eplmatches.com

Finland shot themselves in the foot against Russia on Wednesday as two own goals handed their hosts victory in a crucial World Cup qualifier.
Defender Petri Pasanen turned into his own net in the 23rd minute and Finland’s hopes of getting back into the game were destroyed when Veli Lampi did the same shortly after the [...]

Alberto Aquilani struck twice to hand Group Eight leaders Italy a 2-1 win over a plucky Montenegro in an open World Cup qualifying game on Wednesday.
Victory meant Italy boss Marcello Lippi, over his two spells in charge, has equalled 1934 and 1938 World Cup-winning coach Vittorio Pozzo’s record of 30 games without defeat.

David Villa struck a late winner as Spain fought back from an early deficit against Belgium to continue their 100% start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Villa headed home Dani Guiza’s far-post cross in the 88th minute for his 23rd international goal in only his 40th appearance as Spain overcame the shock of conceding their [...]

Portugal’s disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign continued on Wednesday as they were held to a goalless draw at home to 10-man Albania.
Admir Teli was sent off for the visitors just before half-time after only coming on as a substitute in the 24th minute and, shorn of the creative talents of Maniche and Deco, Portugal could [...]

Wayne Rooney scored twice as England took a giant stride towards World Cup qualification by beating Belarus to make it maximum points from four games.
Steven Gerrard gave England the lead from 30 yards after 11 minutes, but Pavel Sitko headed a deserved leveller for Belarus before the break.
Rooney turned in a cross from Emile Heskey [...]

Wales slipped to defeat against Germany in their 2010 World Cup qualifying Group Four match in Monchengladbach.
Piotr Trochowski’s swerving shot broke Wales’ resistance in the 72nd minute, while Michael Ballack hit the post.
James Collins was inspirational in the Welsh defence, with goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey producing a series of stops.
Before Germany scored, Craig Bellamy forced a [...]

Libor Sionko’s second half goal led the Czech Republic to a 1-0 victory over Slovenia in their World Cup Group Three qualifier on Wednesday.
The Czechs, looking to revive their campaign after securing just one point from their opening two matches, made sure of a first victory after September’s draw in Northern Ireland and Saturday’s loss [...]

Mark van Bommel’s second-half strike ensured Holland maintained their 100% start to World Cup qualifying at the expense of Norway.
Van Bommel smashed home a volley after 64 minutes in Oslo to make it three wins from three for Oranje and stretch their advantage at the top of Group Nine.
Norway, however, are still waiting for their [...]

France offered a spectacular performance tonight at the Stade de France. Thierry Henry was back on the score sheet for his country. The show was started by Tunisia though, who opened the score, half an hour into the match. Jemaa humiliated Boumsong and scored after a Mandanda error.
Thierry Henry equalized with a superb shot after [...]

Robinho scored two goals to lead Brazil over Venezuela 4-0 Sunday and into second place at the halfway point of South American qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.
Kaka returned from an 11-month absence from Brazil’s national team to open the scoring in the 6th minute after a pass from Robinho, sending the ball beyond Venezuela [...]