Russia, Ireland score wins over hosting Slovakia, Andorra

October 8, 2011 - 11:04 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia all but secured their qualification from UEFA EURO 2012 Group B as Alan Dzagoev scored the only goal of the game against Slovakia in Zilina. Victory at home to Andorra on Tuesday night will secure the Russians’ place in the finals.

The Republic of Ireland will now face off against Armenia for the play-off place in Dublin after both won their penultimate matches.

Greece took control of Group F as they beat Croatia 2-0 at home to leap frog their visitors and move top of the table while Belgium moved into the play off places, ahead of Turkey who lost to Germany, with a 4-1 over Kazakhstan. However the Belgians will need to beat Germany midweek to seal their playoff spot.

France and Bosnia both won to set up a winner takes all clash on Tuesday, France beat Albania and Bosnia thrashed Luxembourg.

Spain maintained their 100% record in Group I with Juan Mata and Xabi Alonso scoring in a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in Prague, a win that keeps Scotland’s slim play-off hopes alive.

Estonia went second as they completed their fixtures with two Konstantin Vassiljev goals giving them a 2-1 win in Northern Ireland – but a point for Serbia in their final match in Slovenia next week will be enough to earn a play-off place.

Ashley Young and Darren Bent scored for England and Wayne Rooney was sent off as England secured qualification with a 2-2 draw away to Montenegro.

Portugal and Denmark will play off for qualification from Group H in Copenhagen next Tuesday night after the former beat Iceland 5-3 in Porto. Portugal just needs a draw from their visit to Denmark to win the group, Sports News Ireland reported.

Thus, European Championship Qualifying Results are as follows:

Andorra 0-2 Rep of Ireland

Armenia 4-1 Macedonia

Azerbaijan 1-4 Austria

Belgium 4-1 Kazakhstan

Bosnia-Hercegovina 5-0 Luxembourg

Cyprus 1-4 Denmark

Czech Republic 0-2 Spain

Finland 1-2 Sweden

France 3-0 Albania

Greece 2-0 Croatia

Latvia 2-0 Malta