Liechtenstein savour home first
Wednesday, September 7, 2005
Article summary
Liechtenstein 3-0 Luxembourg The home side continued their steady international rise with a comfortable Group 3 victory.
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Historic campaign
Liechtenstein had never earned a point in FIFA World Cup qualifying before this campaign, but are now on eight after a historic run. The talismanic Frick, who celebrates his 31st birthday today, has been responsible for much of the side's success and opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark tonight.
Late goals
The visitors' chances further waned when Joachim was dismissed on 58 minutes, and disappeared when striker Benjamin Fischer doubled the lead with 13 minutes remaining. Thomas Beck then made it 3-0 with a free-kick in added time as Martin Andermatts's side celebrated their second ever qualifying victory, and first at home.
Convincing campaign
Their other win came against the same opposition in October but it is draws against Slovakia and UEFA EURO 2004™ finalists Portugal that have really demonstrated their progress. They now meet Luiz Felipe Scolari's side again in their final fixture in October.