England 3 - 0 Russia

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England's Survival - Becomes a Revival!


A revitalised England put Russia firmly in their place, and it seems that the new Wembley is good for them! It had been suggested beforehand, that their task, would be more difficult, than when they easily beat Israel last Saturday, but again they dominated with some panache. They had most of the possession, and all of the goals and played with a confidence that seemed to be lacking in the Russian side, particularly in the first half.


Michael Owen was again paired with Heskey, but it was Gareth Barry's accurate pass, that the striker was able to slide home after only 7 minutes. England had been confidently attacking from the start when Owen got the important first goal, to keep up his sides winning ways.


Shortly afterwards Zhyrianov equalised for Russia, but the goal was harshly disallowed for handball. Most pundits seemed to think that the goal was satisfactory, and should have been allowed to stand. However, it is doubtful whether that would have affected the end result, because England were playing with pace and harmony, that had been lacking until the last week or so.


Michael Owen should perhaps have scored another, when a Heskey shot was blocked by the Russian keeper into his path. But he slipped and that particular chance was missed. Russia had a shot saved by Robinson at the other end, before that man Owen was picked out by Heskey, to fire in his second goal after 31 minutes. It seems that in some perverse way, injuries and suspensions to England's regular players, have allowed head coach Steve McClaren to stumble onto a winning formula!


Russia came out with more purpose in the second half as if to say the game was not yet over. Sychev had a couple of chances, but his side were nothing like as effective as England in front of goal, and their attacks fizzled out.


Rio Ferdinand, of all people, got England's third goal in the 84th minute. He produced a nifty bit of footwork, and fired in a shot that the hapless Russian keeper should have saved. However, it was typical of a match, in which England were the better side making the most of their chances. Their passage to Europe begins to look promising, to the delight of their fans everywhere, including another 86,000 watching at Wembley.


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England Vs Russia
soccer and football
England Vs Russia