Need I Say more :-D Good on ya ENGLAND Press Read More for Match Details from the BBC!!
England's sweet revenge England took a giant step towards qualification from Group F with a stirring victory that went a long way to avenging defeat to Argentina at France '98. Once again captain David Beckham was the hero, stroking home a Michael Owen-won penalty seconds before half-time. And in the second half England's defence stepped to the fore, standing firm to claim a memorable win as Argentina mounted wave upon wave of attack. Sven-Goran Eriksson got his tactics just right in front of a passionate crowd at the Sapporo Dome in northern Japan. Having lost Owen Hargreaves to injury during a cagey opening 20 minutes, he introduced Trevor Sinclair and watched his men dominate possession. Beckham was inspirational as playmaker and Owen made several darting runs to stretch the Argentine defence across the field. With increased possession came their first good chance of the game, created by Nicky Butt and almost converted by attacking ace Owen. The Liverpool man latched on to an immaculate through ball and slotted though Pablo Cavallero's legs only to watch his shot rebound off the Argentine post. England pushed on and were finally rewarded for their aggression in the 44th minute when Owen won a penalty after being tripped by Mauricio Pochettino. Beckham stepped up and scored emphatically to secure a half-time lead. Clearly pumped up by the Eriksson's words of enouragement, England stepped further into the ascendency after the restart and should have been rewarded with a second goal. Owen stole half a yard and should have done better with the goal at his mercy. Then, Beckham wriggled free in the Argentine box, shooting wide with only Cavallero to beat. Teddy Sheringham - on as a substitute for the excellent Heskey - had the next chance. Paul Scholes floated a pin-point cross over and the Tottenham striker volleyed fiercely at Cavallero from 15 yards. After Sheringham had spurned a second opportunity, Argentina upped the pressure only to be denied by spirited defending. Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell stood particularly tall and David Seaman pulled off a couple of spectacular saves. Waves of South American pressure paid no dividends. There may yet be life for England after the World Cup's "Group of Death". Argentina: Pablo Cavallero, Mauricio Pochettino, Walter Samuel, Diego Placente, Javier Zanetti, Diego Simeone, Juan Sebastian Veron, Juan Pablo Sorin, Ariel Ortega, Gabriel Batistuta, Kily Gonzalez England: David Seaman, Danny Mills, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Owen Hargreaves, Michael Owen, Emile Heskey News Source: BBC News
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England's sweet revenge England took a giant step towards qualification from Group F with a stirring victory that went a long way to avenging defeat to Argentina at France '98. Once again captain David Beckham was the hero, stroking home a Michael Owen-won penalty seconds before half-time. And in the second half England's defence stepped to the fore, standing firm to claim a memorable win as Argentina mounted wave upon wave of attack. Sven-Goran Eriksson got his tactics just right in front of a passionate crowd at the Sapporo Dome in northern Japan. Having lost Owen Hargreaves to injury during a cagey opening 20 minutes, he introduced Trevor Sinclair and watched his men dominate possession. Beckham was inspirational as playmaker and Owen made several darting runs to stretch the Argentine defence across the field. With increased possession came their first good chance of the game, created by Nicky Butt and almost converted by attacking ace Owen. The Liverpool man latched on to an immaculate through ball and slotted though Pablo Cavallero's legs only to watch his shot rebound off the Argentine post. England pushed on and were finally rewarded for their aggression in the 44th minute when Owen won a penalty after being tripped by Mauricio Pochettino. Beckham stepped up and scored emphatically to secure a half-time lead. Clearly pumped up by the Eriksson's words of enouragement, England stepped further into the ascendency after the restart and should have been rewarded with a second goal. Owen stole half a yard and should have done better with the goal at his mercy. Then, Beckham wriggled free in the Argentine box, shooting wide with only Cavallero to beat. Teddy Sheringham - on as a substitute for the excellent Heskey - had the next chance. Paul Scholes floated a pin-point cross over and the Tottenham striker volleyed fiercely at Cavallero from 15 yards. After Sheringham had spurned a second opportunity, Argentina upped the pressure only to be denied by spirited defending. Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell stood particularly tall and David Seaman pulled off a couple of spectacular saves. Waves of South American pressure paid no dividends. There may yet be life for England after the World Cup's "Group of Death". Argentina: Pablo Cavallero, Mauricio Pochettino, Walter Samuel, Diego Placente, Javier Zanetti, Diego Simeone, Juan Sebastian Veron, Juan Pablo Sorin, Ariel Ortega, Gabriel Batistuta, Kily Gonzalez England: David Seaman, Danny Mills, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Owen Hargreaves, Michael Owen, Emile Heskey News Source: BBC News
Direct Link: England's sweet revenge
