A quick summary of action around the UEFA group phase on SAT 26 MAR 2005.
» Bulgaria 00-03 Sweden: Sweden maintained their Group 8 lead with an easy win over Bulgaria, taking two goals from Freddie LJUNGBERG. Bulgaria have now conceded second place in the group to Croatia, who defeated Iceland 4-0.
» Czech Rep 04-03 Finland: An end to end encounter in Teplice saw the visitors equalise after trailing 3-1 with 18 minutes left. But Vratislav LOKVENC's late winner moved the Czechs into second in Group 1.
» Estonia 01-02 Slovakia: Marek MINTAL neutralised Andres OPER's goal just one minute later, and Lubos REITER completed the comeback with a 66th minute header to win the Group 3 match for the Slovaks, who are now tied with Portugal for first place.
» Israel 01-01 Ireland Rep: The Irish squad responded well to the hostile atmosphere of Israel's first sellout in sixteen years. Clinton MORRISON scored after just four minutes, but in second half stoppage time, Abas SUAN pounded a long shot past goalkeeper Shay GIVEN to equalise...
» France 00-00 Switzerland: ...while in another Group 4 match, les Bleus could only manage a goalless draw against the Swiss. Ireland Rep now lead the group on goal difference, followed by Israel, and France are in third place due to head to head results against the Irish and Israelis.
» Italy 02-00 Scotland: Andrea PIRLO scored twice to extend Italy's lead in Group 5 to five points, though closest rivals Norway and Slovenia both have a match in hand.