England 5-1 Croatia
England erased bitter Euro 2008 memories by outclassing a poor Croatian side, beating them comprehensively 5-1 at Wembley to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, for the first time ever with two games to spare.
From kick-off, Croatia were not able to cope with all the pressure England put them under, especially at the back. The guests gave away a penalty just six minutes into the match when vice-captain Josip Simunic brought down Aaron Lennon in the box with a clumsy tackle. Frank Lampard converted the spot-kick confidently and comfortably as always.
A slow and afray-looking Croatian side struggled with all the England players in the box for most of the first half. Gareth Barry, Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney and Lennon all had their share of misses and saved chances. Steven Gerrard's long-range header from the far post in the 18th minute was the only other conversion of the first half, to make it 2-0 to the home side at half time, but it could have been six or more.
The second half did not see much change. Lampard and Gerrard both netted within the first 20 minutes: The prior converted a Glen Johnson headed cross from the right outiside the box into the centre of the goal, the latter heading in a rumbled Rooney cross cleverly over the goalkeeper.
With just under 20 minutes left, the Croats saw their first real chance and were rewarded for all their sweat and torment. Eduardo put in the second rebound, leaving Robert Green unhappy after his hard work and saves and Fabio Capello cursing his side for the first time and despite their strong performance and dominance they had enjoyed so far.
But that was the only breather Croatia got. Rooney topped the show off with his ninth goal for England in the qualifiers, making him the top scorer. He was slightly embarrassed by the manner he achieved that record:
He was handed the chance by the Croatian goalkeeper Vedran Runje who slipped the ball off his left foot through to Rooney, served on a silver plate, right in front of the goal. He left celebrating with an embarrassed smile. It summed up the night-to-forget for the Croats and brought a smile even onto Capello's face.
Man of the match: Aaron Lennon
England Green; Johnson, Upson, Terry, Cole; Lennon (80 Beckham), Barry, Lampard, Gerrard (81 Milner); Rooney, Heskey (60 Defoe). Subs not used Foster, Brown, Bridge, Crouch. Bookings 85 Terry.
Croatia Runje; Srna, Krizanac, Simunic, Pranjic; Mandzukic, Vukojevic, Pokrivac (HT Rakitic), Kranjcar, Eduardo (73 Klasnic); Olic (HT Petric). Subs not used Subasic, Drpic, Calo, Leka. Bookings 44 Simunic.
Sky Sports Stats:
England - Croatia
Goals: 5-1
Attempts: 12-9
On target: 9-5
Blocked shots: 0-2
Offsides: 8-3
Corners: 2-3
Free kicks: 9-16
Bookings: 1-1
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