June 12, 2005

Some comments on the England and Finland results

By Colin Aldis
Before the last two matches in Group A started all four teams had something to play for, ie. all could reach the semi-finals. But like the UEFA group match four years ago Sweden were allowed to take an early lead. This time a corner on the left was headed at the near post by an England defender hitting Chapman on the leg. Sjostrom, who had been jostling with keeper Rachel Brown, spun around and touched it into the net from around 1 metre out.

However hard they tried after that England could not create a really clear cut opening, in spite of playing well enough to stifle the threat of a vastly more experienced opponent (Sweden have appeared in each of the world major tournaments and were UEFA runners-up in 2001 and winners in 1984).

Aluko blocked a clearance by keeper Lindahl but the ball bounced wide of the left post. Then White tried a header at the far post but the ball deflected onto the top of the bar.
In the second half Brown did well to dive down and make a couple of saves, while at the other end Lindahl was mostly in action collecting high crosses.

The good news for the near future, as England prepare for 2007 World Cup qualifying matches, was that Kelly Smith played the whole match.

England will face tough competition from France and Holland to get to China.

In the Group's other match the FIFA rankings were not adhered to, as Finland beat Denmark 2-1 jumping to second place and into the semi-finals for the first time.
They are likely to meet Germany there , but surprise results are always possible.