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Congratulations Spain!
Full Time
Georgia 0 Vs 1 Spain
Spain Goal(s)
Soldado 86'
Congratulations Spain!
VAMOS ESPANA
Georgia 0 Vs 1 Spain
Spain Goal(s)
Soldado 86'
Congratulations Spain!
VAMOS ESPANA
Portugal 3-0 Azerbaijan: Second half goals earn three points for Ronaldo and company
Portugal rallied in the second period and put in a commanding performance as Paulo Bento’s men defeated Azerbaijan 3-0 in their World Cup 2014 qualifier at Estadia AXA on Tuesday evening.
The home side sprayed the Azerbaijan goal with an astounding 33 shots on goal in the match, but the visitors somehow managed to withstand the barrage in the first half. However, Portugal found the net three times in the second half with goals from Silvestre Varela, Helder Postiga, and Bruno Alves.
The hosts had a number of early shots on goal, but Kamran Arhayev in the Azerbaijan goal and his defenders bravely blocked and defended for the majority of the first half. Cristiano Ronaldo looked destined to open the scoring the 15th minute when he received the ball just six yards out inside the area, but Rahid Amirguliev was there to make a terrific block and turn the ball out for a corner.
Joao Moutinho and Raul Mereiles both attempted long-range shots from just outside the area around the 20th minute mark but both saw their efforts clear the Azerbaijan crossbar.Portugal should have taken the lead one minute into first-half injury-time when he found space six yards out and struck at goal, only to see his attempt agonizingly clip the post.
The second half started in the same vein, and an array of Portugal efforts eventually lead to the opening goal.In the 63rd minute, Varela got himself into an excellent position on the right-hand side of the six-yard box and drilled a shot past Arhayev at his near post.
The next 20 minutes passed with total domination from the home side. Portugal doubled its lead in the 83rd minute when Postiga drifted into the center of the box and slotted a shot into the right corner from on the penalty spot.It took just three minutes for Paulo Bento’s side to seal the points with a third goal. Moutinho whipped in an out-swinging corner kick and Alves was there at the back post to bullet a header past Arhayev.
Portugal now find itself healthily placed joint-top of Group F alongside Russia with maximum points taken from its opening two matches. Azerbaijan is fifth after tonight’s result and has accumulated one point so far, thanks to a draw against Israel on Saturday.
Portugal rallied in the second period and put in a commanding performance as Paulo Bento’s men defeated Azerbaijan 3-0 in their World Cup 2014 qualifier at Estadia AXA on Tuesday evening.
The home side sprayed the Azerbaijan goal with an astounding 33 shots on goal in the match, but the visitors somehow managed to withstand the barrage in the first half. However, Portugal found the net three times in the second half with goals from Silvestre Varela, Helder Postiga, and Bruno Alves.
The hosts had a number of early shots on goal, but Kamran Arhayev in the Azerbaijan goal and his defenders bravely blocked and defended for the majority of the first half. Cristiano Ronaldo looked destined to open the scoring the 15th minute when he received the ball just six yards out inside the area, but Rahid Amirguliev was there to make a terrific block and turn the ball out for a corner.
Joao Moutinho and Raul Mereiles both attempted long-range shots from just outside the area around the 20th minute mark but both saw their efforts clear the Azerbaijan crossbar.Portugal should have taken the lead one minute into first-half injury-time when he found space six yards out and struck at goal, only to see his attempt agonizingly clip the post.
The second half started in the same vein, and an array of Portugal efforts eventually lead to the opening goal.In the 63rd minute, Varela got himself into an excellent position on the right-hand side of the six-yard box and drilled a shot past Arhayev at his near post.
The next 20 minutes passed with total domination from the home side. Portugal doubled its lead in the 83rd minute when Postiga drifted into the center of the box and slotted a shot into the right corner from on the penalty spot.It took just three minutes for Paulo Bento’s side to seal the points with a third goal. Moutinho whipped in an out-swinging corner kick and Alves was there at the back post to bullet a header past Arhayev.
Portugal now find itself healthily placed joint-top of Group F alongside Russia with maximum points taken from its opening two matches. Azerbaijan is fifth after tonight’s result and has accumulated one point so far, thanks to a draw against Israel on Saturday.
England 1-1 Ukraine: Late Lampard penalty saves point for toothless Three Lions
On the night a breeze of change blew through the England side, it was winded by the failure to take all three points under the Wembley arch.
The ever-reliable Frank Lampard spared the Three Lions’ blushes with an emphatic 87th minute penalty following some late pressure from Roy Hodgson’s team.
But, it failed to dispel the impression that they had been taught a lesson in technique and passing by their visitors.
The difference between the teams was Andriy Iarmolenko, the Ukraine No. 10, who not only scored a peach of a goal in the 38th minute from around 30 yards but caused panic in the hosts’ jittery defense every time he bombed forward down the left flank.
Oleg Blokhin’s team was good value for its lead for 49 minutes but England’s late pressure eventually told, with Danny Welbeck producing an impressive cameo as a second-half substitute
In chaotic scenes, skipper Steven Gerrard was sent off shortly before the final whistle for a second bookable offense. Plans to hand him the sponsors’ man-of-the-match award had to be swiftly scrapped, and it was predictably given to Lampard instead for his crucial late intervention.
The only competition that matters to England is the race to Brazil in 2014, but this was a disappointing evening for Hodgson’s team as it followed up its 5-0 victory against minnows Moldova with an unconvincing display.
Ukraine began the brighter of the two teams in a marked shift from the almost total dominance England enjoyed four days previously against group H minnows Moldova.
Both sides had opportunities early on. Jermain Defoe was convinced he had put England 1-0 up with a thumping long-range drive after cutting in from the left flank but it was ruled out after the eagle-eyed Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir spotted he had aimed a shove into the throat of Iarmolenko.
Ruslan Rotan had a goal-bound side-footer well blocked by Steven Gerrard as the visitors made confident use of their early territorial dominance.
England was comfortable with the ball but far too generous to its visitors without it. In the 38th minute Ukraine took full advantage.
Glen Johnson was caught up field after a typically adventurous raid up field, leaving Konoplianka space in which to run at Joe Hart’s goal.
The No. 11 cut in field from the left flank and was able to arrow a brilliant 30-yard strike into the far corner of Hart’s goal as Gerrard, noticeably the deeper of England’s midfielders, stretched in vain to intercept his shot.
Either side of Konoplianka’s wonder goal, Cleverley missed two opportunities that comfortably fitted into the category marked ‘sitter’.
Firstly, he spammed a shot straight at Ukraine keeper Andriy Piatov from no more than four yards after Defoe had smartly headed Gerrard’s cross from the right into his path and, then, skewed wide from just outside the six-yard box following good work by Lampard.
Cleverley, roaming in the No. 10 role that Hodgson had earmarked for the injured Wayne Rooney, made it a hat trick of missed opportunities when his miss-hit shot from a tight angle on the cusp of half-time slapped the post on the start of its journey into the crowd behind the goal.
Ukraine continued to keep the ball well and offer enough going forward for England to venture forward somewhat gingerly.
Cleverley’s disappointing match ended in the 62nd minute when he was replaced by Danny Welbeck, who immediately took up a station on the left flank, something he has also had to get used to at club level this season.
The United forward was soon joined by Daniel Sturridge and, more surprisingly, Ryan Bertrand, as Hodgson made early use of his full quota of replacements.
England upped its intensity. Johnson shot wide after slaloming in from the right and Welbeck saw a toe-poke with the outside of his boot rebound agonizingly off the post.
Shortly after Roman Zozulia came within inches of doubling Ukraine’s lead, sustained pressure from England led to a penalty-box melee culminating in Welbeck’s shot hitting the hand of Yevgen Khacheridi.
Up stepped Lampard to do what he does best, boshing home his second spot-kick in four days and his fourth of the season.
On the night a breeze of change blew through the England side, it was winded by the failure to take all three points under the Wembley arch.
The ever-reliable Frank Lampard spared the Three Lions’ blushes with an emphatic 87th minute penalty following some late pressure from Roy Hodgson’s team.
But, it failed to dispel the impression that they had been taught a lesson in technique and passing by their visitors.
The difference between the teams was Andriy Iarmolenko, the Ukraine No. 10, who not only scored a peach of a goal in the 38th minute from around 30 yards but caused panic in the hosts’ jittery defense every time he bombed forward down the left flank.
Oleg Blokhin’s team was good value for its lead for 49 minutes but England’s late pressure eventually told, with Danny Welbeck producing an impressive cameo as a second-half substitute
In chaotic scenes, skipper Steven Gerrard was sent off shortly before the final whistle for a second bookable offense. Plans to hand him the sponsors’ man-of-the-match award had to be swiftly scrapped, and it was predictably given to Lampard instead for his crucial late intervention.
The only competition that matters to England is the race to Brazil in 2014, but this was a disappointing evening for Hodgson’s team as it followed up its 5-0 victory against minnows Moldova with an unconvincing display.
Ukraine began the brighter of the two teams in a marked shift from the almost total dominance England enjoyed four days previously against group H minnows Moldova.
Both sides had opportunities early on. Jermain Defoe was convinced he had put England 1-0 up with a thumping long-range drive after cutting in from the left flank but it was ruled out after the eagle-eyed Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir spotted he had aimed a shove into the throat of Iarmolenko.
Ruslan Rotan had a goal-bound side-footer well blocked by Steven Gerrard as the visitors made confident use of their early territorial dominance.
England was comfortable with the ball but far too generous to its visitors without it. In the 38th minute Ukraine took full advantage.
Glen Johnson was caught up field after a typically adventurous raid up field, leaving Konoplianka space in which to run at Joe Hart’s goal.
The No. 11 cut in field from the left flank and was able to arrow a brilliant 30-yard strike into the far corner of Hart’s goal as Gerrard, noticeably the deeper of England’s midfielders, stretched in vain to intercept his shot.
Either side of Konoplianka’s wonder goal, Cleverley missed two opportunities that comfortably fitted into the category marked ‘sitter’.
Firstly, he spammed a shot straight at Ukraine keeper Andriy Piatov from no more than four yards after Defoe had smartly headed Gerrard’s cross from the right into his path and, then, skewed wide from just outside the six-yard box following good work by Lampard.
Cleverley, roaming in the No. 10 role that Hodgson had earmarked for the injured Wayne Rooney, made it a hat trick of missed opportunities when his miss-hit shot from a tight angle on the cusp of half-time slapped the post on the start of its journey into the crowd behind the goal.
Ukraine continued to keep the ball well and offer enough going forward for England to venture forward somewhat gingerly.
Cleverley’s disappointing match ended in the 62nd minute when he was replaced by Danny Welbeck, who immediately took up a station on the left flank, something he has also had to get used to at club level this season.
The United forward was soon joined by Daniel Sturridge and, more surprisingly, Ryan Bertrand, as Hodgson made early use of his full quota of replacements.
England upped its intensity. Johnson shot wide after slaloming in from the right and Welbeck saw a toe-poke with the outside of his boot rebound agonizingly off the post.
Shortly after Roman Zozulia came within inches of doubling Ukraine’s lead, sustained pressure from England led to a penalty-box melee culminating in Welbeck’s shot hitting the hand of Yevgen Khacheridi.
Up stepped Lampard to do what he does best, boshing home his second spot-kick in four days and his fourth of the season.
France 3-1 Belarus: Capoue, Jallet and Ribery seal two wins in a week for Les Bleus
France recorded its first win over Belarus to continue its perfect start to its World Cup 2014 qualification series, coming through 3-1 at Stade de France.
After a rather sterile first half, the game took light after the break, with Etienne Capoue’s first international goal giving the hosts a deserved lead. Christophe Jallet’s seemingly fortunate strike midway through the second period seemed to have made Didier Deschamps’ men safe, but less than four minutes later the visitors were back in the game, with Anton Putsila forcing home the rebound to Sergei Kornilenko’s saved penalty. Ten minutes from time, Franck Ribery finally secured the points with a deft finish.
Les Bleus started with real bluster and fashioned a number of early opening that might have yielded a goal. The best of these typically came from Yohan Cabaye set pieces, with Mamadou Sakho twice finding himself in the box without managing to force the ball beyond Syarhey Vyeramko.
The best moment came from Olivier Giroud, however. Positioned on the penalty spot the Arsenal striker managed to direct a fine header towards the corner of the net, yet the goalkeeper threw himself across to save well.
Belarus was largely a defensive side in the first period, but after the break immediately showed more attacking threat. Before the hosts opened the scoring, Stanislav Dragun found himself clear on goal but was brilliantly denied by Hugo Lloris and moments later could not steer a header on target.
France made its guest pay a heavy price as it broke up field swiftly to open the scoring. Ribery made a fine surge down the right and wisely selected to cut a pass back to the edge of the box, where Capoue sidefooted into the net.
Although it was clear that Belarus’ challenge was not over, Jallet’s goal was expected to sap their morale. The right-back was getting forward increasingly well, yet there was a touch of fortune about his strike as his driven cross instead clattered off the underside of the bar and into the net.
Putsila breathed life into the encounter four minutes later, winning a penalty when Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa brought him down in the box. Although Lloris saved, Kornilenko’s effort, the midfielder reacted quickest to convert the loose ball.
Any nerves the hosts might have suffered late on were doused by Ribery, who finished in magnificent style after Karim Benzema’s clever work allowed him to burst clear into the box, in the process ensuring that France are the early pace setters in Group I.
France recorded its first win over Belarus to continue its perfect start to its World Cup 2014 qualification series, coming through 3-1 at Stade de France.
After a rather sterile first half, the game took light after the break, with Etienne Capoue’s first international goal giving the hosts a deserved lead. Christophe Jallet’s seemingly fortunate strike midway through the second period seemed to have made Didier Deschamps’ men safe, but less than four minutes later the visitors were back in the game, with Anton Putsila forcing home the rebound to Sergei Kornilenko’s saved penalty. Ten minutes from time, Franck Ribery finally secured the points with a deft finish.
Les Bleus started with real bluster and fashioned a number of early opening that might have yielded a goal. The best of these typically came from Yohan Cabaye set pieces, with Mamadou Sakho twice finding himself in the box without managing to force the ball beyond Syarhey Vyeramko.
The best moment came from Olivier Giroud, however. Positioned on the penalty spot the Arsenal striker managed to direct a fine header towards the corner of the net, yet the goalkeeper threw himself across to save well.
Belarus was largely a defensive side in the first period, but after the break immediately showed more attacking threat. Before the hosts opened the scoring, Stanislav Dragun found himself clear on goal but was brilliantly denied by Hugo Lloris and moments later could not steer a header on target.
France made its guest pay a heavy price as it broke up field swiftly to open the scoring. Ribery made a fine surge down the right and wisely selected to cut a pass back to the edge of the box, where Capoue sidefooted into the net.
Although it was clear that Belarus’ challenge was not over, Jallet’s goal was expected to sap their morale. The right-back was getting forward increasingly well, yet there was a touch of fortune about his strike as his driven cross instead clattered off the underside of the bar and into the net.
Putsila breathed life into the encounter four minutes later, winning a penalty when Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa brought him down in the box. Although Lloris saved, Kornilenko’s effort, the midfielder reacted quickest to convert the loose ball.
Any nerves the hosts might have suffered late on were doused by Ribery, who finished in magnificent style after Karim Benzema’s clever work allowed him to burst clear into the box, in the process ensuring that France are the early pace setters in Group I.
Italy 2-0 Malta: Azzurri earn points in unconvincing fashion
Italy racked up its first 2014 World Cup qualification win in Modena on Tuesday night, but in the most underwhelming fashion, Cesare Prandelli's men stuttering their way to a 2-0 win over Group B minnows Malta.
Mattia Destro opened the scoring with just over five minutes gone but the Azzurri failed dismally to build on their early advantage and struggled terribly to break down a side ranked 139th in the world.
Indeed, Federico Peluso's last-gasp header was scarcely deserved in light of such an insipid display from the Euro 2012 runners-up.
While Italy had looked very vulnerable in their 2-2 draw with Bulgaria last Friday, that they performed so poorly against Malta was surprising given it could not have hoped for a better start.
Indeed, less than six minutes had elapsed when Claudio Marchisio split the Malta defense with a measured ball from the middle of the park that Destro allowed to drift across him before coolly prodding past Andrew Hogg in the Malta goal.
With the Euro 2012 runner-up having made such an early breakthrough, a rout looked a distinct possibility and the Azzurri quickly set about trying to secure a two-goal cushion.
Pablo Osvaldo threatened twice either side of a well-struck Alessandro Diamanti freekick that Hogg did well to turn over the bar, the Roma striker first heading wide from a corner before then being denied by a splendidly-timed last-gasp challenge from Luke Dimech.
However, Italy soon ran out of ideas and Malta even began to threaten on the counterattack as a half which had begun so brightly quickly fizzled out.
Cesare Prandelli unsurprisingly responded to his side’s lackluster offensive display by replacing the dreadfully ineffective Diamanti with Lorenzo Insigne, who injected some badly needed excitement into the game.
Indeed, the Napoli forward’s quick feed and direct running caused the Maltese defense no end of trouble and it was from an Insigne pass that fellow substitute Giampaolo Pazzini should have doubled Italy’s advantage. However, the in-form AC Milan striker could only side-foot the ball wide from the edge of the six-yard area.
Pazzini, who proved far more of a handful than the man he had replaced, Osvaldo, threatened twice more before Italy finally grabbed a second right a death, with Peluso's near-post header from an Andrea Pirlo corner somehow finding its way past Hogg.
That goal, though, could not paper over the cracks that have been evident in Italy's opening two games in Group B and a massive improvement is needed ahead of next month's trip to Armenia and subsequent home game against Denmark.
Italy racked up its first 2014 World Cup qualification win in Modena on Tuesday night, but in the most underwhelming fashion, Cesare Prandelli's men stuttering their way to a 2-0 win over Group B minnows Malta.
Mattia Destro opened the scoring with just over five minutes gone but the Azzurri failed dismally to build on their early advantage and struggled terribly to break down a side ranked 139th in the world.
Indeed, Federico Peluso's last-gasp header was scarcely deserved in light of such an insipid display from the Euro 2012 runners-up.
While Italy had looked very vulnerable in their 2-2 draw with Bulgaria last Friday, that they performed so poorly against Malta was surprising given it could not have hoped for a better start.
Indeed, less than six minutes had elapsed when Claudio Marchisio split the Malta defense with a measured ball from the middle of the park that Destro allowed to drift across him before coolly prodding past Andrew Hogg in the Malta goal.
With the Euro 2012 runner-up having made such an early breakthrough, a rout looked a distinct possibility and the Azzurri quickly set about trying to secure a two-goal cushion.
Pablo Osvaldo threatened twice either side of a well-struck Alessandro Diamanti freekick that Hogg did well to turn over the bar, the Roma striker first heading wide from a corner before then being denied by a splendidly-timed last-gasp challenge from Luke Dimech.
However, Italy soon ran out of ideas and Malta even began to threaten on the counterattack as a half which had begun so brightly quickly fizzled out.
Cesare Prandelli unsurprisingly responded to his side’s lackluster offensive display by replacing the dreadfully ineffective Diamanti with Lorenzo Insigne, who injected some badly needed excitement into the game.
Indeed, the Napoli forward’s quick feed and direct running caused the Maltese defense no end of trouble and it was from an Insigne pass that fellow substitute Giampaolo Pazzini should have doubled Italy’s advantage. However, the in-form AC Milan striker could only side-foot the ball wide from the edge of the six-yard area.
Pazzini, who proved far more of a handful than the man he had replaced, Osvaldo, threatened twice more before Italy finally grabbed a second right a death, with Peluso's near-post header from an Andrea Pirlo corner somehow finding its way past Hogg.
That goal, though, could not paper over the cracks that have been evident in Italy's opening two games in Group B and a massive improvement is needed ahead of next month's trip to Armenia and subsequent home game against Denmark.
Austria 1-2 Germany: Ozil and Reus earn victory in Vienna
Germany was made to work hard for its 2-1 victory over Austria in Vienna as Joachim Low's side earned a second straight win in their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Marco Reus gave the hosts the visitors on the stroke of halftime, and Mesut Ozil made it two from the penalty shot shortly after the break. However, Zlatko Junuzovic ensured a nervy ending to match, but die Nationalmannschaft had done enough.
Germany may have gone into the break a goal to the good, but in truth either side could, and perhaps should have taken the lead long before the deadlock was eventually broken.
Just a couple of minutes were on the clock when Mats Hummels sprayed a wayward pass to Julian Baumgartlinger, who sent an inch-perfect ball to Martin Harnik. The Stuttgart star was preparing himself to apply the finish, Holger Badstuber got across to make a fantastic tackle and save his defensive partner's blushes.
Seconds later, a calamitous defensive error almost led to a goal at the other end as Robert Almer sliced a clearance with Miroslav Klose lurking, but the ball bounced kindly out of play, and away from the 34-year-old.
Harnik and Andreas Ivanschitz had driven a long-range effort apiece wide, before Germany finally started to click. Toni Kroos had a couple of shots from distance which failed to break the deadlock, and Thomas Muller brilliantly met Mesut Ozil's free kick, only for Almer to get down low and make an excellent save.
Austria had appeals for a penalty turned down when Badstuber appeared to fell Harnik after the Stuttgart man reacted quickly to a quickly-taken throw, and a poor clearance from Neuer almost teed up Baumgartlinger, but the visitors were about to strike.
Miroslav Klose collected the ball with his back to goal and teased a cute ball in to Reus, who coolly cut inside Gyorgy Garics and passed the ball into the bottom corner.
German nerves were finally settled, and it began the second half in the same manner it ended the first. Toni Kroos attempted to cut the ball back from the byline to Muller, only for Veli Kavlak to clatter into the Bayern attacker, and Ozil made no mistake from the spot.
The Real Madrid playmaker almost created another instantly, but Mario Gotze, who had expertly taken the ball around Almer saw his effort rightly disallowed. Had it counted, the contest would have been over.
However, the two-goal lead lasted for just a matter of minutes. Marko Arnautovic raced down the right wing, left Marcel Schmelzer for dead and delivered a delicious ball into the middle of the park, and Junuzovic darted in front of the static Hummels and diverted it home.
Germany immediately set about trying to get a third, and Philipp Lahm almost proved to be the difference, delivery two crosses, one of which was almost diverted past Almer by an Austrian, the other found Muller, who could only sky an effort miles over the bar when he should have done far better.
Austria's potent front line was still proving to be a threat to the visitors, though, and Arnautovic soon exposed Schmelzer's deficiencies at left-back once more, but could not pick out a team-mate with his cross.
The hosts were almost gifted an equalizer with just under 20 minutes to play when Lahm's back-pass went straight to Guido Burgstaller, but Neuer was on hand to rush off his line and and claim the ball, sparing the blushes of his skipper.
Lahm soon made himself a hero though when he cleared Baumgartlinger's header off the line, and that signalled the end of the Austrian assault on Germany's goal, before Arnautovic miscued an effort a matter of inches from goal after being set up by a tantalizing ball from the left wing.
The visitors were able to pass the game out and secure a repeat of the result they earned in Vienna in qualifying for Euro 2012.
Germany was made to work hard for its 2-1 victory over Austria in Vienna as Joachim Low's side earned a second straight win in their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Marco Reus gave the hosts the visitors on the stroke of halftime, and Mesut Ozil made it two from the penalty shot shortly after the break. However, Zlatko Junuzovic ensured a nervy ending to match, but die Nationalmannschaft had done enough.
Germany may have gone into the break a goal to the good, but in truth either side could, and perhaps should have taken the lead long before the deadlock was eventually broken.
Just a couple of minutes were on the clock when Mats Hummels sprayed a wayward pass to Julian Baumgartlinger, who sent an inch-perfect ball to Martin Harnik. The Stuttgart star was preparing himself to apply the finish, Holger Badstuber got across to make a fantastic tackle and save his defensive partner's blushes.
Seconds later, a calamitous defensive error almost led to a goal at the other end as Robert Almer sliced a clearance with Miroslav Klose lurking, but the ball bounced kindly out of play, and away from the 34-year-old.
Harnik and Andreas Ivanschitz had driven a long-range effort apiece wide, before Germany finally started to click. Toni Kroos had a couple of shots from distance which failed to break the deadlock, and Thomas Muller brilliantly met Mesut Ozil's free kick, only for Almer to get down low and make an excellent save.
Austria had appeals for a penalty turned down when Badstuber appeared to fell Harnik after the Stuttgart man reacted quickly to a quickly-taken throw, and a poor clearance from Neuer almost teed up Baumgartlinger, but the visitors were about to strike.
Miroslav Klose collected the ball with his back to goal and teased a cute ball in to Reus, who coolly cut inside Gyorgy Garics and passed the ball into the bottom corner.
German nerves were finally settled, and it began the second half in the same manner it ended the first. Toni Kroos attempted to cut the ball back from the byline to Muller, only for Veli Kavlak to clatter into the Bayern attacker, and Ozil made no mistake from the spot.
The Real Madrid playmaker almost created another instantly, but Mario Gotze, who had expertly taken the ball around Almer saw his effort rightly disallowed. Had it counted, the contest would have been over.
However, the two-goal lead lasted for just a matter of minutes. Marko Arnautovic raced down the right wing, left Marcel Schmelzer for dead and delivered a delicious ball into the middle of the park, and Junuzovic darted in front of the static Hummels and diverted it home.
Germany immediately set about trying to get a third, and Philipp Lahm almost proved to be the difference, delivery two crosses, one of which was almost diverted past Almer by an Austrian, the other found Muller, who could only sky an effort miles over the bar when he should have done far better.
Austria's potent front line was still proving to be a threat to the visitors, though, and Arnautovic soon exposed Schmelzer's deficiencies at left-back once more, but could not pick out a team-mate with his cross.
The hosts were almost gifted an equalizer with just under 20 minutes to play when Lahm's back-pass went straight to Guido Burgstaller, but Neuer was on hand to rush off his line and and claim the ball, sparing the blushes of his skipper.
Lahm soon made himself a hero though when he cleared Baumgartlinger's header off the line, and that signalled the end of the Austrian assault on Germany's goal, before Arnautovic miscued an effort a matter of inches from goal after being set up by a tantalizing ball from the left wing.
The visitors were able to pass the game out and secure a repeat of the result they earned in Vienna in qualifying for Euro 2012.
Hungary 1-4 Netherlands: Lens gives hosts double vision
Netherlands have recorded a 4-1 away win over Hungary in Tuesday's 2014 World Cup qualifier at the Ferenc Puskas Stadium in Budapest.
Jeremain Lens broke the deadlock for Holland early in the game, only to see Balazs Dzsudzsak level the scoring again minutes later. Nevertheless, Bruno Martins Indi restored Oranje's lead before the interval, while Lens doubled his personal tally after the break. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar then put the match to bed with an easy finish.
The away side started the match superbly and needed only three minutes to open the scoring. Wesley Sneijder found Luciano Narsingh down the right, who then played a quick one-two with Robin van Persie. The PSV winger reached Lens inside the area with a good cross, and the 24-year-old beat Hungary shot stopper Adam Bogdan with a placed header.
However, Hungary weren't impressed too much and restored parity only four minutes later. Zoltan Gera went to the ground inside the box after a challenge from Jordy Clasie, and the referee quickly pointed to the spot. Dzsudzsak kept his calm from 12 yards and slotted home with ease.
Oranje took over the initiative again after the equaliser and deservedly went up once more in the 19th minute. Sneijder curled in a perfect free kick toward the far post, where the unmarked Martins Indi was waiting to head home his first international goal.
Lens should have made it 3-1 shortly after following some sloppy defending from Vilmos Vanczak and Vladimir Koman, but the PSV attacker’s weak attempt through the middle was an easy prey for Bogdan.
Nevertheless, the former AZ star did get his second of the game after the interval. Left back Akos Elek intercepted Sneijder's pass for Narsingh, but headed it straight into the path of Lens, whose left-footed volley proved to be too much for Bogdan.
The Hungarians started pushing forward after Holland's third goal and came close to pegging one back in the 58th minute. Vanczak set up Tamas Priskin with a nice through ball, but Maarten Stekelenburg showed his class with a fine safe to deny the striker from close range.
Sneijder almost added his name to the score sheet as well with a powerful long range strike, but the Inter playmaker's shot came back off the crossbar, with Ricardo van Rhijn blasting the rebound high and wide.
A quickly taken free kick did extend Netherlands' lead shortly after as Lens set up substitute Huntelaar, who had no trouble finding the empty net. The Schalke man should have netted his second well into stoppage time, but aimed wide from inside the area.
Hungary has collected three points from two matches following the loss versus the Dutch. They will be looking to return to winning ways next month when they travel to Estonia.
Netherlands' sit atop of their section with six points from two games. They resume match action at home against Andorra on October 12.
Netherlands have recorded a 4-1 away win over Hungary in Tuesday's 2014 World Cup qualifier at the Ferenc Puskas Stadium in Budapest.
Jeremain Lens broke the deadlock for Holland early in the game, only to see Balazs Dzsudzsak level the scoring again minutes later. Nevertheless, Bruno Martins Indi restored Oranje's lead before the interval, while Lens doubled his personal tally after the break. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar then put the match to bed with an easy finish.
The away side started the match superbly and needed only three minutes to open the scoring. Wesley Sneijder found Luciano Narsingh down the right, who then played a quick one-two with Robin van Persie. The PSV winger reached Lens inside the area with a good cross, and the 24-year-old beat Hungary shot stopper Adam Bogdan with a placed header.
However, Hungary weren't impressed too much and restored parity only four minutes later. Zoltan Gera went to the ground inside the box after a challenge from Jordy Clasie, and the referee quickly pointed to the spot. Dzsudzsak kept his calm from 12 yards and slotted home with ease.
Oranje took over the initiative again after the equaliser and deservedly went up once more in the 19th minute. Sneijder curled in a perfect free kick toward the far post, where the unmarked Martins Indi was waiting to head home his first international goal.
Lens should have made it 3-1 shortly after following some sloppy defending from Vilmos Vanczak and Vladimir Koman, but the PSV attacker’s weak attempt through the middle was an easy prey for Bogdan.
Nevertheless, the former AZ star did get his second of the game after the interval. Left back Akos Elek intercepted Sneijder's pass for Narsingh, but headed it straight into the path of Lens, whose left-footed volley proved to be too much for Bogdan.
The Hungarians started pushing forward after Holland's third goal and came close to pegging one back in the 58th minute. Vanczak set up Tamas Priskin with a nice through ball, but Maarten Stekelenburg showed his class with a fine safe to deny the striker from close range.
Sneijder almost added his name to the score sheet as well with a powerful long range strike, but the Inter playmaker's shot came back off the crossbar, with Ricardo van Rhijn blasting the rebound high and wide.
A quickly taken free kick did extend Netherlands' lead shortly after as Lens set up substitute Huntelaar, who had no trouble finding the empty net. The Schalke man should have netted his second well into stoppage time, but aimed wide from inside the area.
Hungary has collected three points from two matches following the loss versus the Dutch. They will be looking to return to winning ways next month when they travel to Estonia.
Netherlands' sit atop of their section with six points from two games. They resume match action at home against Andorra on October 12.
Georgia 0-1 Spain: Soldado strikes late to spare blushes of world champions
Spain's journey to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil got off to a stuttering start, after a narrow 1-0 win against Georgia in the opening qualifying match in Group 1 at the Boris Paichadze National Stadium.
The defending world and European champions kept the hosts pinned back in their own half for the vast majority of the contest, but struggled to find a way through their defensive ranks as chances remained at a premium.
Georgia defended admirably throughout, but their resistance was broken four minutes from the end by Roberto Soldado, who swept home from close range to give Spain a win they barely deserved.
The Valencia man started as the lone striker as Fernando Torres, who captained the team to a 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in his 100th cap on Friday, was dropped to the bench.
As expected, Spain wasted little time in snatching control of possession, but was made to work hard to find an opening by a Georgia team who had no interest in pressing forward.Chances were few and far between for the European champions, with a saved Sergio Ramos header from a corner about the best they could muster in a tepid opening 20 minutes.
Spain only seemed to find space once outside the penalty area, though David Silva almost took advantage of that development with a stinging drive that cannoned off the inside of the post, with Giorgi Loria completely beaten.It was difficult to tell whether Georgia’s sheer numbers at the back proved effective in throwing Spain off their game, or if the visitors’ lethargy was simply down to a lack of urgency in the attacking third.
The first period seemed destined to finish scoreless, though a late flourish from Del Bosque’s men nearly put paid to such inevitability in the dying minutes of the half.Xavi was at the heart of things, first taking aim from 25 yards out and forcing Loria to tip over at full stretch, before playing in Soldado on goal, with Loria again alert to make the save.
Georgia nearly stunned the European champions early in the second half, who failed to properly defend a rare break forward, which saw Aleksander Amisulashvili strike the base of the post from inside the box.
It was an aberration, no doubt, but it did not lessen the defensive diligence of the hosts in the slightest, as the pattern from the first half repeated itself.Spain remained camped around the penalty area, but labored to find an opening, as they were faced by wave after wave of white shirts determined to hold the score.
However, the home side were handed a blow in the 73rd minute when Loria was forced off after colliding with his own player, with reserve keeper Roin Kvaskhvadze coming on in his place.And their hearts were broken completely in two with four minutes remaining, after lax defending on a cross allowed Soldado enough time to slice home from inside the area.
Georgia attempted to pick themselves up, and even threatened to score with one of the last kicks of the game, but Ramos made a desperate last-ditch block as Spain held on for the win.
Spain's journey to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil got off to a stuttering start, after a narrow 1-0 win against Georgia in the opening qualifying match in Group 1 at the Boris Paichadze National Stadium.
The defending world and European champions kept the hosts pinned back in their own half for the vast majority of the contest, but struggled to find a way through their defensive ranks as chances remained at a premium.
Georgia defended admirably throughout, but their resistance was broken four minutes from the end by Roberto Soldado, who swept home from close range to give Spain a win they barely deserved.
The Valencia man started as the lone striker as Fernando Torres, who captained the team to a 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in his 100th cap on Friday, was dropped to the bench.
As expected, Spain wasted little time in snatching control of possession, but was made to work hard to find an opening by a Georgia team who had no interest in pressing forward.Chances were few and far between for the European champions, with a saved Sergio Ramos header from a corner about the best they could muster in a tepid opening 20 minutes.
Spain only seemed to find space once outside the penalty area, though David Silva almost took advantage of that development with a stinging drive that cannoned off the inside of the post, with Giorgi Loria completely beaten.It was difficult to tell whether Georgia’s sheer numbers at the back proved effective in throwing Spain off their game, or if the visitors’ lethargy was simply down to a lack of urgency in the attacking third.
The first period seemed destined to finish scoreless, though a late flourish from Del Bosque’s men nearly put paid to such inevitability in the dying minutes of the half.Xavi was at the heart of things, first taking aim from 25 yards out and forcing Loria to tip over at full stretch, before playing in Soldado on goal, with Loria again alert to make the save.
Georgia nearly stunned the European champions early in the second half, who failed to properly defend a rare break forward, which saw Aleksander Amisulashvili strike the base of the post from inside the box.
It was an aberration, no doubt, but it did not lessen the defensive diligence of the hosts in the slightest, as the pattern from the first half repeated itself.Spain remained camped around the penalty area, but labored to find an opening, as they were faced by wave after wave of white shirts determined to hold the score.
However, the home side were handed a blow in the 73rd minute when Loria was forced off after colliding with his own player, with reserve keeper Roin Kvaskhvadze coming on in his place.And their hearts were broken completely in two with four minutes remaining, after lax defending on a cross allowed Soldado enough time to slice home from inside the area.
Georgia attempted to pick themselves up, and even threatened to score with one of the last kicks of the game, but Ramos made a desperate last-ditch block as Spain held on for the win.
Republic of Ireland 4-1 Oman: Debutant Robbie Brady inspires 4-1 for Irish
Giovanni Trapattoni handed four players their debuts in a convincing 4-1 win over Oman at Craven Cottage. The Irish starting 11 featured nine changes from the side which staged a late comeback to beat Kazakhstan 2-1 on Friday, and Trapattoni's experimentation was vindicated with Robbie Brady, David Meyler, Alex Pearce and Darren Randolph all having impressive debuts.
The Boys in Green took the lead after just seven minutes. Brady floated a free kick to the far post where it was headed back by Sean St. Ledger, and an unmarked Shane Long was on hand to head home.
David Meyler and Robbie Brady were both doing well in the early stages of their first caps, while Seamus Coleman was impressing at right-back, getting forward where possible. After 22 minutes, a deflected Coleman cross fell to Robbie Brady at the edge of the area, who struck it first time with his weak foot to put Ireland 2-0 up.
Captain Kevin Doyle did well to win a free kick at the edge of the area, and then was on hand to head in the resulting free-kick which was flighted in by Robbie Brady in the 36th minute.
Alex Pearce and Darren Randolph came on at half-time to win their first caps, while James McClean received a rapturous reception upon his introduction. McClean almost scored from a free-kick, but was kept out by Ali Al Habsi in a quieter second half.
Oman grabbed a 72nd minute consolation goal when Eid Mohammed was allowed too much space on the left side, and struck the ball past Randolph to make it 3-1. Too many changes from the two managers saw the match lose momentum, but Ireland added a fourth five minutes from time when Reading defender Alex Pearce headed in from a corner.
Giovanni Trapattoni handed four players their debuts in a convincing 4-1 win over Oman at Craven Cottage. The Irish starting 11 featured nine changes from the side which staged a late comeback to beat Kazakhstan 2-1 on Friday, and Trapattoni's experimentation was vindicated with Robbie Brady, David Meyler, Alex Pearce and Darren Randolph all having impressive debuts.
The Boys in Green took the lead after just seven minutes. Brady floated a free kick to the far post where it was headed back by Sean St. Ledger, and an unmarked Shane Long was on hand to head home.
David Meyler and Robbie Brady were both doing well in the early stages of their first caps, while Seamus Coleman was impressing at right-back, getting forward where possible. After 22 minutes, a deflected Coleman cross fell to Robbie Brady at the edge of the area, who struck it first time with his weak foot to put Ireland 2-0 up.
Captain Kevin Doyle did well to win a free kick at the edge of the area, and then was on hand to head in the resulting free-kick which was flighted in by Robbie Brady in the 36th minute.
Alex Pearce and Darren Randolph came on at half-time to win their first caps, while James McClean received a rapturous reception upon his introduction. McClean almost scored from a free-kick, but was kept out by Ali Al Habsi in a quieter second half.
Oman grabbed a 72nd minute consolation goal when Eid Mohammed was allowed too much space on the left side, and struck the ball past Randolph to make it 3-1. Too many changes from the two managers saw the match lose momentum, but Ireland added a fourth five minutes from time when Reading defender Alex Pearce headed in from a corner.
Moutinho: Portugal could have won by even more goals
Joao Moutinho lamented the amount of times Portugal hit the woodwork against Azerbaijan, insisting that they could have scored even more than three.
It took a while in coming but, after hitting the woodwork on numerous occasions, the Seleccao eventually broke the deadlock before going on to secure a 3-0 win, and the Porto midfielder was adamant it could have been more had they had more luck.
"The shots were just unlucky to hit the post. The result could have been much bigger than what it was," Moutinho told reporters after the game."After [the break], we created more opportunities and made more goals. We thought we were going to score every time.
"The victory was the most important thing. The ball would not go in [during the first half] but the public helped us."
Moutinho's team-mate, Nani, declared that anxiety was beginning to set in before Silvestre Varela netted the opening goal in the 64th minute.
"We played very well, we created a lot of opportunities, we hit the post a lot. We were getting a little anxious but thankfully we managed to score in the second half," he said.
Despite its ill fortune for large parts of the game, Portugal coach Paulo Bento expressed his satisfaction that his side maintained its focus and also looked forward to the next round of fixtures.
"The 0-0 at the break was an unfair result but in the second half the players didn't lose their judgment, and weren't rushed. We are to be congratulated and also the public, who supported us from start to finish," he told RTP.
"We will have time to think about Russia. We will analyse the best strategy. We will play to try and win in Moscow and finish after the next two games [against Russia and Northern Ireland] with 12 points."
Joao Moutinho lamented the amount of times Portugal hit the woodwork against Azerbaijan, insisting that they could have scored even more than three.
It took a while in coming but, after hitting the woodwork on numerous occasions, the Seleccao eventually broke the deadlock before going on to secure a 3-0 win, and the Porto midfielder was adamant it could have been more had they had more luck.
"The shots were just unlucky to hit the post. The result could have been much bigger than what it was," Moutinho told reporters after the game."After [the break], we created more opportunities and made more goals. We thought we were going to score every time.
"The victory was the most important thing. The ball would not go in [during the first half] but the public helped us."
Moutinho's team-mate, Nani, declared that anxiety was beginning to set in before Silvestre Varela netted the opening goal in the 64th minute.
"We played very well, we created a lot of opportunities, we hit the post a lot. We were getting a little anxious but thankfully we managed to score in the second half," he said.
Despite its ill fortune for large parts of the game, Portugal coach Paulo Bento expressed his satisfaction that his side maintained its focus and also looked forward to the next round of fixtures.
"The 0-0 at the break was an unfair result but in the second half the players didn't lose their judgment, and weren't rushed. We are to be congratulated and also the public, who supported us from start to finish," he told RTP.
"We will have time to think about Russia. We will analyse the best strategy. We will play to try and win in Moscow and finish after the next two games [against Russia and Northern Ireland] with 12 points."
Lampard: England showed great character against Ukraine
Frank Lampard feels that England showed great character in its 1-1 draw with Ukraine.
The Three Lions went 1-0 down thanks to a first-half wonder strike from Yevgeni Konoplianka, but the 34-year-old struck from the penalty spot three minutes from time to earn the Three Lions a point.
The Chelsea midfielder praised the character of his teammates, and voiced his disappointment that Jermain Defoe’s goal was ruled out when the score was 0-0.
"These games are not easy and in the end getting a point is a good result considering we were 1-0 down with 10 minutes to go," Lampard told reporters.
"At the start of the game you obviously want to win it but when you consider the circumstances we had a goal disallowed, we hit the post - so in the end we showed great character to get a point.
"I thought he [the referee] pulled it back for a free kick to us, it wasn't a foul at all so we're very disappointed with that."
England now face minnows San Marino on October 12, before traveling to Warsaw four days later to square off against Poland.
Frank Lampard feels that England showed great character in its 1-1 draw with Ukraine.
The Three Lions went 1-0 down thanks to a first-half wonder strike from Yevgeni Konoplianka, but the 34-year-old struck from the penalty spot three minutes from time to earn the Three Lions a point.
The Chelsea midfielder praised the character of his teammates, and voiced his disappointment that Jermain Defoe’s goal was ruled out when the score was 0-0.
"These games are not easy and in the end getting a point is a good result considering we were 1-0 down with 10 minutes to go," Lampard told reporters.
"At the start of the game you obviously want to win it but when you consider the circumstances we had a goal disallowed, we hit the post - so in the end we showed great character to get a point.
"I thought he [the referee] pulled it back for a free kick to us, it wasn't a foul at all so we're very disappointed with that."
England now face minnows San Marino on October 12, before traveling to Warsaw four days later to square off against Poland.
Low: Every Austria chance was Germany's fault
Germany boss Joachim Low believes his side would have been in for a far easier match during its 2-1 win over Austria had it produced a better defensive performance.
The visitors seemed to be in control of the match when Mesut Ozil's penalty sent them into a two-goal lead just after half-time, but Zlatko Junuzovic soon capitalized on some sloppy play to pull one back.
And Germany was made to endure a nervy final half-hour, with Austria registering a number of excellent chances, only to squander them, allowing die Nationalmannschaft to snatch all three points.
"We made a lot of mistakes. Every one of Austria's chances was caused by one of our mistakes," he explained to ARD after the match. We allowed Austria to get back into the match during the final four minutes."
Philipp Lahm was one of the Germany players most culpable of sloppy play, and although he is happy to have come out on top, he has urged his team to lift their game.
"We have six points after two matches. This is a really good start. But we cannot be satisfied with this match. The opponents put us under pressure very early [on] and we could not handle it."
Manuel Neuer was another player who was happy with the result, but warned that a repeat performance would prove costly in the future.
"We can be happy with the result and the points, but not with the match. Austria's chances were because of the mistakes."
Finally, Thomas Muller admitted that the team had approached the game expecting a difficult encounter, but had failed to produce an adequate performance.
"It was the difficult match we were expecting. We did not put in a perfect showing, and there were a lot of mistakes."
Germany continue its qualifying campaign on October 12 when it travels to Republic of Ireland.
Germany boss Joachim Low believes his side would have been in for a far easier match during its 2-1 win over Austria had it produced a better defensive performance.
The visitors seemed to be in control of the match when Mesut Ozil's penalty sent them into a two-goal lead just after half-time, but Zlatko Junuzovic soon capitalized on some sloppy play to pull one back.
And Germany was made to endure a nervy final half-hour, with Austria registering a number of excellent chances, only to squander them, allowing die Nationalmannschaft to snatch all three points.
"We made a lot of mistakes. Every one of Austria's chances was caused by one of our mistakes," he explained to ARD after the match. We allowed Austria to get back into the match during the final four minutes."
Philipp Lahm was one of the Germany players most culpable of sloppy play, and although he is happy to have come out on top, he has urged his team to lift their game.
"We have six points after two matches. This is a really good start. But we cannot be satisfied with this match. The opponents put us under pressure very early [on] and we could not handle it."
Manuel Neuer was another player who was happy with the result, but warned that a repeat performance would prove costly in the future.
"We can be happy with the result and the points, but not with the match. Austria's chances were because of the mistakes."
Finally, Thomas Muller admitted that the team had approached the game expecting a difficult encounter, but had failed to produce an adequate performance.
"It was the difficult match we were expecting. We did not put in a perfect showing, and there were a lot of mistakes."
Germany continue its qualifying campaign on October 12 when it travels to Republic of Ireland.
Sneijder praises the Netherlands' team spirit
Wesley Sneijder has praised the collective spirit of the Netherlands national team after it secured an impressive 4-1 win against Hungary.
The victory in Budapest ensured that Oranje joined Romania on top of World Cup qualifying Group D after winning both of their opening two fixtures. And although the Inter midfielder was delighted by the display, he did share some criticisms of their first-half performance.
"The second half was great. We were positioned very well and every lost ball was ours. And on the wings we were very dangerous with the likes of Lens and Narsingh," Sneijder said to SBS 6. "In the first half we played too slow. We should have used our wings a lot more, that was where the danger came from.
"We did that in the second half and from there we cruised to a 4-1 win over Hungary. We had a real team spirit, ran those extra yards for each other and played very compact."
Lens was the star of the show as he netted two goals, the first after just three minutes, and grabbed an assist having been a late addition to the team following an injury to Arjen Robben.
The PSV attacker revealed that the early strike enabled him to settle into the game immediately and set the tone for a positive evening.
"The trainer and I discussed set-pieces, then I did what I had to do. That goal did help. Thus you are instantly comfortable in the game," he said to OnsOranje. "For the fourth goal I passed the ball to [Klaas-Jan] Huntelaar. It was the easiest option. You must give each other something, which I did."
Wesley Sneijder has praised the collective spirit of the Netherlands national team after it secured an impressive 4-1 win against Hungary.
The victory in Budapest ensured that Oranje joined Romania on top of World Cup qualifying Group D after winning both of their opening two fixtures. And although the Inter midfielder was delighted by the display, he did share some criticisms of their first-half performance.
"The second half was great. We were positioned very well and every lost ball was ours. And on the wings we were very dangerous with the likes of Lens and Narsingh," Sneijder said to SBS 6. "In the first half we played too slow. We should have used our wings a lot more, that was where the danger came from.
"We did that in the second half and from there we cruised to a 4-1 win over Hungary. We had a real team spirit, ran those extra yards for each other and played very compact."
Lens was the star of the show as he netted two goals, the first after just three minutes, and grabbed an assist having been a late addition to the team following an injury to Arjen Robben.
The PSV attacker revealed that the early strike enabled him to settle into the game immediately and set the tone for a positive evening.
"The trainer and I discussed set-pieces, then I did what I had to do. That goal did help. Thus you are instantly comfortable in the game," he said to OnsOranje. "For the fourth goal I passed the ball to [Klaas-Jan] Huntelaar. It was the easiest option. You must give each other something, which I did."
England deserved at least a draw, claims Hodgson
England manager Roy Hodgson has insisted that his side deserved at least a draw against Ukraine as a late Frank Lampard penalty spared the home side's blushes in a 1-1 stalemate at Wembley.
A wonder strike by Yevgeni Konoplianka in the first half looked to have secured all three points for Oleg Blohkin's men as the Three Lions labored to find an opening, a stark contrast to their 5-0 demolition of Moldova last Friday.
However, Chelsea midfielder Lampard converted from the spot after substitute Danny Welbeck won an 86th-minute penalty - and it was no less than England deserved for the style in which they played, according to Hodgson.
"Had we lost it would have been very harsh, we certainly deserved at least a draw," Hodgson told ITV.
"In general terms we went a goal down to a wonder goal but I was really pleased by the way we kept probing, we kept playing, we kept trying. We didn't resort to any hopeful long balls into the penalty area, we kept trying to play our way through."
When asked if referee Cuneyt Cakir cost England the chance of the win, Hodgson refused to lay the blame solely at the official's door yet questioned the number of cards he handed out in light of captain Steven Gerrard’s late dismissal for a second bookable offense.
"Obviously I'm disappointed, “he added. "I don't know too many people [who will disagree] that some of the yellow cards were a bit hard to take. If he [Gerrard] committed two fouls in the game I'd be surprised.
"We kept creating chances all the way throughout the game and luckily we got out our reward by getting an equaliser. Who knows, if Stephen had stayed on the field for the last ten minutes we might even have got the winner."
Hodgson did find time to salute the Ukrainians though, who battled well for a point at Wembley, concluding: "All credit to the Ukraine, they played well enough in the game. It was a good game of football - at least I'm happy we came out of it with something."
England manager Roy Hodgson has insisted that his side deserved at least a draw against Ukraine as a late Frank Lampard penalty spared the home side's blushes in a 1-1 stalemate at Wembley.
A wonder strike by Yevgeni Konoplianka in the first half looked to have secured all three points for Oleg Blohkin's men as the Three Lions labored to find an opening, a stark contrast to their 5-0 demolition of Moldova last Friday.
However, Chelsea midfielder Lampard converted from the spot after substitute Danny Welbeck won an 86th-minute penalty - and it was no less than England deserved for the style in which they played, according to Hodgson.
"Had we lost it would have been very harsh, we certainly deserved at least a draw," Hodgson told ITV.
"In general terms we went a goal down to a wonder goal but I was really pleased by the way we kept probing, we kept playing, we kept trying. We didn't resort to any hopeful long balls into the penalty area, we kept trying to play our way through."
When asked if referee Cuneyt Cakir cost England the chance of the win, Hodgson refused to lay the blame solely at the official's door yet questioned the number of cards he handed out in light of captain Steven Gerrard’s late dismissal for a second bookable offense.
"Obviously I'm disappointed, “he added. "I don't know too many people [who will disagree] that some of the yellow cards were a bit hard to take. If he [Gerrard] committed two fouls in the game I'd be surprised.
"We kept creating chances all the way throughout the game and luckily we got out our reward by getting an equaliser. Who knows, if Stephen had stayed on the field for the last ten minutes we might even have got the winner."
Hodgson did find time to salute the Ukrainians though, who battled well for a point at Wembley, concluding: "All credit to the Ukraine, they played well enough in the game. It was a good game of football - at least I'm happy we came out of it with something."
Deschamps pleased with qualifying win over Belarus
France coach Didier Deschamps spoke of his delight at his side's 3-1 victory over Belarus in Group I of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying on Tuesday evening.
The 1998 world champions broke the deadlock in the second half after a profligate first half in which Mamadou Sakho, Olivier Giroud and Yohan Cabaye failed to convert gilt-edged chances.
Etienne Capoue opened the scoring after sustained pressure from Georgy Kondratiev's side, before Paris Saint-Germain captain Christophe Jallet fortuitously scored a long-range strike, despite initially hoping for a cross.
Despite Anton Putsila reducing the deficit after initially missing from the spot, Franck Ribery secured the nation's first victory over Belarus with a well-taken third.
The former Olympique de Marseille boss was eager to stress that whilst Group I remained a difficult group, the results of the first two games remain positive.
"It was not easy today, we should've been ahead at half-time. Paradoxically, we scored when we were [performing] worse," the 43-year-old told TF1. "It is not easy to win games in this group, as we have seen with Spain who struggled against Georgia [winning 1-0 in Tbilisi earlier tonight]. Us? We have six points, we have achieved our goal.
On Jallet's first goal for les Bleus, Deschamps provided a tongue-in-cheek comment.
"Jallet has trained all week to score goals like that! I have a group of 23 players who are close to each other, I am trying to cover everybody, and those who have played today have proven their place in the squad," he said.
France's next World Cup qualifier is against Spain on October 16.
France coach Didier Deschamps spoke of his delight at his side's 3-1 victory over Belarus in Group I of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying on Tuesday evening.
The 1998 world champions broke the deadlock in the second half after a profligate first half in which Mamadou Sakho, Olivier Giroud and Yohan Cabaye failed to convert gilt-edged chances.
Etienne Capoue opened the scoring after sustained pressure from Georgy Kondratiev's side, before Paris Saint-Germain captain Christophe Jallet fortuitously scored a long-range strike, despite initially hoping for a cross.
Despite Anton Putsila reducing the deficit after initially missing from the spot, Franck Ribery secured the nation's first victory over Belarus with a well-taken third.
The former Olympique de Marseille boss was eager to stress that whilst Group I remained a difficult group, the results of the first two games remain positive.
"It was not easy today, we should've been ahead at half-time. Paradoxically, we scored when we were [performing] worse," the 43-year-old told TF1. "It is not easy to win games in this group, as we have seen with Spain who struggled against Georgia [winning 1-0 in Tbilisi earlier tonight]. Us? We have six points, we have achieved our goal.
On Jallet's first goal for les Bleus, Deschamps provided a tongue-in-cheek comment.
"Jallet has trained all week to score goals like that! I have a group of 23 players who are close to each other, I am trying to cover everybody, and those who have played today have proven their place in the squad," he said.
France's next World Cup qualifier is against Spain on October 16.
Chelsea crowned European Club of the Year
Chelsea have been rewarded for their achievements last season by being named European Club of the Year by the European Club Association.
The UEFA Champions League winners were handed the award by their peers at the third annual ECA Awards on Monday.Chelsea were recognised "for their outstanding achievement during the 2011-12 season on a European and domestic level".
Last term saw the Blues finally end their wait for European Cup glory as well as winning the FA Cup, although they finished a lowly sixth in the Premier League.However, their dramatic penalty shoot-out success over Bayern Munich ensured they would remain at the top table of continental competition, qualifying by right as winners.
Roberto di Matteo turned the club's fortunes around in the cup competitions after replacing Andre Villas-Boas at the helm in March, but was unable to improve their league standing.
Iniesta: If Riquelme retires, football loses one of the best
Andres Iniesta has praised his former Barcelona teammate Juan Roman Riquelme after the Argentine playmaker left Boca Juniors in the summer.
"It is always sad when a world-class player such as Riquelme is no longer in the pitch. If he decides to retire, football has lost one of the best," he told Augol.
The pair were at Camp Nou during Louis van Gaal's time in charge of the club, and although they only played together for one year, the Argentine left a lasting impression on the Spain international.
"I was lucky to have met him in my early years at Barcelona. After so many games, after so many good times we enjoyed and we've seen, I can say that I am delighted to have been his teammate," Iniesta said.
"When I played with him and when I've seen him play what I liked most was the class that he had with the ball, the passes he made, the combinations.
He added, "He is a player with whom I identify, in the sense that he gives the football and asks for the ball at all times."
Iniesta went on to admit that he remains in awe of the way current Barca colleague Lionel Messi makes things so look so effortless on such a regular basis.
"With Leo I do not see any flaw. It is impossible to have a defect when you're number one, with each match he can decide what and when he makes the hardest things seem easy," Iniesta stated.
"I have spent many years sharing a dressing room with him and train every day. He is very young still, bearing in mind what has been achieved and what remains to be achieved.
"Year after year he exceeds himself. He is unique."
When asked whether he would consider plying his trade in South America, Iniesta insisted that he was focused on matters at Camp Nou, and refused to speculate on a coaching career in the future.
"My dream is to finish my career at Barcelona. I arrived here at a very young age, and it would be nice to finish my career where I started.
"Today I do have not in my mind that I will be a coach. I'm sure I will continue to be linked with football, because this is my life and without it I do not really know what I would do. But I do not envisage the idea of management at the moment."
Andres Iniesta has praised his former Barcelona teammate Juan Roman Riquelme after the Argentine playmaker left Boca Juniors in the summer.
"It is always sad when a world-class player such as Riquelme is no longer in the pitch. If he decides to retire, football has lost one of the best," he told Augol.
The pair were at Camp Nou during Louis van Gaal's time in charge of the club, and although they only played together for one year, the Argentine left a lasting impression on the Spain international.
"I was lucky to have met him in my early years at Barcelona. After so many games, after so many good times we enjoyed and we've seen, I can say that I am delighted to have been his teammate," Iniesta said.
"When I played with him and when I've seen him play what I liked most was the class that he had with the ball, the passes he made, the combinations.
He added, "He is a player with whom I identify, in the sense that he gives the football and asks for the ball at all times."
Iniesta went on to admit that he remains in awe of the way current Barca colleague Lionel Messi makes things so look so effortless on such a regular basis.
"With Leo I do not see any flaw. It is impossible to have a defect when you're number one, with each match he can decide what and when he makes the hardest things seem easy," Iniesta stated.
"I have spent many years sharing a dressing room with him and train every day. He is very young still, bearing in mind what has been achieved and what remains to be achieved.
"Year after year he exceeds himself. He is unique."
When asked whether he would consider plying his trade in South America, Iniesta insisted that he was focused on matters at Camp Nou, and refused to speculate on a coaching career in the future.
"My dream is to finish my career at Barcelona. I arrived here at a very young age, and it would be nice to finish my career where I started.
"Today I do have not in my mind that I will be a coach. I'm sure I will continue to be linked with football, because this is my life and without it I do not really know what I would do. But I do not envisage the idea of management at the moment."
Ronaldo: I'm focused on winning with Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo has given Real Madrid fans and staff a welcome relief by affirming his dedication to Los Blancos, thereby dismissing rumors of a potential exit.
The Portuguese winger refused to celebrate his two goals against Granada on Sept. 2, and revealed after the match that he was unhappy due to a professional issue.
He soon left the Spanish capital for international duty, but after claiming two wins with the Seleccao, he has now returned to the club, and is eager to quell speculation over the cause for his melancholy.
"Two games, six points. Mission accomplished. Yesterday we could have scored more goals, but it is also true that Azerbaijan greatly complicated our task. In any case, the final result of both games was very positive and it is now time to return to the club and think only about my club," he wrote on his Facebook page.
"I would like to reaffirm, without being concerned about contracts, that my focus is solely on winning every game and every available trophy with the essential company of my teammates and all madridistas."
Goal.com confirmed on Wednesday that the Spanish champions would consider offers in the region of 200 million euros for the former Manchester United man.
Cristiano Ronaldo has given Real Madrid fans and staff a welcome relief by affirming his dedication to Los Blancos, thereby dismissing rumors of a potential exit.
The Portuguese winger refused to celebrate his two goals against Granada on Sept. 2, and revealed after the match that he was unhappy due to a professional issue.
He soon left the Spanish capital for international duty, but after claiming two wins with the Seleccao, he has now returned to the club, and is eager to quell speculation over the cause for his melancholy.
"Two games, six points. Mission accomplished. Yesterday we could have scored more goals, but it is also true that Azerbaijan greatly complicated our task. In any case, the final result of both games was very positive and it is now time to return to the club and think only about my club," he wrote on his Facebook page.
"I would like to reaffirm, without being concerned about contracts, that my focus is solely on winning every game and every available trophy with the essential company of my teammates and all madridistas."
Goal.com confirmed on Wednesday that the Spanish champions would consider offers in the region of 200 million euros for the former Manchester United man.
Ibrahimovic targets Ligue 1 and Champions League success with PSG
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is confident that Paris Saint-Germain will soon be a force to be reckoned with as the capital club prepares for its return to the Champions League.
The Swede moved to Parc des Princes this summer in a big-money move from AC Milan, and has already made an impact, scoring four goals in his first three Ligue 1 games.
However, Carlo Ancelotti's men have won just once domestically this season, but Ibrahimovic is confident that they will be able to get back on track soon due to the quality of the squad.
"It's very exciting. Everything is new to me, as it is for the club – in the sense they are becoming big and powerful, signing big players, great players, and they want to win big trophies," he told UEFA.com.
"I believe their dreams can come true and I want to be part of that. They are collecting all the big players together and want to create a big team.
"It means the French league will become more attractive, more exciting and the standard will rise. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that? I wouldn't have come here if I didn't believe PSG could win the Champions League. It's true I have never won it, but I'm not desperate.
"The team have to grow, play together and win matches. It will take time to reach the level of the top clubs because everything is new here, but it's the aim of the club and we have every opportunity to make that happen.
"Winning trophies comes with great players and I've won a lot because I've played with great players who have helped me. I am with great players now. You will never win big trophies on your own, that's for sure."
The talismanic forward went on to explain that he was persuaded to move to the French capital by Ancelotti, with whom he had come close to working on two previous occasions.
"It's destiny. We were close in 2006 and something could have happened in 2010. We were far away, but it could have happened; now, finally, we are working together.
"He played a big part, absolutely. I talked to him before I came and he convinced me, telling me it was a fantastic opportunity. Everything he told me would happen is what I am seeing now."
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is confident that Paris Saint-Germain will soon be a force to be reckoned with as the capital club prepares for its return to the Champions League.
The Swede moved to Parc des Princes this summer in a big-money move from AC Milan, and has already made an impact, scoring four goals in his first three Ligue 1 games.
However, Carlo Ancelotti's men have won just once domestically this season, but Ibrahimovic is confident that they will be able to get back on track soon due to the quality of the squad.
"It's very exciting. Everything is new to me, as it is for the club – in the sense they are becoming big and powerful, signing big players, great players, and they want to win big trophies," he told UEFA.com.
"I believe their dreams can come true and I want to be part of that. They are collecting all the big players together and want to create a big team.
"It means the French league will become more attractive, more exciting and the standard will rise. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that? I wouldn't have come here if I didn't believe PSG could win the Champions League. It's true I have never won it, but I'm not desperate.
"The team have to grow, play together and win matches. It will take time to reach the level of the top clubs because everything is new here, but it's the aim of the club and we have every opportunity to make that happen.
"Winning trophies comes with great players and I've won a lot because I've played with great players who have helped me. I am with great players now. You will never win big trophies on your own, that's for sure."
The talismanic forward went on to explain that he was persuaded to move to the French capital by Ancelotti, with whom he had come close to working on two previous occasions.
"It's destiny. We were close in 2006 and something could have happened in 2010. We were far away, but it could have happened; now, finally, we are working together.
"He played a big part, absolutely. I talked to him before I came and he convinced me, telling me it was a fantastic opportunity. Everything he told me would happen is what I am seeing now."
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