Misery in Moldova

Left to rue their missed chances, Greece’s hopes of qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa was dealt a huge blow yesterday in Chisinau as a late goal from Moldovan substitute Valeriu Andronic kept the visiting Greeks in check with a 1-1 draw at the Zimbru Stadium.

It was supposed a win for Greece, it really was. After starting my second year of studies at York University earlier in the day, my return home was supposed to be a relaxing end to the day; however, a miserable night in front of goal caused me and many Greeks fans across the globe, to suffer a stressful evening.

It wasn’t all bad; in fact, a brief ten minutes of the game was perfect as Greece were clinging on for a 1-0 lead over Moldova, while the Swiss were losing to Latvia, 2-1 in Riga – results that would have set up for a three-way tie at the top of the Group 2 standings.

But if Eren Derdiyok’s equalizer in Latvia was any indication of how Greece’s night was going to end, Otto Rehhagel’s men were caught off-guard as second-half substitute Andronic etched himself onto the score-sheet on the  stroke of stoppage time.

It was a bitter blow for the Greeks as Theofanis Gekas was the lone striker to solve Moldovan ‘keeper Stanislav Namasco, despite a wealth of possession in the Moldovan end throughout the match.

While the draw doesn’t completely write-off Greece for a spot in South Africa next summer, they’re still tipped to at least grab second spot in the group, next month’s meeting with Latvia in Athens is all the more important.

After the Latvians beat Israel over the weekend, basically gaining ground on Greece, a draw with the Swiss on Wednesday leaves them level on points with the Greeks – only an inferior goal differential keeping them just behind the 2004 European Champions.

So with two games left in qualifying, Switzerland top the table with 17 points, Greece and Latvia next up with 14, Israel – who romped Luxembourg 7-0 on Wednesday – remains in fourth on 12 points, while minnows Luxembourg and Moldova round up the group with 5 and 3 points respectively.

While Greece hosts Latvia on 10 November, Switzerland travel to face Luxembourg – the lone side to have beaten them during this campaign, and Israel tackle Moldova at home.

Four days later, on 14 November, Greece conclude their campaign at home to Luxembourg, while Israel visits Switzerland, and Latvia hosts Moldova.

Match report

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