MOST IMPRESSIVE

The most impressive performance in the 25 European qualifiers came from England in Zagreb, the scene of a painful 2-0 defeat to Croatia nearly two years ago. Croatia also beat England 3-2 at Wembley in November to end their hopes of reaching the European championship in June.

Theo Walcott scored a hat-trick as England beat Croatia 4-1 in Zagreb yesterday to avenge the two defeats that cost them a place at Euro 2008. [Sina.com]

Coach Fabio Capello saw his men dominate for most of the match as Walcott justified the Italian's decision to start him on the right instead of David Beckham, who came on near the end to win his 105th England cap.

Walcott was outstanding and scored his first senior goals as England ended Croatia's run of 35 unbeaten European and World Cup home qualifiers since they began playing competitive football in 1994.

Theo Walcott (R) scored a hat-trick as England beat Croatia 4-1 in Zagreb yesterday to avenge the two defeats that cost them a place at Euro 2008. [Sina.com]

Croatia's miserable night was compounded when Robert Kovac was sent off for elbowing Joe Cole in the head early in the second half.

The win, following Saturday's 2-0 victory over Andorra, put England top of Group Six, along with Ukraine, who maintained their perfect start with a 3-1 win in Kazakhstan.

Italy, who beat Cyprus 2-1 away on Saturday, scored a second successive win in Group Eight by beating Georgia 2-0 in Udine, Daniele De Rossi scoring twice.

France got their first points in Group Seven following Saturday's shock 3-1 defeat by Austria, beating Serbia 2-1 in Paris with goals from Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka.

Despite their draw in Finland, Germany still top Group Four, a point ahead of Russia and Wales.

Russia opened their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Wales in Moscow, though the Euro 2008 semi-finalists left it late with Pavel Pogrebnyak lashing home the winner nine minutes from time.

Greece, who won 2-0 in Latvia, have maximum points and top Group Two while Lithuania, 2-0 winners over Austria, also have a 100 per cent record and top Group Seven.

(Agencies via Shanghai Daily September 11, 2008)