In a disappointing evening for Northern Ireland, Spain and Sweden record wins to qualify for next years Euro 2008 competition.

Northern Ireland Defeated By Spain

Spain ended Northern Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for next years competition with a hard fought 1-0 victory over Nigel Worthington’s side.
To qualify, Northern Ireland needed to record a famous victory in Las Palmas and hope that Latvia could record a win in Sweden.

However the dream was shattered when Hernandez Xavi’s effort deflected off the head of defender Stephen Craigan giving keeper Maik Taylor no chance seven minutes into the second half.
A comeback didn’t really look likely with Spain dominating possession and could have extended their lead with Silva and Joaquin both being denied by the Northern Ireland goalkeeper.

Sweden Secure Win

In the other match of the evening, Sweden booked the second spot in their qualifying group with a 2-1 win over Latvia. Marcus Allback gave the home side the lead in the first minute and Kim Kallstrom put his side back in front with a goal in the 57th minute.