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Football

Cocu sends Dutch on way to victory


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Cocu (left) and Dutch team mates celebrate his first minute goal

BUCHAREST, Romania -- A goal after 38 seconds from Phillip Cocu and one for debutant Ryan Babel six minutes from time gave the Netherlands a huge 2-0 World Cup Group One qualifying win over Romania in Bucharest.

Cocu headed home an Arjen Robben corner to give the Dutch a dream start in the top-of-the-table clash.

Romania were stunned and although they began to pressurize the visitors in the second half, a free kick by Daniel Pancu that flew just wide on the hour was the closest they went to equalizing.

The Dutch wasted several chances until 18-year-old Babel, on as a substitute to win his first cap after only a handful of games for Ajax Amsterdam, sidefooted in at the far post.

The win takes the Dutch to 13 points, with the Czech Republic second on 12 after they beat Finland 4-3. Romania have 10 points with the Finns on nine.

Late winner from Lokvenc

A late goal from Vratislav Lokvenc gave the Czechs a thrilling victory over Finland in Teplice..

Finland had hit back from 3-1 down to level with 11 minutes left but Lokvenc struck with a powerful right-foot shot three minutes from time to hand the Czechs their fourth win from five group games.

Liverpool striker Milan Baros gave the hosts a flying start with a seventh-minute goal and they looked to be cruising after midfielder Tomas Rosicky netted a second.

Veteran striker Jari Litmanen pulled one back at the start of the second half with a fine volley before Jan Polak turned in a cross from Rosicky to make it 3-1.

Lokvenc then headed against the crossbar and Finland made the most of the let-off to score twice in six minutes through Aki Riihilahti and substitute Jonatan Johansson.

But Lokvenc's late goal condemned Finland to their third defeat in six games.

"They confirmed they are a strong team, which is what we had said about them before the match," said Rosicky. "It was a very hectic match. This group will continue to be interesting."

Ara Hakobian and Romik Khachtrian scored a goal as Armenia beat Andorra 2-1 in Yerevan.

Hakobian struck in the 32nd minute, and Khachtrian hit the winner with a 30-meter drive in the 74th.

Fernando Silva netted Andorra's 57th minute effort.


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