New York Times
Germany, Italy, Denmark And Serbia Reach Finals
By REUTERS
Published: October 10, 2009
Filed at 6:26 p.m. ET
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LONDON (Reuters) – A dogged Germany, late-scoring Denmark, stylish
Serbia and dramatic Italy all booked their places in the World Cup
finals on the penultimate night of European qualifying on Saturday.
Bosnia, France and Ireland secured places in next month’s seeded
playoffs which will provide another four qualifiers. Switzerland are
also assured of a least a playoff berth but remain well-placed for
automatic qualification.
Group stage qualifying is completed on Wednesday with the two-legged
playoffs taking place on November 12 and 16.
Germany again marched impressively into the finals when a 1-0 win at
chief rivals Russia secured top place in Group Four.
The key moment came after 35 minutes when Miroslav Klose capitalised
on a defensive mix-up on the artificial surface to score his 50th
international goal.
Germany, who had defender Jerome Boateng sent off in the 69th minute,
held firm in the face of some lively Russian attacking in the second
half and top the group on 25 points.
Russia, on 21, were already assured of a playoff place.
GILARDINO EQUALISER
Italy looked as if they would need their final Group Eight qualifier
against Cyprus to make sure of progressing after Sean St Ledger put
Ireland 2-1 up with a brilliant diving header three minutes from time
in Dublin.
But Alberto Gilardino levelled in the 90th minute to secure top spot
on 21 points and leave Ireland in the playoffs — which they were
guaranteed anyway thanks to Bulgaria’s surprise 4-1 defeat in Cyprus.
Serbia swamped Romania 5-0 to qualify in style ahead of 2006
runners-up France in Group Seven.
Nikola Zigic, Marko Pantelic, Zdravko Kuzmanovic and two from Milan
Jovanovic took Serbia to 22 points.
Andre-Pierre Gignac got two in France’s regulation 5-0 win over the
Faroe Islands.
Denmark, who missed out on the last two major championships, went
through from Group One as Jakob P
e win over Sweden.
Sweden now look likely to miss out altogether as they dropped to third
on 15 points behind Portugal, who beat Hungary 3-0 with two goals from
Simao Sabrosa to move to 16.
Portugal, who looked out of it weeks ago, finish off at home to Malta
where a win will secure a playoff berth.
BOSNIA CLOSE
Bosnia, who have never qualified for a major tournament, moved closer
after their 2-0 win in Estonia secured second place in Group Five.
Edin Dzeko headed Bosnia into a 32nd minute lead and Vedad Ibisevic
settled it midway through the second half.
Bosnia have 19 points, seven clear of Turkey, who lost 2-0 in Belgium.
Group winners Spain made it nine wins out of nine when they beat
Armenia 2-1 away with goals by Cesc Fabregas and Juan Mata from the
penalty spot.
Defender Philippe Senderos scored two headers as Switzerland cruised
past Luxembourg 3-0 to get to 20 points in Group Two. A point at home
to Israel on Wednesday will guarantee progress.
Greece are still just in the hunt for top spot as Theofanis Gekas
scored four goals in a 5-2 home win over Latvia to move to 17 points
with a home game against Luxembourg to come.
Group Three will go to the wire after Slovenia secured a superb 2-0
away win over leaders Slovakia.
Valter Birsa and Nejc Pecnik were on target to take Slovenia to 17
points, two behind Slovakia.
The Slovaks are away to Poland on Wednesday while Slovenia visit San
Marino.
Czech Republic, who beat Poland 2-0, and Northern Ireland are
theoretically still in the hunt for a playoff berth. They meet on
Wednesday in Prague.
England’s run of eight successive wins was brought to an end in
Ukraine when the home side’s 1-0 success put them in a great position
to snatch second spot in Group Six ahead of Croatia.
England had keeper Robert Green sent off after 14 minutes and, though
Andriy Shevchenko missed the penalty, Sergiy Nazarenko’s deflected
shot after 29 minutes took Ukraine to 18 points, one ahead of Croatia
with a trip to Andorra to come.
(Editing by Ken Ferris)