LONDON: Germany became the first country to win a place at Euro 2008 with a 0-0 draw in Ireland on Saturday, while World Cup finalists Italy and France still live in fear of losing out to Scotland.

The draw left Germany three points clear of Czech Republic in Group D and eight ahead of third-placed Ireland, who has two games left and is very unlikely to qualify.

Coach Joachim Loew told Germany's ARD television: "We're all delighted... now we've qualified for the Euro finals. Hats off to the team."

Germany's feat is unique as most groups have three or even four teams fighting for two places at next year's finals in Austria and Switzerland.

However, the Czechs, Romania (who beat the highly fancied Netherlands 1-0), Croatia, Spain and Sweden all look very good bets for a tournament ticket.

Nowhere is the battle more enthralling than Group B, where the Scots remain surprise leaders on 24 points after a convincing 3-1 victory over Ukraine at Hampden.

Goals from Kenny Miller and Lee McCulloch had Scotland up 2-0 after 10 minutes, and James McFadden struck in the second half to allay any fears raised by Andriy Shevchenko's 24th minute riposte from the visitors.

Scotland manager Alex McLeish said: "We can still qualify and...to tell you that with two games to go is fantastic, especially as no one gave us a prayer when the draw was made."

World champion Italy is second on 23 points after beating Georgia 2-0 in Genoa, with France just a point behind after its 6-0 rout of the Faroe Islands.

Italy, whose hopes are likely to turn on its crunch game away to Scotland on November 17, had goals from Andrea Pirlo and Fabio Grosso to thank for its win.

There was no doubting the verdict of Romania coach Victor Piturca after his team's home victory over the Dutch: "It is a huge step towards qualifying for next year's finals."

A close-range strike by defender Dorin Goian left Piturca's men on top of Group G with 23 points - three clear of the Dutch, now likely runner-up, with Bulgaria third on 18.

Croatia leads Group E with 26 points after a goal by Brazilian-born striker Eduardo da Silva earned it a 1-0 home win over Israel.

England's game with Estonia at Wembley Stadium ended in a fifth consecutive 3-0 qualifying win for the host, who stay three points behind the Croatians.

Its impressive run has left England needing another win over Russia in Moscow on Wednesday to qualify.

Agencies

(China Daily 10/15/2007 page11)