Two Late Owen Goals Seal the Friendly Win
By 40 Years A Blue
November 12 2005
In an absorbing and extremely entertaining competitive friendly England's Lions came from behind to beat Argentina 3-2 in Geneva this evening. Backed by a strong contigent of 10,000 travelling England fans, England scored two goals in the final three minutes to fully deserve their win.
Argentina took the lead through a tap-in by Chelsea's Hernan Crespo, Man Utd's Wayne Rooney (labelled the man that can win England the World Cup) equalised minutes later from a Beckham headed flick-on. Prior to these goals being scored both Hernan Crespo and Newcastle's Michael Owen had goals disallowed. Of the two goalkeepers England's Paul Robinson was the busiest producing three world-class saves before Argentina scored and at this point England were overrun. But England fought back. Rooney hit the post, Gerrard hit a 30 yarder and Rooney equalised. In the second-half the pace continued and it was Argentina who regained the lead through a Walter Samuel header and as hard as England pressed it looked that Samuel's goal was the winner. With seven minutes to go Eriksson replaced Charlton's Luke Young with Peter Crouch and although Crouch didnt get much of a touch of the ball, the crosses that came in found Michael Owen twice. First from Steven Gerard, who was switched to right back, and then from Chelsea's Joey Cole. From 2-1 down Engald won 3-2. England proved that they can raise their game an mix it with the big boys. Its a shame that they can't rise to the occasion against the likes of N Ireland and Denmark. Chelsea player contributions: Wayne Bridge did his best despite only 60 minutes first team football in a year. Caught for Crespo's goal and was subbed at half-time. John Terry. At times looked confused with Ferdinand next to him, but was solid when he needed to be Frank Lampard. Stole in a many occasions, but his shooting efforts have been better. Joe Cole. Caused problems down Argentina's right and amde the goal for Owen's winner. 40 YEARS A BLUE!!!