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Sunday 25th June 2006

WORLD CUP SECOND ROUND

SUPER LAMPARD BRACE SINKS POLES
ENGLAND 2 POLAND 0

It looks all too easy at the moment. England confidently defeated Poland in the World Cup Second Round match in Hamburg tonight. Two first half goals from Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard were enough for England to progress into the quarter-finals here in Germany. England controlled this second round match and Poland simply did not have a chance tonight. England coach Sven Goran Eriksson kept faith with the line-up that got through the group stages with a 100% record while Poland coach Pawel Janas also named an unchanged side that had to win their final group match to get here.

On a sweltering evening in the AOL Arena in Hamburg, referee Said Znagui got the proceedings up and running. Straight from the kickoff, England almost took the lead. Steven Gerrard ran at the Poles before teeing up Lampard from 25 yards out and when his firm effort was superbly stopped by Artur Boruc, Wayne Rooney's rebound drifted just wide. Four minutes later, England made their next opportunity. Kieran Richardson played a nice one-two with Michael Owen and the Newcastle striker teed up Rooney from 30 yards out but his effort was easily smothered by Boruc. England were quickly into their stride and they took the lead on 10 minutes. Rooney took a Stewart Downing throw and knocked the ball past Lukas Szukala before he was tripped up and the referee could only point to the spot. Lampard stepped up and dispatched the penalty kick low to Boruc's left. Ten minutes later, England almost extended their lead. A great passage of play involving Richardson, Lampard and Rooney sent Owen clear on goal but his first time sliding shot was superbly saved by the fingertips of Boruc. After 26 minutes, Ashley Cole stole the ball from Fabio and unleashed a long range strike that flashed miles wide of the goal. Just after the halfhour, England were really on the brink of adding a second goal. John Terry strode forward from the back and teed up Rooney from 30 yards who hit the ball low and sweet but Boruc was there once again with a stunning stop. And just three minutes later, England did add the second goal. Szukala was again adjudged to have pushed Rooney on the edge of the area and Lampard stepped up to place the ball around the wall into the top corner past Boruc's despairing dive. The referee called for halftime minutes later to bring a good half to an end. England have dominated this first half from start to finish and thoroughly deserve their two goal lead given to them by Lampard. The halftime scoreline in Hamburg was ENGLAND 2 POLAND 0.

The Poland players came out early for the second half as their coach Pawel Janas no doubt laid into them at the interval. We had to wait until the 54th minute to see their first opening of the second period and it obviously fell for England. Cole passed the ball to Richardson who ran at the Polish defence before unleashing a stinging long range effort which was brilliantly kept out by Boruc. Poland made their first opportunity of the match a minute later. Fabio's deep freekick found Jacek Krzynowek unmarked and his first time volley was stopped by a fantastic fingertip save from Paul Robinson. Just after the hour, Poland missed a great opportunity to pull a goal back. A superb spell of possession ended with Krzynowek who crossed to the far post for Maciej Zurawski but his header was well over the crossbar. With just 10 minutes, Poland should have made the last few minutes for England a tense finale. Miroslaw Szymkowiak swung a corner to the near post but substitute Emannuel Olisadebe could only direct his header wide of the goal. That turned out to be the last opportunity of the match as referee Said Znagui blew for fulltime. England dominated the first half and Lampard capped that dominance with two well taken goals. After the break, it was more of the same from England but Poland came back into the match late on but the damage had already been done. The final score in Hamburg was ENGLAND 2 POLAND 0.

England : Robinson 7, Neville 7, Cole, Ferdinand 8, Terry 7, Gerrard 7, Downing 7 (Hargreaves 71, 7), Lampard 8, Richardson 7, Rooney 8 (Defoe 71, 6), Owen 7 (Beattie 80, 7).

Goals : Lampard (10, 39)

Poland : Boruc 7, Fabio 7 (Baszczynski 60, 7), Kielbowicz 7, Glowacki 7, Szukala 6, Zewlakow 7, Krzynowek 7, Szymkowiak 7, Sobolewski 7, Zurawski 7 (Olisadebe 72, 6), Wichniarek 6 (Saganowski 72, 7).

Booked : Zewlakow & Wichniarek

Man of the Match : Frank Lampard - the world-class midfielder was superb tonight for England running at the Poland backline constantly. And he showed great composure with two set-piece goals in the first half.

Attendance : 55476
Referee : Said Znagui

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Other Second Round Results

Portugal 0 Turkey 0 (Portgual won 4-3 on penalties)
Brazil 1 U.S.A. 0
Ukraine 0 Argentina 2
Germany 3 Holland 2
Ivory Coast 5 Slovakia 1
Saudi Arabia 1 Spain 3 (after extra-time)
Sweden 0 France 1

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Friday 30th June 2006

RESOLUTE ENGLAND SCRAPE PAST BRAZIL
BRAZIL 1 ENGLAND 2

Boy was that lucky or what? England had their toughest assignment to date in Germany this afternoon but they came through it as they defeated defending World Champions Brazil in the World Cup Quarter Final in Stuttgart. Michael Owen grabbed the winning goal late in the first half just minutes after Julio Baptista's equaliser. Frank Lampard earlier gave England the lead with a penalty. In truth, it was a match controlled by Brazil but they were denied by the defensive brilliance of Rio Ferdinand. England coach Sven Goran Eriksson named an unchanged line-up from the victory over Poland while Brazil boss Carlos Alberto Parreira also named no changes to the side that U.S.A in the Second Round.

On an almost unbearably warm afternoon in Stuttgart, referee Alex McKnight got this quarter final underway. England made a fast start to the game and took an early lead after just six minutes. Owen played a delightful one-two with Stewart Downing and stormed into the area before being tripped by Roque Junior and the referee had no chioce but to award a penalty. Lampard stepped up and thumped the spot-kick to Dida's left. Brazil made their first opening after 13 minutes. Adriano played the ball into the area to Baptista who laid the ball off to Ronaldinho whose firm effort was deflected just inches wide by John Terry. Halfway through the first half, Brazil almost levelled the match. Adriano sent Baptista through on goal but his goalbound shot was superbly blocked by Ferdinand and the ball was scrambled clear by Ashley Cole. Moments later, Roberto Carlos sent Adriano away down the left and his cross towards the near post where Baptista towered over Terry and headed just inches wide of the goal. Brazil were starting to turn the screw on England and they broke through on 36 minutes. Ronaldinho fed the ball to Adriano who ran at Terry before teeing up Baptista from 30 yards out and the Real Madrid man unleashed an unstoppable strike into the far corner giving Robinson absolutely no chance. But just three minutes after levelling, Brazil were stung by an England second goal. Gary Neville played a nice one-two with Steven Gerrard and the full-back crossed for an unmarked Owen who struck the ball sweetly on the volley into the bottom corner past a bewildered Dida. Just before halftime, England had the opportunity to take a giant step towards the semi-finals. A slick passage of play involving Owen, Gerrard and Neville ended with Neville crossing into the area but Rooney's firm volley was superbly stopped by Dida. In first half stoppage time, Ronaldinho was teasing Cole down the left and his cross was deflected into the path of Emerson but his hard shot was superbly beaten away by Robinson. The referee called for halftime almost moments later to bring a pulsating half to an end. England made a perfect start to the match as they scored an early goal but Brazil began to control the majority of the half and were rewarded with a fantastic equaliser. But they fell asleep and England re-took the lead almost immediately. The scoreline at halftime from Stuttgrat was BRAZIL 1 ENGLAND 2.

The second half was up and running as television cameras caught Blackburn manager Faiz Khan in the stands cheering England on. Straight into the second period, Brazil should have equalised. Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos exchanged before the former sent Baptista clean through on goal but Robinson was fantastic with a great block. England had Robinson to thank again just before the hour. Adriano spreaded the ball out to Dani Alves on the right who crossed to the near post where Baptista's point blank header was superbly tipped over the crossbar. Halfway through the second half, Brazil missed the opportunity to level the match. Alves ran at Cole on the right flank and he crossed into the area where unmarked Adriano could only direct his chip inches over the crossbar. With 15 minutes remaining, England broke and almost sealed the victory. Rooney went running at the Brazilian defence before teeing up substitute Alan Smith from 25 yards out but his effort was deflected just inches wide of the goal. For the rest of the match, Brazil resorted to pumping long balls into the area but were constantly shut out by the excellent Terry and Ferdinand. The final whistle went to a loud roar from the travelling England supporters. England went ahead early on but Brazil hit back to dominate and score a stunning equaliser. England took advantage of Brazil's celebrations by snatching the lead almost immediately. In the second half, Brazil had England pinned back in their own half and Paul Robinson was outstanding in keeping the Brazilians out. The final scoreline from the World Cup Quarter Final in Stuttgart was BRAZIL 1 ENGLAND 2.

Brazil : Dida 6, Dani Alves 7, Roberto Carlos 7, Roque Junior 5, Lucio 6, Emerson 7, Assuncao 7, Juninho 7, Ronaldinho 7 (Aurelio 77, 6), Julio Baptista 8 (Ronaldo 77, 6), Adriano 7 (Robinho 81, 6).

Goals : Julio Baptista (36)

England : Robinson 8, Neville 7, Cole 7, Ferdinand 8, Terry 7, Gerrard 7, Downing 8, Lampard 7, Richardson 7 (Hargreaves 63, 7), Rooney 7 (Defoe 77, 6), Owen 8 (Smith 63, 7).

Goals : Lampard (6), Owen (39)

Man of the Match : Rio Ferdinand - the decisive centre-back was very decisive this afternoon when it mattered the most. Fought bravely against waves of Brazilian attacks and was also composed when he needed to be.

Attendance : 54240
Referee : Alex McKnight


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Other Quarter-Final Results

Portugal 2 Argentina 1
Germany 1 France 2
Ivory Coast 0 Spain 0 (Spain won 5-3 on penalties)

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Wednesday 5th July 2006

WORLD CUP SEMI FINAL

ROONEY AND OWEN PARTNERSHIP FINALLY CLICKS INTO GEAR
ENGLAND 2 SPAIN 1

It finally worked and what a time to work! England negotiated a tough semi-final in Berlin tonight as they defeated Spain. Goals from England's premier striking pair Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney were enough to take their team to the World Cup Final where they will face Portgual. Barcelona midfielder Xavi pulled a goal back late on for Spain but it wasnt enough to get his country back into the match. Sven Goran Eriksson has kept the same team since coming out to Germany but he made one change with Sol Campbell replacing John Terry. Spain coach Luis Aragones made three alterations from the side that scraped past Ivory Coast with Jose Manuel Reina, Vicente and Xabi Alonso being replaced by Santiago Canizares, Raul and Xavi.

In boiling temperatures in Berlin, referee Artur Jorge Colaco Perdigao got the proceedings underway. Spain threatened straight from kickoff. Raul picked the ball up and spread it to Jose Antonio Reyes who crossed first time for Fernando Torres to tap home but the linesman had his flag up for offside and England escaped. England got into their stride soon after and almost took the lead on 10 minutes. Ashley Cole went down the left side and played the ball inside for Stewart Downing. The Middlesbrough man went running towards the area before playing in Rooney but his first time shot was superbly kept out by Reina. A warning for Spain perhaps but they didnt heed it as England did take the lead after a quarter of an hour. Frank Lampard and Kieran Richardson combined to pass to Rooney who ran at Carles Puyol before playing Owen through on goal and he drew Reina out of his goal, lifting the ball over the keeper into the far corner. Halfway through the first half, Ivan Helguera sent Reyes away on the left and his cross-cum-shot was cleared excellently by Campbell with Torres closing in on any mistake. On 36 minutes, Spain should have equalised. Xavi played a great freekick into the area and found an unmarked David Albelda but his firm volley was superbly tipped over the crossbar by Paul Robinson. Three minutes of stoppage time later, the referee called for the end of the first half. England started brightly and took the early lead but Spain have since hit back yet they have failed to equalise because of some great goalkeeping from Robinson. The scoreline at halftime in Berlin was ENGLAND 1 SPAIN 0.

The carnival atmosphere was a joy to see as the second half got up and running. England started the second period like they did the first half by scoring a massive second goal. Substitute Terry spread the ball out to Cole on the left and his cross towards the near post was dispatched on the volley by Rooney into the far corner. Just after the hour, England were threatening to run riot. Terry sent Gary Neville away down the right flank and his cross was almost deflected into the net by Albelda but Reina produced a wonderful reflex stop for a corner. Halfway through the second period, Spain started to almost shoot themselves in the foot. Joaquin was running towards his own goal before trying to play the ball back to Reina but Owen intercepted and lobbed a stranded Reina only for the ball to drift just inches wide of the goal. On 74 minutes, Spain pulled a goal back out of nothing. Neville and Lampard bumped into each other and Asier Del Horno teed up Xavi from 30 yards and the Barcelona man's firm low effort was too quick for Robinson as it flew into the far corner. Unfortunately for Spain, they couldnt put England under any more pressure as the match petered out and the final whistle went. England started the match very well, scoring very early on but Spain played really well in the first half. In the second half, England produced a great start again and secured the victory. Spain did pull a goal very late on but they couldnt put any more pressure on their opponents. The final score in this World Cup semi-final in Berlin was ENGLAND 2 SPAIN 1.

England : Robinson 7, Neville 7, Cole 7, Ferdinand 7, Campbell 7 (Terry 45, 7), Gerrard 7, Downing 7, Lampard 7, Richardson 7 (Beckham 75, 6), Rooney 8, Owen 8 (Smith 75, 6).

Goals : Owen (15), Rooney (52)

Spain : Reina 6, Puyol 7, Del Horno 7, Helguera 7, Juanito 7, Joaquin 6, Reyes 7 (Vicente 75, 6), Xavi 8, Albelda 7, Torres 6 (Raul Tamudo 75, 6), Raul 6 (Alonso 52, 6).

Goals : Xavi (74)

Man of the Match : Wayne Rooney - the wonderkid finally produced an inspiring display to drive his country to the final. He took his goal very well and also set up the crucial first goal.

Attendance : 76047
Referee : Artur Jorge Colaco Perdigao


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Other Semi-Final Result
Portugal 2 France 0

glitzchic

Incredible amount of detail, your hard work is much appreciated from a poor bloke stuck at the office with nothing to do

retired_tnovo

Cheers mate :thup:, ive worked so hard on this because it isnt an obvious club that I am managing. So it makes it more worthwhile.

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Sunday 9th July 2006

WORLD CUP FINAL

ENGLAND TRIUMPH IN EXTRA TIME
PORTUGAL 1 ENGLAND 2 (after extra-time)

Wont ever forget this day. England have won the World Cup tonight after scraping past Portugal in extra-time in Berlin. A late penalty from forgotten man substitute David Beckham clinched a glorious victory for the Three Lions. Michael Owen gave England the lead early in the first half but it was cancelled out by Deco just before the halfhour. Then came extra-time and Beckham's moment of destiny. It was a much deserved result for England as they had twice as many as opportunities as their Portuguese counterparts. Sven Goran Eriksson made three changes from the semi-final win over Spain with Robert Green, Jermain Defoe and John Terry coming in for injured pair Paul Robinson, Wayne Rooney and the unlucky Sol Campbell. Portugal manager 'Big Phil' Scolari made just the one change from the victory against France with Luis Boa Morte replacing Hugo Viana.

The atmosphere was electrifying in the Olympiastadion from Berlin as referee Juan Pedro Enjamio got the World Cup Final underway. England had the first opportunity of the match after 9 minutes. Steven Gerrard went storming at the Portuguese backline before laying the ball off for Defoe to smash the ball over just inches over the crossbar from around 25 yards out. A minute later, Portugal missed a great chance to take the lead. Ricardo Carvalho's long ball was flicked on by Pauleta into the path of Cristiano Ronaldo but he his firm effort was parried by Green and the ball was cleared to safety. England had survived an early scare and showed their resilience by taking the lead on 13 minutes. Stewart Downing ran down the left flank and found Defoe who laid the ball off to Kieran Richardson. The Manchester United winger then spotted the run of Owen and the pass was so accurate that Owen didnt need to control the ball before lashing the ball past Ricardo into the far corner. Halfway through the first half, England almost grabbed a breathtaking second goal. A wonderful spell of possession involving Ashley Cole, Defoe and Downing teed up Frank Lampard from 30 yards out but his goalbound effort was palmed away by Ricardo and the ball was cleared to safety. That save from Ricardo proved very important as Portugal levelled the match just before the halfhour. Pauleta laid the ball off to Boa Morte and his cross towards the far post was headed back by Ronaldo for Deco to come onto it in a flash volleying past Green. England were stung into action and came close to retaking the lead. Gary Neville found Richardson and he ran at Carlos Fernandes before teeing up Gerrard from 25 yards out but his shot went just inches wide of the goal. The referee called for halftime in Berlin minutes later. Both sides started very well until England took an early lead but they were pegged back on the halfhour by Portugal and this match is very evenly poised going into the second period. The halftime scoreline from the Olympiastadion in Berlin was PORTUGAL 1 ENGLAND 1.

The England supporters were thrilled to hear 'Three Lions' come on at the interval and the players no doubt heard the atmosphere from their dressing rooms. Anyway, the second half of this World Cup Final was underway. England started the second period very brightly and should have taken the lead just short of the hour. Downing swung a corner from the left into the area and Rio Ferdinand was unmarked to head it in but his header struck the crossbar and went over - so unlucky but you need that to go in this situation. Halfway through the second half, England began to pin Portugal back and they almost took the lead. Cole went running down the left and then passed inside to Lampard who teed up Gerrard from 35 yards out and his firm low effort was easily smothered by Ricardo. Both sides made substitutions for the remainder of the half as England and Portugal were a bit too cautious to make any opportunities. The whistle went to signal the end of 90 minutes. England started really well, taking the early lead but Portgual bounced back before the halfhour to be level at halftime. In the second half, England maybe had the better of their opponents and pinned Portugal back towards their own goal but they could not break through. The scoreline at the end of 90 minutes as this final goes into extra-time was PORTUGAL 1 ENGLAND 1.

Extra-time was underway in Berlin as both sides had a few minutes to recover from a gruelling 90 minutes before. England had a fantastic opportunity inside the first minute. Substitute Beckham picked the ball up on the halfway line and sent fellow substitute Alan Smith but his first time effort flashed inches wide of the far post. On 100 minutes, some neat one touch passing involving Lampard, Beckham and Smith teed up Gerrard from 25 yards out but his firm shot was superbly tipped over the crossbar by Ricardo. Into the second half, Downing played a smart corner to the edge of the box and it was met by a thunderous Cole volley but it just flashed inches over the crossbar. Three minutes later, came the biggest moment in english football since 1966. Downing crossed the ball into the area where substitute James Beattie was pushed in the back by Jorge Andrade and the referee instantly pointed to the spot. Beckham stepped up and thrashed the penalty past Ricardo straight down the middle. The goal was so dramatic it ripped the spirit out of Portugal and the final whistle went in Berlin. England have won the World Cup in dramatic circumstances after David Beckham's extra-time penalty. Michael Owen had earlier given England the advantage but Deco pulled Portugal back into the match before Beckham's big moment. After the England players received their World Cup Winners' Medals, England captains Michael Owen and David Beckham both got on top of the platform and lifted the biggest prize in world football. Football certainly came home in Berlin tonight as the final score from the World Cup Final was PORTUGAL 1 ENGLAND 2.

Portugal : Ricardo 7, Ferreira 7, Fernandes 6, Carvalho 6, Andrade 6, Meira 7, Tiago 7, Deco 7, Boa Morte 7 (Viana 73, 6), C Ronaldo 7 (Conceicao 45, 6), Pauleta 6 (Nuno Gomes 73, 6).

Goals : Deco (29)

England : Green 6, Neville 7, Cole 8, Ferdinand 7, Terry 7, Gerrard 7, Downing 7, Lampard 7, Richardson 7 (Beckham 62, 7), Owen 7 (Beattie 74, 7), Owen 7 (Smith 74, 7).

Goals : Owen (13), Beckham (114)

Man of the Match : Ashley Cole - the explosive full-back from Arsenal was fantastic in both defence and attack as Portugal were both frustrated and tormented at the same time. His cross towards Beattie led to the penalty decision.

Attendance : 76036
Referee : Juan Pedro Enjamio


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3rd & 4th Place Playoff
France 0 Spain 1

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Monday 10th July 2006

BLACKBURN ROVERS SQUAD FOR FORTHCOMING SEASON 2006-07

As the World Cup finishes, a new domestic season is about to get underway. Here are the ins and outs of the Blackburn Rovers first team squad this season:

Ins:
Gonzalo Sorondo - Free (Inter Milan)
Freddy Guarin - £950K (Envigado)
Denilson - Free (Bordeaux)
Richard Lee - £240K (Watford)
Andrea Gasbarroni - Free (Juventus)
Seydou Keita - Free (Lens)
Giuseppe Rossi - Season Loan (Man Utd)

Maybe In:
Anthony Vanden Borre - £250K & Installments (Anderlecht)

Outs:
Dominic Matteo - £250K (Southampton)
Andy Todd - £250K (Derby)
Vratislav Gresko - £300K (AaB)

First Team Squad in Full:

Brad Friedel
Richard Lee
Peter Enckleman

Lucas Neill
Angelos Cijntje
Michael Gray
James McEveley
Ryan Nelsen
Karl Svensson
Aaron Mokoena
Gonzalo Sorondo

Andrea Gasbarroni
Brett Emerton
Morten Gamst Pedersen
Denilson
Robbie Savage
Freddy Guarin
Steven Reid
Seydou Keita
David Thompson

Craig Bellamy
Shefki Kuqi
Giuseppe Rossi
Matt Jansen
Matt Derbyshire

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Wednesday 12th July 2006

KHAN OPTIMISTIC AHEAD OF NEW SEASON

Blackburn Rovers manager Faiz Khan had his first press conference of pre-season this afternoon. He was asked what he had been doing this summer and when he replied 'I was in Germany cheering England on to the World Cup,' he got a rapturous applause from the media and journalists in the room.

After that great media moment for Khan, he was pressed on some much serious issues. He was asked what it felt like to complete a full year at his hometown club and he was very happy that he had survived the tough first season. He was asked on his current first team squad and whether he was thinking of adding to the team. He replied by saying that he was very happy with his signings including Freddy Guarin, Andrea Gasbarroni and especially the loan signing of Giuseppe Rossi. He also stated that Blackburn had had an offer for Anderlecht's defender Anthony Vanden Borre accepted and Khan was waiting on Vanden Borre's response to the contract offered.

Khan was also asked on what his plans for this season are. He said that last season, it was all about proving most pundits wrong by surviving relegation. Infact, Blackburn ended all the way up in 8th in the Premiership table, sealing an Intertoto Cup place. He said that this season, he will try to establish that kind of position in the league table plus push for a domestic trophy like the FA Cup or the Carling Cup. He ended the press conference by saying that he sees a very bright future for Blackburn Rovers Football Club and he intends to be a part of it.

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Saturday 15th July 2006

INTERTOTO CUP 3RD ROUND 1ST LEG

ROVERS SCRAPE AWAY GOAL LEAD
HEARTS 1 BLACKBURN ROVERS 2

Nice way to start the season. Blackburn Rovers began their 2006-07 season with an efficient first leg victory over Hearts at Tynecastle this afternoon. A late goal from substitute David Thompson was enough for Rovers to take a strong position back to Ewood Park. Shefki Kuqi had already made his intentions clear early on by giving Blackburn the lead but they were pegged back around halfway through the second half by Michal Pospisil's cool finish. The game got the right outcome as the away side dominated this first leg for long periods and the margin of victory should have been greater but Hearts' keeper Steve Banks was inspired in goal. Manager Faiz Khan named a fairly weak side but still included the likes of Robbie Savage, Lucas Neill and Michael Gray while Hearts boss George Burley named an unchanged side that beat Brechin in a recent friendly.

On a beautiful summer's afternoon in Edinburgh, referee Ad Peters got the new season underway. Blackburn made a bright start to the match and could have taken the lead inside 10 minutes. Neill found Kuqi who spreaded the ball out to Brett Emerton on the right flank and his cross was firmly headed just inches over the crossbar by Kuqi. He clearly didnt let that missed opportunity bother too much as he did take his second opportunity just short of 15 minutes. Neill interrupted a Hearts attack and sent Kuqi away on goal with a wonderful pass down the channel and Kuqi showed great composure by going wide of Banks before sweeping the ball underneath the keeper's body. And Blackburn should have extended their lead almost immediately. James McEveley sped down the left wing, got to the byline before crossing for the near post but Matt Jansen headed well wide of the far post. A even better opportunity fell Rovers' way halfway through the first half. Emerton came inside with the ball and laid it off to Steven Reid who in turn found Savage in the area but Banks was out quickly to block the Welshman's effort. Hearts took a while to start playing here and just after the halfhour, they created their first opportunity. Ibrahim Tall and captain Mark Kerr exchanged passes before finding Calum Elliot free in the area but he dragged his shot yards wide of the goal. Nothing else really happened in the first half and two minutes of stoppage time later, the half was ended by the referee's whistle. Blackburn began the game very well and took the lead after 14 minutes through Kuqi's well taken goal. From then on, Rovers have taken complete control of the half and have not let Hearts have much a chance to equalise before halftime. The halftime scoreline from Tynecastle as HEARTS 0 BLACKBURN ROVERS 1.

The second half was underway at Tynecastle as the home fans urged their team on to get back into this match. But Hearts did not start really well as Blackburn almost scored a second goal. Kuqi was fouled by Stephan Simmons about 25 yards out and Savage stepped up to bend the ball towards goal but Banks produced a stunning stop and the ball was cleared to safety. A couple of minutes later, Kuqi knocked back a high Neill ball into the path of Emerton who unleashed a rasping shot that flashed just inches over the angle of post and bar. On the counter-attack, Hearts should have equalised against the run of play. Pospisil forced the ball out wide to Matthew Doherty and his cross towards an unmarked Simmons was blasted well over the crossbar by the former Scotland under-21 international. Just short of the hour, Blackburn missed the opportunity to extend their advantage. McEveley came forward running at the Hearts backline before standing a ball towards the far post where Savage's simple firm header was brilliantly saved by Banks. And that great save proved so crucial as Hearts got back on level terms five minutes later. Daniel Pudil stole the ball off Emerton and sent a wonderful ball down the left side to send Pospisil clean through on goal and he made no mistake by lifting the ball coolly over Peter Enckleman into the far corner. Blackburn missed the opportunity to retake the lead straight from the restart. Karl Svensson intercepted a poor Simmons pass and sent substitute Craig Bellamy through on goal before squaring for Jansen to tap home but Banks was there once again with a fantastic fingertip save and smothered it with Jansen closing in. Moments later, substitute Morten Gamst Pedersen went storming down the left flank before his low cross found Bellamy one on one with Banks but the Welsh international curled his effort inches wide of the goal. Banks came to Hearts' rescue yet again as he pushed away a thunderous long range effort from substitute Thompson and Hearts cleared the ball to safety. But he could not do anything about the next opportunity as Blackburn retook the lead late on. Neill's high ball from his own penalty area sent Thompson clean through on goal and he went across Banks before firing the ball into the far corner. There was one more opportunity late in the match and surprise, surprise it fell to Blackburn. Pedersen sent Thompson down the left wing and his fierce low cross was swept just inches wide of the far post by Bellamy. Moments later, referee Ad Peters ended the 1st leg of this tie. Blackburn started very well, taking an early lead and controlled the first half. After the break, Hearts hit back halfway through the second half and looked on course to hold the Premiership side to a draw until substitute Thompson's cool finish gave Rovers two priceless goals. The final score from Tynecastle was HEARTS 1 BLACKBURN ROVERS 2.

Hearts : Banks 8, Tall 7, Jonsson 6, Dixon 7, Wilson 7 (McDonald 75, 6), Doherty 6 (Driver 81, 7), Pudil 7, Kerr 7, Simmons 7, Elliot 7, Pospisil 7 (Mole 75, 7).

Goals : Pospisil (65)

Booked : Tall, Pudil & Simmons

Blackburn : Enckleman 7, Neill 8, McEveley 8 (Pedersen 61, 7), Svensson 7, Mokoena 8, Emerton 7, Gray 8, Savage 8, Reid 6 (Thompson 69, 7), Kuqi 8 (Bellamy 61, 7), Jansen 7.

Goals : Kuqi (14), Thompson (81)

Booked : McEveley

Man of the Match : Michael Gray - the experienced full-back was more than capable on the left wing as he was dangerous going forward and also very impressive when Hearts came attacking. In all, a good and efficient display.

Attendance : 11081
Referee : Ad Peters

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Saturday 22nd July 2006

INTERTOTO CUP 3RD ROUND 2ND LEG

ROVERS SCRAPE PAST HEARTS
BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 HEARTS 1 (Blackburn Rovers win 3-2 on aggregate)

Well, that was nervy wasnt it? Blackburn toyed with the dangers of elimination but managed to get past Hearts at Ewood Park this afternoon. A late Morten Gamst Pedersen penalty saved a home draw for Blackburn who were trailing to Jimmy Dixon's goal early in the second half. The Scottish side finished the 2nd leg with 10 men as Scott Wilson for his part in the build up to the Blackburn penalty. To be honest, Blackburn probably did enough to even win this leg but Steve Banks was again fantastic between the sticks. Faiz Khan made two changes from the first leg win with first leg winner David Thompson and debutant Freddy Guarin replacing Brett Emerton and Robbie Savage while Hearts gaffer George Burley named an unchanged side that beat Alloa in a recent friendly.

On a very humid but wet summer's afternoon, referee Stefano Farina got the second leg underway. Blackburn quickly got into their stride as they fashioned out the first opportunity after just 8 minutes. James McEveley swung in a freekick from deep and it was met firmly by Shefki Kuqi but his header wasnt troubling Banks. Minutes later, Blackburn maybe should have taken the lead. On the counter-attack, Kuqi laid the ball off to Thompson who played a wonderful pass down the channel sending Matt Jansen clear on goal but he shot past Bank's near post into the sidenetting. Moments later, a good combination of passes between McEveley and Michael Gray ended with the former teeing Steven Reid up from just inside the area but his effort was too high and wide. Just after the halfhour, Rovers continued to exert severe pressure on Hearts when they should have taken the lead. Great one touch passing involving Guarin, Jansen and Reid ended with Lucas Neill sending Kuqi through on goal but Banks stopped the low shot and the ball was cleared to safety. Hearts weathered that huge storm for the majority of the first half until on the stroke of halftime where they had the best chance of them all. Hjalmar went running at Karl Svensson and forced his way past him before playing Michal Pospisil through on goal but he hesitated and lost all composure as he thrashed the ball well over the crossbar. Moments later, the halftime whistle went here at Ewood Park. Blackburn have been the dominant team for long spells of this first half but Hearts had the best opportunity before the interval and Rovers will hope that those missed opportunities dont come to haunt as they should have had the job done by now. The halftime score from Ewood Park was BLACKBURN ROVERS 0 HEARTS 0.

The second half was up and running as the small crowd were trying all they could to create a decent atmosphere inside Ewood Park. Hearts started the second period on the front foot and had the opportunity to make the breakthrough. Hjalmar Jonsson sped down the left and crossed into the area where Mark Kerr took one touch before striking the ball just inches wide of the post. But that was only a temporary reprieve for Blackburn as Hearts got themselves back into the tie minutes later. Ibrahim Tall came bursting down the right side and played an inviting ball into the area and some slack marking let in Dixon get to the ball first and head past Peter Enckleman. Blackburn almost hit back immediately. Guarin and substitute Giuseppe Rossi combined to play Kuqi through on goal but his firm shot was superbly beaten away by Banks and the rebound came out to Guarin who instantly shot into Banks's arms. Just before the hour, Hearts had the opportunity to take the lead in the tie. Julian Brellier and Hjalmar exchanged passes before setting up Kerr for a tap in but he shot straight at Enckleman. Blackburn came back with an attack of their own when Thompson played Kuqi one on one with Banks but the keeper produced another stunning save to Blackburn out. Halfway through the second half, Hearts should have scored a second goal. Tall and Hjalmar combined to cross the ball towards the near post where Kerr could only head into the sidenetting. And they kept the pressure on 78 minutes. A superb counter-attack involving substitute Stephen Simmons, Kerr and Brellier ended with the cross falling for Hjalmar but he was denied by an outstanding save from Enckleman. And that save was crucial as Blackburn all but sealed their passage into the next round moments later. A stray header from Dixon was intercepted by Reid and he went storming through on goal only for Wilson to bring him down inside the area and the referee immediately awarded the penalty and also sent Wilson off for the professional foul. Substitute Pedersen stepped and dispatched the penalty to Banks' right hand. That goal took the wind out of Hearts and the final whistle went after three minutes of stoppage time. Blackburn have progressed to the semi-finals of the Intertoto Cup! They started the match the stronger and should have had the tie finished by the interval. But Hearts came back in the second period and scored early on in the half and went on to dominate the main part of the second half. But it did not force a goal and Blackburn made sure of the aggregate win with the late penalty. The final score from Ewood Park was BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 HEARTS 1.

Blackburn : Enckleman 7, Neill 7, McEveley 7, Svensson 7, Mokoena 7, Thompson 6 (Emerton 63, 7), Gray 6, Guarin 7, Reid 8, Kuqi 7 (Pedersen 63, 8), Jansen 6 (Rossi 45, 7).

Goals : Pedersen (83)

Hearts : Banks 9, Tall 9, Jonsson 7, Dixon 7, Wilson 5, Kerr 7, Pudil 7 (Pelosi 71, 6), Karjalainen 7 (Simmons 60, 6), Brellier 7, Hjalmar 7, Pospisil 7 (Elliot 71, 6).

Goals : Dixon (51)

Sent Off : Wilson (82)

Man of the Match : Ibrahim Tall - the full-back was outstanding this afternoon as his brave attacking down the right wing frequently threatened Blackburn defender. Capped his wonderful display off by setting up the opening goal.

Attendance : 10047
Referee : Stefano Farina