Post by QPR Report on May 31, 2009 8:43:33 GMT
FA.com
Strike duo see off Slovakia
By Nicholas Veevers at Valley Parade - Friday, 29 May, 2009
A brace apiece for Ranger and Delfouneso does the trick.
Slovakia
1-4
England
Gal-Andrezy 58
Ranger 29, 52, Delfouneso 88, 90
UEFA European U19 Championship
Elite Qualifying Round
7pm, Friday 29 May 2009
Valley Parade, Bradford City
Click here for tournament details
England took another step closer to the European Championship Finals in Ukarine on Friday night when they comfortably saw off opposition from Slovakia to set up an final game conclusion to the Elite Round next Monday.
A brace apiece for strikers Nile Ranger, taking his tally to three goals in the last two games, and Nathan Delfouneso proved enough to give Brian Eastick's men a deserved win and set up a mouthwatering game with the Auld Enemy at Bramall Lane in three days time when it will be decided who takes their place in the last eight this July.
With Scotland beating Bosnia-Herzegovina by 3-0, it all goes down to the final game with the Auld Enemy on Monday, with the Young Lions knowing that if they avoid defeat they will be in the Finals for a second successive year by virtue of their superior goal difference.
England outlined their intentions of winning this game from the start and enjoyed the better of the possession and chances in the opening forays, with Joe Mattock shooting into the side netting from an angle after just three minutes and Victor Moses was then unfortunate to see a tidy run into the box brought to an end by a last ditch tackle on the by-line.
After 13 minutes, Danny Rose’s raking pass from within his own half picked out the onrushing Danny Drinkwater in the area but Slovakian ‘keeper Matej Rondos was out quickly to collect the ball just ahead of the Manchester United man.
England came even closer after 16 minutes, when Drinkwater’s cross from the left picked out Ranger in the box. He directed a header goalwards after beating Rondos to the ball, only to see Tomas Kosut well placed on the goal-line to clear.
Rose immediately worked the ball back out to Moses in the left channel and he waltzed around Ratislav Bakala before firing a low centre across the box, which Ranger was only inches away from turning home.
At the other end, Slovakia’s best chance came in the 28th minute when Peter Gal-Andrazy on the left placed a cross into the area but Filip Kiss headed over.
They were made to pay just one minute later, as Moses’ cross from the left picked out Ranger in the area and he made no mistake as he swivelled to shoot home his second goal in successive games.
Kiss tried his luck again in the 38th minute by hitting a free kick at goal, but England captain Jason Steele saw it all the way and made a comfortable save.
The same players went head-to-head again moments after that, when Kiss smashed a shot at goal from just inside the area, but again Steele was ready for it and made a fine stop to turn the ball over the bar.
Ranger was certainly proving a handful at the other end and when his run was brought to an end with a cynical trip 25 yards from goal, Drinkwater was unfortunate to see his resulting free kick superbly saved by Rondos.
Having fallen behind, Slovakia knew that they would have to start the second half with more attacking intent but their hopes were halted just seven minutes after the restart when Moses’ corner from the right was met firmly by the head of Ranger who powered the ball home to put the Young Lions firmly in control.
That superiority didn't last for long though as Slovakia found their way back into the game when Gal-Andrezly struck home a fierce left footer from the edge of the box to give them hope, but was then cautioned for his over-zealous celebration.
The goal brought the Slovakians to life though and they responded tactically by bringing another attacker on to supplement Arnold Simonek who had been leading the line on his own for the first hour of the game.
Ranger, by now chasing his hat-trick, nearly had a memorable treble when he shot over from another Moses corner and then saw a header from Kieran Trippier’s cross saved by Rondos at the near post.
Despite Slovakia’s more positive approach as they looked to keep their qualification hopes alive, England always looked the more likely to score, with Delfouneso, Rose, Ranger and Moses all still proving to be a rather large thorn in Slovakia’s side but the visitors held firm which meant there were always going to be a few frayed nerves as the match came to a close.
Those nerves were settled in the 88th minute though, when Moses played a corner from the left to the near post, where Delfouneso glanced it home with his head afrer losing his marker with a run across goal.
There was still time for Delfouneso to get his second too, when Rose latched onto a loose ball broke clear in the area in stoppage time before drawing the 'keeper and unselfishly squaring a pass across the six yard box, leaving the Aston Villa man with the simple task of tapping home from two yards to give England just the result that they wanted.
England: 1 Jason Steele (c), 2 Kieran Trippier, 3 Joe Mattock, 4 Matthew James, 6 Martin Kelly, 14 Gavin Hoyte, 12 Victor Moses, 8 Daniel Drinkwater (15 Dean Parrett, 88) 9 Nathan Delfouneso, 10 Nile Ranger, 11 Daniel Rose.
Substitutes not used: 5 Jordan Spence, 7 Andrew Tutte, 13 Declan Rudd, 16 Martyn Waghorn, 17 Andros Townsend, 18 Matthew Briggs.
Cautioned: Gavin Hoyte 57.
Slovakia: 1 Matej Rondos, 2 Matus Conka (16 Denis Jankovic, 76), 3 Marian Kopca (c), 4 Juraj Hovancik, 6 Marek Bohacek, 8 Peter Gal-Andrezly, 9 Robert Valenta (7 Martin Guldan, 63), 11 Tomas Kosut, 13 Arnold Simonek, 15 Filip Kiss, 17 Ratislav Bakala.
Substitutes not used: 12 Martn Polacek, 10 Jan Vlasko, 16 Denis Jankovic, 18 Igor Paldan.
Cautioned: Peter Gal-Andrezy 58, Marek Bohacek 62, Filip Kiss 83.
Referee: Mihaly Fabian
Assistant Referees: Zsolt Varga & Jose Gallego Galindo
Fourth Official: Carlos Clos Gomez
Attendance: 3833
www.thefa.com/England/MensUnder19s/NewsAndFeatures/2009/england_slovakia_report_290509.aspx
Next:
Men's U19 Team
'We'll take nothing for granted'
By Nicholas Veevers - Saturday, 30 May, 2009
Head Coach Brian Eastick looks towards the Auld Enemey.
England v Scotland
7pm, Monday 1 June 2009
Bramall Lane, Sheffield United FC
Ticket Hotline: 0871 995 1889
Group Booking Form
Charter Standard Booking Form
Head Coach Brian Eastick stated at the start of the week that he thought the Elite Round would only be decided after all three games and that proved to be exactly the case, following England’s victory over Slovakia at Valley Parade.
Whilst the Young Lions made it two wins out of two, their Scottish counterparts also kept up their 100 per cent record with a victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina meaning that when the teams meet at Bramall Lane on Monday, the result will decide which nation is to reach the Finals in Ukraine in July.
England have a superior goal difference meaning they hold a slight advantage, but Eastick is taking nothing for granted ahead of the game.
“We’re delighted to have won the first two, but it’s all going to be down to Monday’s game with Scotland now,” he said.
“I’ve said all along that I anticipated having to win all three and that’s proved to be the case.
“I think most people would’ve put their money on it coming down to the last game with Scotland.
“It will be difficult, it’s a one-off game to go to Ukraine and will probably be a bit of a nervy affair.
“Scotland are a very good team and we’re taking nothing for granted, as I don’t there’s a great deal between the two teams so it will be who plays the best on the night.”
Two goals from Nile Ranger and a late brace for Nathan Delfouneso won it for England on Friday and Eastick was pleased with the way his side tackled what could’ve been a tricky match against a strong and physical team.
“We did emphasise the importance of set plays, particularly for a game like today where it was a bit scrappy sand physical at times,” he added.
“We had a couple of really good deliveries from Victor Moses and some good finishing .
“Nile Ranger is a threat and he’s one of the younger players that we brought into the squad to give some experience and help blood and he’s coming along nicely.
“Let’s hope he can reproduce it again on Monday.”
You can be there to see the game by calling the Bramall Lane hotline on 0871 995 1889. Tickets cost just £3 for adults (£5 on the day) or £1 for concessions.
www.thefa.com/England/MensUnder19s/NewsAndFeatures/2009/delfouneso_reaction_300509.aspx
Young Lions striker eyeing up Monday's clash with Scotland.
England v Scotland
7pm, Monday 1 June 2009
Bramall Lane, Sheffield United FC
England forward Nathan Delfouneso struck his first goals of the Elite Round on Friday night, before setting his sights on Monday’s group decider against Scotland.
The Aston Villa starlet hit two late goals against Slovakia to settle the nerves and seal a 4-1 win, which now means that it is between the Young Lions and the Auld Enemy for the single spot available for the Finals in Ukraine.
“I’m delighted with the goals,” admitted Delfouneso.
“I had to play out of position for most of the game, but had to do a job for the team and it was nice to get a reward with the two goals but it was all about getting the victory today.
“Slovakia were starting to put a bit of pressure on us, so it was good to get the third goal to settle us down.”
Attention has already turned to the game with Scotland though and Delfouneso knows that it’s going to be a passionate and tight match.
“Scotland was always going to be a tough game no matter what, because of the rivalry over the years,” he added.
“So it would have been a hard fought game and we’re all looking forward to it now and hopefully we can end with a victory, finish off strongly and qualify for Ukraine.”
Delfouneso also urged the South Yorkshire public to turn out and get behind the team in what could prove to be a tense but entertaining affair, with Scotland knowing that they have to win the game if they are to progress.
“Hopefully we can get a big crowd down there for the game,” he said.
“It’s always nice for the youngsters to get support as a lot of the lads don’t always get to play in front of big crowds week-in and week-out.
“It’s always a pleasure to play for England in front of a big crowd so we hope we can get a victory and send them home happy.”
You can be there to see the game by calling the Bramall Lane hotline on 0871 995 1889. Tickets cost just £3 for adults (£5 on the day) or £1 for concessions.
www.thefa.com/England/MensUnder19s/NewsAndFeatures/2009/delfouneso_reaction_300509.aspx
Strike duo see off Slovakia
By Nicholas Veevers at Valley Parade - Friday, 29 May, 2009
A brace apiece for Ranger and Delfouneso does the trick.
Slovakia
1-4
England
Gal-Andrezy 58
Ranger 29, 52, Delfouneso 88, 90
UEFA European U19 Championship
Elite Qualifying Round
7pm, Friday 29 May 2009
Valley Parade, Bradford City
Click here for tournament details
England took another step closer to the European Championship Finals in Ukarine on Friday night when they comfortably saw off opposition from Slovakia to set up an final game conclusion to the Elite Round next Monday.
A brace apiece for strikers Nile Ranger, taking his tally to three goals in the last two games, and Nathan Delfouneso proved enough to give Brian Eastick's men a deserved win and set up a mouthwatering game with the Auld Enemy at Bramall Lane in three days time when it will be decided who takes their place in the last eight this July.
With Scotland beating Bosnia-Herzegovina by 3-0, it all goes down to the final game with the Auld Enemy on Monday, with the Young Lions knowing that if they avoid defeat they will be in the Finals for a second successive year by virtue of their superior goal difference.
England outlined their intentions of winning this game from the start and enjoyed the better of the possession and chances in the opening forays, with Joe Mattock shooting into the side netting from an angle after just three minutes and Victor Moses was then unfortunate to see a tidy run into the box brought to an end by a last ditch tackle on the by-line.
After 13 minutes, Danny Rose’s raking pass from within his own half picked out the onrushing Danny Drinkwater in the area but Slovakian ‘keeper Matej Rondos was out quickly to collect the ball just ahead of the Manchester United man.
England came even closer after 16 minutes, when Drinkwater’s cross from the left picked out Ranger in the box. He directed a header goalwards after beating Rondos to the ball, only to see Tomas Kosut well placed on the goal-line to clear.
Rose immediately worked the ball back out to Moses in the left channel and he waltzed around Ratislav Bakala before firing a low centre across the box, which Ranger was only inches away from turning home.
At the other end, Slovakia’s best chance came in the 28th minute when Peter Gal-Andrazy on the left placed a cross into the area but Filip Kiss headed over.
They were made to pay just one minute later, as Moses’ cross from the left picked out Ranger in the area and he made no mistake as he swivelled to shoot home his second goal in successive games.
Kiss tried his luck again in the 38th minute by hitting a free kick at goal, but England captain Jason Steele saw it all the way and made a comfortable save.
The same players went head-to-head again moments after that, when Kiss smashed a shot at goal from just inside the area, but again Steele was ready for it and made a fine stop to turn the ball over the bar.
Ranger was certainly proving a handful at the other end and when his run was brought to an end with a cynical trip 25 yards from goal, Drinkwater was unfortunate to see his resulting free kick superbly saved by Rondos.
Having fallen behind, Slovakia knew that they would have to start the second half with more attacking intent but their hopes were halted just seven minutes after the restart when Moses’ corner from the right was met firmly by the head of Ranger who powered the ball home to put the Young Lions firmly in control.
That superiority didn't last for long though as Slovakia found their way back into the game when Gal-Andrezly struck home a fierce left footer from the edge of the box to give them hope, but was then cautioned for his over-zealous celebration.
The goal brought the Slovakians to life though and they responded tactically by bringing another attacker on to supplement Arnold Simonek who had been leading the line on his own for the first hour of the game.
Ranger, by now chasing his hat-trick, nearly had a memorable treble when he shot over from another Moses corner and then saw a header from Kieran Trippier’s cross saved by Rondos at the near post.
Despite Slovakia’s more positive approach as they looked to keep their qualification hopes alive, England always looked the more likely to score, with Delfouneso, Rose, Ranger and Moses all still proving to be a rather large thorn in Slovakia’s side but the visitors held firm which meant there were always going to be a few frayed nerves as the match came to a close.
Those nerves were settled in the 88th minute though, when Moses played a corner from the left to the near post, where Delfouneso glanced it home with his head afrer losing his marker with a run across goal.
There was still time for Delfouneso to get his second too, when Rose latched onto a loose ball broke clear in the area in stoppage time before drawing the 'keeper and unselfishly squaring a pass across the six yard box, leaving the Aston Villa man with the simple task of tapping home from two yards to give England just the result that they wanted.
England: 1 Jason Steele (c), 2 Kieran Trippier, 3 Joe Mattock, 4 Matthew James, 6 Martin Kelly, 14 Gavin Hoyte, 12 Victor Moses, 8 Daniel Drinkwater (15 Dean Parrett, 88) 9 Nathan Delfouneso, 10 Nile Ranger, 11 Daniel Rose.
Substitutes not used: 5 Jordan Spence, 7 Andrew Tutte, 13 Declan Rudd, 16 Martyn Waghorn, 17 Andros Townsend, 18 Matthew Briggs.
Cautioned: Gavin Hoyte 57.
Slovakia: 1 Matej Rondos, 2 Matus Conka (16 Denis Jankovic, 76), 3 Marian Kopca (c), 4 Juraj Hovancik, 6 Marek Bohacek, 8 Peter Gal-Andrezly, 9 Robert Valenta (7 Martin Guldan, 63), 11 Tomas Kosut, 13 Arnold Simonek, 15 Filip Kiss, 17 Ratislav Bakala.
Substitutes not used: 12 Martn Polacek, 10 Jan Vlasko, 16 Denis Jankovic, 18 Igor Paldan.
Cautioned: Peter Gal-Andrezy 58, Marek Bohacek 62, Filip Kiss 83.
Referee: Mihaly Fabian
Assistant Referees: Zsolt Varga & Jose Gallego Galindo
Fourth Official: Carlos Clos Gomez
Attendance: 3833
www.thefa.com/England/MensUnder19s/NewsAndFeatures/2009/england_slovakia_report_290509.aspx
Next:
Men's U19 Team
'We'll take nothing for granted'
By Nicholas Veevers - Saturday, 30 May, 2009
Head Coach Brian Eastick looks towards the Auld Enemey.
England v Scotland
7pm, Monday 1 June 2009
Bramall Lane, Sheffield United FC
Ticket Hotline: 0871 995 1889
Group Booking Form
Charter Standard Booking Form
Head Coach Brian Eastick stated at the start of the week that he thought the Elite Round would only be decided after all three games and that proved to be exactly the case, following England’s victory over Slovakia at Valley Parade.
Whilst the Young Lions made it two wins out of two, their Scottish counterparts also kept up their 100 per cent record with a victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina meaning that when the teams meet at Bramall Lane on Monday, the result will decide which nation is to reach the Finals in Ukraine in July.
England have a superior goal difference meaning they hold a slight advantage, but Eastick is taking nothing for granted ahead of the game.
“We’re delighted to have won the first two, but it’s all going to be down to Monday’s game with Scotland now,” he said.
“I’ve said all along that I anticipated having to win all three and that’s proved to be the case.
“I think most people would’ve put their money on it coming down to the last game with Scotland.
“It will be difficult, it’s a one-off game to go to Ukraine and will probably be a bit of a nervy affair.
“Scotland are a very good team and we’re taking nothing for granted, as I don’t there’s a great deal between the two teams so it will be who plays the best on the night.”
Two goals from Nile Ranger and a late brace for Nathan Delfouneso won it for England on Friday and Eastick was pleased with the way his side tackled what could’ve been a tricky match against a strong and physical team.
“We did emphasise the importance of set plays, particularly for a game like today where it was a bit scrappy sand physical at times,” he added.
“We had a couple of really good deliveries from Victor Moses and some good finishing .
“Nile Ranger is a threat and he’s one of the younger players that we brought into the squad to give some experience and help blood and he’s coming along nicely.
“Let’s hope he can reproduce it again on Monday.”
You can be there to see the game by calling the Bramall Lane hotline on 0871 995 1889. Tickets cost just £3 for adults (£5 on the day) or £1 for concessions.
www.thefa.com/England/MensUnder19s/NewsAndFeatures/2009/delfouneso_reaction_300509.aspx
Young Lions striker eyeing up Monday's clash with Scotland.
England v Scotland
7pm, Monday 1 June 2009
Bramall Lane, Sheffield United FC
England forward Nathan Delfouneso struck his first goals of the Elite Round on Friday night, before setting his sights on Monday’s group decider against Scotland.
The Aston Villa starlet hit two late goals against Slovakia to settle the nerves and seal a 4-1 win, which now means that it is between the Young Lions and the Auld Enemy for the single spot available for the Finals in Ukraine.
“I’m delighted with the goals,” admitted Delfouneso.
“I had to play out of position for most of the game, but had to do a job for the team and it was nice to get a reward with the two goals but it was all about getting the victory today.
“Slovakia were starting to put a bit of pressure on us, so it was good to get the third goal to settle us down.”
Attention has already turned to the game with Scotland though and Delfouneso knows that it’s going to be a passionate and tight match.
“Scotland was always going to be a tough game no matter what, because of the rivalry over the years,” he added.
“So it would have been a hard fought game and we’re all looking forward to it now and hopefully we can end with a victory, finish off strongly and qualify for Ukraine.”
Delfouneso also urged the South Yorkshire public to turn out and get behind the team in what could prove to be a tense but entertaining affair, with Scotland knowing that they have to win the game if they are to progress.
“Hopefully we can get a big crowd down there for the game,” he said.
“It’s always nice for the youngsters to get support as a lot of the lads don’t always get to play in front of big crowds week-in and week-out.
“It’s always a pleasure to play for England in front of a big crowd so we hope we can get a victory and send them home happy.”
You can be there to see the game by calling the Bramall Lane hotline on 0871 995 1889. Tickets cost just £3 for adults (£5 on the day) or £1 for concessions.
www.thefa.com/England/MensUnder19s/NewsAndFeatures/2009/delfouneso_reaction_300509.aspx