JOY FOR MILAN, STEVIE AND JERZY

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By J Wade
March 27 2005

There was joy for Milan Baros who scored a vital goal for the Czech Republic in their 4-3 World Cup qualifying win over Sami Hyypia's Finland.

Baros scored after seven minutes for his 22nd goal in 36 international caps but Finland came back from 2-0 and 3-1 down to make it 3-3, before a dramatic late winner won it for the Czechs. Former Liverpool star Jari Litmanen, now playing for FC Hansa Rostock, scored for Finland and Hyypia won his 68th cap. Baros was also substituted in the second half but it was a tactical decision.
 
It was an important victory for Baros' team as they leapfrog Finland and Romania in the Group One table in second place, one point behind Holland.
 
Meanwhile Steven Gerrard won his 33rd cap for England as he played his part in the 4-0 win over Northern Ireland. He was given a rest and replaced by Owen Hargreaves after 71 minutes.
 
It was a great night for Jerzy Dudek winning his 50th cap as he was a virtual spectator as Poland trounced Azerbaijan 8-0. The Reds stopper did have to make one good save in the first half but the reality was it was one of the most one sided attacking football exhibition from the Poles you will ever see. The score could easily have been 12-0 or more.
 
There was despair though for Steve Finnan and Irish eyes certainly were not smiling as Israel snatched an injury time equaliser to force a 1-1 draw. Finnan won his 36th cap and played the full 90 minutes in a right side midfield role.