European qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup

Libyan Jamahiriya Broadcasting Corporation, Libya
Oct 13 2004

As the campaign to reach the 2006 FIFA World Cup continues, Wednesday
represents the next opportunity for 42 European teams to either
continue their solid starts to qualifying or revive their hopes.

The pick of the ties is arguably the heavyweight contest between
Denmark and Turkey in Group 2.

It also seems hard to separate Group 3 rivals Portugal and Russia
ahead of their encounter in Lisbon.

The Netherlands, meanwhile, will want to assert their authority in
Group 1 when Finland visit the Amsterdam ArenA.

In Group 5, Italy could do with a pick-me-up as well, having succumbed
to Slovenia four days ago. The Azzurri welcome to Parma a Belarus
team still unbeaten after their 4-0 win against Moldova. Spain also
travel with the cushion of a recent victory, having overcome Belgium
at the weekend. They go to undefeated Lithuania in Group 7.

France might have been held twice at home in Group 4, but they will
none the less expect maximum plunder from their trip to Cyprus. Group
6 leaders England are on the road in Azerbaijan, a team still to win
in this tournament. Things are even worse for Armenia, who have no
points from three matches and entertain a Czech Republic side boosted
by their Group 1 victory against Romania.