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As ever Craig was at the centre of everything, creating the early opener for Simon Davies and having a late effort disallowed.
Mark Hughes was ecstatic with the 2-1 victory and heaped praise on his men, who were captained by Gary Speed. Del Piero scored the Italian's goal with a deflected free kick after a dubious decision by the referee.
Success as well for Nikos Dabizas, who played the full ninety minutes in Greece's 2-0 win over Armenia. Old boy Georgios Georgiadis also started the game, but was substituted at half-time.
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A good day for Aaron Hughes who starred in Northern Ireland's creditable 0-0 home draw with the Ukraine.
Not such a good result for Shay Given, who conceded a late winner, as Ireland went down 2-1 at home to Switzerland.
Hugo Viana started for Portugal, who entertained Sweden, and lasted 80 minutes as the home team came from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
England looked like they could have done with a bit of Kieron Dyer magic, as they struggled to a 2-2 draw at home to Macedonia. Beckham and Gerrard scored for England, but the performance was most memorable for another David Seaman clanger and the sending off of Dirty Leeds' Alan Smith.
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