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World Cup qualifying: Serbs set record in win over Lithuania [Mon Sep 5th, 2005]
Belgrade (Reuters) - Goals from Mateja Kezman and Sasa Ilic gave Serbia and Montenegro a 2-0 win over Lithuania in their World Cup qualifier and lifted them to the top of Group Seven.
The Serbs, who became the first team to play seven successive qualifiers without conceding a goal, have 15 points from seven matches, two more than second-placed Spain ahead of their potential group decider in Madrid on Wednesday.
Kezman opened the scoring in the 18th minute after the Lithuania defence failed to clear a Dejan Stankovic cross from the left. The ball fell kindly for the striker, who rifled it home with a crisp low shot from 10 metres.
Ilic sealed the points in the 74th minute when he capitalised on a defensive mix-up and headed the ball into an empty net from close range.
Serbia manager Ilija Petkovic said he was pleased with a performance that "gave wind to the team's sails before the showdown with Spain.
"We are in no position to threaten the Spaniards. We will sail into Madrid quietly and try to get a result that brings us a step closer to qualifying for the World Cup finals," he told reporters.
"We were up against a very good and skilful side tonight and I am pleased with the performance, the commitment and the result.
"We have every reason to be confident but there will be no celebrations tonight as the job is far from done. The trip to Madrid will be a real test of will and character."
The Serbs dominated the match and missed several good chances to win by a bigger margin, the best falling to captain Savo Milosevic whose feeble penalty kick was saved by Lithuania goalkeeper Zydrunas Karcemarskas.
The keeper also parried a Stankovic effort from the edge of the six-yard box and Ilic missed a sitter when his shot was cleared off the line by a defender.
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