Andorra continued to be benchwarmers in the Euro 2008 qualifiers set-up as they crashed to a 0-4 loss against Russia thus all but ending their nightmare run in the tourney so far. Aleksandr Kerzhakov was a thorn in the Andorra flesh and his hat-trick sealed the win for team Russia.

Andorra is yet to open its account in the qualifying rounds and based on present form it looks unlikely they will do so. Most of the Andorra players play football on a part-time basis and their lack of professionalism was evident in the way they caved in to a strong Russian team. Jordi Escura and Toni Lima are the most recognized faces in the principality side and even they were hard pressed to thwart the incisive Russia attacks.

Andorra's task was compounded by the fact that they had six injured players and many of them suspended for this tie. This meant coach David Rodrigo's side was second string one. Not that it made any difference to the final score. Andorra next faces Israel on June 6 and more or less retains the same side that faced Russia.

Ildefons Lima, Toni Sivera, Óscar Sonejee, Antoni Lima, Genís García and Juan Carlos Toscano Beltrán were all suspended for the Russia game, while Javier M Sánchez, Gabriel Riera, Jordi Rubio and Juli Sánchez were out with injury and unless they prove fitness ahead of the Israel clash, it looks like Andorra could still be left on zero points even after that game.

Israel scored a welcome 2-1 victory against F.Y.R. Macedonia yesterday to keep themselves in the hunt for a spot in the Euro 2008 finals. Striker Barak Itzhaki scored on debut while Roberto Colautti secured the win after Aco Stojkov had brought Macedonia on level terms.

Yossi Benayoun was suspended for this fixture and Israel will be happy to welcome him back for the Andorra game. More worryingly for the Israelis, Bolton defender Tal Ben Haim has a knee injury and will not play against Andorra after being suspended for the Macedonia match.

Amit Ben Shushan has a hamstring issue, while Yuval Shpungin has ankle problems.