Sporty Touch

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Georgia joy as Turkey lose

Wednesday, 7 February 2007
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It was a bad night for Turkey and Sweden as they were unable to continue the form that has produced 100 per cent starts to UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying, slipping to disappointing defeats. Slaven Bilić's Croatia continued to impress, however, and there was a rare win for Luxembourg. uefa.com rounds up the action from Wednesday's late friendlies.

Georgia 1-0 Turkey
A second-half header from David Siradze earned Georgia a first-ever victory against their Black Sea neighbours in a fiery contest. The midfielder scored 15 minutes from time following a corner and, despite numerous chances to find the net, Turkey were denied by some fine goalkeeping from Georgi Lomaia.

Egypt 2-0 Sweden
The African champions eased past a below-par Sweden in Cairo in a match that marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of the African Football Confederation. The visitors struggled to test Egypt goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary and Amr Zaki's headed goal a minute before half-time was no more than the hosts deserved. A fine run and finish by Sheffield United FC's Ahmed Fathi wrapped up the victory late on.

Croatia 2-1 Norway
Despite a long injury list, Croatia coach Bilić maintained his unbeaten record as the hosts dominated against Norway in Rijeka. Mladen Petrić (26) opened the scoring from Marko Babić's right-wing cross before Luka Modrić doubled the advantage from the edge of the box 12 minutes later. Petter Vaagan Moen (86) struck Norway's consolation after beating the Croatia offside trap.

Slovakia 2-2 Poland
Two first-half goals were not enough for Slovakia as Poland fought back in the Spanish town of Jerez de la Frontera. Ján Kocian's outfit got the perfect start with Martin Jakubko nodding in after 34 seconds before Martin Škrtel doubled up on the cusp of half-time. Poland were back in the game three minutes after the restart when Michał Żewłakow converted a penalty and Radoslaw Matusiak (78) completed the comeback, capitalising on a mistake by Slovakia goalkeeper Kamil Čontofalský.

Luxembourg 2-1 Gambia
A late winner by Chris Sagramola gave Luxembourg their first victory in 12 years, despite the hosts falling behind to an early goal from Mustapha Jarjue (15). Aurelien Joachim pulled Guy Hellers' side level before Sagramola's clinching strike seven minutes from time.

Slovenia 1-0 Estonia
A penalty from Klemen Lavrič eleven minutes before half-time earned Slovenia victory in Domzale. The result came as a timely boost for Matjaž Kek's men ahead of their UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying Group G meeting with Albania on 24 March.

Andorra 0-0 Armenia
Nothing could separate the sides at the Estadi Comunal in Andorra La Vella. Both teams are struggling in qualifying for UEFA EURO 2008™, with Andorra without a point at the bottom of Group E, and Armenia only slightly better off with one point in Group A.

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