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Version 3 | Version 4 |
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Live: Euro 2008 qualifiers | Live: Euro 2008 qualifiers |
(10 minutes later) | |
Latest scores:HT Croatia 0-0 EnglandHT Ukraine 0-0 Scotland | |
Later games:Northern Ireland v Latvia (Kick-off 2000 BST) Match preview Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic (Kick-off 1930 BST) Match preview Wales v Cyprus (Kick-off 2000 BST) Match preview | Later games:Northern Ireland v Latvia (Kick-off 2000 BST) Match preview Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic (Kick-off 1930 BST) Match preview Wales v Cyprus (Kick-off 2000 BST) Match preview |
MAJOR INCIDENTS & TEAM NEWS (all times BST) | MAJOR INCIDENTS & TEAM NEWS (all times BST) |
By Charlie Henderson | By Charlie Henderson |
1844: Gary Neville flights an inviting cross into the box and a less experienced defender than Robert Kovac may have had problems, but he just slams it out on the volley. Vyacheslav Sviderski | |
1842: Not long to half-time and you do not need a stopwatch to tell you that in Kiev. A huge band is assembling on the running track behind the Ukraine goal. | |
1840: A chance for Scotland at one end but Barry Ferguson fires a free-kick wide. At the other end Craig Gordon goes down well at the near post to deny Andriy Voronin. | |
1837: Walter Smith is doing his nut on the touchline. Whatever it is that he has seen, the Scotland manager does not like it. Maybe he just wants to see his side maintain possession in the opposing half for a while. | |
1836: Scotland are being tested by a series of free-kicks and corners, but there is still no way through for Ukraine. | 1836: Scotland are being tested by a series of free-kicks and corners, but there is still no way through for Ukraine. |
1834: England relieve the pressure and give their own fans something to cheer about with a corner. Frank Lampard's delivery straight to keeper Stipe Pletikosa gives the home support something to cheer. | 1834: England relieve the pressure and give their own fans something to cheer about with a corner. Frank Lampard's delivery straight to keeper Stipe Pletikosa gives the home support something to cheer. |
1831: Croatia are building up a head of steam. Milan Rapaic leaves Ashley Cole standing on the right and his pull back is met by Niko Kranjcar. His effort is blocked by Rio Ferdinand, but the impressive midfielder gets a second chance moments later which Paul Robinson saves. | 1831: Croatia are building up a head of steam. Milan Rapaic leaves Ashley Cole standing on the right and his pull back is met by Niko Kranjcar. His effort is blocked by Rio Ferdinand, but the impressive midfielder gets a second chance moments later which Paul Robinson saves. |
1829: Hands on heads time again in Kiev. Maksim Kalinichenko causes chaos in the box but somehow it does not go in and Craig Gordon gratefully grabs at the bobbling ball. A trio of yellow-shirted attackers cannot believe it. | 1829: Hands on heads time again in Kiev. Maksim Kalinichenko causes chaos in the box but somehow it does not go in and Craig Gordon gratefully grabs at the bobbling ball. A trio of yellow-shirted attackers cannot believe it. |
1827: Niko Kranjcar ghosts into the box to meet Milan Rapaic's right-wing cross but Paul Robinson is equal to the Portsmouth midfielder's low effort and parries it clear. | 1827: Niko Kranjcar ghosts into the box to meet Milan Rapaic's right-wing cross but Paul Robinson is equal to the Portsmouth midfielder's low effort and parries it clear. |
1825: An effort goes just over the bar in Kiev. Maksim Kalinichenko flashes a fierce header from a right-wing cross high. Kalinichenko holds his head in his hands, but not because of the wasted chance but due to a clash of heads with Robbie Nielson on the follow through. | 1825: An effort goes just over the bar in Kiev. Maksim Kalinichenko flashes a fierce header from a right-wing cross high. Kalinichenko holds his head in his hands, but not because of the wasted chance but due to a clash of heads with Robbie Nielson on the follow through. |
1824: A first attack of note in Zagreb and it is England's. Wayne Rooney plays in Frank Lampard on the left but the ball sits up awkwardly and he flashes an effort over the crossbar. | 1824: A first attack of note in Zagreb and it is England's. Wayne Rooney plays in Frank Lampard on the left but the ball sits up awkwardly and he flashes an effort over the crossbar. |
1823: Another Scot is out of that qualifying match against Georgia. Darren Fletcher joins James McFadden in the referee's notebook. | 1823: Another Scot is out of that qualifying match against Georgia. Darren Fletcher joins James McFadden in the referee's notebook. |
1821: A booking for Rio Ferdinand after Michael Carrick plays his former West Ham team-mate into trouble and he brings down Mladen Petric. Ferdinand had just been warned by referee Roberto Rosetti so he can have no complaints. | 1821: A booking for Rio Ferdinand after Michael Carrick plays his former West Ham team-mate into trouble and he brings down Mladen Petric. Ferdinand had just been warned by referee Roberto Rosetti so he can have no complaints. |
1819: Andriy Shevchenko's malaise in form has followed him from Chelsea to Kiev. The skipper drops deep to get things going but his pass goes astray. | 1819: Andriy Shevchenko's malaise in form has followed him from Chelsea to Kiev. The skipper drops deep to get things going but his pass goes astray. |
1815: Maksim Kalinichenko throws his arms up in disgust at a challenge on the edge of the Scotland box. He gets short shrift from Swedish referee Martin Hansen. | 1815: Maksim Kalinichenko throws his arms up in disgust at a challenge on the edge of the Scotland box. He gets short shrift from Swedish referee Martin Hansen. |
1814: Now it is Ashley Cole's turn to probe for an opening on the opposite flank, but his cross is too high for those in the middle. Gary Neville follows up and releases Wayne Rooney, but his flat cross is cut out by keeper Stipe Pletikosa. | 1814: Now it is Ashley Cole's turn to probe for an opening on the opposite flank, but his cross is too high for those in the middle. Gary Neville follows up and releases Wayne Rooney, but his flat cross is cut out by keeper Stipe Pletikosa. |
1812: Gary Neville, in that advanced position on the right for England, picks out Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney on the edge of the box. Rooney holds the ball up well but can find no way past Josep Simunic. | 1812: Gary Neville, in that advanced position on the right for England, picks out Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney on the edge of the box. Rooney holds the ball up well but can find no way past Josep Simunic. |
1810: Remember those names to look out for? Well James McFadden has already picked up a booking for a needless foul in the middle of the park. He will miss Scotland's next game against Georgia in March. | 1810: Remember those names to look out for? Well James McFadden has already picked up a booking for a needless foul in the middle of the park. He will miss Scotland's next game against Georgia in March. |
1807: At this stage of their meeting at Euro 2004 Croatia were laready ahead. None of that this time with England starting solidly. Nothing spectacular but they are seeing enough of the ball and keeping Croatia at arms length. | |
1805: Ukraine start well winning an early corner but Scotland stand tall. | 1805: Ukraine start well winning an early corner but Scotland stand tall. |
1803: A few names to keep your eye on. In the English corner Ashley Cole and Peter Crouch are a booking away from a ban, while in the blue corner Darren Fletcher, James McFadden and Gary Caldwell need to watch their step. | 1803: A few names to keep your eye on. In the English corner Ashley Cole and Peter Crouch are a booking away from a ban, while in the blue corner Darren Fletcher, James McFadden and Gary Caldwell need to watch their step. |
1801: Both matches are up and running. Andriy Shevchenko, back after illness, gets the ball rolling in Kiev where Ukraine are in all yellow and Scotland all blue - a slightly darker hue than Croatia's. | 1801: Both matches are up and running. Andriy Shevchenko, back after illness, gets the ball rolling in Kiev where Ukraine are in all yellow and Scotland all blue - a slightly darker hue than Croatia's. |
1759: England are in all white, with Croatia in all blue. Steve McClaren's suited and booted on the touchline. | 1759: England are in all white, with Croatia in all blue. Steve McClaren's suited and booted on the touchline. |
1758: Bad news for England. Phil Neville, the only defensive cover on the bench, picked up a hamstring strain in the warm-up and will not be called on. Because the teams had already been submitted he cannot be replaced. | 1758: Bad news for England. Phil Neville, the only defensive cover on the bench, picked up a hamstring strain in the warm-up and will not be called on. Because the teams had already been submitted he cannot be replaced. |
"I'm perturbed about tonight and a bit worried. Will this formation allow Frank Lampard to make as many forward runs as he wants, or will he help make a midfield three? We'll have to see how they play this formation. Formations do not win or lose matches, but they can help or hinder. It's a brave move from Steve McClaren. The only thing worse than a rigid 4-4-2 is a rigid 3-5-2, because that becomes a 5-3-2."Graham Taylor, BBC Five Live analyst | "I'm perturbed about tonight and a bit worried. Will this formation allow Frank Lampard to make as many forward runs as he wants, or will he help make a midfield three? We'll have to see how they play this formation. Formations do not win or lose matches, but they can help or hinder. It's a brave move from Steve McClaren. The only thing worse than a rigid 4-4-2 is a rigid 3-5-2, because that becomes a 5-3-2."Graham Taylor, BBC Five Live analyst |
1757: Anthem time and there are a few jeers when the National Anthem strikes up in Zagreb. Both home versions - in Zagreb and Kiev - get a hearty rendition. | 1757: Anthem time and there are a few jeers when the National Anthem strikes up in Zagreb. Both home versions - in Zagreb and Kiev - get a hearty rendition. |
1756: Ukraine and Scotland emerge in Kiev. | 1756: Ukraine and Scotland emerge in Kiev. |
1755: Here they come, just as another result comes in from Group E. Russia have beaten Estonia to move a point behind England, Macedonia and Israel. | 1755: Here they come, just as another result comes in from Group E. Russia have beaten Estonia to move a point behind England, Macedonia and Israel. |
1754: The pitch is empty in Zagreb, but the home fans have been given red and white placards to hold up in a striped formation before the players emerge. | 1754: The pitch is empty in Zagreb, but the home fans have been given red and white placards to hold up in a striped formation before the players emerge. |
1753: There is an amazing exhibition of flag waving by mascots in Kiev. The away fans respond with a pushing some huge flags across their end of the ground above their hands. There is a far healthier number of supporters in the Dynamo ground now. | 1753: There is an amazing exhibition of flag waving by mascots in Kiev. The away fans respond with a pushing some huge flags across their end of the ground above their hands. There is a far healthier number of supporters in the Dynamo ground now. |
1752: And England have not lost in more than a year since being beaten 1-0 by Northern Ireland. More of them later when they play Latvia at 2000 BST. | 1752: And England have not lost in more than a year since being beaten 1-0 by Northern Ireland. More of them later when they play Latvia at 2000 BST. |
1751: And while the France win won the headlines, it was not a flash in the pan. Walter Smith's men have been in fine form for the past 12 months during which they have lost just once, against Switzerland in March. | 1751: And while the France win won the headlines, it was not a flash in the pan. Walter Smith's men have been in fine form for the past 12 months during which they have lost just once, against Switzerland in March. |
1749: Scotland won that night as well, at home to Lithuania. OK, they may not be Ukraine but let's think positively and not focus on these remarkable unbeaten records of the two hosts. | 1749: Scotland won that night as well, at home to Lithuania. OK, they may not be Ukraine but let's think positively and not focus on these remarkable unbeaten records of the two hosts. |
1747: Talking of Turkey, the last time England play on the 11 October was three years ago when a 0-0 draw in Turkey was enough to send England through to the Euro 2004 finals. | 1747: Talking of Turkey, the last time England play on the 11 October was three years ago when a 0-0 draw in Turkey was enough to send England through to the Euro 2004 finals. |
"If this ground and atmosphere doesn't lift England and make them want to stuff it down their (home fans) throats nothing will. Keep your cool, get the points and get off the pitch. It reminds me of Izmir in Turkey."Graham Taylor, BBC Five Live analyst | "If this ground and atmosphere doesn't lift England and make them want to stuff it down their (home fans) throats nothing will. Keep your cool, get the points and get off the pitch. It reminds me of Izmir in Turkey."Graham Taylor, BBC Five Live analyst |
1746: The Maksimir is close to capacity and the massed ranks of England fans are in position behind one of the goals. There are an estimated 3,500 visiting fans in the Croatian capital. | 1746: The Maksimir is close to capacity and the massed ranks of England fans are in position behind one of the goals. There are an estimated 3,500 visiting fans in the Croatian capital. |
1744: That match is one in a run of five unbeaten, although only two of those have resulted in wins - a 2-0 friendly win against world champions Italy and a 7-0 hammering of Andorra at the weekend. | 1744: That match is one in a run of five unbeaten, although only two of those have resulted in wins - a 2-0 friendly win against world champions Italy and a 7-0 hammering of Andorra at the weekend. |
1741: Croatia went out of the World Cup at the group stages after drawing with Australia when they needed to win. | 1741: Croatia went out of the World Cup at the group stages after drawing with Australia when they needed to win. |
1738: As in Kiev, the Maksimir Stadium has a running track between the stands and the pitch. Both teams are going through their paces out in the middle. | 1738: As in Kiev, the Maksimir Stadium has a running track between the stands and the pitch. Both teams are going through their paces out in the middle. |
"The Scots have demonstrated they can cope with this level of opposition, but can they cope with the fatigue." Roddy Forsyth, BBC Five Live | "The Scots have demonstrated they can cope with this level of opposition, but can they cope with the fatigue." Roddy Forsyth, BBC Five Live |
1735: And Ukraine have been boosted since that 2-0 reverse in the Italian capital with the return of skipper Andriy Shevchenko. | 1735: And Ukraine have been boosted since that 2-0 reverse in the Italian capital with the return of skipper Andriy Shevchenko. |
1733: Since losing to Italy in the World Cup quarter-finals Ukraine have played three and won two. They have beaten Azerbaijan and Georgia but lost in Rome against Italy in their last match at the weekend. | 1733: Since losing to Italy in the World Cup quarter-finals Ukraine have played three and won two. They have beaten Azerbaijan and Georgia but lost in Rome against Italy in their last match at the weekend. |
1732: Ukraine and Scotland have never met before and this promises to be a tough match for the visitors. The home side are ranked 13th in the world and reached the last eight of the World Cup. | 1732: Ukraine and Scotland have never met before and this promises to be a tough match for the visitors. The home side are ranked 13th in the world and reached the last eight of the World Cup. |
1730: For those clock-watching England and Scotland fans this is the time to start that mad rush for the office door and a decent spot in the pub. | 1730: For those clock-watching England and Scotland fans this is the time to start that mad rush for the office door and a decent spot in the pub. |
1727: The Scotland squad are warming up at the Dynamo Stadium in Kiev. It is an 83,000 capacity ground with a running track, but there are a dearth of spectators - apart from in the away section which is a sea of blue. | 1727: The Scotland squad are warming up at the Dynamo Stadium in Kiev. It is an 83,000 capacity ground with a running track, but there are a dearth of spectators - apart from in the away section which is a sea of blue. |
1723: Finally some Scotland team news. Kenny Miller returns to lead the line in a 5-4-1 formation, while in defence Robbie Neilson is drafted in for the suspended Christian Dailly. James McFadden drops into midfield in place of Lee McCulloch. | 1723: Finally some Scotland team news. Kenny Miller returns to lead the line in a 5-4-1 formation, while in defence Robbie Neilson is drafted in for the suspended Christian Dailly. James McFadden drops into midfield in place of Lee McCulloch. |
Scotland: Gordon, Neilson, G Alexander, Pressley, Weir, Ferguson, Fletcher, G Caldwell, Miller, Hartley, McFadden. | Scotland: Gordon, Neilson, G Alexander, Pressley, Weir, Ferguson, Fletcher, G Caldwell, Miller, Hartley, McFadden. |
1721: And Walter Smith's men are in fine company. The other teams that have won all their games are Sweden, Greece, Turkey, Germany and the Czech Republic - who play the beleagured Republic of Ireland at 1945 BST. | 1721: And Walter Smith's men are in fine company. The other teams that have won all their games are Sweden, Greece, Turkey, Germany and the Czech Republic - who play the beleagured Republic of Ireland at 1945 BST. |
1720: Scotland are still basking in the glow of that fantastic weekend win over France which means they top Group B. In fact they are one of six teams still boasting a 100% in the qualifying campaign. | 1720: Scotland are still basking in the glow of that fantastic weekend win over France which means they top Group B. In fact they are one of six teams still boasting a 100% in the qualifying campaign. |
1717: You also have to flick back a little over two years in the history books to find the last time Ukraine lost at home. It could be a tough night for Scotland as well as England. | 1717: You also have to flick back a little over two years in the history books to find the last time Ukraine lost at home. It could be a tough night for Scotland as well as England. |
1715: If you thought that was impressive, what about this? Croatia have not conceded a goal in a competitive home match for over two years. | 1715: If you thought that was impressive, what about this? Croatia have not conceded a goal in a competitive home match for over two years. |
1713: Croatia have never lost a competitive match at home. That record stretches back 12 years and 29 games - 20 wins and nine draws. | 1713: Croatia have never lost a competitive match at home. That record stretches back 12 years and 29 games - 20 wins and nine draws. |
1710: But this match is in Croatia and there is something every England fan has learned about these opponents in the past few days. No, not that Zagreb is the only capital in the world beginning with a Z, but that Croatia do not lose there. | 1710: But this match is in Croatia and there is something every England fan has learned about these opponents in the past few days. No, not that Zagreb is the only capital in the world beginning with a Z, but that Croatia do not lose there. |
1704: England have also hosted Croatia in two friendlies at home. The first was a 0-0 draw at Wembley in 1996 and the second a 3-1 win in Ipswich in 2003. David Beckham, Michael Owen and Frank Lampard scored on that occasion. | 1704: England have also hosted Croatia in two friendlies at home. The first was a 0-0 draw at Wembley in 1996 and the second a 3-1 win in Ipswich in 2003. David Beckham, Michael Owen and Frank Lampard scored on that occasion. |
1701: There are five survivors from the last time England played Croatia - John Terry, Gary Neville, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney - in what was their only previous competitive meeting. It came at Euro 2004 in Portugal and England won 4-2 with two goals from Rooney and one apiece from Paul Scholes and Lampard. | 1701: There are five survivors from the last time England played Croatia - John Terry, Gary Neville, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney - in what was their only previous competitive meeting. It came at Euro 2004 in Portugal and England won 4-2 with two goals from Rooney and one apiece from Paul Scholes and Lampard. |
"In terms of this formation Scott Parker has a good chance to impress everyone, but there are a few knives being sharpened. I have vibes that if things do not go well then Steve McClaren is in for a fair amount of criticism. So for him and for England I hope they win."Graham Taylor, BBC Five Live analyst | "In terms of this formation Scott Parker has a good chance to impress everyone, but there are a few knives being sharpened. I have vibes that if things do not go well then Steve McClaren is in for a fair amount of criticism. So for him and for England I hope they win."Graham Taylor, BBC Five Live analyst |
1654: Just 300 people watched that showdown high in the Pyrenees in Andorra La Vella. There are already more than that in the Maksimir Stadium watching some dancing girls go through the routine on the pitch. | 1654: Just 300 people watched that showdown high in the Pyrenees in Andorra La Vella. There are already more than that in the Maksimir Stadium watching some dancing girls go through the routine on the pitch. |
1649: England start the game in Group E level on seven points with Israel and Macedonia, who beat Andorra 3-0 in one of Wednesday's early matches. | 1649: England start the game in Group E level on seven points with Israel and Macedonia, who beat Andorra 3-0 in one of Wednesday's early matches. |
1645: The first bit of team news for the 1800 BST games filters through. It is England and it is as expected with boss Steve McClaren opting for a 3-5-2. Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand join John Terry in a back three and Scott Parker comes in. | 1645: The first bit of team news for the 1800 BST games filters through. It is England and it is as expected with boss Steve McClaren opting for a 3-5-2. Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand join John Terry in a back three and Scott Parker comes in. |
England: Robinson, G Neville, A Cole, Carragher, Ferdinand, Terry (captain); Carrick, Lampard, Parker; Rooney, Crouch. | England: Robinson, G Neville, A Cole, Carragher, Ferdinand, Terry (captain); Carrick, Lampard, Parker; Rooney, Crouch. |