Forty nations await their fate
Monday, 14 March 2005
The road to the 2005/06 UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship finals in Switzerland begins on Friday with the draw for the first qualifying round.

Ten groups
While the hosts are guaranteed a place and the three previous winners at U19 level - France, Germany and holders Spain - have a bye to the second qualifying round, the other 40 entrants will be split into two seeding pots and drawn into ten groups, each containing a pair of teams from each pot.

Mini-tournaments
Among the 20 top seeds are Hungary, who will host the 2004/05 finals, while 13 teams have offered to stage the first-round mini-tournaments and at least one of these nations will be in each group. New to the tournament are Georgia.

Second round
Once the first qualifying round groups are played in the autumn, the top two from each section plus the five best third-placed sides will join France, Germany and Spain in being drawn into seven pools of four. The winners of these groups, to be contested in spring 2006, will take a place in Switzerland the following summer.

To see the draw procedure in full please click here.

Borimirov bolsters beleaguered Bulgaria
Monday, 14 March 2005
By Stoyan Georgiev

Veteran midfielder Daniel Borimirov has rejoined the Bulgaria squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Hungary.

Last survivor
The 35-year-old, the only member of Bulgaria's 1994 World Cup squad still playing professionally, has been called up by his old team-mate and current national team coach, Hristo Stoitchkov.

Major problems
With captain Stilian Petrov and Martin Petrov serving one-match bans, ACF Fiorentina forward Valeri Bojinov and VfL Wolfsburg's Marian Hristov both injured, and star striker Dimitar Berbatov also struggling, Stoitchkov has been forced to include some older players.

Old hands
Along with PFC Levski Sofia player Borimirov, the coach has turned to Samsunspor forward Georgi Ivanov, who won his last cap in October 2002. He has also enlisted Istanbulspor AS midfielder Alexander Alexandrov, who has not seen international action since June 2003.

I have chosen the best players available

Hristo Stoitchkov


Best available
"I have chosen the best players available," said Stoitchkov, who has also recalled Ilian Stoianov, who recently moved from Levski to Japanese side JEF United. "I played with Georgi Ivanov, Alexandrov and Borimirov, and they have the winning mentality we will need for the two matches ahead."

Top spot
Bulgaria occupy second place in World Cup qualifying Group 8 but will seize top spot if they overcome leaders Sweden in Sofia on 26 March and then win against Hungary in Budapest on 30 March.

Bulgaria squad
Zdravkov (Rizespor), Ivankov (PFC Levski Sofia), Petkov (FC Kuban Krasnodar), Kishishev (Charlton Athletic FC), Stoianov (JEF United), Markov (PFC Levski Sofia), Karaslavov (PFC Slavia Sofia), Kirilov (PFC Litex Lovech), Topuzakov (PFC Levski Sofia), Lazarov (Gaziantepspor), S Petrov (Celtic FC), M Petrov (VfL Wolfsburg), Manchev (UD Levante), Berbatov (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Alexandrov (Istanbulspor), Ivanov (Samsunspor), Gargorov (PFC CSKA Sofia), Yankov (PFC Slavia Sofia), Georgiev (PFC Slavia Sofia), Bukarev (PFC Levski Sofia), Yanev (PFC CSKA Sofia), Kamburov (PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv), Borimirov (PFC Levski Sofia).

Athletic rue Karanka absence
Tuesday, 15 March 2005
Athletic Club Bilbao have suffered a setback in their bid for a UEFA Cup place for next season with the loss of Aitor Karanka. The 31-year-old central defender has suffered a torn cruciate ligament in training and will require surgery. Club doctors estimate the player will not return to action for between six and eight months, meaning he will probably miss the start of the 2005/06 campaign. Athletic sit tenth in the Primera División but are just five points, with a game in hand, behind sixth-placed Sevilla FC, who occupy the last UEFA Cup qualifying berth.

Roda JC coach Wiljan Vloet has revealed he will leave the Dutch Eredivisie team at the end of the season to join second division side Sparta Rotterdam. Former FC Den Bosch coach Vloet, 42, will succeed Mike Snoei at Sparta after three years in Kerkrade. He has been given a two-year contract.

The 37-year-old former Russian international Igor Dobrovolski, who has not played top-level football since 1999, is returning to his hometown to become player-coach of FC Tiligul Tiraspol before tomorrow's restart of the Moldovan season. Dobrovolski began his illustrious career with FC Nistru Otaci and played abroad in Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, France and Germany. His last competitive game came for Fortuna Düsseldorf 1895 in 1999. First capped by the Soviet Union in 1986, he went on to make 46 appearances, scoring ten goals, for the USSR, CIS and Russia. He appeared at the 1990 FIFA World Cup and the 1992 and 1996 UEFA European Championships.

Former Bulgaria coach Plamen Markov has accepted the role of adviser to caretaker coach Kostadin Angelov at his former team PFC Vidima Rakovski, following the resignation of Dimitar Todorov. Markov, who led Bulgaria at UEFA EURO 2004™, has not signed a contract with the club he left in December 2001 to take over the national side. "I will help my hometown club but I will not be coach and will not take charge of matches. I have a moral duty to save the club from relegation," said the 47-year-old. Todorov resigned on Sunday after Vidima started the second half of the season with three straight defeats, leaving them in the relegation zone.

Croatian First League leaders HNK Hajduk Split remain on course for a domestic double after beating NK Zagreb 2-1 on aggregate to reach the Croatian Cup semi-finals. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg in Zagreb, Hajduk scored twice in the last 15 minutes of the return through Ivan Leko and Hrvoje Vejic, the latter's goal coming deep into added time. Meanwhile, NK Osijek played out a goalless draw with NK Pula 1856 in the first leg of their last-eight tie.

Colding commits to Bochum
Wednesday, 16 March 2005
Danish international Sören Colding has agreed a new two-year contract with VfL Bochum 1848. The 32-year-old's contract would have expired in the summer, but he has decided to stay as the club attempt to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga. The defender, capped 26 times, joined Bochum in 2001 from Bröndby IF and will remain with Bochum even if they fail to preserve their élite status.

In the Eredivisie, FC Den Bosch have received special dispensation from the Royal Netherlands Football Association to allow former players Jan van Grinsven and Wim van der Horst to remain in charge of first-team affairs until the season's end. The pair took over when coach Henk Wisman left two weeks ago - despite not possessing the correct coaching qualifications.

Aston Villa FC midfielder Eric Djemba Djemba faces six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring strain. Manager David O'Leary is looking forward to seeing more of the 23-year-old Cameroonian international, signed from Manchester United FC in January, next season. "Eric will be out for six weeks. He was bought for the future and I think he will be a good, solid lad for us in the future," O'Leary said.

North of the border, Heart of Midlothian FC have been boosted by the news that Scottish international Steven Pressley, 31, has signed a new two-year contract with the option for a third year depending on appearances. Icelandic striker Hjalmar Thorarinsson, 18, has also agreed a new three-and-a-half year deal with the Tynecastle club.

In Ukraine, FC Chornomorets Odesa striker Kostyantyn Balabanov has penned a two-and-a-half year contract with FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk. The 22-year-old, who has been capped by Ukraine at Under-19 and U21 levels, can make his debut for Dnipro as soon as Sunday against FC Borysfen Boryspil. Balanov has spent five seasons with Chornomorets, scoring 18 goals in 57 league games.

In Israel, Maccabi Haifa FC will be without Nir Davidovitch and Ori Uzan for the remainder of the season. Goalkeeper Davidovitch has undergone surgery on a groin injury and will not play again in the current campaign, while defender Uzan is expected to be out of action until August after a knee injury sustained against FC Ashdod on Saturday was diagnosed as ligament damage.

NK Varteks and HNK Rijeka have joined HNK Hajduk Split in the Croatian Cup semi-finals after wins today against NK Dinamo Zagreb and NK Slaven Koprivnica. Miroslav Blaževic's Varteks successfully defended a 1-0 first-leg lead in the capital, to add to Dinamo Zagreb's miserable season. Meanwhile Rijeka, who are second in the league, drew 2-2 away to Slaven to progress on away goals after a 1-1 first-leg draw. The remaining quarter-final takes place next week, with NK Pula 1856 and NK Osijek currently level at 0-0.

The most successful side in Bulgarian Cup history, PFC Levski Sofia, continued their quest for an eleventh title with a 3-0 victory against PFC Naftex Burgas in Wednesday's quarter-finals. PFC CSKA Sofia, losing finalists in 2004, prevailed 1-0 at third division PFC Hebar Pazardzhik, but top-flight PFC Marek Dupnitza lost 4-2 on penalties at second division PFC Pirin 1922 Blagoevgrad after a goalless draw. On Tuesday, PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv edged out city rivals PFC Botev Plovdiv, winning 2-1 at the second division team after extra time.

Meanwhile, the Azerbaijan Cup is wide open after league leaders FK Karabakh and cup holders PFC Neftchi both failed to make the semi-finals. Karabakh succumbed to FC Inter Baku in the last 16, while Neftchi gave way to the same opponents in a quarter-final penalty shootout. Inter now face FK Khazar Lenkoran, who defeated FK MOIK 1-0, while the other semi-final sees MKT Araz Imishli, 3-0 victors against FK Genclerbirliyi Sumgayit, take on FK Karat Baku's conquerors, FK Baku.

Gilardino picks up points
Monday, 21 March 2005
Alberto Gilardino leapt into the ESM Golden Shoe top ten this week, as the leaders all drew a blank.

Crucial double
The Parma FC striker claimed his 15th and 16th Serie A goals of the season with a penalty and last-gasp equaliser in his side's 3-3 home draw against US Città di Palermo on Sunday. He lies ninth, 12 points adrift of leader and holder, Thierry Henry of Arsenal FC, who was sidelined by injury this weekend.


Pos

Name Club (Country) Gls Val Pts
1 Thierry Henry Arsenal FC (ENG) 22 2 44
2 Marek Mintál 1. FC Nürnberg (GER) 21 2 42
3 Vincenzo Montella AS Roma (ITA) 19 2 38
4 Andrew Johnson Crystal Palace FC (ENG) 18 2 36
4 Samuel Eto'o FC Barcelona (ESP) 18 2 36
6 Diego Forlán Villarreal CF (ESP) 17 2 34
7 Dirk Kuijt Feyenoord (NED) 22 1.5 33
7 Fatih Tekke Trabzonspor (TUR) 22 1.5 33
9 Alberto Gilardino Parma FC (ITA) 16 2 32
10 Delron Buckley DSC Arminia Bielefeld (GER) 15 2 30
10 Liedson Sporting Clube de Portugal (POR) 20 1.5 30
10 Ricardo Oliveira Real Betis Balompié (ESP) 15 2 30
10 Adriano FC Internazionale Milano (ITA) 15 2 30
10 Fernando Torres Club Atlético de Madrid (ESP) 15 2 30
15 Tomasz Frankowski Wisla Kraków (POL) 19 1.5 28.5
15 Frode Johnsen Rosenborg BK (NOR) 19 1.5 28.5
15 John Hartson Celtic FC (SCO) 19 1.5 28.5
18 Julio Baptista Sevilla FC (ESP) 14 2 28
18 Alexander Frei Stade Rennais FC (FRA) 14 2 28
18 Andriy Shevchenko AC Milan (ITA) 14 2 28
18 Vjateslav Zahovaiko FC Flora (EST) 28 1 28
18 Mauro Esposito Cagliari Calcio (ITA) 14 2 28





Last updated: 21 March 2005

Only the leading five countries (Spain, Italy, Germany, France and England) on the UEFA Ranking have two as their multiplier. This is to emphasise the difference in international performance level between clubs from those countries and those from the other countries.

A player cannot first play in a summer league (eg Norway) and then in a winter league (eg Spain) and combine the points total for each season.

Figures from Voetbal International

Betis bidding for dream debut
Tuesday, 22 March 2005
Real Betis Balompié and Udinese Calcio have found themselves contemplating the prospect of UEFA Champions League football after some fine form of late.

On the up
Betis, who have never played in the European Champion Clubs' Cup, are third in Spain's Primera División although things could still change as there are just seven points separating the Seville-based team from Athletic Club Bilbao in tenth. Villarreal CF, one point behind in fourth, are also dreaming of a first European Cup campaign.

Udinese rise
In Italy, Udinese Calcio have gone a point ahead of UC Sampdoria in the race for the fourth, and final, Champions League spot on offer to Serie A sides. However, Udinese can also look upwards as they are only two points adrift of FC Internazionale Milano in third. Like Betis and Villarreal, they have never taken part in Europe's premier club competition.

Lille slip
In France, AS Monaco FC have dislodged LOSC Lille Métropole from the top three, after Lille's poor recent run of results. The north-east team have not won a Ligue 1 game since 23 January. Meanwhile in Germany, VfB Stuttgart's sequence of four wins and a draw from their last five Bundesliga matches has seen them edge ahead of Werder Bremen in the race for third.

Derby duel
The top four in England has changed little all term, although Liverpool FC's 2-1 derby win at home against Everton FC on Sunday moved them to within four points of their rivals. If Liverpool were to win this season's Champions League and finish fifth, it would be at the discretion of the Football Association to choose who would get the fourth, and final, available place.

Four places
UEFA regulations state: "At the request of the national association concerned, the Champions League title-holders may be entered for this competition, as an additional representative of that association, if they have not qualified for the Champions League via the top domestic league championship. If, in such a case, the title-holders come from an association entitled to enter four teams for the Champions League, the fourth-placed club in the top domestic league championship has to be entered for the UEFA Cup."

Provisional 2005/06 UEFA Champions League - at 22 March
Teams in bold already qualified
IOC Stage Club Domestic position
- Grp 2004/05 winners 
ESP  Grp  FC Barcelona 1
ESP  Grp  Real Madrid CF 2
ESP  Q3  Real Betis Balompié 3
ESP  Q3  Villarreal CF 4
ENG Grp Chelsea FC 1
ENG Grp Manchester United FC 2
ENG Q3 Arsenal FC 3
ENG Q3 Everton FC 4
ITA Grp AC Milan 1
ITA Grp Juventus FC 2
ITA Q3 FC Internazionale Milano 3
ITA Q3 Udinese Calcio 4
GER Grp FC Bayern München 1
GER Grp FC Schalke 04 2
GER Q3 VfB Stuttgart 3
FRA Grp Olympique Lyonnais 1
FRA Grp Olympique de Marseille 2
FRA Q3 AS Monaco FC 3
POR Grp SL Benfica 1
POR Grp FC Porto 2
POR Q3 SC Braga 3
GRE Grp Panathiniakos FC 1
GRE Q3 AEK Athens FC 2
NED Grp PSV Eindhoven 1
NED Q3 AZ Alkmaar 2
CZE Grp AC Sparta Praha 1
CZE Q3 FK Teplice 2
TUR Q3 Fenerbahçe SK 1
TUR Q2 Galatasaray SK 2
SCO Q3 Celtic FC 1
SCO Q2 Rangers FC 2
BEL Q3 Club Brugge KV 1
BEL Q2 RSC Anderlecht 2
SUI Q3 FC Basel 1893 1
SUI Q2 FC Thun 2
UKR Q3 FC Shakhtar Donetsk 1
UKR Q2 FC Dynamo Kyiv 2
NOR Q3 Rosenborg BK 1
NOR Q2 Vålerenga IF 2
POL Q2 Wisla Kraków 1
ISR Q2 Maccabi Haifa FC 1
AUT Q2 SV Pasching 1
YUG Q2 FK Partizan 1
BUL Q2 PFC CSKA Sofia 1
RUS Q2 FC Lokomotiv Moskva 1
DEN Q2 Brøndby IF 1
CRO Q2 HNK Hajduk Split 1
SWE Q2 Malmö FF  1
HUN Q2 Ferencvárosi TC 1
ROM Q1 FC Steaua Bucuresti 1
SVK Q1 FC Artmedia Bratislava 1
SLO Q1 NK Gorica 1
CYP Q1 Anorthosis Famagusta FC 1
MOL Q1 FC Sheriff 1
LAT Q1 FC Skonto 1
FIN Q1 FC Haka  1
BHZ  Q1 NK Zrinjski 1
GEO Q1 FC Tbilisi 1
MKD Q1 FK Rabotnicki 1
LIT Q1 FBK Kaunas 1
BLS Q1 FC Dinamo Minsk  1
ISL Q1 FH Hafnarfjördur  1
MLT Q1 Sliema Wanderers FC 1
IRL Q1 Shelbourne FC 1
ARM Q1 FC Pyunik 1
WAL Q1 Total Network Solutions FC 1
LIE   
ALB Q1 KF Tirana 1
NIR Q1 Linfield FC 1
EST Q1 FC Levadia Tallinn 1
LUX Q1 F91 Dudelange 1
AZE Q1 FK Karabakh 1
FAR Q1 HB Tórshavn  1
KAZ Q1 FC Kairat Almaty  1 
AND Q1   
SMR Q1

Talented teams meet in Bulgaria
Friday, 25 March 2005
By Stoyan Georgiev

There will be a familiar name for Bulgarian fans to cheers on when their nation welcomes Belarus, Russia and Finland for UEFA European Under-17 Championship Elite round Group 4, starting on Sunday.

Family ties
In goal will be Nikolai Mihailov, son of the legendary Borislav Mihailov, custodian for the Bulgarian team that reached the 1994 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, and grandson of another international, Bisser Mihailov.

Raring to go
Bulgaria came top of a tight qualifying round Group 1, starting with a 2-1 win against Romania 2-1 and overcoming a similar loss to Poland with a 5-0 closing triumph against Estonia that clinched first place. Their campaign resumes against Finland in Blagoevgrad, and coach Kiril Kachamanov is raring to go.

We are really looking forward to the games

Kiril Kachamanov


'Talented players'
"We are really looking forward to the games," said the coach, whose side are chasing the one place on offer in May's eight-team finals in Italy. "We have some very talented players and I hope they will reveal their potential."

Belarussian preparations
However, their opponents have been preparing hard. Belarus have been in Bulgaria since 14 March, staying in Nesebyr on the Black Sea coast. Having defeated San Marino and Malta to qualify behind Portugal, Belarus staged a friendly tournament in February, defeating Poland, Lithuania and Latvia before being pipped by Serbia and Montenegro on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Kisly goals
Of the eight goals scored there, six came from captain Siarhei Kisly. However, coach Piotr Mikheyeu believes there is plenty of other talent in the squad, saying: "The task of a striker is to score. Sergei is doing that well, but he is not the only key performer.

We have done a lot of work and it should not be in vain

Piotr Mikheyeu


'Good job'
"The defenders are also good, I would point out Oleg Veretilo, and in midfield Ihar Lisitsa, but all the players are doing a good job. We are aiming to get to the final tournament. We have done a lot of work and it should not be in vain."

Russia go close
Like Belarus, their first opponents in Dupnitza, Russia, have been preparing hard to avoid a second consecutive Elite round exit. While Belarus only secured one point at this stage last year, Russia came agonisingly close, remaining unbeaten and gaining seven points but being pipped by eventual runners-up Spain on goal difference.

Busy schedule
In 2004 Russia played 31 U17 matches, winning 17 and lifting the Latvian Football Federation President's Cup, Ogannes Goaryan top-scoring with 17 goals. Russia came through their qualifying round group comfortably, defeating Kazakhstan and Cyprus and drawing with Ukraine. In recent friendlies, a two-match series in Israel finished with one win apiece, and Russia recently gained 2-0 and 2-1 victories against Azerbaijan.

Finnish record
Finland also came close to qualifying in 2003/04, losing out to Austria by a single point although they were eliminated with one game remaining. They have a fine record at this level, and indeed are the only nation in Group 4 to have reached an U17 finals, the inaugural 16-team competition for this age group in 2001/02.

Mixed results
Bouncing back from losing their opening qualifying round game against Greece this time around, Finland ended first in Group 8 on home soil after defeating F.Y.R. Macedonia and Georgia. However, two defeats in recent friendlies against Israel gave Timo Liekoski's side food for thought, though those games last month were preceded by a 1-1 draw with that nation's U18 team. Liekoski said: "The teams in our group are all tough, but we are looking for the best possible result."

Additional reporting by Denis Orlov, Eduard Nisenboim & Mikael Erävuori

Capital gains for Stoitchkov
Friday, 25 March 2005
By Stoyan Georgiev

 

Blagoi Georgiev is another key man


When Saturday comes and Bulgarian national coach Hristo Stoitchkov announces his side for the crucial Group 8 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Sweden at the Vassil Levski stadium, there will be two midfield players from the capital's oldest club, PFC Slavia Sofia, in the starting lineup.

Inspired choices
Chavdar Yankov and Blagoi Georgiev have proved to be inspired choices and a vindication of the coach's judgement. Yankov has started in all nine games with Stoitchkov in charge and has yet to appear on the losing side, while Georgiev made a memorable full international debut in Croatia last October.

New era
The emergence of a duo considered to be the best prospects in Bulgarian football heralds a new era for Slavia who have spent much of the last 50 years in the shadow of PFC CSKA Sofia and PFC Levski Sofia. Despite boosting past national teams with players like Alexander Shalamanov, Andrei Zhelyazkov, Chavdar Tsvetkov, Plamen Simeonov and Petar Aleksandrov, the club has won only one Bulgarian championship, in 1996, in the post-war era.

Footballing birthright
It seems that Yankov's footballing success was partly predestined from birth, as 29 March is the day that another Bulgarian midfield maestro, Krassimir Balakov, was born. This coincidence, allied to Yankov's skill and vision, demonstrates why parallels have been drawn with Balakov, a pivotal member of the great Bulgarian side of the 1990s.

Impressive debut
Last year Yankov, 20, only just missed out on UEFA EURO 2004™ under coach Plamen Markov, but when Stoitchkov took over in July 2004 he seized his chance. He made an impressive debut against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin and has been instrumental in Bulgaria's unbeaten start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

'Incredible joy'
In December Yankov was voted Bulgaria's Young Player of the Year, prompting him to say: "I feel incredible joy when I am playing for Bulgaria. The happiest moment in my career came when I scored against Malta in October. I am thankful to Hristo Stoitchkov for giving me the chance and it is an honour to play under him."

Youth system
Georgiev is the other Slavia player to break through at international level under Stoitchkov and is also a product of the club's youth system developed by current first-team coach Atanas Dzhambazki. "I was more than surprised when I was called up for the Croatia game," commented 23-year-old Georgiev, a former Bulgarian Under-21 captain.

Big impact
Both he and Yankov played a major part in Bulgaria's hard-fought 2-2 draw with Croatia in Zagreb, and a few days later Yankov scored in the 4-1 defeat of Malta. Georgiev is currently in top form, scoring all four Slavia goals in the recent league fixture against PFC Vidima Rakovski, and is looking forward to the Sweden match.

'Wonderful start'
"We must be at our best but we will be playing at home and with the support of our great fans hope to continue our wonderful start," he said. "Team spirit is fantastic. Our coach Hristo Stoitchkov has done a tremendous job and we are all committed to the cause. Stilian Petrov and Martin Petrov are suspended and Marian Hristov and Valeri Bojinov both injured, but we all hope we get a result."

Capital comeback
With Slavia defender Assen Karaslavov also in the squad and young forward Dimitar Rangelov featuring in two recent friendlies, it may not be long before Slavia reappear in European competition. It would be a fitting achievement for the first ever Bulgarian side to reach the semi-final of a European tournament, against Rangers FC in the 1967 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.

Contenders closing in on Germany
Friday, 25 March 2005
By Andrew Haslam

Thirty-four teams take their next steps on the road to Germany on Saturday as the latest round of qualifiers for next year's FIFA World Cup are played across Europe. Several sides have the opportunity to enhance their chances of claiming a finals berth, while others will be attempting to get their campaigns back on track. uefa.com surveys the state of play in the eight sections.

Group 1
The Netherlands and Romania lead the way on ten points, although the Dutch have played a game less and occupy first place on goal difference. Coach Marco van Basten takes his team to Bucharest for a potentially pivotal encounter, while third-placed Finland travel to the Czech Republic with both sides on nine points and looking to put pressure on the top two. Rock-bottom Armenia, meanwhile, seek their first win in the section against Andorra.

Group 2
Ukraine have dominated the pool, taking 14 points from their first six matches to establish a six-point lead. However, Oleh Blokhin's men have the weekend off, giving the chasing pack a chance to close the gap. European champions Greece made a slow start to their campaign but will expect three points from the trip to Georgia, while third-placed Turkey welcome Albania to Istanbul and Denmark in fourth play host to pointless Kazakhstan.

Group 3
Portugal are setting the pace, but second-placed Slovakia can take advantage of the leaders' inactivity this weekend to join Luiz Felipe Scolari's side on 13 points with victory in Estonia. Meanwhile, Russia are in third position, a further three points off pole, and will look to reinvigorate their qualification bid by winning away to Liechtenstein.

Group 4
Group 4 is arguably the tightest section, with the Republic of Ireland, France and Israel all level on eight points from four games. The picture should become clearer after Saturday's matches, with Brian Kerr taking his Irish team to Tel-Aviv to play Israel, while Paris hosts a repeat of the UEFA EURO 2004™ group game between France and Switzerland, who trail the leading trio by three points but have a match in hand.

Group 5
Despite the defeat in Slovenia last October, Italy have three wins to their name and a two-point cushion at the top of the standings, with Norway and Slovenia on their heels. Marcello Lippi's men can strengthen their grip on the section on Saturday night as they entertain struggling Scotland, although the fifth-placed visitors could be boosted by the appointment of manager Walter Smith, who takes charge for the first time.

Group 6
England head the field with ten points from four outings, and Sven-Göran Eriksson's players will expect to inch closer to qualification with victory against Northern Ireland at Old Trafford. However, Poland are just a point behind and will also be confident of success at home to bottom side Azerbaijan. Austria, third on five points, visit Wales for a match both teams need to win to keep their qualifying hopes alive.

Group 7
Serbia and Montenegro have taken up pole position on ten points, with Spain and Lithuania lying two points adrift. None of the leading countries are in action this weekend, meaning Belgium's showdown with Bosnia-Herzegovina in Brussels takes on added significance. The Bosnians are fourth, having drawn their two matches to date, while Belgium have a point less despite having played a game more.

Group 8
The top two go head to head in Group 8, as Sweden take their two-point cushion to Sofia to face Bulgaria. The Bulgarians, with seven points, have a match in hand on Saturday's opponents. Croatia, meanwhile, are also two points behind the leaders and will hope to capitalise on the summit meeting in the Bulgarian capital by winning at home to Iceland. The visitors' four games so far have yielded just one point.

Leading teams take the plaudits
Friday, 25 March 2005
The qualification picture for the 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Championship became somewhat clearer on Friday as the latest round of matches took places, with leaders Romania, Denmark, Italy and Croatia all winning while the top two in Group 6 drew. uefa.com rounds up all the action.

Group 1
Romania remained top thanks to a 2-0 win against the Netherlands, with goals from Claudiu Andrei Keseru and Costin Curelea giving new coach Florin Marin a winning start although both sides ended the match with ten men following the dismissals of captains Nicolae Constantin and Robin van Persie. The Czech Republic are still a point off the top thanks to a 3-0 defeat of Finland, Lukáš Magera, a Ville Taulo own goal and Václav Svěrkoš giving the home side the win.

Group 2
Denmark remained in control with an emphatic 5-1 win against bottom side Kazakhstan, with Daniel Agger scoring twice and Leon Andreasen, Michael Krohn-Dehli and Morten Nicolas Rasmussen once each, while Sergei Skorykh scored Kazakhstan's consolation. With Ukraine not playing, Turkey moved second after a comfortable 4-0 success against Albania, Mehmet Topuz, Gökhan Kaba, Ibrahim Akin and Bilal Kisa securing the points. Greece remained fourth after being held 1-1 in Georgia.

Group 3
In the section's only game, Slovakia closed to within three points of leaders Portugal thanks to a 2-0 win in Estonia, with Ivan Lietava and Roman Konecny scoring in each half.

Group 4
France dropped their first points but still stayed top, Julien Faubert giving the French the lead only for Fabrizio Zambrella to earn visitors Switerland a point. Bernard Challandes' side remained top on head-to-head record, with Israel – who entertain the French on Tuesday – joining their rivals on ten points after defeating the Republic of Ireland 3-1, Yaniv Azrane, a Henry McStay own goal and Shlomi Arbeitman completing the win.

Group 5
Holders Italy maintained their perfect record as a fifth successive win in the section, 2-0 against Scotland in Pavia, opened up a ten-point cushion. The goals came in a seven-minute spell early in the second half, Rolando Bianchi heading the first on the hour and Alessandro Rosina adding the second from long range.

Group 6
Roberto Hilbert's late equaliser earned Germany a point in England, a result that left the two teams locked together on eleven points at the top of the table. Stefan Kiessling put the visitors in front three minutes after half-time, but goals from Darren Bent and Dean Ashton quickly turned the match in England's favour and Peter Taylor's team looked on course for three points before Hilbert's 89th-minute equaliser. In third place, Poland's qualification hopes received a boost as goals from Marcin Burkhardt, Piotr Brozek and Pawel Brozek earned a 3-0 win against Azerbaijan while Markus Berger's first-half own goal proved enough for Wales to defeat Austria.

Group 7
Belgium moved to the top of the section in today's only game in Group 7 thanks to a 2-1 win at home to Bosnia-Herzegovina, with Benjamin De Ceulaer and Faris Haroun scoring for the home team either side of half-time.

Group 8
Leaders Croatia maintained their perfect record with a fourth victory at home against Iceland despite falling behind as Ingvi Rafn Gunmundsson put the visitors in front three minutes before half-time. However, the home side levelled quickly thanks to Neven Vukman and Mladen Bartulovic secured the win late on. Sweden remained within three points of the leaders after a 2-1 success in Bulgaria, the visitors recovering from falling behind to Mihail Venkov's 39th-minute header thanks to two goals either side of half-time from Henok Goitom.

Opportunity knocks for hopefuls
Saturday, 26 March 2005
By Andrew Haslam

The competitive international season resumes in earnest on Saturday as the latest round of qualifiers for the 2006 FIFA World Cup takes place, with 34 teams hoping to improve their chances of earning a place in next year's finals in Germany.

Top two tussle
Perhaps the most significant encounters are in Group 1 and Group 8, since the top two in each section meet. There is little between the Netherlands and Saturday's opponents Romania at the head of Group 1, with both having scored ten goals so far although Marco van Basten's men have a game in hand and, ahead of the match in Bucharest, sit above their opponents having conceded two goals less. The Czech Republic and Finland, in fourth and third places respectively, both one point behind the leaders, face off in Teplice looking to take advantage of any slips.

Sofia looming
In Group 8, frontrunners Sweden are two points above Bulgaria, having played a game more, and will be hoping to preserve their advantage when they travel to Sofia on Saturday. In the same section, Croatia, level with the Bulgarians on seven points from three matches, will be confident of continuing their challenge as they welcome Iceland to Zagreb.

Three-way tie
The situation in Group 4 is even tighter, with the Republic of Ireland, France and Israel all level on eight points. The qualification picture could become clearer this weekend, however, as the Irish visit Tel-Aviv to play Israel, while there is a repeat of last summer's UEFA EURO 2004™ group game with France entertaining fourth-placed Switzerland in Paris.

Greek chance
European champions Greece can close the gap on runaway Group 2 leaders Ukraine with victory in Georgia. Otto Rehhagel's side currently lie second, six points behind the Ukrainians who are not in action this weekend. Meanwhile, England and Poland will be confident of continuing their dominance of Group 6 at home to Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan respectively.

Ideal opportunities
Slovakia can join Portugal on 13 points at the top of Group 3 with a win in Estonia, while Marcello Lippi's Italy have the opportunity to tighten their stranglehold on Group 5 as they host struggling Scotland – under the guidance of manager Walter Smith for the first time. The only tie in Group 7, meanwhile, pits fifth-placed Belgium against the side directly above them, Bosnia-Herzegovina, with both in urgent need of points.

Levski boys boost Bulgaria
Sunday, 27 March 2005
Bulgaria continued their quest to reach the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Italy this summer with a comfortable 2-0 Elite round victory against Finland in Blagoevgrad.

 

Bulgaria fans had cause for celebration


Cruise control
Kiril Kachamanov's side had the better of the opening Group 4 game, even missing a penalty as they cruised to victory thanks to goals from PFC Levski Sofia duo Nikolai Petrov and Marian Ognyanov.

Petrov precision
Petrov opened the scoring just before the break after being brought down in the area. Referee Panicos Kailis awarded a spot-kick and Petrov himself stepped up to give Bulgaria the lead.

Iliev miss
Bulgaria continued to dominate the game and could have doubled their lead ten minutes into the second half, but PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv's Dimitar Iliev missed from the spot.

Ognyanov strikes
However, Iliev made amends eight minutes later by providing Ognyanov with a perfect pass to make it 2-0 and set the home side up for the game against on Tuesday against Belarus, who today defeated Finland's next opposition, Russia.

Slavia role for Hubchev
Monday, 28 March 2005
Former Bulgarian international Petar Hubchev has signed a one-and-a-half-year deal to replace Atanas Dzhambazki as coach at PFC Slavia Sofia. He is currently assistant to Hristo Stoitchkov with the Bulgarian national team and will continue to perform in that role after the capital's oldest club negotiated a deal with the Bulgarian Football Union (BFS). "Hubchev will take over the team after Bulgaria's World Cup qualifier against Hungary in Budapest on Wednesday," said Ventseslav Stefanov, Slavia's director of football. "We're happy to have him on board. We've had conversions with Stoitchkov and the BFS and they agreed that Hubchev can join us." The club currently lie fifth in the Bulgarian Premier League after six months under the charge of Dzhambazki, who will now become Hubchev's assistant.

FC Den Bosch have secured the services of Belgian midfield player Robbie Haemhouts from next season onwards. The 21-year-old, currently on loan from fellow Eredivisie club NAC Breda, will has put pen to paper on a deal that will keep him at Den Bosch for two years from July 1, 2005. "His loan period confirmed the expectations we had of him," said Den Bosch technical manager Fred van der Hoorn. "He is a talented player who can play in several positions."

Meanwhile, former Belgian international Nico Van Kerkhoven is to return to his homeland with KVC Westerlo. The 34-year-old defender has signed a two-year contract with coach Jan Ceulemans' side running from 1 July, after the expiry of his current deal with Bundesliga team VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach where his contract would expire after this season. Van Kerkhoven, who spent seven years in Germany including six with FC Schalke 04 after leaving K. Lierse SK in 1998, said: "I have had an excellent time in Germany, but am glad to get back close to home, and looking forward to working with Jan Ceulemans."