Purović powers Serbians to summit
Friday, September 2, 2005
Article summary
Serbia and Montenegro 3-2 Lithuania Milan Purovićscored a hat-trick as the home side climbed from third to first in Group 7.
Article body
Serbia and Montenegro moved to the top of Group 7 after prevailing by the odd goal in five against Lithuania in Novi Sad.
Purovic treble
FK Crvena Zvevda forward Milan Purović scored a hat-trick for the home side, who were also able to celebrate climbing from third place to first in the section after Belgium drew 1-1 in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Purović got the Serbians going in the 21st minute, connecting with captain Danko Lazovic's cross to power in the opener.
Stepanov scare
The same combination produced the second goal on 53 minutes, again putting the home side a goal in front after Milan Stepanov had put through his own net to pull Lithuania level a minute after the restart.
Pilibaitis consolation
The crucial fourth goal would go Purović's way, however, and he clinically converted his third of the night in the 70th minute with a left-footed strike from eight metres. Even though Lithunia struck three minutes later through forward Linas Pilibaitis, they could not level and remain fourth in the group.