Gerrard saves England, Italy cruise past Scotland in Euro qualifiers

الخميس، 29 مارس 2007 - 00:12

كتب : Hatem Maher

Two second-half goals from Steven Gerrard led England to a 3-0 victory over Andorra in Barcelona in the Euro 2008 qualifiers Group E match on Wednesday.

The Three Lions were jeered at half-time after a below-par performance which saw them rarely threaten Andorra's goal.

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard finally broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute when he hit a powerful low-shot into the bottom corner of the net after being set-up by Wayne Rooney's pass.

He doubled the lead in the 75th minute after he latched on to Jermain Defoe's pass and slid the ball past Andorra keeper Koldo Alvarez.

Debutant David Nugent completed the rout in the last minute after Defoe's shot was blocked by Alvarez.

In the other group game, Israel thrashed Estonia 4-0 at home.

England lie fourth in the group with 11 points, two points adrift of leaders Croatia who have one game in hand.

Israel are second with 11 points, ahead of third-placed Russia on goal difference.

In Group B action, a double salvo from Luca Toni earned Italy a 2-0 home victory over Scotland.

The Fiorentina striker opened the scoreline after 12 minutes when he headed Massimo Oddo's free-kick into the back of the net.

He added the second in the 70th minute with another brilliant header from close-range following Mauro Camoranesi's cross.

Ukraine edged past Lithuania 1-o at home, thanks to Oleg Gusev goal two minutes after the interval.

Ukraine are in charge of the group with 12 points and one game in hand. Scotland and France are second and third respectively with the same amount.

Poland maintained their position on top of Group A with a 1-0 home victory over Armenia.

Celtic striker Maciej Zurawski notched what proved to be the winner in the 26th minute.

Portugal were held to a 1-1 away draw by Serbia.

Lyon midfielder Tiago Mendes fired Portugal in front as early as the fifth minute before Bosko Jankovic leveled the score in the 37th minute.

Poland are on top of the group with 16 points, five ahead of Portugal, Finland and Serbia who all have 11 points.

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