Roger Federer defeated 12th seed Robin Soderling to reach the semifinal of the men's singles of the US open. It is the third time Soderling struggled to the Federer obstacle in a Grand Slam after he lost in the French Open and Wimbledon. Roger will face 4th seed Novak Djokovic who defeated Fernando Verdasco.
results:
Roger Federer,1 d Robin Soderling,12 : 6-0, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 7-6 (6).
Novak Djokovic,4 d Fernando Verdasco,10 : 7-6 (2), 1-6, 7-5, 6-2.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
[tennis] US Open: Women's Semifinal Lineup Ready
The Women's semifinal lineup of the US Open is now ready with Serena Williams facing Kim Clijsters and Yanina Wickmayer facing Caroline Wozniacki.
quarter final results:
Kim Clijsers d Na Li,18 : 6-2, 6-4.
Serena Williams,2 d Flavia Pennetta,10 : 6-4, 6-3.
Yanina Wickmayer d katerina Bondarenko : 7-5, 6-4.
Caroline Wozniacki,9 d Melanie Oudin : 6-2, 6-2.
quarter final results:
Kim Clijsers d Na Li,18 : 6-2, 6-4.
Serena Williams,2 d Flavia Pennetta,10 : 6-4, 6-3.
Yanina Wickmayer d katerina Bondarenko : 7-5, 6-4.
Caroline Wozniacki,9 d Melanie Oudin : 6-2, 6-2.
[tennis] Its Paes vs Bhupathi In Men's Doubles Final
A share of the US Open men's doubles is coming to India for sure. The Indian stars Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi reached the final of the men's doubles with their respective partners. Paes and Dlouhy defeated Bob and Mike Bryan 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(6) in the first semifinals and Bhupathi and Knowles defeated Andy Ram and Max Mirnyi 6-4, 6-2.
Paes is in the final of the mixed doubles also with Cara Black. The second seeded pair defeated Su-Wei Hseih and Kevin Ullyet 6-2, 3-6, [10-5] in the semifinal match. However, top seeded pair of bhupathi and Liezel Hueber lost the semifinal match against Carly Gullickson and Travis Parrot 3-6, 4-6.
The mixed doubles partners of Paes and Bhupathi, Cara Black and Liezel Hueber are playing in the women's doubles together and are in the semifinals defeating Nuria Lagostera Vives and Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. The top seeded pair will now meet Samantha Stosur and Rennae Stubbs, who are seeded 3rd.
Paes is in the final of the mixed doubles also with Cara Black. The second seeded pair defeated Su-Wei Hseih and Kevin Ullyet 6-2, 3-6, [10-5] in the semifinal match. However, top seeded pair of bhupathi and Liezel Hueber lost the semifinal match against Carly Gullickson and Travis Parrot 3-6, 4-6.
The mixed doubles partners of Paes and Bhupathi, Cara Black and Liezel Hueber are playing in the women's doubles together and are in the semifinals defeating Nuria Lagostera Vives and Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. The top seeded pair will now meet Samantha Stosur and Rennae Stubbs, who are seeded 3rd.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
[tennis] US Open: Murray Becomes The Biggest Casualty In Fourth Round
Second seeded Andy Murray became the biggest and most surprising casualty in the men's section of the US Open when he lost to Marin Cilic 5-7, 2-6, 2-6. The men's event was so far much predictable with only Andy Roddick's loss being the only big surprise so far (Taking current form of Soderling, his win over Davydenko was not shocking news.). However, Andy Murray, who currently is seeded two displacing the dominance Roger and Rafa for so long wasn't expected to lose by many a people. In another match, Jo Wilfried Tsonga lost his match to Tommy Robredo. Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin Del Potro got past their opponents more easily.
Earlier, Nikolay Davydenko lost his fourth round tie against Robin Soderling when he had to retire from the match while trailing 5-7, 6-3, 2-6. However the other matches of the fourth round on the first day did not bring out any surprise as Federer and Djokovic got easy wins and Roddick-killer John Isner could not produce any more giant killing performance when he lost to Fernando Verdasco.
Results of all the matches of the men's fourth round ties:
Roger Federer,1 d Tommy Robredo,14: 7-5, 6-2, 6-2.
Novak Djokovic,4 d Radek Stepanek,15 : 6-1, 6-3, 6-3.
Robin Soderling,12 d Nikolay Davydenko,8 : 7-5, 3-6, 6-2. Davydenko retired.
Fernando Verdasco,10 d John Isner : 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
Rafael Nadal,3 d Gael Monfils,13 : 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-1, 6-3.
Marin Cilic,16 d Andy Murray,2 : 7-5, 6-2, 6-2.
Fernando Gonazalez,11 d Jo-Wilfried Tsonga,7: 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(3), 6-4.
Juan Martin Del Potro,6 d Juan Carlos Ferrero,24 : 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.
Earlier, Nikolay Davydenko lost his fourth round tie against Robin Soderling when he had to retire from the match while trailing 5-7, 6-3, 2-6. However the other matches of the fourth round on the first day did not bring out any surprise as Federer and Djokovic got easy wins and Roddick-killer John Isner could not produce any more giant killing performance when he lost to Fernando Verdasco.
Results of all the matches of the men's fourth round ties:
Roger Federer,1 d Tommy Robredo,14: 7-5, 6-2, 6-2.
Novak Djokovic,4 d Radek Stepanek,15 : 6-1, 6-3, 6-3.
Robin Soderling,12 d Nikolay Davydenko,8 : 7-5, 3-6, 6-2. Davydenko retired.
Fernando Verdasco,10 d John Isner : 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
Rafael Nadal,3 d Gael Monfils,13 : 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-1, 6-3.
Marin Cilic,16 d Andy Murray,2 : 7-5, 6-2, 6-2.
Fernando Gonazalez,11 d Jo-Wilfried Tsonga,7: 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(3), 6-4.
Juan Martin Del Potro,6 d Juan Carlos Ferrero,24 : 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
[tennis] US Open: Kuznetsova Follows Venus And Others To Exit
Svetlana Kuznetsova joined the other top seeded players in the women's section to go out in the fourth round of the US Open. Kuznetsova was defeated by Caroline Wozniacki in high intensity match. Nadia Petrova, who seemed to be in sublime form till the earlier round was defeated by American teenager Melanie Oudin.
Earlier, third seed Venus Williams was defeated by comeback girl Kim Clijsters in the fourth round of the US Open. Clijsters won the match 6-0, 0-6, 6-4. However, the other Williams, Serena, got past her opponent Daniela Hantuchova 6-2, 6-0. Serena is the only player seeded in top eight remaining in the quarter finals. Seventh seed Vera Zvonareva also lost her match to tenth seed Flavia Pennetta.
Following is the complete result of fourth round. Winners' names are at first.
Fourth Round Results, Women's:
Kim Clijsters d Venus Williams,3 : 6-0, 0-6, 6-4
Flavia Pennetta,10 d Vera Zvonareva,7 : 3-6, 7-6 (6), 6-0.
Serena Williams,2 d Daniela Hantuchova,22 : 6-2, 6-0.
Na Li,18 d Francesca Schiavone,26: 6-2, 6-3.
Katerina Bondarenko d Gisela Dulko : 6-0, 6-0.
Melanie Oudin d Nadia Petrova,13 : 1-6, 7-6(2), 6-3.
Caroline Woniacki,9 d Svetlana Kuznetsova,6 : 2-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(3).
Petra Kvitova d Yanina Wickmayer : 6-4, 4-6, 7-5.
Earlier, third seed Venus Williams was defeated by comeback girl Kim Clijsters in the fourth round of the US Open. Clijsters won the match 6-0, 0-6, 6-4. However, the other Williams, Serena, got past her opponent Daniela Hantuchova 6-2, 6-0. Serena is the only player seeded in top eight remaining in the quarter finals. Seventh seed Vera Zvonareva also lost her match to tenth seed Flavia Pennetta.
Following is the complete result of fourth round. Winners' names are at first.
Fourth Round Results, Women's:
Kim Clijsters d Venus Williams,3 : 6-0, 0-6, 6-4
Flavia Pennetta,10 d Vera Zvonareva,7 : 3-6, 7-6 (6), 6-0.
Serena Williams,2 d Daniela Hantuchova,22 : 6-2, 6-0.
Na Li,18 d Francesca Schiavone,26: 6-2, 6-3.
Katerina Bondarenko d Gisela Dulko : 6-0, 6-0.
Melanie Oudin d Nadia Petrova,13 : 1-6, 7-6(2), 6-3.
Caroline Woniacki,9 d Svetlana Kuznetsova,6 : 2-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(3).
Petra Kvitova d Yanina Wickmayer : 6-4, 4-6, 7-5.
Monday, September 7, 2009
[tennis] Bhupathy and Paes in Third Round of Both Men's and Mixed Doubles With Respective Partners
Mahesh Bhupathy and Leander Paes reached the third round of the US Open in both Men's doubles and Mixed Doubles events. Mahesh Bhupathy and Mark Knowles, the 3rd seeded men's doubles pair, defeated Jesse Levine and Ryan Sweeting 7-5, 6-2 in the second round match. Bhupathy also won the mixed doubles match, where he is top seeded paired with Liezel Hueber and they defeated Jill Craybas and Eric Butorac 6-3, 6-3.
Leander Paes won the men's doubles match over Nicolas Almagro and Ruben Ranirez Hidalgo 6-2, 6-3 in the second round pairing with Lucas Dlouhy to form the 4th seeded pair. Paes and Cara Black, seeded second in the mixed doubles won over Flavia Pennetta and Dusan Vemic 6-4, 6-4.
Sania Mirza's tour of US was over when she lost her mixed doubles match partnering with Daniel Nestor against Carli Gullickson and Travis Parrot 1-6, 4-6. She lost her singles and women's doubles matches earlier.
Indian hope in junior boys' section, Yuki Bhambhri, who is top seeded, won his first round match against Jordan Cox of the US 6-2, 6-1.
Leander Paes won the men's doubles match over Nicolas Almagro and Ruben Ranirez Hidalgo 6-2, 6-3 in the second round pairing with Lucas Dlouhy to form the 4th seeded pair. Paes and Cara Black, seeded second in the mixed doubles won over Flavia Pennetta and Dusan Vemic 6-4, 6-4.
Sania Mirza's tour of US was over when she lost her mixed doubles match partnering with Daniel Nestor against Carli Gullickson and Travis Parrot 1-6, 4-6. She lost her singles and women's doubles matches earlier.
Indian hope in junior boys' section, Yuki Bhambhri, who is top seeded, won his first round match against Jordan Cox of the US 6-2, 6-1.
[tennis] US Open: Roddick Loses Third Round Tie
Fifth seed American Andy Roddick became the first big casualty in the US Open when he lost the third round match to fellow American John Isner 6-7 (3), 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5). Roddick lost two tiebreakers in the 3 hours and 51 minutes long match. The men's side of the US Open paid enough respect to the seedings as there are as many as 24 seeded players in the last 32 stage of the tournament and Roddick was the first player seeded in top 16 to be ousted.
On the second day of third round, Giles Simon retired from the match while trailing 6-1, 4-6, 6-7(5), 0-1 and became the second top 16 player to exit.
The following is the full list of the players who exit in the third round. The names in the bracket are the respective winners and the players in bold are the top 16 seeded players losing out.
Third Round Exit Men's:
Lleyton Hewitt, 31 (Roger Federer, 1)
James Blake, 21 (Tommy Robredo, 14)
Andy Roddick, 5 (John Isner): 7-6(3), 6-3, 3-6, 5-7, 7-6(5)
Jesse Witten (Novak Djokovic, 4)
Tommy Haas, 20 (Fernando Verdasco, 10)
Sam Querrey, 22 (Robin Soderling, 12)
Phillip Kohlschreiber, 23 (Radek Stepanek, 15)
Marko Chiudinelli (Nikolay Davydenko, 8)
Nicolas Almagro, 32 (Rafael Nadal, 3)
Taylor Dent (Andy Murray, 2)
Daniel Koellerer (Juan Martin Del Potro, 6)
Giles Simon, 9 (Juan Carlos Ferrero, 24) : 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5), 1-0 Simon retired
Julien Benneteau (Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, 7)
Thomas Berdych, 17 (Fernando Gonzalez, 11)
Jose Acasuso (Gael Monfils, 13) Acasuso retired in third set
Denis Istomin (Marin Cilic, 16)
**Only two persons in the last 16 are from outside top 16 seeded players.
On the second day of third round, Giles Simon retired from the match while trailing 6-1, 4-6, 6-7(5), 0-1 and became the second top 16 player to exit.
The following is the full list of the players who exit in the third round. The names in the bracket are the respective winners and the players in bold are the top 16 seeded players losing out.
Third Round Exit Men's:
Lleyton Hewitt, 31 (Roger Federer, 1)
James Blake, 21 (Tommy Robredo, 14)
Andy Roddick, 5 (John Isner): 7-6(3), 6-3, 3-6, 5-7, 7-6(5)
Jesse Witten (Novak Djokovic, 4)
Tommy Haas, 20 (Fernando Verdasco, 10)
Sam Querrey, 22 (Robin Soderling, 12)
Phillip Kohlschreiber, 23 (Radek Stepanek, 15)
Marko Chiudinelli (Nikolay Davydenko, 8)
Nicolas Almagro, 32 (Rafael Nadal, 3)
Taylor Dent (Andy Murray, 2)
Daniel Koellerer (Juan Martin Del Potro, 6)
Giles Simon, 9 (Juan Carlos Ferrero, 24) : 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5), 1-0 Simon retired
Julien Benneteau (Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, 7)
Thomas Berdych, 17 (Fernando Gonzalez, 11)
Jose Acasuso (Gael Monfils, 13) Acasuso retired in third set
Denis Istomin (Marin Cilic, 16)
**Only two persons in the last 16 are from outside top 16 seeded players.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
[tennis] US Open: Safina, Sharapova Fall In Third Round
In the biggest surprise of the US Open so far, top seed Dinara Safina lost her third round match to Petra Kvitova 4-6, 6-2, 6-7 (5). Safina who survived scare in the previous two rounds could not get through this time and her loss in the Grand Slam will again provoke the debate about the ranking system of tennis. Sharapova also lost her third round match to Melanie Oudin. The Women's section has already seen 14 of the seeded players getting ousted in the first two rounds and the tradition continued in the third round too.
Following is the complete list of the players ousted in the third round (seeded player are in bold)
Third Round Exits in Women:
Magdalena Ryberikova (Venus Williams, 3)
Vania King (Daniela Hantuchova, 22)
Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez (Serena Williams, 2)
Kirsten Flipkens (Kim Clijsters)
Aleksandra Wozniack (Flavia Pennetta, 10)
Victoria Azarenka, 8 (Francesca Schiavone, 26): 4-6, 6-2, 6-2
Maria Kirilenko (Na Li, 18)
Elena Vesnina, 31 (Vera Zvonareva, 7)
Maria Sharaopova, 29 (Melanie Oudin): 3-6, 6-4, 7-5
Dinara Safina, 1 (Petra Kvitova): 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (5)
Jie Jheng, 21 (Nadia Petrova, 13)
Sorana Cirstea, 24 (Caroline Wozniacki, 9)
Sahar Peer (Svetlana Kuznetsova, 6)
Sara Errani (Yanina Wickmayer)
Yaroslava Shvedova (Gisela Dulko)
Anastasia Radionova (Katerina Bondarenko)
**only 7 of top 16 seeds are in the las 16 round of US Open.
Following is the complete list of the players ousted in the third round (seeded player are in bold)
Third Round Exits in Women:
Magdalena Ryberikova (Venus Williams, 3)
Vania King (Daniela Hantuchova, 22)
Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez (Serena Williams, 2)
Kirsten Flipkens (Kim Clijsters)
Aleksandra Wozniack (Flavia Pennetta, 10)
Victoria Azarenka, 8 (Francesca Schiavone, 26): 4-6, 6-2, 6-2
Maria Kirilenko (Na Li, 18)
Elena Vesnina, 31 (Vera Zvonareva, 7)
Maria Sharaopova, 29 (Melanie Oudin): 3-6, 6-4, 7-5
Dinara Safina, 1 (Petra Kvitova): 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (5)
Jie Jheng, 21 (Nadia Petrova, 13)
Sorana Cirstea, 24 (Caroline Wozniacki, 9)
Sahar Peer (Svetlana Kuznetsova, 6)
Sara Errani (Yanina Wickmayer)
Yaroslava Shvedova (Gisela Dulko)
Anastasia Radionova (Katerina Bondarenko)
**only 7 of top 16 seeds are in the las 16 round of US Open.
[football] World Cup Qualifier Europe: Status After The Matches On 5th September
Of the 53 nations participating in the World Cup qualifier from Europe 13 teams will qualify for 2010 world cup. The nine group toppers will have direct entry and eight best second placed team will play off with each other to get the four other place.
Group 1:
The group 1 seems to have become the grave of a strong team. With Denmark leading at a safe distance and Hungary following it seems difficult that both Portugal and Sweden will get through this round to qualify for the World Cup 2010. Today's matches were most important with the top two meeting next two. Sweden did something to claim a position with a win over Hungary but Portugal let Denmark go with draw. With only three matches remaining and Portugal and Hungary meeting each other twice it seems Denmark and Sweden are the favourites now.
Today's Results:
Denmark 1-1 Portugal
(Bendtner 42') (Liedson 86')
Hungary 1-2 Sweden
(S Huszti 79' P) (O Melburg 8', Z Ibrahimovic 90')
Group Standings:
Denmark: 17 (7)
Hungary: 13 (7)
Sweden: 12 (7)
Portugal: 10 (7)
Albania: 6 (8)
Malta: 1(8)
Group 2:
Switzerland looks favourite from this group to top the group. The fight for the other position is between Greece and Latvia with a match between them to be held on 10th October. However, Latvia's match against Switzerland may on 9th September may change the course of the group if Latvia manage to win. Still the favourites to qualify from this group are Switzerland and Greece looking at the schedule and form. Israel seems to be out of race but may spoil the party of Switzerland on the last match when they meet on 14th October.
Today's Results:
Maldova 0-0 Luxembourg
Israel 0-1 Latvia
(K Gorkss 60')
Switzerland 2-0 Greece
(S Gritching 83', M Padalino 88')
Group Standings:
Switzerland: 16 (7)
Greece: 13 (7)
Latvia: 13 (7)
Israel: 9 (7)
Luxembourg: 5 (7)
Maldova: 2 (7)
Group 3:
Though currently Slovakia looks favourite to get the direct qualification spot from this group, this is the most open group after the 7th round. The surprise in the group is Czech Republic, who are down at fifth position. But the situation will be more complicated after the next round of matches when Czech Republic plays minnows San Marino and the top four meet each other. The Czechs will look to increase the goal difference against San Marino who have let in 37 in the previous 8 matches scoring only one and will hope that the other matches end in draw. However they will still be left with two tougher matches against Poland and Northern Ireland. Nothing can be said about this group at least before ninth September.
Group 9:
The Netherlands, in this group, is the only team sure of qualifying at the top of the table. In this group with five teams, the Dutches have won all their 7 matches so far. The fight for second position is between Scotland and Norway. Though Scotland is leading Norway by 3 points, they have to face the Netherlands in their last match while Norway will face Macedonia and if either of them win and Scotland lose, Scotland will lose the second position due to their worst goal difference. In that case even the second position holder may lose out as it seems they will be worst among all the group runners up. The fate of the group will be final on ninth September.
Group 1:
The group 1 seems to have become the grave of a strong team. With Denmark leading at a safe distance and Hungary following it seems difficult that both Portugal and Sweden will get through this round to qualify for the World Cup 2010. Today's matches were most important with the top two meeting next two. Sweden did something to claim a position with a win over Hungary but Portugal let Denmark go with draw. With only three matches remaining and Portugal and Hungary meeting each other twice it seems Denmark and Sweden are the favourites now.
Today's Results:
Denmark 1-1 Portugal
(Bendtner 42') (Liedson 86')
Hungary 1-2 Sweden
(S Huszti 79' P) (O Melburg 8', Z Ibrahimovic 90')
Group Standings:
Denmark: 17 (7)
Hungary: 13 (7)
Sweden: 12 (7)
Portugal: 10 (7)
Albania: 6 (8)
Malta: 1(8)
Group 2:
Switzerland looks favourite from this group to top the group. The fight for the other position is between Greece and Latvia with a match between them to be held on 10th October. However, Latvia's match against Switzerland may on 9th September may change the course of the group if Latvia manage to win. Still the favourites to qualify from this group are Switzerland and Greece looking at the schedule and form. Israel seems to be out of race but may spoil the party of Switzerland on the last match when they meet on 14th October.
Today's Results:
Maldova 0-0 Luxembourg
Israel 0-1 Latvia
(K Gorkss 60')
Switzerland 2-0 Greece
(S Gritching 83', M Padalino 88')
Group Standings:
Switzerland: 16 (7)
Greece: 13 (7)
Latvia: 13 (7)
Israel: 9 (7)
Luxembourg: 5 (7)
Maldova: 2 (7)
Group 3:
Though currently Slovakia looks favourite to get the direct qualification spot from this group, this is the most open group after the 7th round. The surprise in the group is Czech Republic, who are down at fifth position. But the situation will be more complicated after the next round of matches when Czech Republic plays minnows San Marino and the top four meet each other. The Czechs will look to increase the goal difference against San Marino who have let in 37 in the previous 8 matches scoring only one and will hope that the other matches end in draw. However they will still be left with two tougher matches against Poland and Northern Ireland. Nothing can be said about this group at least before ninth September.
Today's Results:
Poland 1-1 Northern Ireland
(M Lewandowski 80') (K Lafferty 38')
Slovakia 2-2 Czech Republic
(S Sestak 60', M Hamsyk 73' P) (D Pudil 68', Milan baros 83')
Group Standings:
Slovakia: 16 (7)
Northern Ireland: 14 (8)
Poland: 11 (7)
Slovenia: 11 (7)
Czech Republic: 9 (7)
San Marino: 0(8)
Group 4:
Germany and Russia are clear favourites in this group. Unless Finland does something dazzling in the last three rounds, these will qualify. The important match will be on 10th October when Germany and Russia meet each other to decide who will have to play the play off.
Today's Results:
Azerbaijan 1-2 Finland
(E Mammadov 49') (M Heikkinen 74', P Pasanen 86')
Russia 3-0 Liechtenstein
(V Berezutski 17', R Pavlyuchenko 39' P, 45' P)
Group Standings:
Germany: 19 (7)
Russia: 18 (7)
Finland: 13 (7)
Wales: 9 (7)
Azerbaijan: 1 (7)
Leichtenstein: 1 (7)
Group 5:
Spain sitting clear on top of the group with seven wins in as many matches and with their current form it seems improbable that second placed Bosnia will be able to overturn the lead. However, Bosnia themselves have the danger of being ousted by Turkey whom they meet on ninth September. Bosnia will have to play in form Spain in their last match in which they have a very less chance of getting any point. However, unless they lose the home match three days later to Turkey they will get the second place in the group.
Today's Results:
Armenia 0-2 Bosnia-Herzegovina
(S Ibricic 6', Z Islamovic 73')
Turkey 4-2 Estonia
(T Sanli 30', 73', S Yildrim 37', A Turan 63') (V Voscoboinikov 7', K Vassiljev 53')
Spain 5-0 Belgium
(D Silva 41', 68', D Villa 49', 85', G Pique 50') *David Villa missed a penalty at 28'
Group Standings:
Spain: 21 (7)
Bosnia-Herzegovina: 15 (7)
Turkey: 11 (7)
Belgium: 7 (7)
Estonia: 5 (7)
Armenia: 1 (7)
Group 6:
England is at the top of the pool and will not be thrown out unless they lose two and draw one of their last three matches. However, that is not impossible as they have to face Ukraine and Croatia in the next two matches. The survival of these two teams depend on the result if their match against England. They are virtually at the same position and if they have same result against the topper of the group, goal difference may come into play. England have, however, won all their matches so far and it is expected that they will qualify without much hassle.
Today's Results:
Ukraine 5-0 Andorra
(A Yarmolenko 19', A Milevsky 45', 90' P, A Shevchenko 73' P, E Seleznyov 90' P)
Croatia 1-0 Belarus
(I Rakitic 24')
Group Standings:
England: 21 (7)
Croatia: 17 (8)
Ukraine: 14 (7)
Belarus: 9 (7)
Kazakhstan: 3 (7)
Andorra: 0 (8
Group 7:
Serbia topping this pool is looking set to finish in the top two in this group. France are in the second position but will be tested by Serbia and Austria in the next two matches. Any bad result in these two matches may take Austria as the second spot and leave France out.
Today's Results:
Austria 3-1 Faroe Islands
(S Maierhofer 1', M Janko 16', 59' P) (A Olsen 83')
France 1-1 Romania
(T Henry 48', Escude 56' OG)
Group Standings:
Serbia: 18 (7)
France: 14 (7)
Austria: 10 (7)
Lithuania: 9 (7)
Romania: 8 (7)
Faroe Islands: 1 (7)
Group 8:
Italy are leading the group and even though they have to face Ireland and Bulgaria in the next two matches, it seems the current world champions will not be out from the group stage of the qualifying round. However, a chance remains that both Ireland and Bulgaria defeat Italy in the next to matchdays and take the top two positions. The other matches remaining for the teams are not going to make any big difference. A win for Bulgaria over Italy on ninth will open the group for all the three teams.
Today's Results:
Bulgaria 4-1 Montenegro
(R Kishishev 45', D Telkiyski 49', D Berbatov 85' P, V Domovchiski 90') (S Jovetic 9')
Georgia 0-2 Italy
(K Kaldze 57', 67' OG)
Cyprus 1-2 Ireland
(M Elia 30') (C Doyl 5', R Keane 85')
Group Standings:
Italy: 17 (7)
Ireland: 16 (8)
Bulgaria: 11 (7)
Cyprus: 5 (7)
Montenegro: 4 (7)
Georgia :3 (8)
Group 9:
The Netherlands, in this group, is the only team sure of qualifying at the top of the table. In this group with five teams, the Dutches have won all their 7 matches so far. The fight for second position is between Scotland and Norway. Though Scotland is leading Norway by 3 points, they have to face the Netherlands in their last match while Norway will face Macedonia and if either of them win and Scotland lose, Scotland will lose the second position due to their worst goal difference. In that case even the second position holder may lose out as it seems they will be worst among all the group runners up. The fate of the group will be final on ninth September.
Today's Results:
Scotland 2-0 Macedonia
(S Brown 56', J Mcfadden 81')
Iceland 1-1 Norway
(E Gudjohnson 29') (J Riise 10')
Group Standings:
Netherlands: 21 (7)
Scotland: 10 (7)
Norway: 7 (7)
FYR Macedonia: 7 (7)
Iceland: 5 (7)
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