© EuroFootball.com
On Saturday, in the arenas of the Old Continent, there were nineteen matches of the 2006 World Championship qualification Europe zone, during which no surprises were recorded - almost all favorites claimed victories, with only two matches ending in a draw, including the former world champion France meeting Switzerland.
In Group 1, the Netherlands achieved their fourth victory, defeating Romania away and pushing them to third place, as in another match the Czech Republic defeated Finland after a fluctuating and dramatic battle. In the outsider match, Armenia defeated Andorra.
In Group 2, the European champion Greece retained second place with a comeback after conceding a goal in the match against Georgia and later scoring three goals. Turkey and Denmark both have 9 points each after easy victories at home against Albania and Kazakhstan.
Estonia suffered a painful defeat, initially leading against Slovakia but eventually had to settle for second place. Slovaks, after this victory, caught up with Group 3 leader Portugal, with Russia unexpectedly struggling to defeat the Liechtenstein team.
France missed the opportunity to move into first place in Group 4, playing to a goalless draw with Switzerland. The match between Israel and Ireland also ended in a draw, so this group now has a triple tie, as three teams each have 9 points.
In Group 5, Italy secured the top spot, winning against Scotland and now leading Norway in second place by five points, although the Italians have played one more match.
In Group 6, England continues to lead, crushing Northern Ireland at home after quick goals at the start of the second half. Poland claimed an impressive victory with an eight-goal margin against Azerbaijan, while Austria defeated Wales away.
As previously announced, in Group 7, where Lithuania is competing, Belgium crushed Bosnia and Herzegovina and moved up to fourth place. Meanwhile, the leaders of Group 8 secured convincing victories - Sweden defeated Bulgaria away, and Croatia left no hope for Iceland at home.
There will be 21 more matches of the World Championship European zone qualification on Wednesday, with Lithuania playing against Bosnia and Herzegovina away in one of them.
