|
|
 |
| levers Home |
| MOTD-ometer Football News |
| England
Internationals and Qualifiers |
| FA Cup |
| UEFA Cup |
| Premiership Special |
| World Cup 2002 |
|
Official
BBC Match Of The Day Website |
|
|
 |
|
The World Cup is coming... Check out our new World Cup section...
World Cup Briefs (26/05/02): England 2-2 Cameroon
Frank Leboeuf was on hand with a late winner for France against South Korea, the game finishing 3-2. Henry returned for the World Champions after missing the warm up against Urwawa Red, playing the first 45 minutes, but Zinedine Zidane limped off after 22 minutes clutching his thigh... Ireland's Jason McAteer will require a scan on his left knee after a reckless tackle against Sanfreece Hiroshima, to determine whether he'll be ablt to play any part in the World Cup... Roy Keane has hit back at Ireland coach Mick McCarthy, saying there would be no chance of him returing to the Ireland squad while McCarthy was still in charge. Speaking to The Mail On Sunday: "There is absolutely no chance of that happening, never in a million years. I won't be going back to Japan." World Cup Briefs (24/05/02): Murphy out of England squad- Metatarsal #3
More positive news from the England camp where it's been reported that both Robbie Fowler and Nicky Butt have returned to full training having overcome their respective injuries, with Beckham, Ashley Cole and Dyer still to follow... Disgraced ex-Ireland Captain Roy Keane has begun his trip home after being thrown out of Mick McCarthy's squad saying he has not regrets... World Cup Briefs (23/05/02): 'Disruptive' Keane thrown out of Irish World Cup squad
England midfielder Danny Murphy may be suffering from a stress fracture, after X-rays revealed his ankle wasn't broken. SGE is set to reveal the full extent of the injury at 0600 BST Friday... World Cup Briefs (22/05/02): Keane U-turn
Kieron Dyer has made the final England squad despite his injury, with Trevor Sinclair flying home. Sinclair will remain on standby to take Dyer's place should the Newcastle midfielder not make it in time. SGE is hopeful Dyer will be fit by the second group game, should he miss the first... Danny Murphy may be out of the World Cup after breaking down in training with a foot injury... Ashley Cole was forced to sit out of training with what's thought to be a recurrance of a knee ligament strain... SGE is quoted as saying that any more injuries will result on him calling on the talents of David Platts Under 21 side currently playing the Eurpoean Championship... Arsenal and France star Thierry Henry has been given until Sunday to prove his fitness for the World Cup, after sitting out of France's warm-up game against J-League side Urwawa Red, and is doubtful for the opening game of the tournament against Senegal... Brazil's Cafu suffered a back injury, but the defender should be fit in time... Nigeria struggled to a 2-2 draw against Japanese club side Yokohama F-Marinos... 21 May 2002
England pressure pays off as they go a goal up in 26 minutes through Michael Owen. Heskey put Schole clear, who's shot rebounds off the legs of Lee Woon-jae, and comes out for Owen. A host of England changes at half time was enough to disrupt their flow and rythmn, allowing Korea to score on 52 from a corner beating Keown, Southgate and James. Park Ji-Sung scored with a header set up by Lee Chun-Soo, with England losing their balance in midfield with Sinclair, Joe Cole and Hargreaves replacing Scholes and Murphy, and Sheringham in for Owen upfront. England were poor for much of the second half, a stark contrast to the first forty five minutes, when they looked comfortable. The Korean storm eventually died down allowing England back into the game and to string a few passes together, but they still lacked the bite they had earlier. Their best chance of the second coming from Trevor Sinclair's free kick, headed over the cross bar by Darius Vassell. With Scholes substituted at half time, Owen Hargreaves was probably the best of the England players, though there was cause for concern when Hargreaves hobbled off for treatment with seven minutes to go. Korea looked the most likely to take the game as they built up pressure with minutes to go, as England's performance petered out. Korea were awarded a corner in the last minute of normal time, but Hargreaves was able to head the ball away. (21/05/02) South Korea v England Team News
England: Martyn, Mills, Ferdinand, Campbell, A Cole, Hargreaves, Scholes, Murphy, Owen, Heskey, Vassell. World Cup Briefs (19/05/02)
World Cup Briefs (16/05/02)
(10/05/02) Sven's Squad
Goalkeepers:
Defenders:
Midfielders:
Strikers:
On stand-by:
Losing out:
(02/05/02) The BBC's World Cup IX
Wed 17 Apr 2002 International Friendlies England 4-0 Paraguay, Republic of Ireland 2-1 USA, Scotland 1-2 Nigeria, Northern Ireland 0-5 Spain, France 0-0 Russia, Germany 0-1 Argentina Late England call-up Matt Jansen was forced to stay at home with a poorly stomach, so England Captain for a day Michael Owen was partnered upfront with Darius Vassel. Dyer, Butt, Gerrard and Scholes started in midfield, with Keown, Gary Neville, Southgate and Bridge forming the back four, with David Seaman returning in goal for the first time since the qualifiers (and was the only player to feature for the full 90 minutes). England scored as soon as the fourth minute with a Michael Owen header from Stephen Gerrard's free-kick. Unlike England's Italian opponents in the previous friendly, Paraguay allowed England to play their passing game and the home side were able to build a good tempo. The few times Paraguay were able to get forward the defence and David Seaman were able to cope comfortably. England's tempo eventually broke down in the first half and the play became slightly sloppy, but not enough to allow the visitors back in. A host of changes after half time saw three more goals. Danny Murphy's strike seemed to be going well wide of the goal until it was deflected into the net just after the break. Vassel's hardwork paid off on 54 when his shot from half time sub Joe Cole's cross was also deflected in. Ayala's O.G. wrapped up the scoring when Fowler's cross came off the Paraguain's back and went goalwards, with Teddy Sheringham close by. Unlike the Italy game, this was judged as a good opportunity for anyone still uncertain of their place in the squad to show SGE what they were capable of. Heavy rain made conditions difficult as Ireland faced the USA at Lansdown Road, and so Ireland's win came somewhat fortunate in the dying minutes when Gary Docherty struck home. Scotland were denied by a Aghahowa double strike either side of half time despite Dailly opening the scoring in the seventh minute. Northern Ireland recorded their biggest home defeat since the 1960s as they were flattened 5-0 by Spain. Argentina were successful in their massive tussle on German soil, as they defeated Germany through a Sorin strike just after half time. Interestingly, France were held goaless against Russia at the Stade De France, despite the presence of Zidane, Henry, Anelka and Vieira. (16/04/02) England v Paraguay UPDATE: Owen "is the Captain", Beckham K.O.'d drama, Heskey out, Jansen call-up, Dyer 'shin splints' Bollocks, Campbell/Ehiogu 'hamstrings sore' Woodgate 'horseplay'... And we're back again with an increasingly irritated SGE at the ever growing list of casualties to the England squad. The latest being Captain Fantastic David Beckham who got whacked during Manchester Utd's victory over Deportivo La Corunia two weeks running. The first leg Dave was carried on a stretcher crying like a baby. Bur it transpired that the Spaniards had apparently failed in their mission as he was fit enough to start the return leg. So they whacked him again, good 'n' proper this time. So much so that the second injury is now threatening to rule him out of the World Cup, as well as the rest of the domestic season. Hmm! Do I smell a rat within Deportivo's midst? Stand up the perpetrator of Beckham's injury a Mr Pedro Duscher of Argentina, who's national team it just so happens were to met in the first round in Korea. Mr Duscher was in philosophical mood saying it was "It was unfortunate and bad luck but I honestly went for the ball". Still if they thought taking chunks out of Becks would be enough for them to win the game, then they were mistaken, as Ole Gunar Solsjkaer came on in his place and promptly scored two goals to put the tie beyond doubt. Deportivo then had two players shown the red card. Mickey Owen could've been a second injury worry for SGE as he limped off in Liverpool's Champions League defeat to Bayer Leverkusen. It was feared he'd sustained a fractured foot, but it now looks like heavy bruising. SGE was so impressed with Owen's ability not to get seriously injured that he's become the surprise choice for England Captain in Beckham's absence, ahead of the favourite Gary Nevile. Liverpool team mate Emile Heskey also limped off and was left at home as Liverpool beat Sunderland 1-0 at the Stadium of Light. Blackburn's Matt Jansen has been given the call-up in his place. Rio Ferdinand's will also be missing as will Ashley Cole and Ledley King. One of those tipped to take Beckham's place in midfield is Newcastle's Kieron Dyer. But hold the phone as Epsn Soccernet reported earlier today, Dyer apparently limped out of a Newcastle training session last night complaining of pains in his lower leg, suggesting his shin splint problem which kept out of much of this season's campaign, has returned. This however was deemed to be bollocks as he subsequantly completed the full 90 minutes in Newcastle's 3-2 comeback against First Divison bound Derby County. Of real concern though were Sol Campbell and Ugho Ehiogu's chances of making the team when they both limped with hamstring strains off during Arsenal's 1-0 win over Middlesbrough in the FA Cup Semi-Final (which can be read about here. Martin Keown who also played in the semi-final clash has been given the nod instead. On a completely different note, one time (and possible future) England International Jonathan Woodgate has been ruled out for the rest of season by his club Leeds United after being involved in what's been quoted as 'horseplay' (bless) and sustaining a broken jaw while in his home town of Middlesbrough. Wed 27 Mar International Friendlies England 1 - 2 Italy, France 5 - 0 Scotland, Republic of Ireland 3 - 0 Denmark, Wales 0 - 0 Czech Republic, Liechtenstein 0 - 0 Northern Ireland Robbie Fowler's second half goal for England was cancelled out by a Montella screamer beating second half change goal keeper Davd James. James then upended Massimo Maccarone in the dying minutes, allowing Montella to score from the penalty spot and give the Italians an unexpected win. As fas as Sven Goran friendlies go this was the typical chop and change ten players at half time affair, which didn't really offer anything as an indication for the World Cup as many of the first team squad were missing through injury, especially affected was the defence. Scotland were well and truly walloped by France in Berti Vogts inagural game as Scotland Manager. Zidane, Trezerguet (2), Henry and Marlet all got on the score sheet with some really quite superb goals. Barthez almost messed it up for the French team in the opening minutes, when he missed a back pass and saw the ball slip narrowly outside the far post. Mick McCarthy recorded yet another win in the pre-World Cup friendly as Ian Harte, Clinton Morrison and Robbie Keane were on target for the Republic of Ireland. Wales ended in stalemate against the Czech Republic. And Steve Lomas got sent off for Northern Ireland in a goaless draw against England's European qualifying group opponents Liechtenstein, which was nice. (21/03/02) Internationals It's International mid-week time again, as England continue their preperations for the World Cup, this time hosting Italy (Highlights BBC ONE 22:35-23:35 Wed 27 2002). Interestingly, BBC ONE Scotland have picked up the live rights to France v Scotland, which will herald the debut of new Scotland manager Bertie Vogts. BBC Wales have also picked up Wales v Czech Republic, but that's obviously deemed as of less interest to the Welsh viewing public as it's been relegated to BBC TWO Wales, and who can blame them. Even Channel 5 have managed to get the live rights to an International match, featuring, erm someone or other... Well it can't be the Republic of Ireland as they're on Sky playing Denmark, along with the England game. So, that only leaves Northern Ireland I s'pose, unless BBC Northern Ireland have found a budget. Wed 13 Feb 2002 International Friendlies Holland 1-England 1, Wales 1-1 Argentina, Ireland 2-0 Russia Darius Vassell celebrated his England debut with a goal against the Dutch in the 60th minute, as he vollyed the ball into the net from David Beckham's cross. England started the game with a new formation 4-3-3, Vassell forming a partnership upfront with Emile Heskey and Bolton's Michael Ricketts. Wayne Bridge of Southampton also made his senior debut. Of the three debutants, Vassell may have done enough to give Sven a headache over which four strikers to take to the World Cup, and perhaps persude him to take five. Bridge looked good and defence and may have dislodged Chris Powell from his understudy role for Ashley Cole. Ricketts however appeared nervy on his debut and it seems unlikely he'll make the trip to Japan and Korea with so many other fine strikers available. Patrick Kluivert opened up the scoring for the home side in the first half due to a defensive error between Sol Campbell and Rio Ferdinand. England were poor in the first half with only Stephen Gerrard coming close. However Vassell's goal was well deserved in the second half as the game opened up, and Beckham's free-kick was beaten away by Van der Saar in the Dutch goal five minutes earlier. England's momentum could have seen them going on to win the match, but Sven Goran-Eriksson took the decison to make a number of changes to the side. Wales pulled off a shock result against an understrength Argentina side. Craig Bellamy took the lead for Wales in the first half, and the home side were ahead for half an hour before Julio Cruz scored the equaliser. This however would not have been the sort of result the world cup bound side would have wanted. Mick McCarthy will be pleased at his sides performance against Russia, as the Republic of Ireland won superbly through Steven Reid and Robbie Keane at Lansdowne Road. This was despite the hard fought Russian side and 12 Irish substitutions in the second half. Elsewhere Northern Ireland fell 4-1 to Portugal, and France beat Romania 2-1 thanks to goals from the old Arsenal central midfield partnership of Patrick Vieira and Manu Petit. (12/02/02) MOTD bags England World Cup Games The BBC appear to be the victors in the seasonal tussle between rhe networks before a major football tournament, having won the rights to screen two of England's three group games in this Summer's World Cup. ITV will screen England's opening encounter against Sweden, while the BBC will show England's games with Nigeria and Argentina. Conversely, ITV will show two of Ireland's group games. The BEEB however, have also won the rights to screen a daily peak time highlights package. (31/01/02) Holland v England, International Friendly
(25/01/02) Euro 2004 Qualifying Group Stage Draw
England got a peach of a group alongside Slovakia, Masadonia, Liechtenstein and Turkey, depsite only being second seeds (Group 7). Scotland can book their place in the final if they come top in Group 5 against Iceland, Lithuanina, the Faroe Islands, and Germany. Mick's Republic of Ireland are top seeds in Group 10, and they'll face Russia, Switzerland, Georgia and Albania. In Group 5, Scotland will meet Iceland, Lithuanina, the Faroe Islands, and Germany. Finally, Wales and Northern Ireland have no chance, as they face Azerbaijan, Finland (Hypia and Litmanen of Liverpool), Yugoslavia, and Italy (Group 9); and Ukraine, Greece, Aremenia, and Spain (Group 6). Sorry guys. Teams who finish top will qualify automatically, while second placed teams will go into a play-off.
(01/12/01) FIFA World Cup Korea & Japan 2002 Draw
Still there'll be plenty of familiar faces from the Premiership on show in those opening group games, as we get up bleary eyed to watch the matches down the pub at convenient hours such as 6:30am on a Sunday, 7:30am on a Wednesday, and 12:30pm on a Friday which'll be alright as the majority of England's working population spend their Friday afternoon in the pub anyway. Including Freddie 'Arsenal/Sweden' Ljungberg, Nwankwo 'Arsenal/Nigeria' Kanu, and Juan 'Man U/Argentina' Veron. On the face of it, Ireland landed a much easier group. Germany, for heaven sake... Thur Nov 15th 2001 There was dancing in the streets of Dublin, as Mick McCarthy's men finally completed their long journey to the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. Ireland had to be solid at the back to deny the home side until deep into stoppage time, but by that stage the Iranian crowd in the stadium had lost interest, and only the Irish voice was strong. Joining Ireland include Germany who beat the Ukraine 6-2 on aggregate, and Brazil finally sealed their place. Sat Nov 10th 2001 The drawback of automatic qualification, is that we're left with these rather tame affairs until the World Cup in 2002. David Beckhsm's penalty was wiped out when Nigel Martyn failed to clear his lines from a free kick, and so it ended evens. Drama elsewhere, as Ireland secured a 2-0 lead over Iran in the first leg of their play-off to the World Cup thanks to Ian Harte and Robbie Keane either side of half time, with Shay Given keeping the Irish lead to two with some heroic saves in the second half. Meanwhile, Germany were lucy enough to come away with a one all draw in the tricky away leg to the Ukraine.
(18/10/01) BBC/ITV Strike World Cup Deal Sat
Oct 6th 2001 England qualify for the World Cup in Japan and South Korea, but only just, having gone behind twice to a Greek side with nothing to play for. Thanks to the heroics of second half sub, Teddy Sheringham and captain David Beckham, and also goalkeeper Nigel Martin, where the Greeks almost made it 2-0, minutes before Sheringham came on to make it 1-1. Just as England thought they could see daylight breaking the Greeks went ahead again. It took until the 92 minute for Beckham to convert the free-kick and find the back of the Greek net. England were saved, but only because Finland had managed to hold Germany to a goaless draw. "It's amazing at his age he could get to the box that quick" -Gary Lineker, Teddy Sheringham comes on and scores the fastest goal of all time by an England substitute "Well that's not meant to happen!" -Ian Wright, seconds after England score, Greece go in front, again! "I'm glad he scored that now. It made it all very exciing!" -Gary Lineker, on said goal "Is Sven a lucky manager?" -John Motson, England are still a goal behind as the game enters stoppage time "We were going to have to go to the Ukraine and play in some muggy gaffe!" -Ian Wright, as it seemed England chances are spent "What must the German's be thinking in the dressing room?" -Trevor Brooking, as the Germany-Finland game ended goaless, the news eminates round the German stadium, England are a goal down. Enough to put Germany through to the World Cup. Until... "Well, one of them had to go in!" -David Beckham, scoring the equaliser from his eighth free-kick on goal, and sending England to the World Cup "I'm not sure it should've been a freekick" -John Motson "Somehow or other, England got out of jail, and it was Beckham who saved them" -Trevor Brooking "O yea of little faith. It was never in doubt, not for a second!" -Gary Lineker, full time, and England have done enough "You'll never ever get a better finish than that!" -Alan Hansen "And you'll never get sick of seeing it, so lets have another look!" -Gary Lineker, as they play that goal for about the twentieth time "He's used his Special Stuff there!" -Ian Wright "If there was a General Election, he'd be Prime Minister!" -Peter Reid, Beckham Man of the Match "It's one of the great World Cup qualifying, moments!" -Gary Lineker "I don't like it when Ian Wright kisses me!" -Alan Hansen, Engalnd equalise in the dying minutes The game was watched by 9.8 million viewers. 12 million viewers saw David Beckham's equaliser. Eat your heart out Lynham! Match Preview This Saturday the final group 9 qualifiers for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea take place. England Manager Sven Goran Eriksson has recalled Tottenham striker Teddy Sheringham to the England squad in place of the injured Michael Owen, prompting calls for a starting line-up consisting of Sheringham and Andy Cole, due to their familiarity at Old Trafford, and with support provieded by Captain David Beckham and Paul Scholes of the Man United contingent. The other strikers in the squad are Emile Heskey, and Robbie Fowler who returned to the Liverpool starting eleven in their 2-0 win over Newcastle. With a far superior goal difference, a win should be enough to see England qualify avoiding the a play-off with the Ukraine or Belarus. Germany, who play Finland in their final game at the same time, will need to score at least 7 clear goals to go through as group winners, assuming England beat Greece. The build up starts on BBC ONE with Football Focus at 12 noon, and continues in Match of the Day at 1pm. Kick-off is at 3pm, at Old Trafford. Injuries to Sol Campbell and Wes Brown have meant recalls for Boro's Uhgo Ehiogu and Arsenal's Martin Keown, recently sent off for two bookable offences in a 2-0 win against Derby County in the Premiership. Others returning to the squad include Danny Mills of Leeds, both Nevile brothers (though only one is likely to start), Gareth Southgate, Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, and West Ham's Trevor Sinclair. As well as the vital talent in midfield of Liverpool's Stephen Gerrard. England's first choice goalkeeper David Seaman has failed to recover from the shoulder injury that kept him out of Arsenal's win at Derby. Leed's Nigel Martyn is likely to start in his place, with Richard Wright deputising. Wed
Sep 5th 2001 2-0 to England. Not the greatest of performances, but then that was last Wednesday. Goals bagged by Owen and Fowler. The last two MOTDs pulled in viewing figures of 14.7m and 13.9m respectively. More than four times the amount of ITV's Premiership highlights show! Sat
Sep 1st 2001 5-1. Nuff Said! Carston Jancker for Germany who opened the scoring after six minutes, leaving England's back four for dust. Surely the annual humilaition would ensue? Not so as Owen equalised on 12, bagged a hat trick, and with Gerrard and Heskey adding to the score sheet. The rest is history. You had to be there, or at least watching it on the telly! |