Successful away days for Croatia and Russia
Croatia and Russia both picked up impressive wins away from home to put pressure on their Group E rivals in Euro 2008 qualifying tonight.
Croatia maintained their excellent form since Slaven Bilic took the reins with a 4-3 win against hosts Israel.
Eduardo da Silva was the hero for Croatia with a hat-trick.
Roberto Colautti earned Israel an early lead after some dismal Croatian defending, but the visitors equalised with a Darijo Srna penalty.
Two goals from Eduardo, either side of the interval, put the Croatians in charge until Yossi Benayoun pulled one back.
Eduardo then completed his hat-trick and, although a late goal from Colautti set up a tense finish, Bilic and his men secured a two-point margin at the top of Group E.
Second place in the group is now occupied by Russia, 2-0 conquerors of hosts FYR Macedonia in Skopje.
First half goals from Vladimir Bystrov and Andrei Arshavin sealed the victory as Russia climbed above England in the table.
England, Macedonia and Israel are all a point behind Russia with Macedonia having played one game more than all the other teams still in contention.
Group minnows Estonia and Andorra are both yet to register a point.
