Kleshenko holds the key

Serghei Kleshenko has proved one of Moldova's most consistent performers for more than a decade, and his team-mates continue to rely on his goals.

Happy at Hapoel
The striker, who plays in Israel for Hapoel Tel-Aviv, has enjoyed
considerable success away from his native Moldova. Before heading to Israel, he did well in the Netherlands with Go Ahead Eagles, but his finest hour came for Hapoel with their famous UEFA Cup victory over England's Chelsea FC in October 2001.

Lone star
With Moldova still regarded as one of European football's minnows, the national team often plays with just one man up front, keeping a strong defensive shape behind him. The solitary striking role usually falls to Kleshenko and, despite his lack of height, he has proved adept in that position. He has been capped more than 50 times for his country and has reached double figures in goals.

Win at last
Not surprisingly he was one of the stars as Moldova achieved their first win in six years by beating Azerbaijan 2-0 in September 2001. After losing 6-0 to Sweden in the previous 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier, Kleshenko and his international colleagues hit back in style.

Crucial deflection
He set Moldova on their way to victory over Azerbaijan with a goal in the 14th minute, by deflecting home Victor Bercu's shot. Then the substitute Serghei Covalciuc made the three points safe. Moldova's previous win in a competitive game had come when they beat Georgia 3-2 in a UEFA European Championship qualifying match in 1995.

Go Ahead honour
Kleshenko's breakthrough in club football came with FC Zimbru Chisinau, where he quickly established himself as a leading light. After several successful seasons he moved on to Eagles who at the time were in the Dutch top flight. Proof of Kleshenko's ability was underlined when he was voted the best foreigner in the club's history.

Chart success
In 1999, the Moldovan forward switched to the Israeli side Maccabi Haifa. In his debut season, he grabbed a runners-up spot in the scoring charts and the following campaign saw him help Maccabi to the Israeli title. He then moved to Tel-Aviv.

Sensational strike
His goal against Chelsea in the first leg of the UEFA Cup tie in 2001 quickly endeared him to the Tel-Aviv faithful. The Israeli side took a shock lead through Shimon Gershon's penalty with just a minute of normal time left. Then Kleshenko sent the fans wild with a second three minutes into injury time, heading home Yossi Abuksis's cross to put his team into the fourth round.

Leading light
Having proved himself to be a player of some ability, Kleshenko's role in the national side is now more vital than ever. History has proved that if he does not score then Moldova do not score.