Morten Olsen’s side now lie fourth in the section after succumbing to a 2-1 defeat by Greece that saw the European champions leapfrog them into second and the playoff birth. Home captain Theodoros Zagorakis and Angelos Basinas struck goals within seven first-half minutes in Piraeus, and that proved enough for a win despite Dennis Rommedahl pulling one back for the visitors just before the break. Ukraine’s lead at the top of the group is now six points and looks unassailable for Sørenson’s side who must now concentrate on finishing runners up.
Denmark’s Scandinavian rivals Sweden fared much better against France as they held the former World and European champions to a credible draw in Paris. Olof Mellberg excelled at the back as the visitors took the lead with a tenth-minute goal from Fredrik Ljungberg. David Trezeguet equalised towards the end of the half but Sweden continued to make much of the running and earned a heartening result.
Two of Villa’s younger players both made impressive international bows but will be disappointed at the final scores in friendlies in Belfast and Dusseldorf. Steven Davis made his first start for Northern Ireland as they slipped to a sorry defeat by ten-man Canada. Lawrie Sanchez was none the less pleased with the 20-year-old: “He did well, and I hope it will be the start of many games for us,” he said.
Thomas Hitzlsperger made his first start for Germany as the 2006 World Cup hosts twice went ahead against a strong Argentina side . Hernan Crespo struck with a penalty and a spectacular late chip to earn Argentina a 2-2 draw cancelling out goals from Torsten Frings and Kevin Kuranyi.