Source Notes

England recorded a famous win over old foes Argentina to take a giant step towards World Cup qualification from Group F.  Once again captain David Beckham was the hero, stroking home a penalty after great work from Michael Owen seconds before half-time. And in the second half England's defence stepped to the fore, standing firm to claim a memorable win as Argentina mounted wave upon wave of attack. Coach Sven-G�ran Eriksson got his tactics just right in front of a passionate crowd at the Sapporo Dome in northern Japan.

The 1-0 score line lifted England to second place in their group and went a long way towards avenging painful defeats to Argentina at Mexico 86 and France 98.  Having lost Owen Hargreaves to injury during a cagey opening 20 minutes, he threw on Trevor Sinclair and watched his men dominate possession.  Beckham was inspirational as playmaker and Owen made darting runs to stretch the Argentine defence across the field.  With increased possession came their first good chance of the game, created by Nicky Butt and almost converted by attacking ace Owen.

The Liverpool man latched on to an immaculate through ball and slotted though Pablo Cavallero's legs only to watch his shot rebound off the Argentine post.  England surged forward and were rewarded for their aggression in the 44th minute when Owen won a penalty after being tripped by Mauricio Pochettino. Beckham stepped up and scored emphatically to secure a half-time lead.

Clearly pumped up by Eriksson's words of encouragement, England stepped further into the ascendancy after the restart and should have been rewarded with a second goal.

Owen stole half a yard and should have done better with the goal at his mercy. Then, Beckham wriggled free in the Argentine box, shooting wide with only Cavallero to beat.  Teddy Sheringham - on as a substitute for the excellent Heskey - had the next chance.  Paul Scholes - who had just fired in a spectacular shot of his own - floated a pin-point cross over and the Tottenham striker volleyed fiercely at Cavallero from 15 yards.  After Sheringham had spurned a second opportunity, Argentina upped the pressure only to be denied by spirited defending.

Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell stood particularly tall and David Seaman pulled off a couple of spectacular saves.  Waves of South American pressure paid no dividends.  There may yet be life for England after the World Cup's "Group of Death". 

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CG