Tue, Sep 11, 2007 - Page 18 News List

Italy, Spain fell pressure in Euro 2008 qualifying

AP , LONDON

Czech Republic will be without suspended top scorer Jan Koller when they meet the Republic of Ireland tomorrow. Another forward, Milan Baros, is also doubtful with a back injury, and missed the 3-0 win over San Marino on Saturday.

Coach Karel Bruckner called up rookie forward Libor Dosek as cover.

Ireland drew 2-2 with Slovakia on Saturday, while Group D leaders Germany are now one win away from qualifying. Germany, idle tomorrow, have 22 points, followed by the Czech's with 17 and Ireland with 14.

Group A leaders Poland visit second-place Finland. The Poles have 20 points, two more than Finland. Portugal, runners-up to Greece in the 2004 European Championships, are in third place with 16 points, although they have played a game less, and host Serbia.

Portugal drew 2-2 with Poland after a late equalizer from Jacek Krzynowek, who struck on the counterattack, surprising goalkeeper Ricardo with a low drive for the equalizer.

"It's a result that feels like a defeat," Portugal coach Luis Felipe Scolari said.

"We had the chance to put ourselves in a great position but unfortunately, because that's the way football is, we could not win," he said.

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