Defoe fires rejuvenated England into last 16
England’s World Cup campaign finally took off Wednesday at the third
attempt as Fabio Capello’s side qualified for the last 16 with a 1-0 win
over Slovenia.
But the United States took top spot in Group C with an injury-time
winner over Algeria, meaning England finished runners-up and Slovenia -
who had begun the day on top of the table - were eliminated.
After completing their do-or-die mission, England now face the
winners of Group D, which contains Germany.
Jermain Defoe started for England in place of Emile Heskey in one of
the biggest gambles of manager Capello’s career and the move paid
dividends with the Tottenham striker’s 23rd minute volleyed goal.
“This was the team which I loved to see in qualifying,” said Capello.
“We played with freedom, our minds were free.”
Defoe was delighted with his contribution.
“The victory was more important than my goal. We came out fired up
for the game, we passed the ball well and got the early goal. We’re
through to the next round and that’s the important thing.”
England skipper Steven Gerrard cautioned against over-optimism after
a stuttering campaign.
“You are always anxious when you need to win, but we showed passion,
quality and desire,” he said.
“We rolled up our sleeves and produced the goods. But we know that if
we produce another performance like we did against Algeria, it’ll be our
last.”
An opening 1-1 draw with the United States followed by the lame
goalless stalemate with Algeria had left England staring at the
possibility of failing to make it out of the group stage for the first
time since 1958.
England started brightly and Wayne Rooney raised the temperature when
he raced onto a superb through ball and Slovenia’s defence had their
work cut out to stop Gerrard heading in his cross to the far post.
Capello had called for John Terry to put up a “big performance” after
his failed mutiny and the Chelsea defender responded, making a fine
robust intervention to rob Robert Ljubijankic of the ball beside James’s
near post.
England then took the lead with a superb high ball from James Milner,
who started in place of Aaron Lennon, on the right wing into the box for
Defoe to volley past Slovenia keeper Samir Handanovic.
In almost a carbon copy move minutes later Milner crossed again, this
time Defoe’s shot was parried by Handanovic with Frank Lampard pouncing
on the clearance only to fire over the bar.
It took a succession of fine saves from Handanovic to prevent England
from doubling their lead as the Slovenia keeper kept out shots from
Defoe and Gerrard.
The boos that had followed England off the pitch after Friday’s
woeful performance against Algeria were replaced by cheers as they
walked off at the break.
Seconds after the restart Defoe could and should have got his second,
but his goalmouth effort after great work by Rooney on the left, went
wide. He then had a goal disallowed for offside as England maintained
their high tempo pace.
Unusually for this World Cup which has been raining yellow cards
German referee Wolfgang Stark had been refreshingly restrained, with
England defender Glen Johnson picking up the first booking of the game
in the 46th minute.
A rejuvenated Rooney then grimaced as his close range effort hit
Handanovic’s right post.
AFP
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