The last result from tonight and maybe the most stunning: Portugal 7-1 Russia
They were 3-0 up at half-time (Pauleta, Ronaldo, Deco), added a 4th in the 69th minute (Ronaldo). Russia replied with 10 minutes remaining, but Portugal then scored three in the final 8 minutes (Sebrosa & Petit x2).
Group Tables Group 1
1. Romania. 9. (4)
2. Finland. 9. (5)
3. Holland. 7. (3)
4. Czech Republic. 6. (3)
5. Macedonia. 4. (4)
6. Andorra. 3. (3)
7. Armenia. 0. (4)
Romania take over at the top by virtue of a better GD after Finland lost. Realistically, I don't think Finland will be in the top 2 for much longer. The Czechs and Holland look very strong to challenge Romania now. All these three play away at one of the bottom 3 teams in mid-November.
Group 2
1. Ukraine. 8. (4)
2. Turkey. 6. (4)
3. Albania. 6. (4)
4. Denmark. 5. (3)
5. Georgia. 4. (3)
6. Greece. 2. (3)
7. Kazakhstan. 0. (3)
Still close, like before.
Turkey play at home to Ukraine, Denmark travel to Georgia and Greece play host to Kazakhstan in mid-November.
Group 3
1. Portugal. 10. (4)
2. Slovakia. 10. (4)
3. Estonia. 7. (4)
4. Russia. 4. (3)
5. Latvia. 4. (4)
6. Liechtenstein. 4. (4)
7. Luxembourg. 0. (5)
Portugal top the group, by virtue of P being before S in the alphabet.
Who would have thought that Portugal and Slovakia would have scored 15 and conceded three after 4 matches!? Portugal can go top by beating Luxembourg next month, as Slovakia won't be playing until next year. Russia look in deep trouble.. lucky for them that they have a game in hand. A victory against Estonia would help next month. A big congrats has to go out to Liechtenstein though. Today's victory was their first ever in World Cup Football!
They play Latvia at home next - maybe it'll be two in a row!
Group 4
1. Ireland. 8. (4)
2. France. 8. (4)
3. Switzerland. 5. (3)
4. Israel. 5. (3)
5. Cyprus. 1. (4)
6. Faroe Islands. 1. (4)
Ireland and France have the psychological edge. Israel visit Cyprus in the only Group 4 match next month.
Group 5
1. Italy. 9. (4)
2. Norway. 7. (4)
3. Slovenia. 7. (4)
4. Belarus. 4. (3)
5. Scotland. 2. (3)
6. Moldova. 1. (4)
Italy will do well to keep control of this group on the basis of their recent performances.. Norway and Slovenia both look good, although it seemed that Norway were clearly the better team in the encounter between those two today. Scotland's point is ok, but maybe not enough. Italy .v. Scotland is the next match in this group (26th March 2005).
Group 6
1. England. 10. (4)
2. Poland. 9. (4)
3. Austria. 5. (4)
4. Northern Ireland. 3. (4)
5. Wales. 2. (4)
6. Azerbaijan. 2. (4)
Poland's much undeserved win against Wales has suddenly turned this group into a two-team battle. Had Wales won, then one point would cover Poland, Austria and Wales .. but no. England won without looking too convincing and we should take a certain amount of confidence knowing that we still have to play Northern Ireland twice, with 4 home matches left.
No more Group 6 matches until March 26th 2005.
Group 7
1. Serbia & M. 7. (3)
2. Lithuania. 5. (3)
3. Spain. 5. (3)
4. Bosnia. 2. (2)
5. Belgium. 1. (2)
6. San Marino. 0. (3)
Lithuania are serious contenders. They could have won the match against Spain. A shot had to be cleared off the line in the first-half. Spain also could have won it in the last minute, but had no luck in a goalmouth scramble. Serbia take control will a GD boosting win over San Marino, Bosnia and Belgium are still in it. The Belgians have a visit from Serbia and San Marino prepare to be thrashed by Lithuania in mid-November.
Group 8
1. Sweden. 9. (4)
2. Bulgaria. 7. (3)
3. Croatia. 7. (3)
4. Hungary. 3. (3)
5. Iceland. 1. (4)
6. Malta. 1. (3)
Sweden now top the group, but have played a game more. Malta .v. Hungary is the only fixture scheduled for mid-November in this group.
