After a disappointing opening half of play Peter Crouch led the England comeback as they rallied to defeat Egypt 3-1 at Wembley. John Terry received a mixed reception and England did nothing in the opening half to win back those fans as they struggled to a halftime deficit.
Mohamed Zidan would put the visitors on top in the 23rd minute as he would crisply finish. England spent the rest of the opening half trying to find its feet and generate a decisive attack at Egypt.
Peter Crouch was introduced at halftime from the substitutes bench and he would make an immediate impact. In the 56th the match was tied as Crouch steered home from close range. Another substitute, Shaun Wright-Phillips would notch the go ahead goal in the 75th and then be the provider as Crouch scored again with 10 minutes to play.
Capello said: "Peter Crouch is in one good moment of form. He played very well but it was not only he who played very well. All the team played a good game. Crouch is one of the important players and he has played a lot of matches for me. He is in an important moment of form but when I select the squad I will tell you all the players can play."
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Italy, France and Germany put in disappointing performances
Italy, Germany and France all put in poor performances in the last major FIFA international date before this summer's World Cup. All three were in front of the home fans who were expecting better showings.
Italy faced Cameroon in Monte Carlo and fielded a bit of an experimental lineup, but still were expected to be able to handle Cameroon. Instead the Cameroon defense held strong. Italy, despite bossing much of the match were forced to settle for the scoreless draw.
France got to meet one of the true favorites for this summer and Spain certainly did not disappoint. First half goals from David Villa and Sergio Ramos settled things as Spain cruised to the victory.
Germany had a tough test against Argentina, but one must feel if Germany is a true World Cup favorite that they must win at home. Instead Argentina played pretty well led by Lionel Messi. A Gonzalo Higuain goal on the stroke of halftime would prove to be the only goal in the match as Argentina won 1-0.
Italy faced Cameroon in Monte Carlo and fielded a bit of an experimental lineup, but still were expected to be able to handle Cameroon. Instead the Cameroon defense held strong. Italy, despite bossing much of the match were forced to settle for the scoreless draw.
France got to meet one of the true favorites for this summer and Spain certainly did not disappoint. First half goals from David Villa and Sergio Ramos settled things as Spain cruised to the victory.
Germany had a tough test against Argentina, but one must feel if Germany is a true World Cup favorite that they must win at home. Instead Argentina played pretty well led by Lionel Messi. A Gonzalo Higuain goal on the stroke of halftime would prove to be the only goal in the match as Argentina won 1-0.
South Korea defeat Ivory Coast behind Lee Dong-gook
The poor run of form continues for the Ivory Coast as they fell to South Korea 2-0 on Wednesday in England. A 4th minute volley from Lee Dong-gook opened the scoring early on and set the tone for the entire match.
With rumours of Guus Hiddink possibly taking charge the Ivory Coast were still leaderless as they searched for a breakthrough the entire afternoon. Dindane and Didier Drogba were never able to finish an attack even though Ivory Coast dominated long stretches of play.
South Korea put it away in the 90th minute as Ivory Coast were pushing players forward for the tying goal. Instead it was Tae-Hwi Kwak heading home a free kick late on providing the 2-0 final margin.
South Korea coach Huh Jung-moo stated afterwards, "We played very well and it is a good win for us but there is a lot of work still to do before the World Cup. We are not meeting again until May now but I will give the players homework to do on our opponents."
With rumours of Guus Hiddink possibly taking charge the Ivory Coast were still leaderless as they searched for a breakthrough the entire afternoon. Dindane and Didier Drogba were never able to finish an attack even though Ivory Coast dominated long stretches of play.
South Korea put it away in the 90th minute as Ivory Coast were pushing players forward for the tying goal. Instead it was Tae-Hwi Kwak heading home a free kick late on providing the 2-0 final margin.
South Korea coach Huh Jung-moo stated afterwards, "We played very well and it is a good win for us but there is a lot of work still to do before the World Cup. We are not meeting again until May now but I will give the players homework to do on our opponents."
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Brazil handles Ireland 2-0 behind sparkling Robinho
Robinho ran wild through the Irish Wednesday in Dublin as Brazil rolled to a 2-0 victory in front of 40,000. This was one of those big matches for Ireland as they were dismissed in the playoff final for a World Cup spot this summer. Instead all they will get are some high profile friendlies against other countries preparing for their South Africa trip.
Wednesday Brazil came calling with their travelling soccer road show of flare and creativity. The Irish hung tough, but everyone knew it was just a matter of when not if Brazil would break through. After several probing runs from Robinho in the opening half he would produce the break through in the 44th minute.
Robinho cruised into the deep right of the Irish penalty area and slid a ball on the ground headed for the back post. As Ireland keeper Shea Given dove outward to claim the ball, defender Keith Andrews slid toward goal to cut off the cross. Unfortunately the ball slipped off Andrews and into the empty net for an own goal. Brazil would lead 1-0 at the half and the Robinho show had 45 minutes to go.
Ireland would not go without chances though. Robbie Keane would force Julio Cesar into action in the Brazilian goal while Damien Duff was a thorn in their side all evening. The night would belong to Robinho though as in the 76th minute he provided the exclamation point as he scored the 2nd.
It was very clear Robinho was on another level tonight. It is hard to understand how he failed in the EPL with his creativity and darting runs, but he is obviously happier playing at Santos now.
Wednesday Brazil came calling with their travelling soccer road show of flare and creativity. The Irish hung tough, but everyone knew it was just a matter of when not if Brazil would break through. After several probing runs from Robinho in the opening half he would produce the break through in the 44th minute.
Robinho cruised into the deep right of the Irish penalty area and slid a ball on the ground headed for the back post. As Ireland keeper Shea Given dove outward to claim the ball, defender Keith Andrews slid toward goal to cut off the cross. Unfortunately the ball slipped off Andrews and into the empty net for an own goal. Brazil would lead 1-0 at the half and the Robinho show had 45 minutes to go.
Ireland would not go without chances though. Robbie Keane would force Julio Cesar into action in the Brazilian goal while Damien Duff was a thorn in their side all evening. The night would belong to Robinho though as in the 76th minute he provided the exclamation point as he scored the 2nd.
It was very clear Robinho was on another level tonight. It is hard to understand how he failed in the EPL with his creativity and darting runs, but he is obviously happier playing at Santos now.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Guus Hiddink to Ivory Coast?
Specualtion is swirling that Guus Hiddink will be in charge of the Ivory Coast soon. The rumour is closer to becoming truth now after the Ivory Coast fired current coach Vahid Halilhodzic today opening the position. Talk has been ramping up for a change since the poor showing at the African Cup of Nations last month.
Ivory Coast football federation president Jacques Anouma, speaking on national television, said "This Saturday I brought Vahid Halilhodzic's contract to an end because one of the aims that was set for him was not reached and that was to win the 2010 African Nations Cup."
The Dutchman is under contract with Russia until the summer, when he will take over as Turkey coach. However, Guus Hiddink recently revealed Didier Drogba, who he managed at Chelsea last season, has pleaded with him to take charge.
"The interest from Ivory Coast is real, but first I have to analyse the situation," Hiddink told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. "I need to solve some matters before making my decision."
Ivory Coast football federation president Jacques Anouma, speaking on national television, said "This Saturday I brought Vahid Halilhodzic's contract to an end because one of the aims that was set for him was not reached and that was to win the 2010 African Nations Cup."
The Dutchman is under contract with Russia until the summer, when he will take over as Turkey coach. However, Guus Hiddink recently revealed Didier Drogba, who he managed at Chelsea last season, has pleaded with him to take charge.
"The interest from Ivory Coast is real, but first I have to analyse the situation," Hiddink told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. "I need to solve some matters before making my decision."
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Mexico smash Bolivia 5-0 in San Francisco
The first of eleven World Cup warmups was a work of art for Mexico and if things get better from here lookout as Mexico will be looking to make some waves in South Africa.
On Wednesday Mexico met Bolivia in San Francisco to open their spring play. Even though they were missing such stars as Ochoa, Marquez, Giovani dos Santos, Guardado and Omar Bravo, the team never missed a beat as they were all over Bolivia right from the opening whistle.
Bolivia was outclassed immediately and Mexico wasted no time in jumping ahead. In fact the match was basically over in twenty minutes by which time Mexico already were leading 4-0. A 2nd minute goal from Pablo Barrera opened the floodgates. Javier Hernandez grabbed two goals and Braulio Luna added another as Mexico raced out to the delight of the pro Mexico crowd.
The night was a celebration from there as the Mexican flare was evident. Only six minutes into the second half it was 5-0 and Mexico put it in cruise control from there coasting to the five goal victory.
Next up for coach Javier Aguirre's side will be on March 3rd when they face New Zealand.
On Wednesday Mexico met Bolivia in San Francisco to open their spring play. Even though they were missing such stars as Ochoa, Marquez, Giovani dos Santos, Guardado and Omar Bravo, the team never missed a beat as they were all over Bolivia right from the opening whistle.
Bolivia was outclassed immediately and Mexico wasted no time in jumping ahead. In fact the match was basically over in twenty minutes by which time Mexico already were leading 4-0. A 2nd minute goal from Pablo Barrera opened the floodgates. Javier Hernandez grabbed two goals and Braulio Luna added another as Mexico raced out to the delight of the pro Mexico crowd.
The night was a celebration from there as the Mexican flare was evident. Only six minutes into the second half it was 5-0 and Mexico put it in cruise control from there coasting to the five goal victory.
Next up for coach Javier Aguirre's side will be on March 3rd when they face New Zealand.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Turkey names Guus Hiddink as their next head coach
Turkey looks ready to move ahead after the disappointment of missing out on South Africa 2010 and have reached a deal to name Guus Hiddink as the new man in charge. Hiddink is currently in charge of Russia (who also missed the World Cup) will step down in the summer. Guus Hiddink will formally take the reigns of Turkey beginning August 1st.
"Turkish Football Federation (TFF) president Mahmut Ozgener and TFF vice-president Lutfi Aribogan flew to Amsterdam to finalise the negotiations with Hiddink. The 63-year-old experienced coach agreed to a two-year contract with an option for a further two years."
Guus Hiddink, who won six Eredivisie titles as PSV Eindhoven coach, also led Holland to the World Cup semifinals in 1998 and South Korea in 2002, as well as lifting the FA Cup with Chelsea during a brief term in charge last season.
"Turkish Football Federation (TFF) president Mahmut Ozgener and TFF vice-president Lutfi Aribogan flew to Amsterdam to finalise the negotiations with Hiddink. The 63-year-old experienced coach agreed to a two-year contract with an option for a further two years."
Guus Hiddink, who won six Eredivisie titles as PSV Eindhoven coach, also led Holland to the World Cup semifinals in 1998 and South Korea in 2002, as well as lifting the FA Cup with Chelsea during a brief term in charge last season.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Egypt takes 2010 African Cup of Nations
Egypt won their third consecutive African Cup of Nations as they slipped by Ghane 1-0 Sunday. Mohamed ‘Gedo’ Nagui scored the winner with only 5 minutes left to play breaking the hearts of the Ghana fans. The goal was the 5th of the African Cup of Nations for Nagui with all of them coming as a substitute. He never played much more than half an hour in any match at the tournament. Talk about "Super Sub"!
Ghana brought an injury riddled squad to the Cup, but achieved great success reaching their first final since 1992. They fought Egypt to a stalemate in the Final with the Nagui goal being the only major chance they allowed.
The title extended Egypt's unbeaten run to 19 matches. Ghana hopes to be healthier as the World Cup approaches. They were drawn into Group D with Germany, Serbia and Australia. Egypt were eliminated during World Cup qualifying by Algeria.
Ghana brought an injury riddled squad to the Cup, but achieved great success reaching their first final since 1992. They fought Egypt to a stalemate in the Final with the Nagui goal being the only major chance they allowed.
The title extended Egypt's unbeaten run to 19 matches. Ghana hopes to be healthier as the World Cup approaches. They were drawn into Group D with Germany, Serbia and Australia. Egypt were eliminated during World Cup qualifying by Algeria.
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