Goor on song for Belgium

Hertha BSC Berlin midfield player Bart Goor scored twice and created another as he inspired Belgium to a 3-0 defeat of Andorra on Wednesday in UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying Group 8.

Key encounter
Belgium lie in third place in the standings but are just a point adrift of leaders Bulgaria and only goal difference separates them from second-placed Croatia, who they face in a potentially decisive home encounter on 10 September

Anthuenis relief
Coach Aimé Anthuenis was relieved his side comfortably fulfilled expectations. "I’m sure that either Bulgaria or Croatia will drop points at some stage and if we continue to play well we have a chance of taking second position.

‘Difficult game’
"It was a difficult game as everyone expected a big victory but it is tough to play against a team who only defend. The two goals in the first half were crucial and gave us breathing space after the break.”

Must-win matches
Goor was similarly content: "We played a good game," he said. "It is always hard to score against teams like Andorra, but we succeeded - and now we have to win the two remaining matches."

Goor opener
Goor gave his side the lead in the 21st minute, powerfully heading in a pinpoint cross from Philippe Clement. On the stroke of half-time, he turned provider as Wesley Sonck doubled the advantage.

Briefly competitive
Andorra, who have lost all six of their qualifiers, worked hard at the start of the second half to gain a foothold in the game and were competitive for short periods.

Drilled volley
The dominance of Belgium, however, was always going to prevail and Andorra could only hold out for so long. Goor settled matters in the 68th minute, drilling a perfectly executed volley into the bottom corner.