Żurawski maintains Poland run

Poland secured their fifth consecutive UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying win as they defeated Group A rivals Armenia 1-0.

Lead stretched
Maciej Żurawski's first-half strike proved enough for the home side who were never really threatened by Armenia and had numerous opportunities to extend their advantage. With Finland's surprise 1-0 loss to Azerbaijan earlier in the day and Portugal's 1-1 draw with Serbia, Poland's lead in the group now stands at five points.

Early domination
Poland dominated the early stages with Lukasz Gargula pulling the strings in midfield and Jacek Krzynówek displaying his array of sublime ball skills. It was Krzynówek who had the first attempt on goal, spinning from 12 metres to fire a low right-footed shot which Roman Berezovsky did well to save to his left.

Żurawski curler
Leo Beenhakker's team went ahead on 26 minutes when Michał Żewłakow threaded a low pass to Żurawski. With his back to goal, the Celtic FC forward turned away from two defenders before curling a right-footed effort inside the far post from 14 metres. A minute later it was almost 2-0 as Berezovsky punched away Krzynówek's ferocious free-kick.

Shahgeldyan chance
Armenia's only attack of the half came eight minutes before the interval when Artavazd Karamyan found Levon Pachajyan on the left and his inviting cross was centimetres shy of Armen Shahgeldyan's outstretched boot as the striker slid in at the back post. The ubiquitous Krzynówek could have doubled the Polish advantage on 50 minutes but blazed wildly over, five minutes before Przemysław Kaźmierczak followed suit.

Berezovsky brilliance
Gargula appeared certain to put the tie beyond doubt on 71 minutes but his powerful strike was kept out by Berezovsky and a minute later Żurawski teed up Jakub Błaszczykowski, only for the midfielder to miscue. Poland were queueing up to score by now and Gargula wasted their last opportunity, heading over at the far post late on after more good work by the goalscorer.