunities when he completed a fine flowing move down the left after 73 minutes. Fellow substitute Marat Izmailov played himself into the area with a smart one-two, and laid off the ball for Sytchev to drive an unstoppable shot under Lomaia's crossbar.
Yartsev reaction
"The last three games we did the impossible - we put a team together," said Yartsev after the game. "However our task of reaching the finals is not yet complete - so there is no holiday in the dressing room." Meanwhile Georgia coach Zhordania said: "I want to congratulate Russia on making it to the play-offs. They won today because they wanted to win more than us. We didn't have such motivation."
Qualifying round - 11 October 2003 19:30 (Local Time)
Tsirion - Limassol
Happy end for Cyprus.
Saturday, 11 October 2003
Cyprus battled back from 2-0 down to end their UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying campaign on a high note with this battling draw.
Poor start
Group 1 runners-up Slovenia looked destined to entirely overwhelm their hosts in the first half, taking the lead after eleven minutes when Cyprus goalkeeper Nikos Panayiotou could only parry Miran Pavlin's shot into the path of Ermin Šiljak, who was left with a simple finish.
Second goal
Cyprus tried to gain control in midfield but disappointing passing and numerous offside decisions ruined their flow and Slovenia were able to double their lead four minutes before the interval. Muamer Vugdalic's pass found Šiljak unmarked in the area and he beat Panayiotou with a fierce volley from close range.
Cyprus revived
However, Cyprus came out determined to make an impression in the second half and managed to reduce the deficit in the 71st minute. A deep cross from Yiasoumis Yiasoumi left Slovenia goalkeeper Marko Simeunovic stranded and Stavros Georgiou collected the ball and virtually walked it into the net.
Equalising goal
The home side equalised with nine minutes remaining when a corner was the cue for a goalmouth scramble, Yiasoumi emerging to score from close range. Indeed, Cyprus almost won the game as Georgiou failed to make the right connection on a cross from Elias Charalambous late on.
Vukotic happy
"My players didn't play very well in the first half but made up for it in the second with a battling display which earned us a draw," said Cyprus coach Momcilo Vukotic, whose side finished fourth in the five-team group. "I was very pleased with my team's first-half performance but a couple of injuries forced me to make substitutions and changed my plans," said Slovenia's Bojan Prašnikar. "As a result Cyprus equalised."
Qualifying round - 11 October 2003 19:45 (Local Time)
Millennium - Cardiff
Consolation win for Serbo-Montenegrins.
Saturday, 11 October 2003
Serbia and Montenegro ended their UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying campaign on a high, as Wales's final hopes of gaining an automatic place in Portugal and avoiding the play-offs ended.
Wales in play-offs
Italy's 4-0 win against Azerbaijan meant that Mark Hughes's side could not overhaul the Group 9 leaders in any case, but Wales's 2-1 victory against the eventual first-placed team early in the campaign was enough to ensure they pipped tonight's victors by a point to Monday's play-off draw.
Unbeaten run ends
The home team had made a number of changes to the team held 1-1 by Finland here last month, with left-back Darren Barnard, fellow defenders Danny Gabbidon and Mark Delaney, midfield player Carl Robinson and striker Craig Bellamy all in the starting lineup and began the game defending an unbeaten run in the Millennium Stadium going back to June 2001.
First-half goals
However, they have now gone five games without a victory having fallen behind on three minutes to a Zvonimir Vukic free-kick. John Hartson shot Wales level 22 minutes later when Goran Gavrancic pulled him back in the box and the Celtic FC striker converted the resultant penalty himself.
Superb saves
The visitors added Goran Bunjevcevic, Dragan Sarac, Nenad Djordjevic and Branko Boskovic to the side that beat Wales 1-0 in August, but it was goalkeeper Dragoslav Jevric who caught the eye, making a string of superb saves from Rhys Weston, Bellamy, Barnard and Gabbidon.
Victory clinched
Those blocks paid dividends eight minutes from time when Serbo-Montenegrin substitute Savo Milosevic received Vukic's superb pass and send a left-footed shot past Welsh goalkeeper Paul Jones to make it 2-1. Five minutes later, another substitute Danijel Ljuboja virtually clinched the away win with a powerful shot.
Late consolation
Robert Earnshaw headed in a well-worked corner in added time to pull one back for Wales, but they will want a more positive result in November against one of Croatia, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Scotland, Slovenia, Spain and Turkey.
Qualifying round - 11 October 2003 20:00 (Local Time)
Rheinpark - Vaduz
Vittek on song for Slovakia.
Saturday, 11 October 2003
Robert Vittek made sure Slovakia finished their UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying campaign on a high note by scoring both goals in a 2-0 defeat of Liechtenstein at the Rheinpark stadium in Vaduz.
Situation unchanged
Both sides were out of the running for a place in the final tournament in Portugal next summer before kick-off and the result did nothing to affect either team's position in the Group 7 standings. Slovakia ended up in third place on ten points while Liechtenstein remained bottom, having collected a solitary point from their eight matches.
Vittek decisive
Vittek, on loan at FC Nürnberg from ŠK Slovan Bratislava, was recalled to the starting lineup by coach Ladislav Jurkemik in place of Marek Mintál and it was a decision which proved successful as the striker inspired the victory, providing a font of vision and clever touches all evening.
Hard work
The home team, however, ensured their visitors were made to toil for the triumph and offered stern resistance in the first half, repelling a succession of attacks before eventually succumbing to a 40th-minute effort from the irrepressible Vittek.
Unenviable task
It was the same player who collected the second goal eleven minutes into the second half. The victory will nevertheless do nothing to compensate for Slovakia's disappointment at having lost all four matches against England and Turkey, the group winners and runners-up respectively.
Qualifying round - 11 October 2003 20:15 (Local Time)
Maksimir - Zagreb
Olic edges Croatia into play-offs.
Saturday, 11 October 2003
Croatia secured a hard-earned 1-0 win against Group 8 winners Bulgaria in Zagreb to edge their way into the UEFA EURO 2004™ play-offs. The Croatians finished level with Belgium on 16 points but progressed to Monday's draw by virture of their superior head-to-head record - their 4-0 home win against the Belgians in March bettering a 2-1 defeat in Brussels in September.
Deserved triumph
It was a deserved triumph, for the home side had much the better of the game - even hitting the woodwork on three occasions - but in the end they had to rely on a 48th-minute goal from substitute Ivica Olic to maintain their hopes of reaching next summer's finals in Portugal.
Mornar goes close
In the first half, Croatian midfield player Ivica Mornar went closest to opening the scoring, collecting a pass from Milan Rapaic in the 26th minute only for his shot to hit the crossbar. Ten minutes later Jerko Leko fired from distance but Bulgaria goalkeeper Zdravko Zdravkov did well to palm the ball away to safety.
Olic breakthrough
After the break Croatia continued to dominate and took the lead in the 48th minute. The PFC CSKA Moskva striker Olic, who had replaced midfield player Darijo Srna at half-time, collected a brilliant pass from Dado Prso and blasted the ball into the net.
Lively Berbatov
In the 54th minute Olic almost returned the favour by feeding Prso only for his header to clip the bar. Bulgaria also went close on several occasions, most notably when the lively Dimitar Berbatov fired just wide from distance. In the 88th minute Berbatov was once again on hand, nearly ruining Croatia's night with a header which rocketed a few inches over goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa's crossbar.
'Serious resistance'
"I did not expect such serious resistance from the Bulgarians," admitted Croatia coach Otto Baric after the match. "It turned out that we can rise to the occasion, that we are a real team. I think we now have a good chance against any team in the play-offs. The only one I would like to avoid is Spain."
United's Fearsome Player-Coach Is Driven by an Unrelenting Intensity
By William Gildea
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, October 25, 2003; Page D01
Contrary to a recent article in a usually reliable London journal, Hristo Stoitchkov is not mellowing. He has never mellowed, nor does he intend to mellow. He said so the other day. The British writer reached the wrong conclusion apparently because he found the 37-year-old Stoitchkov genuinely happy in his first-time role as player-assistant coach with D.C. United, instructing younger players and sharing the global experiences that made him one of the world's greatest-ever soccer players. But being happy is not to be confused with being mellow.
"What he is is a bullfighter," said Ray Hudson, United's coach. "He is this true matador of a player." That partially explains why the fiery Bulgarian found a second home in Barcelona, where his passion and skill -- his bullfighter's elan -- helped elevate the city's historic club to glory in the early 1990s and gave birth to the Stoitchkov legend. By 1994, he had reached his peak. In the World Cup that year in the United States, he led Bulgaria to a stunning finish as semifinalist after personally dethroning defending champion Germany. On return to his homeland, people kissed his hand as if he were pope.
"In just one month, the national team changed the face of the people," Stoitchkov said in his improving English, his seventh language. "Before the World Cup, everybody down. After the World Cup, people very happy. But, hey, this is my obligation to do the best I can because Bulgaria is my country." This year, he said, "My obligation is to everybody with D.C. United. To the coaching staff, it is to help to change the guys, to change the mentality so they want to win every single game."
Tonight's game is crucial. In its last regular season match, D.C. United will need a victory or tie against visiting Kansas City to ensure a berth in the playoffs for the first time since 1999. Stoitchkov will be available. His desire to see United return to the postseason is intense. "I am convinced 100 percent that this season D.C. United will play in the playoffs," he said recently. "This is important."
What happens next is anyone's guess. Stoitchkov's perfection-bent career, like that of Ted Williams, has been marked by a volatility that carries with it the threat of an explosion. A darker image of Williams was that of psychic fumes rising; he spit toward the crowd, he flung a bat and hit somebody. Stoitchkov also has the temperament (to say nothing of his stubbly whiskered glare) to make people wary, having often been red-carded and sometimes suspended for flareups with opponents and game officials. While he can sometimes scare life out of an opponent, that is not necessarily a characteristic one cherishes in a teammate on a day-to-day basis. Finding this dangerous warrior unexpectedly in their midst as both teammate and assistant coach, United's players understandably have wondered sometimes this season what he was going to do next.
"Santino Quaranta is one of the most promising, a blessed player, and Hristo sees that," Hudson said. "But Hristo would roast him over a spit to get him to be 5 percent better."
Stoitchkov came to Washington this year as a first step in a process he hopes will lead to a head coaching career, possibly beginning in MLS. His brown hair has turned heavily gray, although his upper body -- he is 5 feet 10, 175 pounds -- remains as hard as marble. In March, his arrival was marred when he made a surprisingly hard tackle in a scrimmage that left an American University freshman with two compound fractures in his right leg.
Stoitchkov has had flare-ups with at least three teammates, although Hudson has urged all not to take Stoitchkov's anger personally. "He's not looking to bully them or to fight with them," Hudson said. "He's only looking for excellence out of a footballer."
The soccer community is watching him closely, wondering if he can control his temper and perhaps lower the demands he makes on players. If he did, the thinking goes, it might help him to become a successful coach. Stoitchkov aspires to a coaching career like that of the Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, one of soccer's brightest stars as both a player and a coach, that rare combination. A stern but wise leader, Cruyff was able to deal with Stoitchkov and became the catalyst of his career. The two are lasting friends.
"Johan Cruyff is a genius. Every single day, a new idea," Stoitchkov said. "Now I prepare to coach. I will stay prepared to coach. I would like to continue coaching in the United States. I love the people here."
With that, voila, he smiled. Yes, Hristo (pronounced KREES-toe) Stoitchkov can smile. He can even be playful.
"Maybe one day I am coaching D.C. United," he said. "Everything is possible."
The outgoing message on Stoitchkov's cell phone says: "This is Stoitchkov. Today is holiday. Call me tomorrow please. Bye bye."
Almost every day, Stoitchkov is on "holiday" -- although holiday to him means something different. It means workday. He loves work. He may have been one of the game's greats, he may be a multi-millionaire, but those who know him well respect him because they see an honest workman who all but carries a lunch pail.
He doesn't flaunt his wealth, although he owns homes in Barcelona, Chicago and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. His wife and two daughters, 15 and 12, live most of the time in Chicago, where he played for the Fire from 2000 through last season. "I've played for a lot of money before," he said. "I'm okay, money is no problem. But money has not changed me. I am no different than I was when I had nothing."
United reportedly is paying him only about $50,000 to play and coach, much less than most of the league's other high-profile players receive and a sum that standouts in any pro sport would consider a pittance -- or, as Hudson put it, "not enough to pay for the tires on his Hummer."
Stoitchkov simply is eager to find a new place for himself in soccer. His mantra as player-coach is what it always has been: practice and play with heart and soul, every minute. It's as if this figure stepped out of Balkan history, with its centuries of strife and perseverance, to offer a plain-spoken message for each player he meets: work. But hardly anyone can match his inherent intensity.
"Soccer is very, very hard. You must prepare every day," he said, just as he tells his teammates. "You must not waste a day. . . . Prepare. The game is only 90 minutes. It is nothing. It is over like this" -- he snapped his fingers. "You must work the whole week. Monday, one step. Tuesday, second step. Every single day, step by step. It is impossible for good training Monday, then cheat on Tuesday and Wednesday. Good training Thursday. Nothing Friday. Impossible to win the game Saturday. No. Every single day, I bring water to the tree. One day, I pick the fruit."
"He's helped me learn the different ways to be a forward," Quaranta said. "He's helped me to understand the competitiveness of the game. Sometimes he gets a little angry and yells but that's natural because he wants to win." Quaranta has yelled back sometimes, "in the heat of the moment. But . . . he's been good to me, tried to teach me every day."
One day recently, Stoitchkov was having lunch with teammates Dema Kovalenko, a protege from Ukraine who also was his teammate in Chicago, and Galin Ivanov, another Bulgarian. They kidded one another. Stoitchkov said a coach can be a friend to a player as long as it does not interfere with business. "In the group, Cruyff said to me, 'You stink.' But alone, man to man, he said, 'You are a good player.' "
Now, away from the rest of the team, Kovalenko fires a barb for his mentor to overhear: "Hristo came to the United States, he didn't know anything."
Stoitchkov looks up, responding with a wave of the hand. "Ah, you were my first professor of English. Professor Dema Kovalenko. Professor, I gave you my house, I gave you my food, I gave you everything."
A few minutes later, Stoitchkov begins to pick at his tomato salad. He has thought of something that disturbs him: He laments that too many material goods received too quickly weaken pro athletes' desire to work and to win.
"Play, then pay. Not pay, then play," he says. "The last five, 10 years, I see things change."
"It's important to make money," says Kovalenko, entreatingly.
"Yes, I know," Stoitchkov says. "But you must first love the game."
Stoitchkov was born in the winter of 1966 in a village outside of Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria. He played on the dirt and in the streets. "It was very, very tough for me and my family," he said. "The Communist regime was very tough for everybody."
But he dreamed, "that some time I would make 100,000 people in the stadium stand and cheer."
His father was the goalkeeper on a nearby team. Hristo was the team's ball boy until he turned 10, when he was deemed already good enough to play. He credited his development chiefly to his grandfather, also named Hristo Stoitchkov. In years to come, Stoitchkov would say: "There are two Christs. One plays for Barcelona and one is in heaven."
But actually, there is a third Christ in his life.
"Yes," he laughed, "My grandfather. He said, 'You play soccer, that's it.' The only school I had was in November and December every year. Every day, every subject -- that was school."
But what he learned best was how to kick a soccer ball with his left foot. His left foot is the remarkable one. "My father is lefty," he said. "My grandfather is lefty."
He played for four teams in Bulgaria, including five memorable seasons with CSKA Sofia. Then, in 1990, he signed a record $4.5 million contract with FC Barcelona, a proud symbol of the Catalan area of northeastern Spain and arch rival of Real Madrid. Cruyff had seen Stoitchkov's passion and sensed that the region would fall in love with him.
"Going to Barcelona, everything was different," Stoitchkov said. "Big change. I played good soccer." He laughed. "Maybe people like me because I no like Madrid."
Time after time, he brought Barcelona fans to their feet cheering at their stadium, Camp Nou -- 110,000 of them.
"Camp Nou," he said, "is the same as La Scala."
Yet he saved his epic performance for America. In the '94 World Cup quarterfinals at Giants Stadium, he stunned Germany with a swerving free kick that tied the game at 1. The German players visibly sagged, sensing defeat. Shortly, they were sent home on a header by Iordan Letchkov. It was one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. A delighted Stoitchkov declared: "God is Bulgarian."
Stoitchkov played seven seasons with Barcelona, in two stints. He also played for Parma in Italy, Al-Nasar in Saudi Arabia and Kashiwa Reysol in Japan. There, in 1999, he retired. The other day he explained why: earth tremors.
"I am very, very happy I played one year in Japan," he said. "I am thrilled I was in Japan. But I am very pressured for one year. Earthquakes. Go for coffee, things moving. Go in the car, things moving. Inside of me, scared. Thirtieth floor, building shook. I say, 'Terrible.' People say, 'Oh, this is no problem.' But for me, scared."
Kevin Payne, vice president of the Anschutz Entertainment Group that operates five MLS teams, including United, recalled a game this year between D.C. and a minor league team, part of the U.S. Open Cup tournament. Given a choice of playing or skipping the game, one young United player skipped it, according to Payne. In contrast, he said, "Stoitchkov was pacing the sideline like a man possessed, like a caged lion. Finally, when he got in, he scored a goal. He was genuinely excited. Yet if there was a player in our league who shouldn't have cared at all about this game, it'd be Hristo Stoitchkov."
But that intensity also has caused Stoitchkov trouble. In the mid-1980s, he was "banned for life" (and later reinstated) for his part in a brawl between rival teams in a Bulgarian Cup game in Sofia. In his first season in Spain, he was suspended for two months after stamping on a referee's foot. Criticized for unnecessarily hard play, Stoitchkov was fined $2,000 by MLS and suspended two games after he ran into American U.'s Freddy Llerena in the scrimmage.
"It was an unfortunate incident," said Todd West, AU's coach, who was livid at the time. "I don't think he intended to do what he did, but the way he went in could result in a bad injury, and did."
Llerena said that as he lay on the field Stoitchkov wept, and that afterward Stoitchkov phoned him at the hospital where he had undergone surgery. A starter last season, Llerena is still recovering, currently averaging just a few minutes as a substitute. "Right now, trying to rehab, trying to get back to where I was, has brought a lot of emotions out," he said. "I want to get back to where I was, then I want to look back at this incident and see how I feel."
"I play 20 years soccer," Stoitchkov said. "I never injure one player. Never. I am sorry, sorry, sorry. . . . Maybe a million times, one time is a broken leg. I am sorry."
But he does not apologize for his relationship with MLS game officials. He sometimes voices criticism during the games in language Hudson wishes he hadn't learned. When the crowds are small, Stoitchkov can be heard clearly. "We've had complaints from mom and pop who bring the children to sit in the stands at RFK, [who see and hear] this gladiator down there roaring like Vesuvius at the linesman," Hudson said.
"But there's this dichotomy about him. He's a hardened professional. But . . . if there's a guy I'd like to spend time with when all this is done and I'm in my rocking chair, it would be Stoitchkov."
Having undergone minor surgery on his left knee Sept. 19, Stoitchkov has returned to the lineup and, in limited playing time in four games, has a goal and an assist. His playing days are numbered, but he is still capable of a stroke of brilliance.
"Watching Stoitchkov strike a ball with his left foot is like seeing Ted Williams hit a baseball or Sammy Snead hit a golf ball," said Bob Bradley, Stoitchkov's coach in Chicago who now coaches the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, "One thing's for sure, when he's 60, he'll still have the left foot."
Maybe that is all anyone can predict about Stoitchkov.
Dutch Band Named after Bulgarian Football Star Stoichkov.
Novinite.com
14 November 2003, Friday.
Bulgaria-born football star Hristo Stoichkov became the first football player in the world to give his name to a rock band. Two years ago the known-for-his-fiery-temper footballer inspired three Dutch nationals from the town of Utrecht to form a band and name it after him.
The band, which describes their music as turbo-rock, is currently recording their first album with the debut single called "Hristo". In the summer the Stoichkov band threw concerts in six towns in the Netherlands. The band's mini-album of three singles "Local Sounds" is already out for sale, the first one being "Hristo".
Hristo Stoichkov was part of Bulgaria's national team that made it to the sensational fourth position at the 1994 World Championship. Later, Stoichkov left for the US where his career continued on its way up.
Republic of Korea Branded Bulgaria Second Class in Football.
18 Nov 2003
Standartnews
The Bulgaria football team which is to play vs South Korea in Seoul is a second class team, "Korean Soccer" stated. The authors of the column remind that the Bulgarian squad is without 6 of its lineup team players, and the football stars Dimitar Berbatov and Stiliyan Petrov among them. Despite all that, the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) will receive $200,000 as it has been contracted. Head-coach of Republic of Korea - Humberto Coehlo, who is put under pressure, will let 2 forwards vs Bulgaria. "I have chosen an offensive tactics but this will not harm our balance. The Bulgarian footballers are very skilled and experienced and they are always very well motivated and concentrated", Coehlo stated. "The team of Korea is very strong and we saw its high class at the World finals 2002. This is one of the reasons we agreed to play vs Korea regardless of the 10-hour flight. The final score does not matter, it's more important to see our present shape", head-coach of the Bulgarian football team Plamen Markov said.
THEM KOREANS SPOKE TOO SOON. SEE RESULT,
Bulgaria's Footballers Scored 1-0 in a Friendly with Korea.
Novinite.com
Sports: 18 November 2003, Tuesday
Bulgaria's national football team came to a 1-0 victory over Korea's in a friendly match on Tuesday.
The only goal in the game was scored by Vladimir Manchev some 20 minutes after it started.
Manchev, born in the Bulgarian town of Pazardzhik, is now seen as one of the most promising players at the country's national team. He also used to play as a forward for local football champion CSKA.
Playoff for Final Tournament - 19 November 2003 17:30 (Local Time) Central - Ljubljana
Pršo sparks Croatian celebration.
Wednesday, 19 November 2003
Croatia emerged from Slovenia with a victory on the night and on aggregate to reach UEFA EURO 2004™ via the play-offs, and dash the ambitions of their neighbours.
Ten men victorious
The visitors were reduced to ten men on 59 minutes when Igor Tudor received his second yellow card, but they had dominated up to then and it was not long before Dado Pršo had scored his second goal of the tie, giving Croatia a lead they rarely looked like losing.
Croatian changes
Having ended the 1-1 first-leg draw in Zagreb the happier team, Slovenia made only one enforced change, with leading scorer Ermin Šiljak's suspension leaving a space for Mladen Rudonja. Away coach Otto Baric rang the changes, though, not only replacing the suspended Ivica Olic with the recalled Tomislav Šokota, but bringing in Robert Kovac, Josip Šimunic, Darijo Srna, Milan Rapaic and Giovani Rosso for Stjepan Tomas, Jerko Leko, Ivica Mornar, Mato Neretljak and Dario Šimic.
Post struck
Knowing they had to score to prevent an away-goals exit, Croatia attacked from the off. On seven minutes they came close to breaking the deadlock as Šokota struck a shot from the edge of the box only for it to rebound off the post. Niko Kovac then shot over from a similar position, but gradually Slovenia tightened matters in midfield.
Knavs busy
It was still the away team who had the greater fluency despite their many changes from Saturday, with Aleksander Knavs busy in the home defence and Slovenian captain Miran Pavlin having to work tirelessly in midfield. Srna was proving a potent threat on the Croatian right, but was denied the space to send in a truly incisive cross.
Rosso miss
Only towards the end of the half did Croatia force more clear-cut chances. Two minutes from half-time, a Rapaic corner was headed on goal and saved by Mladen Dabanovic, but from only five metres out Rosso's snap-shot went over the bar. Having not had a shot in the first half, Slovenia introduced Adem Kapic to reinvigorate their midfield during the break.
Tudor dismissed
However, Croatia had the better of the early second-half exchanges, only to find the Slovenian defence determined not to let them through. On 59 minutes, though, the visitors were reduced to ten men as Tudor's foul on Amir Karic earned the Juventus FC man a red card.
Visitors ahead
But if Slovenia thought they might take the initiative, within two minutes they were behind. Just as in Zagreb, it was the in-form Pršo who was on target, as he ran on to Šokota's through-ball and poked the ball past Dabanovic. Even after the goal, Croatia kept pushing, knowing another would leave Slovenia needing to score three. Substitute Ermin Rakovic did have an effort on goal for the home team on the 73-minute mark, but he headed Zlatko Zahovic's cross wide.
Effort blocked
After that Pršo was withdrawn for Leko as Croatia sought to protect their advantage. And although Slovenia began to press for a goal, they were never allowed a clear sight of goal. Šokota was even able to break and curl the ball wide for the visitors, while Pavlin found his effort soon after blocked.
Late push
Time was ebbing away for Slovenia, and despite a late push aided by the advancing Dabanovic, they could not prise open the visiting defence and it is Croatia who booked their passage to Portugal.
Playoff for Final Tournament - 19 November 2003 19:30 (Local Time) Millennium - Cardiff
Evseev header ends Welsh dream.
Wednesday, 19 November 2003
By Trevor Haylett in the Millennium Stadium
Russia won through to the UEFA EURO 2004™ final tournament after a determined effort in Cardiff.
Evseev winner
Without a major qualification since 1958, Wales had drawn 0-0 in Moscow, but they needed to score twice the moment Vadim Evseev nodded Russia ahead, and were never able to put Viatcheslav Malafeev - making his debut in goal for the visitors - under sustained pressure.
Giggs fit
Wales were the best supported nation in the entire qualifying campaign and another 73,000-capacity crowd gave their team a raucous send-off towards what was certain to be a nervous 90 minutes. The Welsh were unchanged, Ryan Giggs proving his fitness after a shin injury.
Four changes
Russia made four changes with Sergei Ovchinnikov and Aleksandr Mostovoi missing out after collecting bookings in the first game. Dmitri Loskov and Dmitri Sytchev dropped to the bench with Malafeev named as Ovchinnikov's replacement between the posts and Yegor Titov, Marat Izmailov and Rolan Gusev stepping up.
Welsh desire
The Welsh desire was total and Andy Johnson's early challenge on Viktor Onopko set the tone. Hughes had again opted to play with John Hartson as a lone striker, his favoured strategy throughout the qualifiers, and it was to the Celtic FC marksman that the night's first real opportunity fell. Johnson won a header, Andy Melville helped it on and Hartson, in space behind the defence, snatched at the shot and sent it wide of the far post.
Headed goal
Russia were confident in possession and did not appear to have the mind-set of underdogs after the disappointment of the first game. Alexei Smertin cleverly evaded Johnson's attentions and produced a decent attempt which was deflected for a corner. The goal was not long in coming though as Gusev's free-kick was met by Evseev and a firm header was enough to beat Paul Jones.
Inspirational run
The visitors might have added to that score, Gusev driving fractionally wide of the Welsh goal. Evseev then set off on an inspirational run but his good work was rather spoiled by Dmitri Bulykin's awkward control. Another Gusev free-kick this time found Onopko sending his header too high.
Wales roused
Wales were flat at this stage but roused themselves to end the half with a much improved tempo and Giggs almost equalised when he found the ball at his feet well inside the penalty area only to hit the foot of the upright.
Giggs close
The home team needed to score early in the second half. Their supporters were willing them to exert pressure on the untried Malafeev because apart from the openings for Hartson and Giggs he had been well protected by his defenders. He had a scare though when Giggs met a Koumas cross but his hooked effort flew just too high.
Earnshaw pace
Wales introduced Robert Earnshaw in place of Johnson just before the hour. They were in urgent need of his pace because at this juncture it appeared that only the mercurial skills of Giggs might force a breakthrough.
Jones saves
Earnshaw was lively down the right and immediately robbed Dmitri Sennikov to earn room for the centre. It floated just beyond all the Welsh heads rushing to get into the penalty area, and in the last 15 minutes their goalkeeper Paul Jones was forced to save twice from Bulykin before Russia could celebrate their progress to Portgual.
Hosts Portugal will face neighbours Spain in Group A at UEFA EURO 2004™, after a Final Draw in Lisbon which provided other mouthwatering contests, notably between holders France and England in Group B, and Germany and the Netherlands in Group D.
Tough opener
Portugal and Spain were drawn alongside Greece - the side who beat Spain to force Iñaki Sáez's side into the play-offs - and Russia in Group A. Spain won the Iberian rivals' most recent meeting 3-0 in Guimarães earlier this year and Portugal drew 1-1 with Greece in Aveiro this month.
Old rivals meet
In Group B, meanwhile, France will take on their old rivals England along with Switzerland and Croatia. The last competitive Anglo-French fixture was a goalless draw in the group stage of the 1992 finals. Group C, meanwhile, contains four sides who all qualified as group winners: the Scandinavian pair of Sweden and Denmark, as well as Italy, beaten finalists at UEFA EURO 2000™, and Bulgaria.
Germans meet Dutch
Apart from what will be a much-anticipated meeting between Germany and the Netherlands, Group D also includes Czech Republic and first-time finalists Latvia. The Dutch defeated West Germany in the 1988 UEFA European Championship semi-final, and also beat the Czechs in the group stage four years ago. However, it was the Czech Republic, beaten by Germany in the 1996 final, who forced the Netherlands into the qualifying play-offs for this tournament.
Opening match
Portugal will open the 12th UEFA European Championship on 12 June with a Group A match against Greece in FC Porto's Estádio do Dragão. Twenty-two days and 30 matches later, SL Benfica's Estádio da Luz will host the final on 4 July. In all the finals will involve matches played in ten stadiums across eight cities.
'The best ever'
Dr Gilberto Madaíl, Portuguese Football Federation president and chairman of the board of Euro 2004, S.A., said: "For us, more than a simple draw, this event represents the confirmation that Portugal was able to fulfil the commitments undertaken in Aachen on 12 October 1999 [when they won the right to host the tournament]. We are hereby showing beyond a shadow of a doubt that we were and are capable of organising the best European football championship ever."
'Wonderful festival'
Senes Erzik, the first vice-president of UEFA, said: "The whole of Portugal has made a huge effort to be ready. The passion and enthusiasm of the Portuguese people show for football has also been brought to these preparations and I am convinced that they will make an enthralling and exciting tournament. The preparations in Portugal are going extremely well and we can look forward to a wonderful festival of football."
Lavish event
The Pavilhão Atlântico, on the smart riverside site of Lisbon's Expo 98, hosted the draw ceremony, which was conducted by UEFA Chief Executive Gerhard Aigner. Assisting Mr Aigner were Portuguese stars of yesterday and today, Eusébio and Hugo Viana, together with Laurent Blanc, one of France's EURO 2000™ winners, and Lars-Christer Olsson, the future UEFA CEO.
Thoughts turn to next summer
There was a song and there were speeches and children thumping drums brought it all to a noisy end but what matters is the 16 finalists now know what lies in store for them in the warm days of June 2004. Threads of golden Christmas lights will illuminate the Lisbon streets after dark today but already thoughts are turning here to the stars, and showdowns, that will light up the long days of next summer.
DA GROUPS,
Group A,
Portugal
Greece
Spain Russia
Group B,
North Africa (official name "France")
England
Switzerland Croatia
Group C,
Sweden Bulgaria
Denmark
Italy
Group D, Czech Republic
Latvia
Germany
Netherlands
I'M GLAD EVERY SLAVIC TEAM GOT INTO A GROUP OF THEIR OWN, SO THEY DON'T HAVE TO FACE EACH OTHER AT THE BEGINING, I HOPE ALL SLAVS MAKE IT TO THE FINALS SO WE TAKE ALL THE MEDALS!!!
GOLD FER BULGARIA!!!
SILVER FOR THE CZECH REPUBLIC!!!
BRONZE FOR...WELL EITHER RUSSIA OR CROATIA...
This message has been edited by TsarSamuil from IP address 212.181.9.227 on Dec 1, 2003 11:21 AM
Bulgarian Football Star Stoichkov Ends Playing Career.
Novinite.com
Politics: 15 December 2003, Monday
Bulgaria's legendary football player Hristo Stoichkov puts an end to his career as a player, Stoichkov himself broke the news at a special press conference. He also said that after that he will become coach of the Spanish FC Barcelona.
Currently, Stoichkov is a player-assistant coach the D.C. United football club, but the contract expires at the end of the year. He used to play at the Chicago Fire football club.
Hristo Stoichkov was part of Bulgaria's national team that made it to the sensational fourth position at the 1994 World Championship. Later, Stoichkov left for the US where his career continued on its way up.
Bulgarian footballers won 3-0 in a friendly with Cameroon. The winners owe two of the goals - including a penalty kick - to young Dimitar Berbatov.
His first hit came in the early stage of the game, and the second one - in the 54th minute.
The Bulgarians apparently overweighed their rivals, and only two minutes later Zdravko Lazarov scored for the final 3-0.
Red card for Cameroon's Lucien Mettomo was another jar for the guest team.
They arrived in Bulgaria just a few hours before the game, after visa trouble delayed their flight. It seemed that the players were tired of the travel fuss, and they had to ask for a postponement of the match. It started half an hour later than initially planned.
01.07.2004 22:59 - P o r t o - (Od zvlбљtnнho zpravodaje iDNES) - Иeљtн fotbalistй do finбle mistrovstvн Evropy neproљli. V semifinбle na stadionu Dragao v Portu neиekanм prohrбli s Шeckem "stшнbrnэm" gуlem z patnбctй minuty prodlouћenн. Jedinб a rozhodujнcн branka zбpasu padla po rohovйm kopu, u bliћљн tyиe hlaviиkoval do Иechovy sнtм Dellas...
"Kdyћ umнme pшijнmat vнtмzstvн, musнme pшijmout i porбћku," шekl bezprostшednм po utkбnн trenйr Karel Brьckner. "Hrбищm jsem hned po zбpase podмkoval nejen za dneљnн stateиnэ vэkon, ale i za vљechny vэbornй zбpasy na љampionбtu."
Rosickйho dмlovka do bшevna, vzбpмtн bomba Jankulovskйho, kterou brankбш vyrбћel jen v sebeobranм. Pшesnм takhle иeљtн fotbalistй semifinбlovэ zбpas zaиali. Nмmeckэ trenйr шeckйho muћstva Rehhagel nasadil osobnн obranu na dva иeskй hroty Baroљe s Kollerem, podobnм byli hlнdбni pшi rozehrбvce takй Nedvмd s Rosickэm.
Seitaridis se nehnul od Baroљe, Kapsis zase v jednom kuse visel na Kollerovi.
Do dalљнch љancн se tak Brьcknerovo muћstvo nedostбvalo, ale hernн i ъzemnн pшevaha byla znatelnб. Шekovй odevzdanэm soupeшem nebyli, kdyћ mohli, takй љli dopшedu. S tнm rozdнlem, ћe rozhodnм nepospнchali. Uћ od zaибtku zбpasu tak stшбdali minuty, pomalejљн tempo jim vyhovovalo.
Иeskб obrana je drћela Шeky v ъctyhodnй vzdбlenosti pшed Иechem, prvnн nebezpeин zahrozilo aћ ve 29. minutм, kdyћ pшed Иechem prudce prolйtl mни centrovanэ z levй strany. Vrizase naљtмstн obrana odclonila, mни potom Иech robinzonбdou prodlouћil k postrannн ибшe.
Po nepшнjemnй шeckй pмtiminutovce zavelel k dalљн ofenzivм Nedvмd, kterэ v trysku s mниem pronikl do soupeшovy љestnбctky, ale navrch mмl brankбш Nikopolidis. Po chvнli centroval z pravйho kшнdla Rosickэ, Nedvмd se k mниi nedostal, ale za nнm stojнcн Jankulovski tvrdм pбlil pшesnм k tyиi. Nikopolidis ho vљak uћ podruhй vychytal.
Kolem 35. minuty byl za lajnou oљetшovбn Nedvмd, kterэ se zranil pшi pшedchozнm pokusu o stшelu, po chvнli se na trбvnнk vrбtil, ale kulhal, pravdмpodobnм poљramocenй koleno. Ve 40. minutм musel Nedvмd ven a nahradil ho Љmicer.
I po pшestбvce se hrбlo иastмji na polovinм Шekщ, jenћe poшбd to nebyla pшevaha, kterб by soupeшe pшivбdмla k do ъzkэch. Шeиtн fotbalistй se stбle snaћili hru drobit, hrбli hodnм neиistм, coћ pociќoval zejmйna Baroљ.
Љance k ohroћenн шeckй branky se naskytla pшi dvou pшнmэch kopech, naшнzenэch za fauly. Poborskэ stшнlel metr vedle tyиe a Jankulovski mншil do zdi. Smмle do шeckй љestnбctky pronikl Љmicer, obrбnce mu mни vypнchl v poslednн chvнli.
Љkoda, ћe za chvнli si pшi rohovйm kopu nerozumмli Koller s Baroљem, oba skбkali na pшetaћenэ mни, ale do sнtм ho neusmмrnili...
Шekovй o sobм dali vмdмt takй, brankбш Иech se musel hodnм natahovat pшi nebezpeиnйm pшнzemnнm centru z levй strany, pмtadvacet minut pшed koncem normбlnн hracн doby usmмrтoval mни z pшнmйho kopu Vrizas, ale hlaviиka љla pшнmo na Иecha.
Potom se hra zase pшesunula na opaиnou stranu hшiљtм, иeљtн hrбиi se snaћili dostat k Nikopolidisovм brance, ale na jejн hranici ъtoky konиily.
Иtvrt hodiny pшed koncem stбle nebylo rozhodnuto, hra byla hodnм rozkouskovanб, coћ zase vyhovovalo brбnнcнm se Шekщ. V 80. minutм pшedvedli nбdhernэ ќukes do soupeшovy љestnбctky Rosickэ s Kollerem, zakonиoval z gуlovй pozice Koller, ale tмsnм minul. Nejvмtљн љance druhйho poloиasu!
Иeљi finiљovali a Шekovй urputnм brбnili. Na dostшel шeckй branky pronikl bleskovм Baroљ, jenћe potom Nikopolidisovu svatyni minul stejnм, jako pшedtнm Koller. Prodlouћenн se nezadrћitelnм blнћilo.
Prodlouћenн bylo na svмtм. A hned zkraje mмli dvм obrovskй љance Шekovй. Nejprve Charisteas vyhrбl hlaviиkovэ souboj, po nмm sбm pшed Иechem hlaviиkoval Janakopulos a brankбш mни srazil do bezpeин volejbalovэm blokem. A vzбpмtн byl pшed Иechem nebezpeиnэ Janakopuos znovu a tentokrбt ho tak tak odzbrojil vrбtivљн se Koller.
Takovйho nбstupu by se od шeckэch hrбищm nadбl mбlokdo. Najednou oћili, jako by je nмkdo v krбtkй pшestбvce nмkdo polil ћivou vodou. Dlouhй minuty se иeљtн fotbalistй nemohli dostat do blнzkosti шeckй љestnбctky.
Naopak po pшнmйm kopu zase musel zachraтovat brankбш Иech, kdyћ jen reflexivnм vyrazil chytrou hlaviиku Dellase. Шekovй byli v prvnн ибsti prodlouћenн jednoznaиnм lepљн.
A v poslednн minutм prodlouћenн pшiљlo шeckй k.o. Tsartas odcentroval z rohovйho kopu a u pшednн tyиe mни Dellas hlavou usmмrnil do Иechovy sнtм.
Podle pravidla o stшнbrnйm gуlu se dohrбla prvnн ибst prodlouћenн a zбpas byl ukonиen.
"V zбpase jsme vмtљinou mмli navrch a mohli jsme ho rozhodnout v zбvмru normбlnн hracн doby," шekl dбle иeskэ kouи. "Paradoxem je, ћe jsme po tшech letech dostali gуl z rohu. To je vнc neћ osud..."
Teп se Иechщm 18. srpna asi nebude moc chtнt nastoupit k pшбtelskйmu utkбnн. Na nмj si totiћ shodou okolnostн uћ pшed љampionбtem pozvali prбvм Шecko...
Pro Pavla Nedvмda skonиil zбpas po иtyшiceti minutбch. Pro zranмnн musel stшнdat. - vнce fotografiн. Autor: MAFA - Michal Rщћiиka
02.07.2004 08:00 - P o r t o - (Od zvlбљtnнho zpravodaje iDNES) Pavlu Nedvмdovi, nejlepљнmu fotbalistovi Evropy za loтskэ rok, nenн souzeno hrбt finбle. Loni na jaшe do nмj dotбhl Juventus v Lize mistrщ, ale kvщli trestu za ћlutй karty hrбt nemohl. Ve иtvrtek veиer v Portu ztratil dalљн љanci, v prщbмhu semifinбle evropskйho љampionбtu proti Шecku se zranil a bez nмj tэm prohrбl.
"Semifinбle jsou pro mм zakletб," шekl Nedvмd, kdyћ stadion Dragao s bolavэm pravэm kolenem opouљtмl. "Asi budu muset skonиit, nebo zaинt nмkde jinde, protoћe se pшes nм nemщћu dostat dбl."
Pavle, co mбte s kolenem?
Nevнm, ale uћ jsem s nнm mмl problйmy dшнv.
Jak se vбm to stalo?
Ze strany љel centr a jб chtмl z voleje vystшelit. Jenћe nevidмl jsem hrбиe za sebou. Nechal mi tam nohu a jak jsme o sebe zakopli, pнchlo mм tam. Nemohl jsem se ani postavit.
Potom jste musel stшнdat. Vмdмl jste hned po tom stшetu, ћe dбl hrбt moci nebudete?
Bylo to jasnй. Vмdмl jsem hned, ћe je konec.
O иem jste pшemэљlel? Ћe finбle je zase pryи?
Ne, ћe se musнm do zбpasu jeљtм vrбtit, ћe to bude dobrэ, ћe to musнm zkusit. Ale kdyћ jsem zjistil, ћe to nepщjde, cнtil jsem velkou bolest.
Шeknмte, kdy byla vмtљн. Po semifinбle v Lize mistrщ, nebo tady na љampionбtu?
Teп, protoћe jsem se zranil. Byl jsem zoufalэ, bezmocnэ, ћe klukщm nemщћu pomoct. Breиel jsem z bezradnosti. Vlastnм v semifinбle breинm vћdycky. Pшitom jsem se v zбpase cнtil vэbornм. Kolem tшicбtй minuty jsem se krбsnм rozdэchбval. Vмшil jsem, ћe vyhrajeme, ћe to dopadne dobшe.
Proћнvбte teп nejvмtљн zklamбnн v kariйшe?
To ne, ale je obrovskй.
Pшebolн?
Myslнm, ћe jo. Tady v Portugalsku jsme pшedvedli nejlepљн fotbal, co kdy иeskэ nбroпбk hrбl. Finбle jsme si zaslouћili.
Skonиili jste v semifinбle. Je to i tak ъspмch?
Lidi u nбs i my jsme иekali, ћe pшes Шeky pшejdeme. Pшed zбpasem jsme mysleli na vнc. A teп je zklamбnн dost velkэ.
Ale mбte alespoт bronz. Je to dщvod k oslavм?
Nikdo nemб chuќ slavit.
A pнt na ћal?
Jako ћe bych se oћral?
To jste шekl vy.
To bych vlastnм mohl, zaиala mi dovolenб. Ale vбћnм. Musнme to probrat a u toho si nмjakй to pivo dбme. Skonиila sezona. Chci mluvit se vљemi kluky, udмlat spoleиnou veиeшi, zakonиit ten rok.
Jste kapitбn, budete mнt proslov. Co jim шeknete?
To si nechбm pro sebe.
Trenйr vбm po semifinбle v kabinм шekl, ћe je na muћstvo pyљnэ. Шeknete to spoluhrбищm takй?
Nechtмl bych mluvit moc o fotbale. Chci spнљ klukщm podмkovat za to, co dмlali mimo hшiљtм. Jak se chovali jeden k druhйmu, jakй vztahy mezi nбmi byly. Takovou partu jsem jeљtм nikdy ve fotbale nezaћil. Na to budu vzpomнnat nejvнc.
Euro 2004: Greece beats Czech team 1:0 in overtime.
Radio Prague
[01-07-2004] By Brian Kenety
A "silver goal" by Greece ended the Czechs' hope for gold at Euro 2004. Greek striker Traianos Dellas headed a brilliant corner kick past the Czech goalie, Petr Cech, to score in the final seconds of the first overtime period (105th minute), giving the Greek side a hard-fought 1:0 win.
Under the silver goal rule, a team is declared the winner of the match if they go into the half-time interval in extra time with a lead.
After a bright start in the first half, the Czechs were increasingly shackled by the Greek side's tough defence, and handicapped with their inspirational captain Pavel Nedved off the pitch at halftime through injury. He was replaced by Vladimir Smicer.
In the third minute of play, from fully 20 metres out, Tomas Rosicky's first shot hit the crossbar, catching the Greek goalie unprepared. Two minutes later, Pavel Nedved missed his shot. And in the sixth minute of the first half of regular play, Marek Jankulovski broke through the Greeek defence but couldn't get one past Greek goalie Nikopolidis, makes a great save. Koller headed the ball into the crossbar in the nineteenth minute.
Greek defender Georgios Seitaridis was booked after 22 minutes for hauling down Czech striker Milan Baros as Greece tried to counter the Czechs' superior technique. Altogether, the Czechs had 16 shots on goal and the Greeks nine.
The second half of the match was marked by tight defence on the Greek side, with Czech star Milan Baros shadowed relentlessly, and lots of fouls committed on both sides — the Czechs racked up 24 and the Greeks 15. Possession time was evenly split, but the Czechs had eight corners and the Greeks only four.
With both sides looking exhausted, the Greeks were able to rally in the last ten minutes of the first overtime period, with nearly as many shots on goal as in the regular 90 minutes of play.
Financial Times
By Jonathan Wilson in Oporto
Published: July 2 2004 5:00 | Last Updated: July 2 2004 5:00
Praise them for their diligence, or lament their lack of ambition? Greece came with a game-plan, stuck to it with admirable industry, bored every neutral silly and, staggeringly, reached the final of Euro 2004 with the first silver goal in the competition's history. For a side that had never before won a game at a major championship that is a remarkable achievement.
Yet respect will be grudging. Until extra-time, when Petr Cech made excellent saves from Stylianos Giannakopoulos and Traianos Dellas, Otto Rehhagel's side had offered nothing as an attacking force, concentrating on stopping the Czechs from playing the free-flowing football with which they have delighted the tournament. When Michel Platini calls them a "throw-back", he is not thinking of some Corinthian past.
Is that a reason to resent their place in the final? Perhaps, but no other team has ever beaten both the European championship hosts and the defending champions. It wasn't pleasing on the eye, but Greece have done this the hard way.
Their winner on Thursday was so late it might as well have been a golden goal. The stadium clock was already reading 15:00 at the end of the first half of extra-time when Vassilios Tsiartas bent in a corner that slid through a crowd at the near post for Dellas to nudge the ball over the line. Barely had the Czechs lined up to kick off when the half-time, and thus the full-time, whistle blew.
Man-of-the match awards in this tournament have tended to favour the goalscorers, but Dellas was a worthy winner last night, dealing with Jan Koller as well as can be expected of anyone not of the race of giants. With his power neutered, the Czechs were a team without a focus.
A banner in the vast and fervent Greek support listed Figo, Raъl and Zidane, with a red diagonal line crossing through each. Cynics might suggest they should add "football". But last night they also struck out Pavel Nedved, although in the least satisfying of ways, as the Czech captain was forced off before half-time with a knee injury. Given he missed the 2003 Champions League final through suspension, it is perhaps almost a mercy the Czech Republic spared him such heartache again.
In his absence Tomas Rosicky, the little Mozart, became the director of the midfield, but for all his intelligence and drive, the Czechs' play last night rather resembled his career: long on promise, but short on end product. For on another day the Czechs could have had the game won by half-time.
Rosicky volleyed against the bar in the third minute, and Koller saw a looping header flick the woodwork 16 minutes later, but the longer the game went on, the less and less likely it seemed that they would score.
They fell, as Portugal and France have fallen before them. Portugal, at least, have a chance for revenge in Sunday's final.
* Uefa will decide on Friday if the Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy should be disciplined after he allegedly insulted Swedish referee Anders Frisk after Holland lost Wednesday's Euro 2004 semi-final to Portugal.
PENALTY, WHAT PENALTY? DON'T ASK THE BLIND GOAT OF AN ITALIAN REFEREE, TO OLD TO SEE. YESTERDAY HAPPENED TO BE HIS RETIREMENT DAY...TOO BAD HE DIDN'T RETIRE YEARS AGO...
The conservative tactics employed by Greece has left a sour taste in the mouths of many of its Euro '04 opponents.
LISBON, Portugal (AP) -- Congratulations to the Greeks for making it to the Euro 2004 final.
The way they did it, however, may not be good for the game.
No one can deny that Greece surprised everyone by beating host Portugal, defending champion France and hot favorite Czech Republic on the way to reaching Sunday's championship game. The fact the Greeks had never before won a game at a major championship makes it all the more remarkable.
But their tactics didn't make many friends.
German coach Otto Rehhagel, whose team plays Portugal again in the final, didn't have a lot of talent to play with. So he worked a system in which his players sit back on defense, stifle the creative play of their opponents as much as possible and try and catch them on a lucky break.
Look at Thursday's 1-0 semifinal victory over the freescoring Czechs.
After the Greeks had restricted them to three or four half chances, defender Traianos Dellas scored the winner with just seconds to go of the first period of extra time. It was the first "silver goal" of the championship which meant the Czechs had to equalize immediately or the game was over.
They didn't even have time to restart.
The result of Thursday's semifinal is that Greece now has a rematch with the Portuguese at Lisbon's Stadium of Light. Having beaten the host 2-1 on the opening day, it sounds easy.
Like the Greeks' other Euro 2004 victims, however, the Portuguese didn't know what to expect and were caught out. Spain also was held to a 1-1 tie by Rehhagel's men and the French were unable to impose their classy style on the quarterfinal game and went down 1-0.
By a strange twist, the only team to beat the Greeks here were the already eliminated Russians in a group game.
If the Greek journey to the final had been filled with top quality passing, shooting, dribbling and goals, no one would have doubted their performance. But they admit their game is nothing like that.
"It's work, work, work," said defender Mihalis Kapsis. "We have 11 players with one only target: to help each other on the field.
"We are used to each other. A lot of the players played on the same Greek teams together. We are always talking and know exactly what the other is going to do."
The fact that Greece made it to the final while powerhouse teams like defending champion France, three-time winner Germany, Italy, Spain and England didn't even get past the quarters suggests that there is a changing of the guard in European soccer.
Big stars like Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry of France, England's David Beckham, Spain's Raul Gonzalez and Italy's Alessandro Del Piero performed poorly and even five-goal Milan Baros couldn't find a way past the tough Greek defense.
But, if other underachieving nations adopt the same style of economy class soccer, the game is going to lose much of its appeal.
The theme running through Europe's media was respect for the Greeks rather that gushing praise.
"The team stays in place," said the French sports daily L'Equipe. "It is, as usual, a tight block. For all those who thought the run of Greece was just an accident, the reality is there for all to see."
The Italians papers, used to seeing their clubs and national teams playing similar negative tactics for years, said the Greek style was nothing new.
"Passing this soccer, at least 30 years old, off as something new is an undertaking. But maybe, after so much time, a few things have been forgotten about how to confront a team like Greece," La Repubblica said in an editorial.
La Gazzetta dello Sport offered some respect for Rehhagel and his team.
"Greece doesn't play a spectacular kind of soccer, but it has proven itself balanced and resistant like its German coach," said Italy's largest sports daily.
Gazzetta said Rehaggel's Greece is "organized, disciplined and powerful."
"A good part of his soccer is left over from pre-modern times. But it works," the paper said.
Spanish papers gave mixed reviews.
"Greece could only win like that," said a critical headline of leading sports daily Marca pointing out at Greek's defense strategy to win the game, while El Pais was more positive.
"Greece has vindicated itself for its capacity of neutralizing the rivals and attack in the precise moment with the right player," the paper said.
British papers praised the Greeks for a remarkable effort in reaching the final and only one paper, the Daily Express, criticized Rehhagel's tactics.
"The right to play hosts Portugal in Lisbon on Sunday turned into a dour war of attrition," the paper said, "as defensive-minded Greece took football to Hellas and back.
