Sporting stride through

Bibi double
The Portuguese champions had to overcome tough opposition from Czech Republic counterparts FK Era-Pack Chrudim, who had been hosting the round-robin event over four days from last Thursday. The group came down to the final match between the two sides on Sunday night, with Sporting edging the contest 3-2 thanks to two goals from Bibi and another from Paulinho, despite strong support from the home crowd and needing only a draw to progress.

Stunning victory
Sporting had started brightly on Thursday night, crushing Armenian title-holders Politekhnik Yerevan 14-3, Israel leading the way with four goals. On the same evening, Pavel Formánek's goal proved decisive for Chrudim in their 2-1 success against Moldovan challengers FC Camelot Chisinau.

Dvorák winner
It was another close shave for Chrudim the following night, as they needed a late Dušan Dvorák strike to take a 3-2 victory against Yerevan. Sporting, meanwhile, looked unstoppable as they cruised to a 4-0 success against Chisinau. Israel was again the main man, scoring a hat-trick.

Mikaelyan treble
It all meant the penultimate group match between Yerevan and Chisinau would decide who would avoid the fate of finishing bottom of the pile. It proved to be a thrilling contest with Yerevan taking command and a 6-2 lead going into the final nine minutes after a Karen Mikaelyan hat-trick. However, Chisinau battled back with three late goals to give the scoreline a more respectable finish although they still lost 6-5.

Lineup complete
Sporting's success in the final contest, thanks largely to their quality when in possession, means they will take their place in Group A of the second qualifying round alongside Spanish holders Boomerang Interviú FS, perennial Belgian entrants Action 21 Charleroi of Belgium and KMN Litija of Slovenia. The matches will be played between 18 and 24 March 2005.