Premier League - World Cup watch

Eurosport - Thu, 16 Oct 13:19:00 2008

It was not just home nations and Ireland players who got midweek run outs for their countries - a host of other Premier League players were also in action. Here's how they fared.

2007 Brazil Robinho - 0

There was injury woe for Liverpool's Fernando Torres, who lasted just 16 minutes of Spain's 2-1 win over Belgium before limping off with a thigh muscle problem.

He was replaced by Cesc Fabregas, but the Arsenal midfielder fared little better, sustaining a suspected broken nose. Unlike Torres, Fabregas was able to continue playing, but the break was confirmed at full-time.

Portugal's faltering qualifying campaign continued as Manchester United pair Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani failed to unlock a resolute 10-man Albania.

Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun netted in Israel's1-1 draw in Latvia but Reds winger Ryan Babel was injured in Holland's 1-0 away win over Norway.

Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric enjoyed a mixed evening, scoring in Croatia's 4-0 win over Andorra but also missing from the penalty spot.

Bolton striker Ebi Smolarek put Poland ahead with just 20 minutes remaining in their clash with Slovakia, but still ended on the losing side after late goals saw the hosts grab all three points.

Manchester City's Martin Petrov could be set for another spell on the treatment table after limping off the pitch with a knee injury during Bulgaria's goalless draw against Georgia. "We obviously do not deserve to play at the World Cup," said Manchester United striker and Bulgaria captain Dimitar Berbatov, who failed to unlock the hosts' defence.

And it was a night to forget for City's Brazilian contingent of Robinho, Elano and Jo, none of whom could inspire the hosts in an insipid goalless draw against Colombia - Brazil's second such result at home in a month. Robinho's evening ended when he was stretchered off clutching his thigh after just over an hour at the Maracana.

Sunderland veteran Dwight Yorke was on target for Trinidad and Tobago in a 2-1 win over a weakened US side that saw the Caribbean side edge closer to the final round of the CONCACAF qualifiers.

And in the Asian Group, Australia's Premier League contingent enjoyed themselves in a 4-0 romp over Qatar, Blackburn's Brett Emerton netting a brace and Tim Cahill of Everton adding another.

Eurosport

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  1. Dwight Yorke still scoring for his country ! I remember him long ago at the Villa. Well done Yorky Bar.

    From dohboy53, on Thu 16 Oct 12:24PM
  2. what about the Serbs who won 3-1 in Austria? Ivanovic and Vidic were playing, and well too.

    From aleksicn93, on Thu 16 Oct 10:38AM
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