World Cup

France Redeem Themselves Against Serbia

Thursday, 11 September 2008 03:58

PARIS, September 10 (World Cup Qualifying) - Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka grabbed second-half goals for France as they downed Serbia in a World Cup qualifier in Paris to give under-pressure coach Raymond Domenech a stay of execution.

A victory was essential if Domenech, jeered every time his face came up on the big screen at a three-quarters-full Stade de France, was to keep his job.

And his players, who had so underperformed in their 3-1 defeat to Austria on Saturday in their opening Group Seven qualifier, delivered the goods.

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Luxembourg Shock The Swiss

Thursday, 11 September 2008 03:47 Marko Nedeljkovic

Alphonse Leweck struck with four minutes remaining to earn Luxembourg a shock success in Zurich after Blaise Kufo had cancelled out Jeff Strasser's opening goal.

Tally matched
Swiss hopes were high following a promising 2-2 draw in Israel in their FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 2 opener, while Luxembourg had started their campaign with a less than impressive 3-0 reverse at home to Greece, and the hosts appeared set to overturn the setback of Strasser's goal when Kufo levelled just before the interval. But Leweck's late winner ensured Luxembourg took three points – the same tally as they acquired from all 12 of their UEFA EURO 2008™ qualification matches. Moreover, it was their first victory in a World Cup fixture since a 1972 defeat of Turkey.

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Germany Saved By Klose Hat-Trick

Thursday, 11 September 2008 03:39 Marko Nedeljkovic

Striker Miroslav Klose scored a hat-trick to rescue a point for Germany as Joachim Löw's side came from behind three times to draw with a vibrant Finland side.

Open game
The UEFA EURO 2008™ finalists had kicked off their Group 4 campaign with a 6-0 rout of Liechtenstein on Saturday but they faced a much sterner challenge in Helsinki, where Jonatan Johansson pounced on a mix-up in the Germany defence to fire the home side ahead on 32 minutes.

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