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Wednesday 10th May 2006

UEFA CUP FINAL

KUYT INSPIRES FEYENOORD TO UEFA CUP
LOKEREN 1 FEYENOORD 3

No surprises here then. Dutch giants Feyenoord comfortably defeated Belgium underdogs Lokeren to lift their 3rd UEFA Cup in Eindhoven tonight. The favourites went two goals ahead in the first half through Sebastian Pardo and Dirk Kuyt before Claudio pulled a goal back before halftime. And halfway through the second half, Kuyt added his second and Feyenoord's third goal. To be honest, it was a close, even match in terms of both possession and chances but it was Feyenoord's composure in front of goal that made all the difference.

On a humid May evening in Eindhoven, referee Gianluca Paparesta got the final up and running. After 9 minutes, Alexander Ostlund sent Ali Boussaboun away charging down the right wing and his attempted cross was drifting towards the far corner before Zvonko Milojevic got across to tip the ball over the crossbar. Ten minutes later, Lokeren had their first sight of goal. Karim Saidi was booked for a push on Salvador Cabanas and up stepped Arnar Vidarsson to strike his freekick towards the far corner where keeper Maikel Aerts caught the ball superbly in mid-air. And a minute later, Lokeren should have taken the lead. Cory Gibbs was caught dallying on the ball near his own goalline and Claudio took the ball into the area before squaring for Goran Drulic but he sent the simple tap-in well wide of the goal. Just after the halfhour, Laurent Montoya's headed clearence was controlled well by Drulic before unleashing a thunderous effort that flew just inches wide of the far post. A minute later, Feyenoord made the vital breakthrough, against the run of play. Gibbs played a freekick high into the area and when Milojevic missed his punch, the ball broke to Pardo who could not possibly miss and he tapped home. Four minutes after taking the lead, Feyenoord made it extremely harsh on Lokeren by scoring a second goal. Gibbs exchanged passes with Patrick Paauwe on the left flank before crossing to the near post where Kuyt headed firmly into the roof of the net. Straight from the restart, the leaders should have added a third goal. Paauwe dispossessed Tarik Sektioui near the penalty area and went through before squaring for Kuqi but he shot against the far post and the ball was cleared to safety. Just before the break, Lokeren pulled a deserved goal back and it was a cracker. Claudio picked the ball up just inside his own half and went running at the Feyenoord defenders before unleashing a thunderous 30-yard rocket that literally flew past Aerts and into the top corner of the net. The half was over almost after the goal. Lokeren started the brighter of the two teams but Feyenoord ended up scoring two quick goals before Lokeren did get the goal that they deserved just before halftime to make this final exciting in the second half. So at the interval, the scoreline in the UEFA Cup final here in Eindhoven was LOKEREN 1 FEYENOORD 2

As the atmosphere was hotting up around the ground from both sets of supporters, the second half was well underway. Feyenoord started very brightly in the second period and almost re-established their two-goal lead. Ali Bouab pushed Kuyt to the ground and up stepped Saidi with a well-placed freekick until Milojevic somehow clawed the ball away from the top corner. Just before the hour mark, a high ball was flicked on by Cabanas teeing up Arnar Gretarsson on the edge of the area but the shot did not get anywhere near the goal, going high and wide. Five minutes later, Lokeren almost equalised. Bouab came running all the way from the back towards the goal before unleashing a viciously swerving shot from 35 yards out which Aerts brilliantly tipped over the crossbar. Feyenoord all but finished the final off moments later. On the counter-attack, a Saidi clearence was headed on by Boussaboun to put Kuyt clear on goal and the Dutch international was coolness personified as he stroked the ball through the legs of Milojevic and into the far corner. They may have been two goals down but that would not dampen Lokeren spirits as they were unlucky almost immediately after the goal. Substitute Sidney Lammens sent a high ball into the area towards to the far post where Claudio's firm goalbound header was superbly beaten away by Aerts and the ball was cleared to safety. There was time for just one more opportunity before the end and it fell to Lokeren. Gretarsson stormed towards the penalty area before playing Cabanas through on goal but Aerts was quickly out to block the Paraguayan international's effort. The final whistle went moments later as Feyenoord won the UEFA Cup. This was a great cup final as the favourites were pushed all the way by Lokeren who were very unlucky to lose by a two goal margin. They started better than Feyenoord but the Dutch favourites scored two quickfire goals before Lokeren got a much deserved boost before halftime. In the second half, Lokeren continued to put pressure on the Feyenoord but couldnt find a way through and they were finished off by Kuyt's second goal on the counter-attack. The Feyenoord applauded the Lokeren players for their effort as they acknowledged that they unlucky tonight. But they were soon cheering as captain and two goal hero Dirk Kuyt lifted the UEFA Cup for the 3rd time in the club's history. The final score from Eindhoven tonight was LOKEREN 1 FEYENOORD 3.

Lokeren : Milojevic 7, Doll 6, Montoya 6 (Lammens 66, 6), Bouab 7, Doba 6, Claudio 8, Sektioui 6 (Panandetiguiri 62, 6), Gretarsson 7, Vidarsson 7, Drulic 6 (Zanzan 62, 6), Cabanas 7.

Goals : Claudio (45)

Feyenoord : Aerts 8, Gyan 7, Gibbs 8, Saidi 7 (Collen 83, 6), Bahia 7, Ostlund 7, Paauwe 8, Kalou 7 (Kujovic 75, 6), Pardo 7, Kuyt 9, Boussaboun 7 (Poldervaart 75, 6).

Goals : Pardo (36), Kuyt (40, 66)

Booked : Saidi, Bahia & Pardo

Man of the Match : Dirk Kuyt - the Feyenoord captain was first class leading from the front and capping his display off with two excellently taken cup final goals.

Attendance : 32962
Referee : Gianluca Paparesta

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Saturday 13th May 2006

FA CUP FINAL

CHELSEA EDGE OUT GUNNERS IN EXTRA TIME
ARSENAL 1 CHELSEA 2

Well, what a game that was. A dramatic FA Cup Final saw League Cup winners Chelsea defeat Champions League finalists Arsenal at Wembley this afternoon. Didier Drogba grabbed all the headlines with the extra-time winning goal. Well, they would not have even been there if Hernan Crespo's penalty hadnt levelled the final late in the match, cancelling out an early Thierry Henry goal. In truth, it was a victory that Chelsea did just about deserve as they dominated their opponents in terms of both possession and opportunities created. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger made two changes to the side that beat Fulham in the final league match of the season with Erick Delgado and Sanli Tuncay replacing Jens Lehmann and Ryan Smith. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho also named two alterations from the victory against Tottenham with England pair Glen Johnson and Joe Cole replaced by Asier Del Horno and Eidur Gudjohnsen.

On a hot Saturday afternoon at the newly built Wembley, referee Graham Poll got the FA Cup Final underway. Arsenal made a great bright start and broke the deadlock after just 10 minutes. Robert Pires swung a freekick and the ball eluded everyone in the box until it arrived to Henry who slid the ball home first time past Petr Cech. Ten minutes later, Pires exchanged passes with Jose Antonio Reyes before playing Henry but his shot deflected off John Terry into the Cech's grateful arms. Halfway through the first half, Chelsea made their first opportunity of the game and they should have equalised with it. Claude Makelele intercepted a Kolo Toure pass and passed through to Drogba who took the ball wide of Delgado but his fierce effort was beaten away by Delgado. On 37 minutes, Chelsea almost equalised. Del Horno intercepted a Pires pass and went storming down the left flank before playing the ball inside to Drogba but the Ivorian's effort went into the sidenetting. Minutes later, the halftime whistle went at Wembley. Arsenal made the perfect start, taking the lead inside ten minutes but Chelsea came close twice to cancelling out the opening goal. The halftime scoreline in the FA Cup Final from Wembley was ARSENAL 1 CHELSEA 0.

As both sets of supporters were getting back to their plush new Wembley seats, the proceedings were well underway. Arsenal started the second period the brighter as they looked to extend their lead. Ashley Cole and Robin van Persie combined on the left wing before teeing up Henry from 30 yards but his low effort was easily smothered by Cech. Five minutes later, Del Horno went down the left before cutting the ball inside to Lampard who unleashed a shot on his weaker foot from 35 yards which ended up handsomely in the stands with the Chelsea supporters. Chelsea began to put the pressure on the Arsenal goal. Makelele sent Drogba clean through on goal but as he shaped to shoot, a fantastic tackle by Sol Campbell saved the Gunners from conceding an equaliser. Then, great one touch passing involving Lampard, Makelele and substitute Joe Cole sent fellow Crespo through on goal but his effort went well wide of the mark. But Chelsea's persistence paid off just six minutes from time. Substitute Paulo Ferreira gave the ball to Crespo down the right and he crossed the ball towards Lampard but he was held by Toure and the referee immediately pointed for the penalty. Up stepped confident Crespo and converted the penalty kick to Delgado's right into the far corner. Almost immediately after equalising, Chelsea almost snatched a late victory. Crespo went storming towards the penalty area before teeing up Drogba from 25 yards but his fierce effort went just inches wide of the goal. In stoppage time, Arsenal almost snatched the victory themselves. Reyes came running at the Chelsea backline before setting up Henry from 25 yards out but his curving effort towards the far corner was brilliantly kept out by Cech - what a time to pull off a stop like that! The referee blew for the end of 90 minutes and the first FA Cup Final at the new Wembley was to go to extra-time. Arsenal made a great start to the match taking an early lead but Chelsea hit back after the break making chance after chance after chance and their persistence was duly rewarded with a late, late goal. The scoreline in the FA Cup Final going into extra-time at Wembley was ARSENAL 1 CHELSEA 1.

Extra-time was underway just a few minutes after 90 minutes. And almost immediately took a priceless lead, albeit fortunately. Everyone inside the new Wembley stadium must have wondered what Reyes was thinking when he played a risky pass back to Delgado but not Drogba who intercepted the pass and went strolling towards the open goal before rolling the ball home for his 30th goal of the season - what a time to make an error like that and has it cost him dear or what? Just moments later, Drogba had a fantastic double opportunity to more or less finish this final off. Michael Essien went rampaging towards the Arsenal penalty area before playing in Drogba and when his first effort was superbly blocked by Delgado, the rebound came to him and he blasted the ball high over the crossbar. There wasnt any other action in the first half of extra-time and with that crucial early goal from Drogba, the halftime score in extra-time was ARSENAL 1 CHELSEA 2. In the second period of extra-time, Arsenal were trying desperately to get the vital equaliser and when Henry went clean through on goal with only Cech standing between him and the goal, you thought there was only one winner. And that winner was Cech shockingly as he stopped Henry's trademark low curler into the far corner with his mere fingertips - the Chelsea players all went to pat him on the back, they know exactly how important that moment was! And moments later, referee Graham Poll called time on the first FA Cup Final at the new Wembley and what a final it turned out to be. Arsenal took and early lead and looked like sneeking away with the trophy but Crespo stepped up late on to convert a penalty equaliser. In extra-time, Reyes made a huge mistake as his back pass was cut back by Drogba and the Ivory Coast international couldnt miss. John Terry went onto the platform carried out onto the pitch and proudly lifted the FA Cup for the 4th time in Chelsea's history. The final score after 120 minutes of truly unbelievable drama and tension at Wembley was ARSENAL 1 CHELSEA 2.

Arsenal : Delgado 7, Lauren 7, Cole 7, Campbell 7, Toure 7, Pires 7 (Fabregas 45, 7), van Persie 6 (Owusu Abeyie 60, 6), Tuncay 7 (Bergkamp 45, 6), Gilberto 7, Henry 7, Reyes 6.

Goals : Henry (10)

Booked : Lauren, Gilberto & Henry

Chelsea : Cech 8, Terry 8, Del Horno 7 (Ferreira 80, 7), Gallas 7, Carvalho 8, Essien 7, Robben 8 (Cole 73, 7), Lampard 7, Makelele 7, Gudjohnsen 7 (Crespo 73, 7), Drogba 8.

Goals : Crespo (84), Drogba (92)

Booked : Del Horno & Crespo

Man of the Match : Didier Drogba - they say the true mark of a great striker is that when they have missed a host of opportunities, they dont hide and keep coming back for more. Well, he did come back for more and Reyes gave it to him and the rest is history. A great reward for sheer will, determination and persistence.

Attendance : 89992
Referee : Graham Poll

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Wednesday 17th May 2006

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

COMPOSED UNITED LIFT EUROPEAN CUP
ARESNAL 0 MANCHESTER UNITED 3

Has composure in front of goal been any more important than tonight? Manchester United overcame Arsenal in the Champions League Final in Paris tonight. Two early goals from Ryan Giggs set United on their way but Arsenal tried manfully to get back into this match. United then broke late in the second half and substitute Alan Smith wrapped the European Cup up in style. In what was a very even and entertaining match to watch, it was the Red Devils' composure in front of goal that made all the different tonight. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson made just one change from the victory at Middlesbrough with Cristiano Ronaldo coming in for Roy Keane. Arsenal gaffer Arsene Wenger also made just the one change from the FA Cup Final defeat to Chelsea with Robin van Persie replaced by Cesc Fabregas.

On a wet and very cold May evening in Paris, referee Carlos Megia Davila got the Champions League Final up and running. Manchester United made their intentions in the very first minute as they took an early lead. Giggs went on a trademark run towards before Lauren tripped him up about 30 yards out. Giggs picked himself up and struck a stunning freekick into the top corner at Erick Delgado's near post. Arsenal were stung into action and should have equalised on six minutes. Robert Pires swung a corner into the near post where an unmarked Sol Campbell could only head over the crossbar from six yards out. On the counter-attack, United scored a quick second goal. Tim Howard's quick goal kick caught Arsenal on the halfway line and Giggs ran onto the ball, strolled towards goal before lifting the ball over Delgado into the far corner - his 5th goal of the season and what a start from Giggs! Minutes later, United almost added a third goal. Wayne Rooney sent Ruud van Nistelrooy through on goal and although Campbell got back superbly to stop the Dutchman, John Obi Mikel pounced on the loose ball to fire the ball inches over the crossbar. On 15 minutes, Thierry Henry exchanged a one-two with Gilberto before unleashing a powerful long range effort which flew just whiskers wide of the post. Halfway through the first half, Mikel combined passes with Paul Scholes to tee up Rooney from 30 yards but his low shot was easily smothered by Delgado. Minutes later, Jose Antonio Reyes played in Ashley Cole and his cross was deflected into the path of Pires whose tame effort was caught by Howard without any effort. Five minutes before halftime, Arsenal missed the opportunity to pull a goal back. Reyes intercepted a stray Scholes pass and sent Henry clear on goal but his effort was superbly blocked by the onrushing Howard and the ball was cleared to safety. Minutes later, the halftime whistle went in Paris. Manchester United truly started like a house on fire as they scored two quickfire goals. However, as the half has gone on Arsenal have started to show their quality and that makes sure this Champions League Final is far from over. At halftime in Paris, the score was ARSENAL 0 MANCHESTER UNITED 2.

The Arsenal players were out five minutes before kickoff as they obviously were on the end of some harsh words from boss Arsene Wenger. Early in the second half, Giggs played a short freekick to substitute Keane who teed up Ronaldo from 30 yards but his effort went sailing over the crossbar. On the counter-attack, Sanli Tuncay's cross was cleared to Gilberto to hit on the volley which just whistled inches wide of the goal. Four minutes later, United should have extended their lead. Scholes went running at the Arsenal backline before playing Rooney through on goal but Delgado was out quickly to block the England international's shot. On the hour, Scholes put Rooney through on goal again and again Rooney was denied by an outstanding fingertip save from Delgado. Moments later, Campbell sent Lauren steaming down the right flank and his cross towards the far post was headed just inches of the goal by substitute van Persie. Arsenal were starting to really turn the screw on United's defence on 67 minutes. Henry and van Persie combined to send Reyes away down the left and his pull back was fired just over the crossbar by the onrushing Gilberto. And Arsenal made to pay for their missed opportunities on 76 minutes as United wrapped up the victory in great style. On the counter-attack, Giggs played a great one-two with Scholes before sending substitute Smith clear on goal and the Englishman took the ball wide of Delgado before calmly sliding the ball underneath the Peruvian international's body. After the goal, the game quietened as Arsenal realised that their dream was over another while United's dream had come true in superb fashion. The final whistle went in Paris to the delight of travelling Manchester United supporters. United really did the damage inside the first ten minutes of the final as Giggs' two quickfire goals set United on their way. Arsenal were very unlucky as in the first half and long spells of the second half, they tried valiantly to get back into this final but it was not to be as United broke to finish things off late on in the half. Legendary Manchester United skipper Roy Keane led his players onto the platform and Keane realised a dream of playing in a European Cup Final. He proudly lifted the 3rd European Cup in the history of Manchester United. The final score from Saint-Denis in Paris was ARSENAL 0 MANCHESTER UNITED 3.

Arsenal : Delgado 7 (Lehmann 79, 6), Lauren 7, Cole 7, Toure 6, Campbell 6, Pires 7 (Hleb 63, 6), Tuncay 6 (van Persie 63, 7), Fabregas 7, Gilberto 7, Henry 6, Reyes 7.

Booked : Gilberto & Hleb

Man Utd : Howard 8, Neville 8, Heinze 8, Ferdinand 8, Silvestre 8, Ronaldo 7 (Fletcher 72, 7), Giggs 9, Scholes 8, Mikel 8 (Keane 45, 7), Rooney 8, van Nistelrooy 7 (Smith 60, 7).

Goals : Giggs (1, 8), Smith (76)

Booked : Ronaldo & Smith

Man of the Match : Ryan Giggs - the experienced winger rolled back the years with a breathtaking display in the probably his last European Cup Final. His two quick goals were crucial in this latest final victory.

Attendance : 79992
Referee : Carlos Megia Davila

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Saturday 27th May 2006

OTHER RUNNING LEAGUES ROUND-UP

Final Championship Table

1st - Crystal Palace - 79 pts
2nd - Wolves - 76
3rd - Ipswich - 70
4th - Derby - 69
5th - Leicester - 68
6th - Sheff Utd - 68
7th - Coventry - 68
8th - Plymouth - 67
9th - Leeds - 66
10th - Watford - 65
11th - Luton - 64
12th - Cardiff - 64
13th - Q.P.R. - 63
14th - Hull - 62
15th - Stoke - 61
16th - Millwall - 60
17th - Sheff Wed - 59
18th - Reading - 59
19th - Preston - 59
20th - Southampton - 58
21st - Brighton - 55
22nd - Norwich - 52
23rd - Crewe - 43
24th - Burnley - 42

Playoff Final Result - Ipswich 1 Leicester 1 (Ipswich won 3-0 on penalties)


Final League One Table

1st - Bristol City - 83 pts
2nd - Huddersfield - 80
3rd - Brentford - 74
4th - Doncaster - 74
5th - Colchester - 72
6th - Notts Forest - 71
7th - Gillingham - 70
8th - Blackpool - 65
9th - Chesterfield - 65
10th - Barnsley - 61
11th - Bournemouth - 61
12th - Port Vale - 59
13th - Oldham - 59
14th - Rotherham - 59
15th - Swansea - 58
16th - S****horpe - 58
17th - Swindon - 54
18th - Southend - 53
19th - Walsall - 52
20th - Yeovil - 52
21st - Tranmere - 50
22nd - Bradford - 49
23rd - MK Dons - 49
24th - Hartlepool - 42

Playoff Final Result - Notts Forest 1 Colchester 3


Final League Two Table

1st - Grimsby - 87 pts
2nd - Notts County - 72
3rd - Leyton Orient - 71
4th - Wrexham - 70
5th - Rochdale - 69
6th - Lincoln - 68
7th - Northampton - 67
8th - Rushden - 66
9th - Oxford - 66
10th - Wycombe - 66
11th - Stockport - 63
12th - Shrewsbury - 63
13th - Bristol Rovers - 62
14th - Torquay - 62
15th - Peterborough - 60
16th - Mansfield - 57
17th - Macclesfield - 57
18th - Carlisle - 57
19th - Bury - 56
20th - Barnet - 56
21st - Darlington - 55
22nd - Cheltenham - 54
23rd - Chester - 53
24th - Boston Utd - 51

Playoff Final Result - Lincoln 1 Wrexham 2


Final French First League Table

1st - Monaco - 74 pts
2nd - Paris - 64
3rd - Auxerre - 63
4th - Lens - 63
5th - Bordeaux - 60
6th - Strasbourg - 60
7th - Marseille - 57
8th - Lyon - 57
9th - Metz - 55
10th - St. Etienne - 55
11th - Sochaux - 53
12th - Rennes - 52
13th - Nice - 52
14th - Toulouse - 44
15th - Nantes - 42
16th - Lille - 42
17th - Troyes - 40
18th - Nancy - 39
19th - Ajaccio - 38
20th - Le Mans - 34

French Cup Final Result - Bordeaux 1 Strasbourg 2
French League Cup Final Result - Lyon 0 Strasbourg 2


Final German First Division Table

1st - FC Bayern - 68 pts
2nd - Werder Bremen - 56
3rd - Schalke - 52
4th - Gladbach - 51
5th - Hertha Berlin - 51
6th - Leverkusen - 49
7th - Stuttgart - 47
8th - Kaiserslautern - 46
9th - Wolfsburg - 45
10th - Frankfurt - 45
11th - Dortmund - 45
12th - Hannover - 45
13th - HSV - 44
14th - Koln - 40
15th - Bielefeld - 40
16th - Nurnberg - 37
17th - Mainz - 35
18th - Duisburg - 35

German Cup Final Result - Leverkusen 1 Wolfsburg 1 (Wolfsburg win 4-1 on penalties)
German League Cup Final Result - FC Bayern 2 Schalke 0


Final Italian Serie A Table

1st - Juventus - 74 pts
2nd - Inter - 74
3rd - Milan - 71
4th - Udinese - 70
5th - Reggina - 56
6th - Roma - 56
7th - Ascoli - 56
8th - Sampdoria - 55
9th - Lazio - 54
10th - Palermo - 51
11th - Fiorentina - 47
12th - Parma - 46
13th - Messina - 45
14th - Liverno - 44
15th - Chievo - 43
16th - Siena - 39
17th - Cagliari - 39
18th - Lecce - 38
19th - Treviso - 35
20th - Empoli - 33

Italian Cup Final Result - Juventus 3 Sampdoria 1
Italian Super Cup Final Result - Juventus 3 Inter 1


Final Scottish Premier League Table

1st - Celtic - 72 pts
2nd - Rangers - 70
3rd - Kilmarnock - 59
4th - Hearts - 56
5th - Inverness CT - 51
6th - Dundee Utd - 46

7th - Motherwell - 52
8th - Dunfermline - 48
9th - Falkirk - 45
10th - Aberdeen - 41
11th - Hibernian - 39
12th - Livingston - 36

Scottish Cup Final Result - Celtic 3 St Mirren 1
Scottish League Cup Final Result - Dunfermline 2 Aberdeen 1


Final Spanish La Liga Table

1st - Real Madrid - 76 pts
2nd - Barcelona - 69
3rd - Deportivo - 68
4th - Bilbao - 65
5th - Villareal - 64
6th - Betis - 60
7th - Sevilla - 58
8th - Valencia - 58
9th - Real Sociedad - 55
10th - Zaragoza - 54
11th - Celta - 50
12th - Osasuna - 47
13th - Espanyol - 47
14th - Racing - 44
15th - At Madrid - 43
16th - Malaga - 41
17th - Mallorca - 39
18th - Cadiz - 36
19th - Alaves - 31
20th - Getafe - 29

Spanish Cup Final Result - Barcelona 1 Deportivo 0
Spanish Super Cup Final Result - Betis 5 Barcelona 3

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Wednesday 31st May 2006

BLACKBURN ROVERS END OF SEASON ROUND-UP

Brad Friedel
Appearances 17 Conceded 21 Clean Sheets 5 MOM 1 Average Rating 6.94

Peter Enckleman
Appearances 6 Conceded 3 Clean Sheets 3 MOM 0 Average Rating 6.67

Richard Lee
Appearances 17 Conceded 22 Clean Sheets 5 MOM 2 Average Rating 7.00

Ryan Nelsen
Appearances 33 Goals 0 Assists 0 MOM 3 Average Rating 7.00

Karl Svensson
Appearances 23 Goals 0 Assists 0 MOM 0 Average Rating 7.04

Andy Taylor
Appearances 3 Goals 0 Assists 0 MOM 0 Average Rating 6.00

Vratislav Gresko
Appearances 6 Goals 0 Assists 0 MOM 0 Average Rating 6.50

Andy Todd
Appearances 8 Goals 0 Assists 0 MOM 0 Average Rating 6.50

Aaron Mokoena
Appearances 25 Goals 0 Assists 3 MOM 1 Average Rating 6.80

Angelos Cijntje
Appearances 5 Goals 0 Assists 0 MOM 0 Average Rating 6.60

Lucas Neill
Appearances 35 Goals 0 Assists 6 MOM 1 Average Rating 6.83

Michael Gray
Appearances 36 Goals 0 Assists 3 MOM 1 Average Rating 6.83

Robbie Savage
Appearances 33 Goals 8 Assists 3 MOM 3 Average Rating 7.24

Tugay
Appearances 7 Goals 0 Assists 0 MOM 0 Average Rating 6.71

Garry Flitcroft
Appearances 24 Goals 1 Assists 1 MOM 0 Average Rating 6.54

Brett Emerton
Appearances 34 Goals 1 Assists 0 MOM 0 Average Rating 6.41

David Thompson
Appearances 22 Goals 2 Assists 2 MOM 0 Average Rating 6.82

David Bentley
Appearances 35 Goals 2 Assists 4 MOM 2 Average Rating 6.66

Morten Gamst Pedersen
Appearances 26 Goals 4 Assists 6 MOM 3 Average Rating 7.04

Matt Jansen
Appearances 31 Goals 12 Assists 4 MOM 1 Average Rating 6.74

Craig Bellamy
Appearances 24 Goals 5 Assists 9 MOM 0 Average Rating 6.92

Shefki Kuqi
Appearances 33 Goals 14 Assists 8 MOM 2 Average Rating 7.00

Paul Dickov
Appearances 20 Goals 6 Assists 1 MOM 0 Average Rating 6.75

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As well as Blackburn Rovers matches, I will be reviewing every England match in major finals. So here are England's matches from the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany.

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Friday 9th June 2006

WORLD CUP GROUP C

OWEN DOUBLE JUST ENOUGH FOR ENGLAND
TOGO 1 ENGLAND 2

Wasnt spectacular but its a start. England did just about enough to defeat Togo in Dortmund tonight. Newcastle United's Michael Owen gave England the lead early in the first half and then repeated the trick late in the second half. Shenzhen's Djima Oyawole pulled a goal back for Togo very late on but England held on to make the perfect start to the World Cup Finals. It was a result thoroughly deserved as England dominated the majority of the game.

Referee Lin Lei got the match was underway in sweltering conditions in Dortmund. England made a bright start to the match as they created the first opportunity after six minutes. Ashley Cole passed the ball to Owen who ran towards the area before playing in Wayne Rooney but his deflected effort was easily caught by keeper Tchagnirou Ouro-Nimimi. A couple of minutes later, England made their second opportunity. Kieran Richardson stormed into the penalty area and his deflected cross found Rooney but the Manchester United could only stab the loose ball over the crossbar. After 12 minutes, England started putting severe pressure on the Togo goal. Stewart Downing went bursting down the left flank and cut the ball inside for Owen to storm into the area but his firm effort went just inches wide of the near post. And that pressure paid off as England struck the breakthrough. Downing found Rooney 30 yards out and when his deflected shot was fumbled by Ouro-Nimimi, Owen was on hand to slam home the rebound. Moments after the goal, Ouro-Nimimi did well to push away an ambitious Frank Lampard long range freekick. Just before the halfhour, Rooney went running at the Togo backline before teeing Owen from 25 yards out but his effort was wild and it went miles wide of the goal. Just before halftime, England should have scored a second goal. Lampard produced a wonderful pass through for Owen to race onto but his first time effort went just inches high over the crossbar. Moments later, the referee signalled the end of the first half. England have totally controlled this first half and deserved their early goal. Togo have not even looked like making an effort in their debut World Cup Finals match. The halftime score in Dortmund was TOGO 0 ENGLAND 1.

Both sets of fans were mixing very well in the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund when the second half got up and running. England continued where they left in the first half as they almost extended their advantage. Downing and Owen exchanged passes to send Rooney clear on goal but his attempted chip went just sailing over the crossbar. Minutes before the hour mark, Togo finally made their first opening of the game. Emmanuel Adebayor went down the left flank and when his cross deflected out to Oyawole on the edge of the area, he almost embarrassed Paul Robinson as his chip went just inches wide of the far post. With just 15 minutes remaining, England all but sealed the three points with a fantastic team goal. Gary Neville sent his former club-mate substitute David Beckham away down the right flank and his first time cross was headed in at the near post by Owen. But Togo were not finished just yet as they grabbed a goal back. Substitute Razak Boukari went down the right flank and his cross was deflected into the path of Oyawole who coolly slipped the ball past Robinson into the far corner. In stoppage time, Togo almost dramatically equalised. Souleymane Mamam sent Oyawole clear on goal with only Robinson to beat but as he was about to score, Neville produced a wonderful tackle to divert the ball away from goal. The final whistle went moments later as England celebrated a first victory in their first World Cup group match of the Finals. They dominated the first half from start to finish and thoroughly merited their early goal. In the second half, they was more of the same as they scored a second goal with 15 minutes remaining but a late goal for Togo made the last few minutes a nervous finale for England but they pulled through and got their win. The final score in hot, hot Dortmund was TOGO 1 ENGLAND 2.

Togo : Ouro-Nimimi 6, Abalo 6, Zanzan 7, Akoto 7, Assemoassa 7, Jeferson 7 (Ouadja 76, 6), Aziawonou 7, Mamam 7, Oyawole 7, Adebayor 7 (Boukari 76, 7), Kader 6 (Erassa 45, 7).

Goals : Oyawole (83)

Booked : Zanzan

England : Robinson 6, Neville 8, Cole 7, Ferdinand 7, Terry, Gerrard 7 (Beckham 71, 7), Downing 7 (Hargreaves 71, 7), Lampard 7, Richardson 7, Rooney 7 (Defoe 76, 6), Owen 8.

Goals : Owen (17, 76)

Man of the Match : Michael Owen - the explosive striker was on form tonight when his country needed him. Didnt have too many opportunities but he doesnt really need many as two predatory goals helped England to their first group victory.

Attendance : 82645
Referee : Lin Lei

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Thursday 15th June 2006

WORLD CUP GROUP C

ENGLAND DOMINATE COSTA RICANS TO QUALIFY
ENGLAND 2 COSTA RICA 0

They look very good indeed. England qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup Finals after coasting past Costa Rica in Berlin tonight. England controlled the first half and scored on the stroke of halftime from a stunning Frank Lampard freekick. They continued their performance after the break and sealed their passage to the second round with a late goal from substitute Jermain Defoe. It was a typically powerful and dominant display from an English side that are determined to be here on July 9th. England coach Sven Goran Eriksson named no changes to the side that beat Togo while Costa Rica coach Alexandre Guimaraes also named an unchanged side from their opening draw against Ukraine.

On a fairly mild evening at the stadium which will host the World Cup Final, referee Serge Diarra got the proceedings underway. After just five minutes, England created their first opportunity of the match. Stewart Downing played the ball back to John Terry who crossed into a crowded penalty area where Lampard rose to head just inches of the goal. On 18 minutes, Steven Gerrard won the ball for England and exchanged passes with Wayne Rooney before unleashing a long range effort which keeper Alvaro Mesen did well to smother. Just before the halfhour mark, England should have taken the lead. A great passage of play down the right wing involving Gary Neville, Michael Owen and Downing resulted in the Middlesbrough man's cross finding Gerrard at the far post but he could only shoot at Mesen and the chance was gone. After 39 minutes, England were really putting the pressure on Costa Rica as Ashley Cole went bursting down the left flank and his fantastic pass inside the Costa Rica backline was swept just inches over the crossbar by Rooney. Three minutes later, Owen intercepted a stray Jose Brenes pass and played Rooney through on goal but his firm effort was superbly beaten away by Mesen. Two minutes later, Mesen was busy once again as he pushed aside a fierce Lampard freekick for a corner. That was just a preview of what was to happen on the stroke of halftime as England finally made the breakthrough. Substitute Mauricio Wright was penalised for fouling Rio Ferdinand on the edge of the area and Lampard inflicted maximum punishment as he struck a sweet and firm rocket into the top corner at Mesen's near post. The halftime whistle went shortly after in Berlin. England totally dominated the first half from start to finish and they definitely deserve to be leading at interval. Costa Rica have been too busy trying to stop England's attack that they have not even had a decent attack of their own. The scoreline at halftime in Berlin was ENGLAND 1 COSTA RICA 0.

The second half got underway as England were looking to build on their first half advantage. There wasnt many opportunities at the start of the second half as the first decent opportunity fell to England just short of the hour. Neville sent Owen storming down the right wing and his horrible, teasing low cross across goal could not get the final touch it deserved - Costa Rica survive what seemed a certain second goal. Five minutes later, England should have grabbed that second goal. Great one touch passing involving Kieran Richardson, Lampard and Owen sent Gerrard into the area where his first time shot drifted just inches wide of the goal. With 15 minutes remaining, both sides failed to take their great opportunities within one minute. Substitute Owen Hargreaves sent fellow Alan Smith away down the left and his cross towards the far post was met firmly by Gerrard but Mesen produced another excellent save. Then on the counter-attack, Costa Rica won a corner and Alonso Solis' set piece was met firmly by Gilberto Martinez only for the header to be tipped over brilliantly by Paul Robinson - his save of the match and an important one too! Coach made his third change as Rooney was replaced by Defoe and the Tottenham striker made an immediately impact, securing England's victory. Neville received a cut back from Gerrard and his low cross towards the near post was expertly swept into the far corner by Defoe. In stoppage time, Richardson fantastic cross from deep found Defoe unmarked but his header was superbly kept out by Mesen. Referee Serge Diarra signalled the end of the match in Berlin. England controlled the first half for long spells tonight and thoroughly deserved Lampard's stunning goal. In the second half, it was more of the same and despite a scare late in the second half, England made sure of the three points with more or less 10 minutes remaining. The final score from Berlin tonight was ENGLAND 2 COSTA RICA 0.

England : Robinson 8, Neville 7, Cole 8, Ferdinand 7, Terry 7, Gerrard 7, Downing 7 (Hargreaves 71, 7), Lampard 8, Richardson 7, Rooney 7 (Defoe 79, 7), Owen 7 (Smith 71, 7).

Goals : Lampard (45), Defoe (79)

Booked : Gerrard, Richardson & Rooney

Costa Rica : Mesen 8, Bennett 6 (Rojas 7, 6), Gonzalez 7 (Wright 23, 7), Sequeira 7, Martinez 7, Brenes 7, D Fonseca, Solis 6, Vallejos 6, Bryce 6 (Gomez 75, 6), R Fonseca 6.

Booked : Martinez, Brenes, D Fonseca, Wright & Rojas

Injured : Bennett (7) & Gonzalez (23)

Man of the Match : Ashley Cole - the explosive full-back was rock solid for England tonight and he also made his trademark rades forward. A constant threat down the left flank and equally intimidating at the back.

Attendance : 76027
Referee : Serge Diarra

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Wednesday 21st June 2006

WORLD CUP GROUP C

ENGLAND TOO STRONG FOR UKRAINE
UKRAINE 1 ENGLAND 2

They look like potential winners on this form. England had to come from behind to defeat Ukraine at the LTU Arena in Dusseldorf tonight. Ukraine went ahead late in the first half through a cracking Andriy Shevchenko strike but it was cancelled very quickly by a similar Lampard cracker just before halftime. England took charge after the break and struck on 70 minutes through a wonderful Stewart Downing freekick to seal the victory and top spot in Group C at the World Cup Finals. Although they were already qualified for the knockout round, Sven Goran Eriksson did not feel changes were needed. Ukraine manager Oleg Blokhin made three alterations from the side that beat Togo with Olexandr Shovkovskyi, Oleg Husyev and Oleg Venglinskyi replaced by Vyacheslav Kernozenko, Olexiy Gai and Andriy Voronin.

In boiling temperatures in Dusseldorf, referee Ahmed Al-Natief got the final group game underway. After just four minutes, Gary Neville and Steven Gerrard combined down the right flank before teeing up Wayne Rooney from 30 yards out but his firm effort flew just inches over the crossbar. Rooney really started brightly and almost gave England the lead on 11 minutes. Neville passed to Michael Owen who ran at the Ukraine backline before setting up Rooney from the edge of the box but his effort was too close to Kernozenko. Halfway through the first half and Ukraine were struggling to get to grips with the high tempo that England were playing at. Ashley Cole won the ball and gave it to Downing who went running at Andriy Husin before unleashing a low effort that was easily smothered by Kernozenko. Just past the halfhour, Owen intercepted a poor pass from Husin and teed up Gerrard from 25 yards out and his blistering drive went a matter of centimetres wide of the far post. England's total domination through the first half meant nothing as Ukraine took the lead against the run of play. Husin sent Voronin away down the left flank and he played the ball inside for Shevchenko and he unleashed a stunning left footed strike that flew past Paul Robinson into the far corner. England were shocked and they didnt take long to respond to the goal. Gai held back Downing on the edge of the area and Lampard stepped up to place the ball into the top corner - an absolute relief to the players and the supporters inside the stadium alike. Right on the stroke of halftime, Rooney won the ball and played Owen in but his effort flashed well wide of the goal. The referee blew for the break soon after. England were in complete control for the majority of the first half but could not find a breakthrough. Ukraine drew first blood against the run of play but England hit back with a deserved equaliser just before halftime. The halftime scoreline from the LTU Arena was UKRAINE 1 ENGLAND 1.

The crowd were creating a carnival atmosphere inside the stadium as the second half kicked off. Early on in the half, Lampard struck an ambitious 35 yard freekick which went easily into the arms of Kernozenko. Four minutes later, England almost took the lead for the first time tonight. Cole came bursting down the middle before teeing up Rooney from around 25 yards out and his first time effort was well palmed away by Kernozenko and the ball was cleared to safety. On 70 minutes, England made their domination matter this time as a moment of history won the match. Rooney was crunched by the two feet of Sergiy Federov and from 30 yards out, Downing stepped up and produced a truly wonderful strike that curved and swerved around Kernozenko into the far corner - it was Downing's first goal for England and what a goal it was! Ukraine almost hit back straight from the restart. Gai played the ball down the field to Shevchenko who took one touch before unleashing a purler that flashed just inches wide of the far post. With 8 minutes remaining, Neville released substitute Jermain Defoe down the right wing and he ran into the box until his low cross towards Rooney was superbly clawed away by Kernozenko. Some fantastic football almost gave England a third goal late on. Cole sent Rooney bursting down the left and he looked up before teeing up substitute Alan Smith from 25 yards out but his curving shot was once again brilliantly stopped Kernozenko. Four long minutes of stoppage time later, referee Ahmed Al-Natief blew for fulltime. England controlled the first half until they were stung by a Ukraine goal but they got back on level terms almost immediately. After the break, it was more of the same and the victory was earned by a wonderful 1st goal for England for Stewart Downing. The final score on this summer's evening in Dusseldorf was UKRAINE 1 ENGLAND 2.

Ukraine : Kernozenko 8, Rusol 6, Federov 7, Husin 7, Gai 7, Nesmachnyi 7, Tymoschuk 7 (Husyev 75, 6), Aliev 7 (Rykun 70, 7), Kovalenko 7, Shevchenko 7, Voronin 7 (Rotan 45, 7).

Goals : Shevchenko (40)

Booked : Nesmachnyi

England : Robinson 8, Neville 7, Cole 7, Ferdinand 7, Terry 8, Gerrard 8, Downing 8 (Defoe 70, 6), Lampard 7, Richardson 6 (Hargreaves 62, 7), Rooney 7, Owen 7 (Smith 70, 7).

Goals : Lampard (44), Downing (70)

Booked : Hargreaves

Man of the Match : Stewart Downing - the explosive winger was simply fantastic to watch as his driving runs outside and inside of the Ukraine backline was a nightmare to deal with. His superb freekick helped England to victory.

Attendance : 51468
Referee : Ahmed Al-Natief

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Friday 23rd June 2006

WORLD CUP GROUP STANDINGS

GROUP A

1st - Portugal - 7 pts
2nd - Brazil - 5
3rd - Trinidad & Tobago - 2
4th - Ghana - 1

GROUP B

1st - U.S.A. - 7 pts
2nd - Turkey - 6
3rd - Angola - 3
4th - Serbia & Montenegro - 1

GROUP C

1st - England - 9 pts
2nd - Ukraine - 4
3rd - Togo - 3
4th - Costa Rica - 1

GROUP D

1st - Argentina - 7 pts
2nd - Poland - 4
3rd - Australia - 3
4th - Iran - 1

GROUP E

1st - Ivory Coast - 5 pts
2nd - Germany - 5
3rd - Mexico - 3
4th - Italy - 2

GROUP F

1st - Holland - 9 pts
2nd - Slovakia - 4
3rd - South Korea - 4
4th - Morocco - 0

GROUP G

1st - Sweden - 9 pts
2nd - Spain - 6
3rd - Uruguay - 3
4th - Japan - 0

GROUP H

1st - Saudi Arabia - 6 pts
2nd - France - 4
3rd - Croatia - 4
4th - Paraguay - 2