Wales stroll past San Marino
Updated on 28 March 2007
Wales have strolled to a convincing victory in their Euro 2008 qualifying match against San Marino.
Wales created countless chances but had to settle for first-half goals from Ryan Giggs and Gareth Bale before Jason Koumas' penalty in the second period.
Qualification has been a long shot since their defeat in Dublin, but at least Wales have given their supporters - and boss John Toshack - faint hope.
Scotland's qualification hopes suffered a blow as they lost to two Luca Toni goals as Italy won 2-0 in Bari.
Confidence had been high after Saturday's 2-1 win over Georgia saw the Scots remain at the top of Group B, along with France.
But a Toni double gave the world champions a much-needed victory after four months out of action and just two previous wins in the group.
David Healy continued his remarkable one-man show to propel Northern Ireland to the top of Group F in their dramatic 2-1 qualifier against Sweden.
The last time the province enjoyed a similar taste of the high life in a major tournament was almost 20 years ago.
Healy has the province in a state of disbelief again thanks to his scoring exploits.
The Leeds striker grabbed both goals to make it nine in the campaign and 29 in 56 international appearances.
Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton can enjoy his summer holidays happy in the knowledge his job is safe for the rest of the European Championship qualifying campaign.
Reading striker Kevin Doyle was the hero on this occasion with a 12th-minute winner that keeps Ireland in the hunt for a top-two finish in Group D, and with it a place in next year's finals.
The win against Slovakia was the Republic's fourth successive group victory, a feat achieved on only three previous occasions in their history when they qualified for the 1990, 1994 and 2002 World Cup finals.
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