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Weekly Football News 12 10 11
Weekly Soccer News, October 12, 2011
Group winners confirmed in Euro 2012 qualifying
France, Russia, Greece and Denmark all booked their places in the Euro 2012 finals next June in the final round of qualifying in Europe.
The French, under manager Laurent Blanc, were forced to come from behind against Bosnia-Herzegovina to secure the draw they needed to top Group D. Both the goals in the sides' 1-1 draw came from Manchester City players, with new recruit Samir Nasri stroking home a second-half penalty to equalise Edin Dzeko's opener.
Greece were also made to fight in Georgia before scoring twice in the final 10 minutes to overcome the hosts 2-1. The Greek winner came courtesy of veteran striker and Euro 2004 winner Angelos Charisteas, who was only recently recalled to the squad by Fernando Santos.
Meanwhile, the Danes beat Portugal 2-1 in the top-of-the-table clash in Group H with goals from Brondby midfielder Michael Krohn-Dehli and Sunderland's Nicklas Bendtner.
Playoffs beckon for Portugal and the Czech Republic
Portugal's loss in Copenhagen condemned them to battling through the playoffs - and only by virtue of finishing ahead of Norway on goal difference in Group H.
The Portuguese will now be involved in November's home-and-away play-offs alongside another seven of the second-placed finishers, namely Turkey, Republic of Ireland, Estonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and the Czech Republic.
Wales' first back-to-back competitive wins for six years under new manager Gary Speed saw them finish Group G strongly - with Tottenham's Gareth Bale scoring for the second game running in the 1-0 victory in Bulgaria - but they still finished three points behind runners-up Montenegro.
The draw for the playoffs will be held on 13 October in Krakow.
Record-breaking Forlan earns draw in Copa America final rematch
Inter Milan striker Diego Forlan scored his 32nd international goal as Uruguay drew 1-1 with Paraguay in Asuncion to secure their position leading World Cup qualifying for 2014 in South America. Forlan is now Uruguay's all-time leading goalscorer, moving a goal clear of two-time Olympic and world champion Hector Scarone.
Venezuela also managed to find a rare victory over powerhouse Argentina when central defender Fernando Amorebieta headed home from a corner midway through the second half. The Venezuelans first win over Argentina in 19 attempts justified coach Cesar Farias' decision to rest a selection of key players in the previous round's match-up with Ecuador.
"Fortunately we justified the faith he showed in us out on the pitch," said Venezuela midfielder Cesar Gonzalez. "We've made history but we need to keep our feet on the ground because this has only just begun. There's a long way to go for us to reach the World Cup."
Colombia and Chile also notched qualifying wins on the road to Brazil 2014.
Havenaar making big impression in Japan
Naturalised striker Mike Havenaar scored his first and second goals for Japan as they routed Tajikistan 8-0 despite concerns heading into the qualifier that Alberto Zaccheroni's side were lacking bite upfront.
The 24-year-old forward of Dutch decent - Havenaar's parents moved to Japan when his father Dido joined the Japan Soccer League - was been in sparkling domestic form for Ventforet Kofu and is now starting to make a big impression on the international stage.
Australia are also on course for a place in Brazil 2014 after a comfortable 3-0 win against Oman, while Iran thrashed Bahrain 6-0.
Compiled by Marc Fox
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