THERE were some surprises for the big names as the quest to qualify for France 98 began in earnest this weekend. Bulgaria, who reached the World Cup semi finals in the US two years ago, slid to a shock 2-1 defeat in Israel, despite taking a third minute lead through Krasimir Balakov.
Switzerland, who reached the knockout phase of US 94 but, like Bulgaria, failed to progress beyond the group stages of Euro 96, crashed 1-0 in Baku on Saturday to Azerbaijan in their opening Group Three qualifier.
While there was gloom in Belfast as Northern Ireland began their programme disastrously by going down 1-0 at home to Ukraine, Portugal also disappointed in the same group as they leaked out a 0-0 draw in Armenia.
Elsewhere, matches generally went the form book's way, as unpredictable Russia, Group Five rivals to Bulgaria, crushed Cyprus 4-0 and Greece saw off Bosnia 3-0 in Group One yesterday.
Wales hammered San Marino 6-0 in Group Seven on Saturday - Dean Saunders and Mark Hughes scoring twice - while group rivals Belgium also won at home, 2-1 against Turkey.
While Scotland grabbed a precious away point in Group Four on Saturday, Sweden head the group after winning 2-1 in Latvia yesterday, with first half efforts from Martin Dahlin and Kennet Andersson. Vitass Rimkus hit a 56th minute consolation. The Swedes now have a maximum six points from two games.
. Goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert scored from a free kick to give Paraguay a 1-1 draw away to Argentina in a World Cup qualifying match yesterday.
Chilavert thumped his free kick past Argentina goalkeeper German Burgos in the 42nd minute to give underdogs Paraguay a point that few outside the country had expected them to obtain.
Earlier, striker Gabriel Batistuta had put Argentina who have won only one of their four qualifying games so far in front with a 26th minute goal.
Chilavert, who plays his club soccer with Argentine champions Velez Sarsfield, scored four goals in the Argentine championship which finished last month, two from penalties and two from free kicks.
