Soccer setback

Polish soccer fans rode an emotional rollercoaster last week, but unfortunately the ride didn't end on a high point. The national soccer team was expected to bring back six points from its trip to the Caucasus, securing its prime spot in Group A of the Euro 2008 qualifiers, and putting some extra distance between it and its nearest rivals. Unfortunately, the Polish team only managed a partial victory - it won the day in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku, but failed to claim even a single point in Armenia's capital, Yerevan.

Everything seemed to be on track to return home with six points. Despite a slow start and quick concession of a goal in Baku, the Polish team bounced back with three goals in the second half to beat Azerbaijan 3-1. One goal was scored by Ebi Smolarek and two by veteran Jacek Krzynówek. Although not in top form - the soccer season ended several weeks ago - the Polish side still dominated the home team.

There was disappointment in Yerevan, however. The Polish team completely controlled the first half of the game, but wasted a handful of goal-scoring opportunities, including one from just in front of the goal. In the second half, the Polish team played as if they had run out of breath. The Armenian side scored on a beautifully executed free-kick. A goal down, the Poles simply failed to create many scoring opportunities and were lucky not to have conceded another goal.

The defeat complicates Poland's situation in the group, though still leads with 19 points. Portugal, Serbia and Finland are tied for second place with 14 points, but the first two have two games in hand and Finland has one. In autumn, Poland will have to play all the three teams away.