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News: England battle to keep World Cup dream alive
2007-10-10
The England team had a busy day at the FIPFA World Cup as they played three more qualifying matches.
The team began with a match against Denmark. The team started well and were dominant for the majority of the first half. The game was played in the Denmark half, with the England goal rarely troubled. England finally made their possession count, as just before half time, Stevie Pearson broke through the middle and dribbled the ball home. England went into the break feeling and looking confident after taking the lead.
England maintained there dominance and the lead never looked under threat until mid-way through the half. England had an attacking push-in and were looking to get a second goal to seal the game, when a shot was deflected and rebounded back towards the England goal. Somehow it eluded all the players and rolled agonisingly towards the goal. The players could do nothing but watch their lead disappear in the most unfortunate manner. England pressed again, but time ran out before they could breach the Danish defence for the second time.
The team however registered their first point and scored their first goal of the competition, with a encouraging performance.
The team only had a hour to rest and prepare before facing the tournament hosts, Japan. In front of a large and loud crowd, England started well and looked threatening. Mid way through the half, Japan took the lead through a well worked free-kick. While England pressed for an equaliser, Japan managed to score again to lead 2-0 at halftime. England continued to press in the second half, but were caught twice more on the counter attack. The 4-0 final score was a little harsh after a positive performance from the team. They had started to show glimpses of the form everyone knew they were capable of producing.
Once again the team did not have long to prepare for their final game of the day. This would be against form team, France. Following results in the competition to date, England would really need to try and pick up further points, to maintain hope of qualifying for the semi-finals.
England started the game strongly. The team were playing with far more intensity and were matching France all over the pitch. Both teams were creating chances as the game flowed from end to end. Neither side could find the final touch as the half drew to a close. In the final minute of the half, England broke down field and there was Faye Stevenson to finish a fine move and take England into the break 1-0 up. This was the least the team deserved following their best half of football at the tournament to date.
The second half was again fast and flowing, as the French pushed to find a levelling goal. England remained solid and organised as the pressure began to build. As the half progressed, the play became more one sided as England tried to hold on. With only seven minutes left the French finally worked the ball wide, created an overlap and managed to take full advantage. The equaliser sparked England back into attacking mode and the final minutes saw chances for both sides to win the game. England managed to keep the French at bay and claimed an extremely valuable point. This was a great performance by the team, and will give them plenty of confidence going into their final two games of the group stages.
If England can win both their matches on Friday, they would be in a great position to claim a place in the last four.
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