Home nations falter
Wales win in San Marino
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Wednesday, 17, Oct 2007 10:02
It wasn't exactly a classic night for the home nations in Euro 2008 qualification action, with only Wales managing to secure victory.
England slumped to a worrying 2-1 defeat away in Russia and Scotland were equally disappointed to leave Georgia without a point to show for their efforts.
Both England and Scotland can still qualify for the main event this summer though, although England must rely on Russia dropping points, while Scotland are still in control of their own destiny.
Northern Ireland can also still qualify thanks to a well deserved 1-1 draw in Sweden, where a stunning individual effort from Kyle Lafferty cancelled out Olof Mellberg’s 15th-minute strike.
The Republic of Ireland's hopes of reaching the summer tournament ended with a disappointing 1-1 home draw with Cyprus.
Steve Finnan's injury-time equaliser was not enough to keep his side's hopes of qualification alive.
And Wales, despite a 2-1 victory in San Marino, will also not be featuring in Switzerland and Austria this summer.
It was supposed to be a good night for the home nations. The script was written for England to qualify and Scotland to edge one step closer. But it was not to be.
We are now left with the very realistic chance of Britain having no representation at Euro 2008.
Scotland must defeat Italy and England have to beat Croatia and hope the Russians fail against either Israel or Andorra to avoid the worst-case scenario.