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Tuesday September 10, 2008

Ireland And England Start With Wins

While Scotland Falls To Macedonia

Georgia 1 Rep of Ireland 2

FIFA's decided to switch this game to the neutral venue of FSV Mainz's Bruchweg Stadium in Germany because of the FAI's concerns about playing the match in war-torn Georgia. Kevin Doyle gave Ireland a 13th-minute lead when he headed home an Aiden McGeady cross. Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan then found the net for the Irish in the 70th-minute to get their World Cup qualifying campaign of to a flyer despite Levan Kenia's injury-time strike, in front of a crowd of just 4,500 in Mainz.

Slovakia 2 Northern Ireland 1

Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifying campaign got off to a disappointing start as Slovakia ran out 2-1 winners in the searing heat of Bratislava. Goals from Martin Skrtel and Marek Hamsik put Slovakia in the driving seat before the North were thrown a lifeline in the 81st minute. Jan Durica diverted a cross from substitute Chris Brunt into his own net but that was as good as it got for Nigel Worthington's side.

Andorra 0 England 2

Joe Cole came off the bench to score twice and spare England's embarrassment in their opening World Cup qualifier in Barcelona. Two goals in the space of six minutes early in the second half eased the frustration of the players and supporters after an uninspiring first 45 minutes that saw the team booed off the pitch at half-time.

Macedonia 1 Scotland 0

Temperatures in Skopje were over 100 degrees on the playing surface and the Scots lacked a cutting edge up front in this game. The home side took the lead after just five minutes and Ilcho Naumoski's goal proved to be the margin of victory as Srecko Katanec's men held on to claim all three points.

Wales 1 Azerbaijan 0

It was a youthful team taking the field for Wales as they opened their bid to qualify for South Africa 2010 fielding a side which included five players still eligible for the under-21s. Teenage sub Sam Vokes scored his first international goal to give Wales the narrow 1-0 win. Azerbaijan had Brazilian-born forward Fabio Luis Ramim sent off and Jason Koumas saw his penalty, and his follow-up volley, saved.