Church lead the line for Wales in their 2-1 defeat away to Finland, and played a part in the build up to Craig Bellamy’s equalising goal. He was taken off just after the hour with Wednesday’s qualifier against Liechenstein in mind, as Bellamy will be suspended, and the Welsh conceded the winning goal after he had left the pitch.
Meanwhile in Ireland, the Republic almost pulled off a remarkable result against World Champions Italy. Noel Hunt was an unused sub, whilst Shane Long and Darren O’Dea didn’t even make it to the bench, but a free kick from former Royals Stephen Hunt set up Sean St Ledger’s 87th minute goal that looked like it had given the Emerald Isle a 2-1 win. Unfortunatly a goal in stoppage time saw the Azzurri grab a point but Ireland have the consolation of the play offs and still in with a chance of making the World Cup. Kevin Doyle also played in the game.
Brynjar Gunnarsson will play for Iceland against World Cup Host’s South Afric on Tuesday and fellow midfielder Scott Davies has been added to the Ireland under 21’s squad for their qualifier against Switzerland on the same night.
