On a day of World Cup qualifying matches around the globe, most of the soccer world's attention yesterday was focused on three exhibition games in Europe that featured top contenders for the 2006 tournament.
Hernan Crespo marked his return to Argentina's team with two goals in a 2-2 tie with Germany, Sweden held France to a 1-1 tie and neither England nor the Netherlands could score in their encounter.
_____From The Post_____
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Roundup: Hernan Crespo carries Aregentina to 2-2 tie with Germany in heavyweight exhibition.
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Crespo scored in the 40th and 81st minutes in Duesseldorf, Germany. The result extended Germany's winless streak against top-ranked teams to 11 matches. Germany, which will host the 2006 World Cup, has eight losses and three draws since it beat England, 1-0, in October 2000.
In Paris, David Trezeguet scored his 30th international goal as France rallied to tie Sweden. Fredrik Ljungberg, a midfielder who plays for England's Arsenal, had put Sweden ahead in the 11th minute.
England and the Netherlands fought to a scoreless tie in Birmingham, England. The Dutch were missing several regulars.
Italy beat Russia, 2-0, and Ireland defeated Portugal, 1-0, to extend its unbeaten streak to eight matches. Craig Bellamy scored twice as Wales beat Hungary, 2-0, in other European exhibitions.
Home players at the England-Netherlands, Ireland-Portugal and Italy-Russia games wore shirts with anti-racism slogans, while the visiting teams wore shirts that were half black and half white. Racist incidents have marred some recent games in Europe.
Reigning World Cup champion Brazil got two goals from Ricardo Oliveira in a 7-1 win over Hong Kong in an exhibition match.
In World Cup qualifiers, Spain and Greece earned much-needed wins to keep their hopes alive of making the finals, while Ukraine continued its undefeated run.
Ukraine beat Albania, 2-0. European champion Greece beat Denmark, 2-1, and Spain defeated San Marino, 5-0. Macedonia was held to a scoreless tie by Andorra in another World Cup qualifying match.
Also, Guatemala and Panama played to a scoreless tie in Panama City, and Mexico won, 2-1, at Costa Rica.
In World Cup qualifying matches in Asia, South Korea won, 2-0, over Kuwait, and Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia played to a 1-1 tie.
Japan won, 2-1, over North Korea, and Bahrain and Iran ended in a 0-0 tie.
In Africa, Morocco beat Kenya, 5-1, in a qualifying match.
