It was a thrilling night of International football yesterday with the sport’s top nations taking to the pitch in international friendlies. However, the results that have got people talking are the home defeats to England and Germany. The Three Lions lost 3-2 to the Netherlands while Germany were 2-1 losers to France.
England seemed to be heading for a dramatic 2-2 draw before Bayern winger Arjen Robben stole the show with a late strike to give Bart Van Marwijk a famous victory.
Trailing by 2 goals and with 5 minutes remaining on the clock, England were heading for defeat before Gary Cahill pulled one back and Ashley Young restored parity in the first minute of extra time.
However, a moment of magic from Robben a minute later condemned Stuart Pearce to his first loss as England coach. Taking the ball just outside the box, the 28 year old sent a curler into the top right hand corner to send travelling fans into delirium.
Following the loss, Pearce ruled himself out of a long time job with the national team although he still maintained that he would like to lead the team in the Euro’s.
“I feel I would consider taking the England team to the Euros, without a doubt,” Pearce said.
“That wouldn’t be daunting to me at all. I have really enjoyed this week. If that opportunity comes along, then great.
“All I am doing is buying the Football Association time if they haven’t got someone else in place. The full-time manager of England is someone else at this moment in time, not me.
Meanwhile in Germany, goals from Oliver Giroud and Florent Malouda were enough to hand Laurent Blanc a vital win in Bremen and mark the start of their revival ahead of the Euro’s.
The home side only managed to pull a goal back deep in extra time when Cacau turned in a cross from the right, however, it was too little and too late. The victory will serve as a huge moral booster for Les Bleus who had a rather patchy qualifying run to the Euro’s.
Truth be said, the England result did not shock me as much. I had predicted a draw in fact a 2-2 draw for the game,however, Netherlands showed why they are the second highest ranked side in the world.
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