Netherlands Smoke Bulagaria 2-0 in 2008 Euro Qualifier
The Netherlands 2-0 victory over Bulgaria at the Amsterdam Arena saw goals from Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Wesley Sneijder who are also in the first squad of Spanish La Liga Champions Real Madrid.
Bulgaria had an unbeaten run in Group G of the 2008 Euro Qualifers, and sat on 2nd place for the longest time. In the 2008 Euro Qualifiers, only the top 2 of each group will be advancing to the final tournament which will be hosted with the combined resources of Austria and Switzerland. However, Bulgaria failed to maintain their unbeaten streak and lost a crucial game versus Netherlands, and allowed the Dutch national team to overtake them and steal the 2nd place spot. With just a few matches left in the 2008 Euro Qualifiers, the 17 points of Netherlands in 2nd place over Bulgaria’s 15 points in 3rd are looking good. Netherlands looks to be a sure winner against Albania in next week’s 2008 Euro Qualifer match. However, Bulgaria are also favored to win against Luxembourg, so the race for the second spot in Group G behind group leaders Romania who lead Group G with 20 points.
The Netherlands looked to score big with Netherlands coach Marco van Basten starting attackers Ryan Babel of Liverpool, Robin van Persie of Manchester United and Ruud Van Nistelrooy of Real Madrid at the front. But it was Real Madrid’s Wesley Sneijder who broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute with a rocket of a free-kick from 20 meters out finding the left corner. The Netherlands then found their second goal in the 58th minute when Ryan Babel crossed to Ruud Van Nistelrooy who swept the ball into the bottom corner past Bulgarian keeper Dimitar Ivankov.
In other 2008 Euro Qualifer news, England was able to improve on their standings in Group E with a 3-0 victory over Israe in their home pitch at the New Wembley Stadium in London. England found goals through Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Owen and Micah Richards, giving England a full 3 points for the win and a total of 17 points in the Group E standings. They are tied for 3rd place with Israel who also have 17 points despite the loss at England. Croatia had a 2-0 victory over Estonia to lead Group E with 20 points. Croatia is closely followed by Russia who had a 3-0 advantage over Macedonia to total 18 points and hold 2nd place in Group E. England will be hosting Russia on Wednesday September 12 at the New Wembley Stadium for a chace to overtake the Russians if they walk away with the full 3 points.
Italy hosted France in Milan, but failed to capitalize on the home-pitch advantage. Instead, the goalless match ended up in a 0-0 draw, favoring France who extend their lead on top of Group B to 19 points. Scotland’s 3-1 victory over Lithuania put them on 2nd spot of Group B with 18 points overtaking Italy who improved to 17 points by drawing a point with France. France will be hosting Scotland on Wednesday while Italy will be visiting Ukraine to search for their points.
Group D finds Germany with a commanding 22 points to lead the group, following a 2-0 win at Wales. Germany’s captain Miroslav Klose gave the 2 goals at the 5th minute and at the 60th minute to record another win for Germany. The Czech Republic follow in 2nd place with 17 points with a successful 3-0 campaign against hosts San Marino.
Poland drew with Portugal 2-2, keeping Poland ahead of Group A with 20 points. Portugal has 16 points, but are only at 3rd place behind Group A’s 2nd place Finalnd with 18 points. Finland drew with Serbia.
Group F race tightens up with Northern Ireland and Spain both with 16 points and tied at 2nd place just behind Group F leaders Sweden who have 19 points. Spain managed a late goal to draw 1-1 with Iceland while Northern Island took a 1-0 loss against Latvia, and the result ends up giving Spain and Norhtern Island a tie at the 2nd spot of Group F. Spain will look for points against Latvia while Northern Island look for a win at Iceland in order to improve their standings.
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