England delighted the crowds that came to support them in the first leg of the FIFA 2011 World Cup play off with a 2-0 win against Switzerland. The victory extends their 100% record at the Shrewsbury Town FC ground and a second win will see the Three Lions automatically qualify for the 2011 World Cup in Germany.
Despite England dominating the first half, Switzerland created a chance early on and had Ramona Bachman been able to convert a ball from fellow striker, Lara Dickenmann, the match could have followed a very different direction. England responded well to the threat and immediately put pressure on the Swiss with sahots on goal from Rachel Yankey and Eniola Aluko, both of which hit the bar.
As half time approached England bagged two goals in as many minutes, the first a low, left foot shot from Fara Williams which had been set up by a beautiful chipped pass from Aluko. Williams went on to set up England’s second goal as she fed the ball in to Kelly Smith (pictured right) who scored her 41st goal, becoming her country’s all time leading goal scorer.
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The second half saw fewer chances for both teams although Sandy Maendly manged to lob defender, Rachel Brown, but a keen set of eyes ensure the goalkeeper tipped it over the bar to keep the two goal lead. The last five minutes saw oppertunites for both goalscorers with Smith’s effort bending wide and the goalkeeper scooping William’s ball up to safety.
Speaking after the match, head coach, Hope Powell, commented, “Switzerland were always going to try and score away from home and credit to them, I thought they did very well. They are a fast progressing team with a lot of ability. We had to work hard to get the result.’
England now travel to Switzerland for the second leg of the play offs on the 16th September. You can follow the match on the Red Button and BBC Sport website from 17.55 (BST) and BBC Three will be showing live coverage of the second half from 19.00
Kirsty Page, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
