Northern Ireland boost qualifying hopes
Healy claimed his 31st international goal
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Wednesday, 22, Aug 2007 10:59
Northern Ireland have boosted their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008 after securing a 3-1 over Liechtenstein in Group F.
David Healy scored twice and Kyle Lafferty grabbed another in the second half to move Nigel Worthington's men into second place on 16 points, two behind leaders Sweden.
Healy opened the scoring after five minutes heading home Keith Gillespie's cross. The Fulham man then doubled his tally 15 minutes later curling home a sublime effort from 20 yards out.
Lafferty drilled home George McCartney's cross before Liechtenstein grabbed a late consolation effort through Mario Frick.
Elsewhere the Republic of Ireland notched an impressive 4-0 win away to Denmark. Robbie Keane and Shane Long scored two goals each as Steve Staunton's men caused an upset in the friendly in Aarhus.
Nicklas Bendtner hit the woodwork early in the match but when Keane put Ireland ahead after midway through the first half they proved to strong for the Danes.
The Tottenham man made it 2-0 after 40 minutes when Jesper Christiansen's failed clearance rebounded off the striker's back into the goal.
Long came off the bench in the second half to tap home the third goal and he finished well in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper for the fourth goal.
Scotland beat South Africa 1-0 at Pittodrie despite the visitors dominating the game. Alex McLeish's men conceded territory and possession for large parts of the match but won thanks to a volley from substitute Kris Boyd.
Captain Darren Fletcher broke free down the right wing and Boyd met his cross with a spectacular effort from 14 yards out 20 minutes from full-time.
Wales gained a morale boosting win away to Bulgaria in another of the night's friendly games. Freddy Eastwood scored on his international debut while Wayne Hennessey performed well in goal to help Wales to a 1-0 victory.