England thrash Croatia in FIFA World Cup qualifier
September 11, 2008
In the most recent qualifying campaign before the FIFA World Cup England failed to earn a spot in the European Cup finals played earlier this year. This was partly due to two losses against Croatia, including a 3-2 loss at home on the final day of qualifying.
Going into the match in Zagreb the English would have been keen to make amends for the past failure. Before the match the Croatians had not lost at home in its short history. They opened the 2010 World Cup qualifying at home with a comfortable 3-0 win over Kazakhstan. The English on the other hand a less than impressive start against Andorra where they won 2-0.
What was to follow will no doubt have delighted English fans. Many will be asking is this the new England? It is after all the beginning of a new era under the guidance of Fabio Capello.
In the match England erased all memory of the previous losses to Croatia. They also ruined the home teams 31 home game unbeaten streak. Theo Walcott would turn out to be the hero of the day. He scored his first international goal on the way to a memorable hat-trick for England as they defeated Croatia 4-1.
The youngster was given the nod ahead of David Beckham and as it turned out it was a wise decision. Wayne Rooney did a good job setting up the goals for Walcott as well as grabbing one for himself.
The Walcott goals came in the 26th, 59th and 81st minutes. Rooney scored in the 63rd minute. Mario Mandzukic scored a consolation goal for Croatia in the 77th minute.
Robert Kovac was sent from the field in the 51st minute after he hit Joe Cole with his elbow when making a challenge.
Time will tell if this is a new chapter in the story of English international football. Recent years have not been that inspirational for a country that prides itself as one of the best. At the club level the top clubs such as Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool have shown that they are the best. Now is the time for this club level dominance to transfer itself to the national team.
In other World Cup qualifying action the main upset was Portugal’s loss at home to Denmark. The score was 3-2 in favor of the visitors. France made a return to the winners circle with a 2-1 win over Serbia.
The next qualifying matches for the Europe zone take place on 11/10/2008. Germany at home to Russia is probably the standout match from the scheduled fixtures. Sweden and Portugal should also be interesting.
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