REYKJAVIK -- Iceland held Bulgaria to a 1-1
draw in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday and leave the top
four teams in group three separated by just three points.
Rikhardur Dadason headed home from close range in the 43rd
minute from Eidur Smari Gudjohnsen's freekick to put Iceland
ahead.
Bulgaria equalised nine minutes from time when Dimitar
Berbatov's freekick found the net having picked up a deflection.
Denmark, who beat Malta 2-1, lead the group on 15 points
ahead of the Czech Republic, who beat Northern Ireland 2-1, and
Bulgaria, both with 14 points. Iceland lie fourth on 10 points
with three games left to play.
Sand's late second secures Denmark 2-1 win over Malta
COPENHAGEN -- What was expected to be a
walkover almost turned into a nightmare for Denmark in their
World Cup qualifying group three bout against Malta on
Wednesday.
Only a header in the 83rd minute by Bundesliga player of the
year Ebbe Sand, his second goal of the game, ensured Denmark a
2-1 victory over the tiny Mediterranean island.
The 38,499 crowd was stunned after eight minutes when Danish
captain Jan Heintze, playing his 75th international, lost
possession and after goalie Thomas Sorensen had blocked an
initial shot, George Mallia followed up to score Malta's second
goal in the qualifying rounds.
Sand headed an equaliser two minutes before the break and
his second and sixth of the campaign kept Denmark`s hopes
alive.
They now have 15 points, one ahead of the Czech Republic,
who beat Northern Ireland 3-1 earlier on Wednesday. Bulgaria,
playing in Iceland later, have 13 points.
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