The Netherlands had a disappointing start to qualifying for the European Championship, and fellow World Cup team Bosnia-Herzegovina lost to Cyprus in Tuesday’s biggest surprise.
Wales narrowly avoided a similar stumble at tiny Andorra, while Italy had a comfortable victory in Antonio Conte’s first competitive game in charge.
Czech Republic 2-1 Holland
Holland’s post Louis Van Gaal era got off to the worst possible start as returning boss Guus Hiddink watched his side lose to the hard working Czech Republic. The Dutch looked all set to leave Prague with at least a point when Stefan De Vrij cancelled out Borek Dockal’s excellent first half strike. But despite several chances to win it, Holland fell to a last minute sucker-punch as Vaclav Pilar netted the winner for a jubilant Czech faithful after Janmaat’s terrible header bounced back off the post. It’s certainly not an ideal start for Hiddink, although Iceland’s victory against fellow group front-runners Turkey will be the one crumb of comfort on a forgettable night for the Dutch.
Kazakhstan 0-0 Latvia
It was honours even at the Astana Arena as Kazakhstan failed to make the most of their dominance against a stubborn Latvian team. The home side controlled the game for long periods, without creating too much in the way of opportunities and wasting the frugal one’s that they did. In fact, Latvia had the two best chances of the night but Gabovs shot tamely at Sidelnikov after being played through on goal and star striker Rudnevs struck the bar with a swerving effort. Both sides will be content with the draw, although they may well be slightly aggrieved that neither team could nick all three points.
Iceland 3-0 Turkey
The performance of the night belonged to the tricky Icelandic side as they swept past Turkey to top Group A. Jon Bodvarsson took advantage of some sloppy goalkeeping from Onur Kivrak to head Iceland intvo an 18th minute lead and their chances of victory were greatly enhanced when Omer Toprak picked up a second yellow after the break for Turkey. It was an advantage that Iceland took with aplomb, with Swansea star Gylfi Sigurdsson continuing his fine form by curling in a fortunate second goal. Ajax forward Kolbeinn Sigthorsson cracked home a third just two minutes later to wrap up an impressive win for the Group outsiders.
Andorra 1-2 Wales
Dark horses Wales avoided a humiliating defeat as they fought back to beat part-timers Andorra, by the skin of their teeth. The tiny team from the Alps have only ever tasted victory once competitively (way back in 2004) and before this meeting they hadn’t scored in 19 games across four years. They also had the unenviable task of stopping the player that has commanded the world’s biggest ever transfer fee, Gareth Bale. So imagine the surprise when the 199th ranked side opened the scoring from Lima’s 6th minute penalty. That sparked Wales into life and inevitably Bale was the man to drag them level, glancing Ben Davies’ superb cross into the bottom right corner. However, the Welsh toiled in the second half and were made to rely on Bale to spare their blushes, as he smashed in a trademark dipping free-kick with just minutes remaining. Andorra racked up seven bookings throughout the match and Welsh boss Chris Coleman will be relieved to have secured a win against the physical amateurs.
Bosnia Herzegovina 1-2 Cyprus
Cyprus sprung a shock in Bosnia, defeating the World Cup entrants with a terrific display. Such a result seemed a mere dream when Stuttgart’s Vedad Ibisevic powered his header into the top corner with just 5 minutes on the clock. But Cyprus hung in, and Demetris Christofi out jumped Asmir Begovic to scramble an equaliser on the stroke of half time. With a point to cling onto, Cyprus used the counter attack to pinch an unlikely winner as Christofi obliterated the defence to race clear and curl past a hapless Begovic. Bosnia had a golden opportunity to snatch a point right at the death, but Miralem Pjanic’s penalty was brilliantly saved by Antonis Georgallides to preserve the win.
Israel P-P Belgium
Game postponed due to security concerns. Re-arranged for 31st March 2015.
Azerbaijan 1-2 Bulgaria
Bulgaria left it late to snatch all three points from Azerbaijan to give them a spring board in Group H. Experienced striker Illyan Mitsanki opened the scoring for the Bulgarians, latching onto a perfectly weighted through-ball to slot underneath the on rushing Arhayev after 15 minutes. They seemed in control, until Dimitrij Nazarov tried his luck from all of 35 yards and caught Goalkeeper Vladislav Stoyanov off guard as his shot bounced into the net. However, a defensive lapse from a late Bulgarian corner ultimately cost Azerbaijan dear, with the ball evading everyone to find Ventsislav Hristov completely unmarked at the back post, leaving the simple task of heading home the 87th minute winner.
Croatia 2-0 Malta
Croatia edged out Malta in Zagreb, but they may rue not adding more goals to the score line. Already heavy favourites, the Croatians were given a massive boost when Maltese defender Steven Borg received a straight red for an altercation with Mario Mandzukic. Despite being down to 10 men, Malta held firm until immediately after half time when Luka Modric watched his 30 yard strike fizzle into the bottom corner as Croatia grabbed their much needed goal. They eventually made the most of their numerical advantage with Andrej Kramaric rolling in the second, ten minutes from time.
Norway 0-2 Italy
New manager Antonio Conte eased some of the World Cup disappointment by leading Italy to a commanding victory away at Norway. Simone Zaza rifled in his first goal for the Azzuri midway through the first half and Leonardo Bonucci headed the second from Pasqual’s pin point cross to put the game beyond Norway’s reach. Italy were comfortable for most of this game and are huge favourites to secure top spot in Group H.
