England travelled to Russia fearing the effect of the artificial pitch in Moscow, yet insisting it would not be the cause of their downfall should their be one on the day. It would appear that the players and staff were right, the pitch was not a problem. In a game that England dominated their downfall was masterminded by a Gus Hiddink substitution and some poor refereeing rather than caused by a plastic pitch.

Rooney Volley Puts England In Control

On the half hour England went ahead, when Michael Owen knocked down a long clearance from the England defence in to the path of Wayne Rooney who coolly volleyed the ball past the Russian keeper, who had no chance to make a save. England had a chance to increase their lead, which would have put the game beyond their hosts as Gerrard uncharacteristically scuffed a volley for it to go wide of the near post.

Super Sub Pavluchenko Scores Two To Put The Pressure On England

It took just four minutes to turn the game, English fans who were celebrating certain qualification as their team bossed the game on the suspect pitch, were soon facing despair as they trailed the Russians. Both goals came courtesy of Pavluchenko who was introduced in to the fray on the hour. Rooney turned from hero to villain when he brought down Zurianov outside the box but the linesman did not help the referee with his decision as he pointed to the spot. Paul Robinson dived the right way but was unable to stop Pavluchenko’s penalty kick.

Russia scored their second just four minutes later, when Pavluchenko put the ball in from close range when Robinson could only parry Beretzutsky’s shot into his path.

England Rely On Others To Help Them Qualify

Steve McClaren and his England team now have to rely on other results if they are to qualify for the final tournament next summer. They need Israel to take points off Russia in their game in hand, as there is little chance of Andorra taking points off them. England will also have to overcome Group E leaders Croatia at Wembley next month.

Onward The Brave

Ukraine travelled to Hampden Park looking for a win to keep their slim chances of qualifying for EURO 2008 open, however within ten minutes Scotland were two up - what a dream start that was. Shevchenko was gifted a chance through slack defending in the 24th minute and the game ended 2-1 at half time.

Talisman James McFadden Increases Lead In Second Half

In the Second Half once again Ukraine launched an all out attack that even Marshal Zhukov would be proud of unfortunately with all their pressure they could not convert their chances and they were punished by Scotland’s talisman once again James McFadden. An accurate pass to McFadden was controlled perfectly and he buried the ball past the hapless Ukrainian goalie sending Hamdpen into another frenzy.

Two More Games To Qualify For The Euro 2008 Finals Next Summer

One down and two games left - Georgia are next up on Wednesday and nothing but a Win will do for the Tartan Army and for the nation to keep their dreams alive of qualifying for a major tournament for the first time in 10 years.

After the Berti Vogts disaster, Walter Smith and now Alex McLeish has brought the pride, passion and honour to being a Scotsman and a Football Fan.

Dutch side Ajax have given Henk Ten Cate permission to contact Chelsea to discuss the possibility of him joining the coaching staff at Stamford bridge as Avram Grant’s number two. This could unsettle Steve Clarke, although Chelsea will do what they can to help keep some continuity at the club, which could involve him moving down the pecking order.

Ten Cate The Number One Number Two

Ten Cate has a successful history as a number two, before taking over Ajax he was No.2 at Barcelona where he helped the Spaniards to the league title in 2006.

Could Martin Jol Take Over At Ajax?

Despite a reasonable points haul during his tenure at Ajax, this season has been poor. With the Dutch heavy weights getting knocked out of the Champions League by Slavia Prague. The departure of ten Cate could pave a way for Martin Jol to leave Spurs with his head held high. With him walking in to the most prestigious job in Holland other than the International job.

Crystal Palace have sacked Peter Taylor following their poor start to the season they currently languish at the wrong end of the table. They are 19th in the table with only two wins all season. Palace had begun with the dream start winning 4-1 away at Southampton on the opening day of the season.

Jordan Sees Crystal Palace As A Premier League Club

Chairman Simon Jordan has always believed that the south east London outfit belong in the Premier League and he has obviously lost faith in the ability of the former England under 21 manager. The club released a statement on their website announcing that Taylor’s contract has been terminated with ‘immediate effect’. It would seem that the youthful ranks at Palace were no ready, and their inexperience has cost the manager his job.

Warnock Favourite To Take Over At Palace

There are a host of unemployed managers that could take the reigns at Selhurst Park many of whom have got sides promoted or managed premier league clubs. Neil Warnock could be a match for the demanding overly demanding Jordan, John Gregory could make the short trip from Loftus road after recently parting company with QPR.