Andre Villas Boas picked a significantly strong team to face Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol; with Defoe, Eriksen, Lamela, Lennon, Lloris, Vertonghen and Sandro all selected to start. However, despite the theoretical gulf of quality, Sheriff caused Spurs problems throughout.

The first half started frantically, with both sides exchanging tackles and possession. Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen, who started the match as captain for Spurs, put his side one up when he headed home from a corner just after the 10 minute mark.

Within minutes of scoring, Spurs were undone at the back by a brilliant through ball to Luvannor who takes it round the on rushing Hugo Lloris. He then hits a powerful shot towards the empty net only to watch Vlad Chiriches dive back just in time to block it with his legs.

Sheriff manager Veaceslav Rusnac would have been pleased with his team's consistent threat on the counter attack. Isa, Kadu and Ricardinho always looked to run at Tottenham's defence and would have found more success if they hadn't been found offside so frequently.

Lennon had a fantastic opportunity to put Spurs two up when Eriksen skilfully flicked on a pass to put the English winger in on goal. However, Lennon's shot was well saved by Sheriff goalkeeper Tomic.

Sheriff started to get more and more chances as the half evolved. Isa could have equalised when he broke through to find himself in the left side of the goalkeeper box, but his shot whisked just past the far post. Kadu then had a half volley on the turn from the penalty spot only for it to just go over the bar.

Half time came at a good time for AVB's side, who were looking uncomfortable at the back. After the break, Aaron Lennon came close to scoring when he hit the post from distance. Spurs did finally find that second goal when Jermain Defoe hit a first time shot from 20 yards out into the top left corner. It may have taken a slight deflection which meant that Tomic had no chance of stopping it.

Sheriff came close one final time when Isa perfectly chested down a chipped through ball to go one on one with Lloris. However, his finish was one to forget as he missed the post by a couple of feet.

Andre Villas Boas will be pleased that qualification is almost achieved with these three points in the bag, but will be concerned that Sheriff caused his side so many problem