spottedeagle
15 Jan 2008, 12:29 AM
Which Euro 2008 qualifier matches have been the most exciting to watch?
Sagy
15 Jan 2008, 01:18 AM
For Drama both in the game as well as the implication on qualifying and the roller-coaster emotions, I would say the combo of:
Russia would qualify with two win (the game on the 21st was vs. Andorra).
On the 17th, minutes after Russia missing what looks like a sure winner, Israel scores at 90+2’ to give England the inside track (they only need a home draw to qualify).
On the 21st England was down early 2:0 and near half time Russia's qualification seemed safe with a lead at Andorra and a PK to double the lead. But Russia didn't convert and failed to score the rest of the game. Early in the second half England comes back to tie the game at two. At this point is seems like Russia will be the team staying home and there is nothing they can do about it. Call Croatia to the rescue, in the 77th min, Croatia regains the lead over England and Russia is back in the driver seat. But the fat lady refuses to sing before giving us some more drama. Russia is only up by a goal and one of their players is shown the RC with 6+ minutes left in the game. A last min goal by either an England or an Andorra would send England to the Euros, but it wasn't to be.
17-11-07 Israel 2-1 Russia (10’ 1-0, 61’ 1-1, 90+2’ 2-1)
21-11-07 England 2-3 Croatia (8’ 0-1, 14’ 0-2, 56’[pen] 1-2, 65’ 2-2, 77’ 2-3)
21-11-07 Andorra 0-1 Russia (39’ 0-1, 45’ PK miss)