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England advances Denmark awaits as optimistic Super Eagles fly homePosted: Wednesday June 12, 2002 2:16 AMUpdated: Wednesday June 12, 2002 6:27 AM
OSAKA, Japan (Reuters) -- England booked its place in the second round of the World Cup on Wednesday after an indifferent display earned it a 0-0 draw with already eliminated Nigeria in its final match in the "Group of Death". Unrecognizable from the team that beat pre-tournament favorite Argentina 1-0 on Friday, England lacked any urgency moving forward, aside from a 10-minute spell at the end of the first half, and was sloppy at the back. (Analysis) "We had more chances than them but we didn't score today. Let's hope we save that for Saturday," England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said, looking ahead to England's next match against Denmark. "We are building momentum now," England captain David Beckham said. England, which has never lost to an African side in 13 encounters, finished second in group F with five points behind Sweden which drew 1-1 with Argentina in the other match to top the group with five points but more goals scored. (Argentina bounced out | English fans cheer Argentine demise)
Nigeria, playing an experimental side with five changes from the team beaten 2-1 by Sweden, could even have snatched a departing win with better finishing. England treated most of the first half like its pre-World Cup friendly with Cameroon. "Luckily we got through in the end," central defender Rio Ferdinand said. "We knew they would play for pride and they didn't disappoint us. It finally roused itself for the closing minutes of the half, when Owen had a shot on the run deflected away and another charged down by a packed defense, while Danny Mills smacked a free shot hopelessly wide. Its best chance fell to Scholes, whose 25-meter drive was tipped onto the post and out by Nigeria's teenage goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama. England made an even worse start to the second half with Sol Campbell's wayward pass intercepted by Julius Aghahowa, the danger being averted only by the returning defenders. Owen nearly broke the deadlock before the hour but his outstretched boot just failed to connect with an Emile Heskey daisy-cutter from the right flank.
An even better chance fell to substitute Teddy Sheringham, who ballooned his shot over from less than 10 meters in the 75th minute, as England ground out the draw and its place in the next round. "The back four were excellent throughout the game. We were quite comfortable. We had quite a few chances but didn't take any of them but we're happy," Beckham said. "There was enough pressure because people expected us to win after our Argentina result," said Ferdinand. "We're a young bunch and hold no fear of anybody else." Nigeria coach Adegboye Onigbinde consoled himself with thoughts of the future, saying he had two objectives when he took over -- to present a team that did not disgrace Nigeria and to lay the foundations for a new Super Eagles as Nigeria are known. "You have a sound foundation for a new-look Super Eagles," he said after blooding four new players, including Femi Opabunmi -- at 17 years and 101 days old the third youngest person to play in a World Cup finals. "I think the sky is the limit for this team," he added. Eriksson sticks with Argentina winnersOSAKA, Japan (Reuters) -- England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson stuck by the players who beat World Cup favorite Argentina for Wednesday's final group F game against Nigeria. Trevor Sinclair, a 19th minute substitute in Friday's 1-0 victory in Sapporo for the injured Owen Hargreaves, kept his place in the problem position on the left side of midfield. The other three midfield spots went to Manchester United trio Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and skipper David Beckham. Michael Owen and Emile Heskey will lead the attack as England chase at the draw they need to reach the second round against a Nigeria side already eliminated after two consecutive defeats. Nigeria coach Adegboye Onigbinde rang the changes as expected, bringing in five new players from the side that started its 2-1 defeat by Sweden. Vincent Enyeama takes over in goal from Ike Shorunmu, while defender Efe Sodje, midfielder James Obiorah and strikers Benedict Akwuegbu and 17-year-old Femi Opabunmi also get their chance. Jay Jay Okocha retains the captain's armband. Score Summary:Nigeria 0 England 0 -- result, World Cup, group F Attendance: 44,864 Teams:Nigeria: 22-Vincent Enyeama; 2-Joseph Yobo, 5-Isaac Okoronkwo, 14-Ifeanyi Udeze, 16-Efe Sodje, 15-Justice Christopher, 10-Jay Jay Okocha, 20-James Obiorah; 17-Julius Aghahowa, 18-Benedict Akwuegbu, 23-Femi Opabunmi (7-Pius Ikedia 86) England: 1-David Seaman; 2-Danny Mills, 5-Rio Ferdinand,
6-Sol Campbell, 3-Ashley Cole (14-Wayne Bridge 85); 7-David
Beckham, 21-Nicky Butt, 8-Paul Scholes, 4-Trevor Sinclair;
11-Emile Heskey (17-Teddy Sheringham 69), 10-Michael Owen
(20-Darius Vassell 77)
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. |
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