Stern On The Mark
Last updated : 05 June 2005 By Covsupport
Stern John gave new boss Leo Beenhakker something to think about when he scored for Trindidad & Tobago in a 2-0 win over Panama. The City striker was on the mark in the 34th minute to put his country ahead before Dennis Lawrence added another with twenty minutes to go. The win lifts T&T off the bottom of the CONCACAF group and increases their chances of qualification.
The Republic of Ireland failed to boost their chances of qualifying for the 2006 World cup after sqaundering a two goal lead against Israel in Dublin. Ian Harte put Brian Kerr's side ahead before Robbie Keane added a second in the 11th minute. The former City striker had to be replaced after 27 minutes and the night got worse for the Irish when Avi Yehiel pulled one back in the 39th minute and Avi Nimni equalised from a penalty on the stroke of half-time.
Despite being called up, there was no place for former City defender Mo Konjic in the Bosnia & Herzegovenia side which won 3-1 in San Marino.
Youseff Safri was on target for Morocco in a 4-1 win against Malawi in Rabat. Safri now with Norwich City drew his country level when he scored in the 15th minute. Morocco then commanded the game with Mustapha Hadji's brother Youssouf grabbing a hat-trick with goals in the 21st.72nd and 76th minutes.
Coventry born James Quiinn was left out of Northern Ireland's 4-1 friendly defeat by Germany at Windsor Park,Belfast. David Healy scored the Northern Ireland before Germany who had Chelsea's Robert Huth sent off, netted through Gerald Asamoah, Michael Ballack (2) and Lukas Podolski
