A lacklust opening 60 minutes finished with a bang at the 2009 Confederations Cup third place match between Spain and hosts South Africa. Commentators stated it looked like the two squads were "going through the motions" early on. That could not be said at the end though.
South Africa finally broke the scoreless stalemate in the 73rd minute when Katlego Mphela sent the home fans into a frenzy when he rifled a ball into the top of the Spanish net. The lead stand up and it looked like South Africa would claim 3rd until the 87th minute when Daniel Guiza evened the game.
Guiza got on the end of a Cazorla cross finding the bottom left corner of the net. Nobody even had time to thnk about overtime as Guiza would give Spain the lead only a minute later when he misfired on a cross from the right side. Instead of the ball heading for the players waiting in the box it floated towards goal where it found the back post and bounced into the net.
The home crowd were shocked and many headed for the exits, but the game was not over. Just 30 seconds from time Mphela would take his free kick well driving a brilliant strike from 35 yards out into the top left corner of the Spanish goal. The match would head to extra time.
The first overtime was uneventful, but Spain would find the winner just minutes into the 2nd period. Xabi Alonso stepped up to take a free kick for Spain and he drove a curling ball to the backpost with players running on. The South African keeper was rooted in his spot and the ball went straight through and into the side netting and with that Spain would claim 3rd place.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Could FIFA ban North Korea from South Africa 2010?
You don't hear it spoken of loudly quite yet, but as South Africa 2010 approaches could FIFA ban North Korea from next summer's tournament? As North Korea continues to ramp up conflict and rhetoric with most of the world they continue to isolate themselves further and further. Could the political unrest affect the soccer teams's world status? We've seen it before. Yugoslavia was excluded from the 1994 USA World Cup for their role in the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
It would be North Korea's first World Cup appearance since England 1966 where they pulled a momumental 1-0 upset of Italy. They could be the type of unknown squad capable of pulling a major upset next summer as well. The North grabbed the final Asian berth thanks to a gutsy 0-0 draw in 100+ degree heat in Saudi Arabia recently.
As far as a World Cup ban goes, the world and FIFA will be watching the country's political actions over the coming months as they seem to be agitating relations worldwide.
It would be North Korea's first World Cup appearance since England 1966 where they pulled a momumental 1-0 upset of Italy. They could be the type of unknown squad capable of pulling a major upset next summer as well. The North grabbed the final Asian berth thanks to a gutsy 0-0 draw in 100+ degree heat in Saudi Arabia recently.
As far as a World Cup ban goes, the world and FIFA will be watching the country's political actions over the coming months as they seem to be agitating relations worldwide.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Egypt take famous win over Italy
The two time defending African champions Egypt claimed their biggest scalp ever on Wednesday as they took down World Champions Italy 1-0 at the Confederations Cup in South Africa. Egypt showed their opening match where they fought Brazil to a standstill only to be undone on a stoppage time penalty kick was no fluke. Egypt played good soccer in the opening half and were deserved leaders when Mohamed Hommos took advantage of a moment of Italian inattention to head home a corner.
It was the second poor opening half in two matches for Italy who were outplayed by the US in the opening match only to rally in the second half against a ten man American squad. This time the Italians would not manage the rally. not for lack of trying though. Italy took the game to Egypt most of the last half forcing Egyptian keeper Essam Al Hadari into action several times. He would not be beaten though and Egypt escaped with a famous 1-0 victory.
It was the second poor opening half in two matches for Italy who were outplayed by the US in the opening match only to rally in the second half against a ten man American squad. This time the Italians would not manage the rally. not for lack of trying though. Italy took the game to Egypt most of the last half forcing Egyptian keeper Essam Al Hadari into action several times. He would not be beaten though and Egypt escaped with a famous 1-0 victory.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
North Korea grabs World Cup berth
North Korea held off attack after attack in Saudi Arabia to hold on for a scoreless draw and earn their first World Cup appearance since 1966 on Wednesday. They had to play the final few minutes with only 10 men after Yong Jun Kim was sent off.
The draw was a massive disappointment for Saudi Arabia who needed only a win at home to book their place. Now the Saudis must take the playoff route to qualify. They'll face Bahrain in a playoff with the winner facing New Zealand in a final playoff for a World Cup spot.
The four Asian qualifiers are Japan, Australia, North Korea and South Korea.
The draw was a massive disappointment for Saudi Arabia who needed only a win at home to book their place. Now the Saudis must take the playoff route to qualify. They'll face Bahrain in a playoff with the winner facing New Zealand in a final playoff for a World Cup spot.
The four Asian qualifiers are Japan, Australia, North Korea and South Korea.
Iran in trouble after draw with South Korea
Iran are in serious danger of missing out on World Cup 2010 as they could only manage a 1-1 draw in South Korea on Wednesday. Iran had hopes of grabbing an automatic qualifying spot with a win and looked to be on their way as they took the lead in the 51st minute.
A driven cross defelcted off South Korean defender Kim Dong-jin and into his own net for the own goal. The Iran lead would hold until the 80th minute when their hopes were dashed. It was a wonderful tying goal from Park Ji-sung. The Manchester United midfielder took a short pass from Lee Keun-ho, beat a defender and tucked his shot just under the bar in the 81st minute.
South Korea has already secured passage to next year's World Cup tournament. The tie leaves Iran hoping for a playoff spot as the 3rd place team from the group. They currently sit even with Saudia Arabia and North Korea who face off later today. Only a Saudi Arabia loss would see Iran grab a playoff spot. Any other result and Iran will be out.
A driven cross defelcted off South Korean defender Kim Dong-jin and into his own net for the own goal. The Iran lead would hold until the 80th minute when their hopes were dashed. It was a wonderful tying goal from Park Ji-sung. The Manchester United midfielder took a short pass from Lee Keun-ho, beat a defender and tucked his shot just under the bar in the 81st minute.
South Korea has already secured passage to next year's World Cup tournament. The tie leaves Iran hoping for a playoff spot as the 3rd place team from the group. They currently sit even with Saudia Arabia and North Korea who face off later today. Only a Saudi Arabia loss would see Iran grab a playoff spot. Any other result and Iran will be out.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Asia World Cup qualifying down to the wire
The last round of Asia qualifying for World Cup 2010 is upon us. Only one automatic berth remains to be earned with Australia, Japan and South Korea have claimed spots already. The last position is down to North Korea, Iran and Saudi Arabia.
The big match is North Korea at Saudi Arabia which is a winner take all affair. If either team can take the three points they will grab the last World Cup berth for Asia. If the match ends in a draw then Iran can jump them both by defeating South Korea. Anyway around it Wednesday will be tremendously entertaining and drama filled.
The third place teams from the two Asia groups will face a playoff with the winner facing New Zealand for a World Cup bid. One third place squad will come from the runner up of North Korea, Iran and Saudi Arabia. The other will be either Bahrain or Uzbekistan where the Uzbeks must win in Bahrain by two or more goals.
The big match is North Korea at Saudi Arabia which is a winner take all affair. If either team can take the three points they will grab the last World Cup berth for Asia. If the match ends in a draw then Iran can jump them both by defeating South Korea. Anyway around it Wednesday will be tremendously entertaining and drama filled.
The third place teams from the two Asia groups will face a playoff with the winner facing New Zealand for a World Cup bid. One third place squad will come from the runner up of North Korea, Iran and Saudi Arabia. The other will be either Bahrain or Uzbekistan where the Uzbeks must win in Bahrain by two or more goals.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Brazil tops Paraguay 2-1
Brazil moved to the top of the South America table in qualifying for World Cup 2010 and moved a step closer to locking up their spot. It was an important match as the top two squads in the standings faced off in Brazil on Wednesday.
The visitor jumped out in front in the 25th minute when Salvador Cabanas's free kick from outside the box took a deflection off Elano and looped over Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar. Brazil evened the match just before halftime when Robinho volleyed home a cross from Daniel Alves.
The winner for Brazil came just after halftime as Nilmar got on a loose ball and scrambled it home. The win moves Brazil to 27 points in qualifying while Chile follows closely on 26 and Paraguay sits at 24 still. Argentina holds the vital 4th spot on 22. Brazil must travel to rivals Argentina in September in a monster match.
The visitor jumped out in front in the 25th minute when Salvador Cabanas's free kick from outside the box took a deflection off Elano and looped over Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar. Brazil evened the match just before halftime when Robinho volleyed home a cross from Daniel Alves.
The winner for Brazil came just after halftime as Nilmar got on a loose ball and scrambled it home. The win moves Brazil to 27 points in qualifying while Chile follows closely on 26 and Paraguay sits at 24 still. Argentina holds the vital 4th spot on 22. Brazil must travel to rivals Argentina in September in a monster match.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Mexico back on track with win over Trinidad
Mexico got back on the right foot.....at least somewhat...as they defeated bottom feeders Trinidad 2-1 in Mexico City Wednesday night. It was supposed to be an easy match to get Mexico back in the hunt for South Africa 2010, but as we have found nothing comes easily for Mexico.
A flying start which earned the home side a quick 1-0 lead thru Guillermo Franco turned sour as a give away in the midfielded led to Trinidad tying the match. Hayden Tinto stepped onto a poor pass from Andres Guardado and ran at the Mexican backline. His shot from 20 yards out found the top right corner to stun the home side.
Mexico once again started strong as they grabbed the lead back just two minutes into the 2nd half with a wonderful long range shot from Oscar Rojas. There was no relief though as Trinidad pushed to equalize, but were unable. A win but a shaky one at that for Mexico.
The win pushed Mexico up to 4th in the region at the halfway point of qualifying.
Costa Rica 12
USA 10
Honduras 7
Mexico 6
El Salvador 5
Trinidad 2
A flying start which earned the home side a quick 1-0 lead thru Guillermo Franco turned sour as a give away in the midfielded led to Trinidad tying the match. Hayden Tinto stepped onto a poor pass from Andres Guardado and ran at the Mexican backline. His shot from 20 yards out found the top right corner to stun the home side.
Mexico once again started strong as they grabbed the lead back just two minutes into the 2nd half with a wonderful long range shot from Oscar Rojas. There was no relief though as Trinidad pushed to equalize, but were unable. A win but a shaky one at that for Mexico.
The win pushed Mexico up to 4th in the region at the halfway point of qualifying.
Costa Rica 12
USA 10
Honduras 7
Mexico 6
El Salvador 5
Trinidad 2
Ecuador knocks off Argentina 2-0
The heights played with Argentina once again as they fell 2-0 at Ecuador Wednesdy evening. Carlos Tevez had a chance to put Argentina in front in the opening half from the penalty spot, but was unable to find the net. Lionel Messi also wasted a first half chance for the visitors.
The second half saw the home side find their game as Ecuador pushed for the win. Walter Ayovi grabbed the winner in the 71st with a wonderful strike and Pablo Palacios hit for the2nd goal inside of 10 minutes.
The win moves Ecuador into 5th in the South American quaifying for World Cup 2010 on 20 points just 2 points behind Argentina wo are 4th on 22.
The second half saw the home side find their game as Ecuador pushed for the win. Walter Ayovi grabbed the winner in the 71st with a wonderful strike and Pablo Palacios hit for the2nd goal inside of 10 minutes.
The win moves Ecuador into 5th in the South American quaifying for World Cup 2010 on 20 points just 2 points behind Argentina wo are 4th on 22.
England not troubled by Andorra
England had no trouble with minnows Andorra Wednesday at Wembley. It was not expected to be much of a match and it wasn't as England notched three goals each half for the 6-0 margin of victory.
Wayne Rooney opened the scoring in the 4th minute followed by first half goals from Frank Lampard and a 2nd from Rooney for a 3-0 halftime lead. Andorra were never able to get into the match only managing two weak shots all night neither of which were on frame.
The 2nd half was much like the first as Jermain Defoe grabbed a pair followed by a late Peter Crouch goal and the match ended 6-0 to England. The win moves England even closer to South Africa 2010 as they are perfect from seven matches thus far and hold a whopping 10 point lead over Croatia. Nobody will catch England and the real fight in Group 6 is for the 2nd place playoff spot between Croatia, Ukraine and Belarus.
Wayne Rooney opened the scoring in the 4th minute followed by first half goals from Frank Lampard and a 2nd from Rooney for a 3-0 halftime lead. Andorra were never able to get into the match only managing two weak shots all night neither of which were on frame.
The 2nd half was much like the first as Jermain Defoe grabbed a pair followed by a late Peter Crouch goal and the match ended 6-0 to England. The win moves England even closer to South Africa 2010 as they are perfect from seven matches thus far and hold a whopping 10 point lead over Croatia. Nobody will catch England and the real fight in Group 6 is for the 2nd place playoff spot between Croatia, Ukraine and Belarus.
Russia keeps pressure on Germany with easy win in Finland
Russia kept the pressure on Germany in European Group 4 with an impressive 3-0 win in Finland on Wednesday. Russia moved to within a point of Germany who stand on 16 from 6 matches so far in World Cup qualifying.
The speedy Russians caused problems all night for Finland and in the 27th minute Russia jumped ahead behind an Alexander Kerzhakov goal. It would be his first of the night. Kerzhakov's second goal on the night ended any drama as he put Russia ahead 2-0 shortly after halftime. Konstatin Zurianov would grab the third goal in the 71st in what was a dominating performance from Russia.
The disappointing home loss leaves Finland on 10 points and all but eliminated from contention for a top 2 spot in the group. Russia still has a tricky trip to Wales left on the schedule, but all things point to the October 10th date when Germany travels to Russia as the deciding fixture for the group title and an auto berth in South Africa 2010.
The speedy Russians caused problems all night for Finland and in the 27th minute Russia jumped ahead behind an Alexander Kerzhakov goal. It would be his first of the night. Kerzhakov's second goal on the night ended any drama as he put Russia ahead 2-0 shortly after halftime. Konstatin Zurianov would grab the third goal in the 71st in what was a dominating performance from Russia.
The disappointing home loss leaves Finland on 10 points and all but eliminated from contention for a top 2 spot in the group. Russia still has a tricky trip to Wales left on the schedule, but all things point to the October 10th date when Germany travels to Russia as the deciding fixture for the group title and an auto berth in South Africa 2010.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Mexico in trouble as they fall in El Salvador
Mexico's dreams of South Africa 2010 were dealt a severe blow as they fell 2-1 in El Salvador on Saturday evening. It was a shocking defeat for a proud soccer nation. El Salvador jumped on top in just the 11th minute as Julio Martinez scored from close range to the delight of the home crowd.
Mexico would fight back and equalize as 2nd half substitute Cuauhtémoc Blanco finished a penalty kick. However the home side would have the last laugh as Eliseo Quintanilla became a national hero scoring the winner with only minutes remaining.
The loss leaves Mexico in serious jeopardy as they have only 3 points to show from 4 matches thus far. They have 4 home matches left though and must take maximum points from those to have any chance. Next up are home matches to Trinidad and the USA. Drop points in either and Mexico might be sitting home next summer.
Mexico would fight back and equalize as 2nd half substitute Cuauhtémoc Blanco finished a penalty kick. However the home side would have the last laugh as Eliseo Quintanilla became a national hero scoring the winner with only minutes remaining.
The loss leaves Mexico in serious jeopardy as they have only 3 points to show from 4 matches thus far. They have 4 home matches left though and must take maximum points from those to have any chance. Next up are home matches to Trinidad and the USA. Drop points in either and Mexico might be sitting home next summer.
Brazil wins 4-0 in Uruguay
Despite being outplayed in the opening half visitors Brazil found themselves ahead 2-0 at halftime Saturday in Uruguay. Brazil scored with their first shot of the match as Uruguay keeper Viera appeared to try and control Dani Alves's shot with his chest for some reason. Uruguay continued to pile on the pressure, but it was Brazil once again who scored as Juan headed home the second.
Brazil increased their lead five minutes into the second half with a deadly counter-attack which finished with Luis Fabiano firing into the roof of the net for his seventh goal of the qualifiers.
Luis Fabiano had a shot saved by Viera on the break but was sent off in the 70th minute after being given a second yellow card for diving. Despite being a man down, Brazil still looked dangerous and added a fourth when Diego Godin crashed into Kaka, who converted the resulting penalty himself.
It was Brazil's first win in Uruguay since 1973 and moved them into a 1st palce tie with Paraguay in South American World Cup qualifying.
Brazil increased their lead five minutes into the second half with a deadly counter-attack which finished with Luis Fabiano firing into the roof of the net for his seventh goal of the qualifiers.
Luis Fabiano had a shot saved by Viera on the break but was sent off in the 70th minute after being given a second yellow card for diving. Despite being a man down, Brazil still looked dangerous and added a fourth when Diego Godin crashed into Kaka, who converted the resulting penalty himself.
It was Brazil's first win in Uruguay since 1973 and moved them into a 1st palce tie with Paraguay in South American World Cup qualifying.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
USA overcomes early goal to defeat Honduras 2-1
The USA rallied from an early deficit to defeat Honduras 2-1 in Chicago Saturday night on goals from Landon Donovan and Carlos Bocanegra. It was another disastrous start for the Americans as in the 4th minute Clint Dempsey turned a ball over in the midfield that put Honduras on the attack. Carlos Costly scored the goal with a nice left footed strike into the lower corner of the net.
The US gathered themselved quickly though and began to put the pressure on Honduras. Ricardo Clark was dragged down in the box but the referee did not award the penalty midway through the first half of play. Minutes later though he had to give a penalty as a Honduran defender handled the ball in the box. Landon Donovan stepped up and fired the spot kick home to even the game in the 43rd.
Bob Bradley introduced Benny Feilhaber to open the 2nd half and the move paid off as he was very active in the midfield the whole 2nd half. The US piled on the pressure looking for the winner and were rewarded in the 68th as Clint Dempsey headed down a corner kick into the six where Carlos Bocanegra dove to head the ball into the net.
The win moves the US to 10 points from 5 matches played and gets them a step closer to World Cup 2010. In other CONCACAF action Mexico continued to struggle falling in El Salvador 2-1 and Costa Rica topped the group with a 3-2 win in Trinidad.
The US gathered themselved quickly though and began to put the pressure on Honduras. Ricardo Clark was dragged down in the box but the referee did not award the penalty midway through the first half of play. Minutes later though he had to give a penalty as a Honduran defender handled the ball in the box. Landon Donovan stepped up and fired the spot kick home to even the game in the 43rd.
Bob Bradley introduced Benny Feilhaber to open the 2nd half and the move paid off as he was very active in the midfield the whole 2nd half. The US piled on the pressure looking for the winner and were rewarded in the 68th as Clint Dempsey headed down a corner kick into the six where Carlos Bocanegra dove to head the ball into the net.
The win moves the US to 10 points from 5 matches played and gets them a step closer to World Cup 2010. In other CONCACAF action Mexico continued to struggle falling in El Salvador 2-1 and Costa Rica topped the group with a 3-2 win in Trinidad.
Holland book passage to South Africa
Holland became the first side from Europe to earn a place in the 2010 World Cup as they travelled to Iceland winning 2-1. The Dutch have a perfect six wins in six matches thus far in qualifying.
Holland got the early goal they had been seeking when in the 9th minute when Nigel De Jong headed in a perfect cross from Rafael Van der Vaart. Just 7 minutes later Holland found the 2nd goal as Mark Van Bommel found the net from just outside the penalty area.
The second half was much quieter but Iceland made it an exciting finish when Sigurdsson headed in Arnor Smarason's inswinging free-kick in the 87th minute to draw Iceland within a goal.
With Group 9 won by Holland it leaves the rest to fight it out for 2nd and a playoff position. Scotland currently holds the spot with 7 points from 5 matches followed by Iceland on 4.
Holland got the early goal they had been seeking when in the 9th minute when Nigel De Jong headed in a perfect cross from Rafael Van der Vaart. Just 7 minutes later Holland found the 2nd goal as Mark Van Bommel found the net from just outside the penalty area.
The second half was much quieter but Iceland made it an exciting finish when Sigurdsson headed in Arnor Smarason's inswinging free-kick in the 87th minute to draw Iceland within a goal.
With Group 9 won by Holland it leaves the rest to fight it out for 2nd and a playoff position. Scotland currently holds the spot with 7 points from 5 matches followed by Iceland on 4.
Japan books place in World Cup 2010
Japan punched their ticket to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa next summer with a 1-0 win in Uzbekistan Saturday. Japan wanted to come out fast and set the tone on the road and they certainly did so as Shinji Okazaki opened the scoring inside of ten minutes. Okazaki picked up on a Kengo Nakamura through ball and sent a weak shot at the keeper from close range who somehow headed the ball into his own net as he fell clumsily.
Japan had another goal denied for offside, but it was Uzbekistan who almost grabbed the tying goal as they heaped on pressure in the last 15 minutes. Japan would hold on for the 1-0 shutout win.
Australia also qualified from Asia as they played to a 0-0 draw with Qatar.
Japan had another goal denied for offside, but it was Uzbekistan who almost grabbed the tying goal as they heaped on pressure in the last 15 minutes. Japan would hold on for the 1-0 shutout win.
Australia also qualified from Asia as they played to a 0-0 draw with Qatar.
England rolls over Kazakhstan 4-0
England took awhile to get their legs under them, but once they did they rolled to a 4-0 road win in Kazakhstan. The home side looked to have jumped in front in the 16th minute as they headed home a free kick, but it was ruled offside. Gareth Barry opened the scoring on 40 minutes as he got on the end of a short corner and knocked it home. Then on the stroke of halftime Emile Heskey scored giving England a 2-0 lead at the break.
The 2nd half was all England as they attacked in waves. Wayne Rooney made it 3-0 in the 73rd minute before Frank Lampard converted a penalty in the 78th to provide the 4-0 final margin.
The win moves England closer to the 2010 World Cup as they remain perfect in six matches. Croatia seems to be the only team in Group 6 that can track them down.
The 2nd half was all England as they attacked in waves. Wayne Rooney made it 3-0 in the 73rd minute before Frank Lampard converted a penalty in the 78th to provide the 4-0 final margin.
The win moves England closer to the 2010 World Cup as they remain perfect in six matches. Croatia seems to be the only team in Group 6 that can track them down.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Costa Rica rolls over USA 3-1
Costa Rica is a daunting place to play a soccer match. A small, tight stadium that is overflowing with loud fans. A terrible surface closer to concrete than grass. The US squad had never won a game there and had not even scored a goal there in almost a decade. The Americans clearly had their work cut out for them.
It could not have been any worse a start for the Americans as Costa Rica jumped on them from the opening kickoff and put a ball past Tim Howard in only the 2nd minute of play. Ten minutes later it was 2-0 and the US squad was just looking to avoid a rout at that point.
The US began to control the ball, relieving the Costa Rican pressure, but never really put any dangerous attacks together. The 2nd half saw Costa Rica searching for the 3rd goal which they found in the 62nd minute. A late penalty kick from Landon Donovan helped the US avoid a shutout, but the match ended 3-1 Costa Rica.
Costa Rica now take the top spot in World Cup qualifying for CONCACAF on 9 points while the USA is 2nd on 7. Honduras sits on 4 and Mexico on 3.
It could not have been any worse a start for the Americans as Costa Rica jumped on them from the opening kickoff and put a ball past Tim Howard in only the 2nd minute of play. Ten minutes later it was 2-0 and the US squad was just looking to avoid a rout at that point.
The US began to control the ball, relieving the Costa Rican pressure, but never really put any dangerous attacks together. The 2nd half saw Costa Rica searching for the 3rd goal which they found in the 62nd minute. A late penalty kick from Landon Donovan helped the US avoid a shutout, but the match ended 3-1 Costa Rica.
Costa Rica now take the top spot in World Cup qualifying for CONCACAF on 9 points while the USA is 2nd on 7. Honduras sits on 4 and Mexico on 3.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
England faces injury concerns ahead of qualifiers
Injury concerns have hit the England squad ahead of World Cup qualifiers with Kazakhstan and Andorra this week. Manchester United star midfielder Michael Carrick was the latest as he has been ruled out with a foot injury. Aston Villa man James Milner has been called in to take his place.
Shaun Wright-Phillips is also on the shelf with a knee injury that will cause him to miss both games as well. Stuart Downing has been hurt over a month and not in the squad either. In goal we could see West Ham's Robert Green after David James has undergone shoulder surgery and is out for the summer.
Rio Ferdinand was ruled out of the Kazakhstan match today with Gary Cahill of Bolton getting the call to replace Rio. Ferdinand may be ready for the following Andorra match though.
Luckily, England is in good shape leading Group 6 with maximum points from five matches. Andorra and Kazakhstan are also not the stiffest of competition. Look for England to sail through and move even closer to a spot at South Africa 2010.
Shaun Wright-Phillips is also on the shelf with a knee injury that will cause him to miss both games as well. Stuart Downing has been hurt over a month and not in the squad either. In goal we could see West Ham's Robert Green after David James has undergone shoulder surgery and is out for the summer.
Rio Ferdinand was ruled out of the Kazakhstan match today with Gary Cahill of Bolton getting the call to replace Rio. Ferdinand may be ready for the following Andorra match though.
Luckily, England is in good shape leading Group 6 with maximum points from five matches. Andorra and Kazakhstan are also not the stiffest of competition. Look for England to sail through and move even closer to a spot at South Africa 2010.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)