International round-up

Last updated : 13 October 2005 By Reggie Holdsworth
The World Cup qualifiers took centre stage with Szilard Nemeth and George Boateng both looking to help their countries qualify for the finals in Germany next year.

Nemeth played the full 90 minutes in Slovakia's 1-0 win against Estonia, a victory thats sets up a thrilling decider against Russia on Wednesday. Slovakia need a draw to progress but defeat will see the Russians take the play-off place.

George Boateng was not involved in the Netherlands vital win against the Czech Republic in Prague, but the fact he was in the squad is a massive incentive for player to be part of their World Cup squad next year.

The victory guarenteed the Dutch a place in next years finals, and the way that they are playing of late, they will have a great chance of becoming World Champions for the first time.



Mark Viduka played nearly an hour for the Socceroos in a friendly against Jamaica at Craven Cottage. The Aussies comfortably won 5-0 with Viduka scoring a simple tap-in, early in the second half, shortly before being substituted.

Mark Schwarzer's shoulder injury kept him out of the game today, hopefully he will be fit to return for Boro next weekend against Portsmouth.

Yakubu was not in the Nigerian squad as they failed to qualify for the finals next year. Having beaten Zimbabwe 5-1 their hopes rested on Angola failing to beat Rwanda, but the Angolans scrapped through with a 1-0 vicory.

Joseph Job missed out in the Cameroon squad, as they also failed to qualify for the finals next year. Cameroon needed to win against Egypt but could only manage a 1-1 draw, however they missed an injury time penalty that would have been enough to see them through.



Danny Graham and James Morrison both started for England U-20's, in a friendly, against the Netherlands at Turf Moor. Graham was substituted at half-time while Morrison lasted until the hour mark, as England drew 2-2.

David Knight, David Wheater and Adam Johnson have all been involved for England U-19's, in a UEFA friendly tournament in Poland.

On Friday Wheater and Johnson both started against the Czech Republic but bot failed to finish the game. Johnson was substituted while Wheater was sent off, for a second bookable offence ten minutes form the end. The Czech's won 2-1.

Knight played the full 90 minutes against Poland 'A' today while Johnson made a late substitute appearance. England won 2-0.