Russia hold Croatia to draw

Russia weathered sustained Croatia pressure to escape the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb with a goalless draw and a vital point in Group E.

Croatia created their clearest opportunity of the game in the 22nd minute when Luka Modric's cross wreaked havoc in the Russian penalty area, the ball bobbling around unclaimed until Eduardo da Silva poked a shot too high over Viacheslav Malafeev's crossbar from six yards.

Israel kept pace with the Group E leaders with a 2-0 victory over Andorra at a rain-drenched Estadi Comunal.

Dror Kashtan's men took full advantage with goals from Toto Tamuz and Roberto Colautti either side of half-time sending them to a second win in four days - the first a 2-1 victory over FYR Macedonia in Skopje.

Romania moved two points clear at the top of Group G after completing the double over Slovenia with a 2-0 win in Timisoara. Victor Piturca's side won 2-1 in Celje on Saturday and rounded off an excellent few days thanks to goal from Adrian Mutu and Cosmin Contra.

Northern Ireland lost the leadership of Group F after Sweden routed Scandinavian rivals Iceland 5-0. Goals from Marcus Allback (two), Anders Svensson, Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg and Markus Rosenberg did the damage for the hosts, who move two points clear of Nigel Worthington's new side.

Two clinical David Villa strikes earned Spain their second Group F victory in a matter of days after seeing off Liechtenstein. Villa netted twice in the opening 15 minutes to put the visitors on their way to a comfortable win in Vaduz, but the Valencia striker missed the chance for his hat-trick after blazing a late penalty against the crossbar.

Dennis Rommedahl inspired Denmark to victory in Latvia to keep Morten Olsen's men in contention in the same group. The Charlton winger opened the scoring after 15 minutes and added a second two minutes later.

Germany moved closer to a place at Euro 2008 with a win over Slovakia in Hamburg. The Group D leaders went ahead after just 10 minutes when Jan Durica put through his own goal.

Another own goal, this time from Germany's Christoph Metzelder, allowed Slovakia to draw level 10 minutes later, but after Thomas Hitzlsperger put the hosts ahead two minutes before the break the result was rarely in any doubt.