Moore Starts Off With A Bang In Germany

Qantas Socceroo captain Craig Moore could not have wished for a better start for his new club Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany, by scoring the only goal in its first official match of 2005 against Arminia Bielefeld.

Qantas Socceroo captain Craig Moore (pictured right) could not have wished for a better start for his new club Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany, by scoring the only goal in its first official match of 2005 against Arminia Bielefeld.

Bought in during the January transfer window to shore up what was a very leaky defence, the former Rangers skipper not only helped them achieve a clean sheet, but popped up in the 52nd minute, to score from close range following a corner. It proved to be the only goal and will have endeared him to his new fans.

Monchengladbach, in serious relegation trouble, have now moved to within a point of both Borussia Dortmond and Nuremburg and more importantly six points clear of third-last placed Bochum.

Staying in Germany it was a mixed day for striker Christophe Teinert, who scored his first Bundesliga goal in Mainz 3-2 loss at home against Stuggart, which continues their downward slide in the table.

Teinert, who was born in Germany but has an Australian mother, came on with 15 minutes remaining and scored a late consolation goal.

In Holland, Jason Culina did his chances of a call up to the Socceroos for the South Africa match early next month no harm, with a goal in Twente Enschede-s 3-0 win over Willem II. His goal takes his season tally to 11 in all competitions.

Qantas Socceroo John Aloisi came on as late substitute for Osasuna but could do nothing to stop a remarkable comeback by Athletico Bilbao. Osasuna led 3-0 after 55 minutes, but Bilbao then scored twice in quick succession to peg their way back into the game. Two goals in the final ten minutes sealed the remarkable 4-3 win for Bilbao.

Another Qantas Socceroo was at the centre of a remarkable comeback overnight, and again he was on the receiving end. Mark Schwarzer, fresh from signing a new deal with Middlesbrough, saw his side squander a 4-1 lead with 10 minutes remaining, to eventual draw 4-4 with Norwich. The final two goals came in injury time and has left Middlesbrough-s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League still in the balance.

Everton wasted a good chance to climb even further away from Liverpool and Middlesbrough in the race for the vital 4th place that will secure Champions League qualification for next season, by losing 1-0 at home against Charlton. Tim Cahill had one of his quieter games for Everton, but almost had a goal when he just failed to connect with a shot from James Beattie that he would have diverted into goal.