England 1-0 Ecuador
Posted by Admin on 20/06/2006
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England have advanced into the quarter finals after a 1-0 victory over Ecuador.
David Beckham scored the winner direct from a free-kick, and England's performace, though not brilliant, was a step up from the displays in the group stage.
Eriksson tried a new 4-5-1 formation, with Rooney up front on his own and Michael Carrick brought in as a holding midfielder to release Lampard and Gerrard.
The extra player in midfield did bring dividends as England built up some good moves through the midfield and into the final third.
However, Rooney sometimes looked isolated and England did struggle to create clear cut chances.
Indeed in was Ecuador who had the first chance to score, with Carlos Tenorio pouncing on a mistake by Terry. Only Ashley Cole's superb defending saved England, the full back deflecting the shot onto the bar with a last second challenge.
England did almost get through the Ecuador back line on three or four occasions, with Gerrard, Lampard and Rooney striking at goal.
But it was Beckham's free-kick which broke the deadlock. The Real Madrid player curling in an acurate and pacy shot inside the left-hand post.
After the goal, England looked more confident and kept Ecuador at bay. Aaron Lennon once again impressed when he replaced Beckham after 87 minutes.
Overall, the performance was improved and England have made the last eight. Generally, England play better against better opponents, and they'll need to step up the level again next Saturday against either Portugal or Holland.
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The first World Cup finals match to be decided by a 'Golden Goal' was France Vs Paraguay in 1998. France won 1-0
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