 |
|
England's Frank Lampard celebrates (R) with teammate Wayne Rooney after scoring a penalty kick against Croatia during their World Cup 2010 qualifying soccer match at Wembley Stadium in London, September 9, 2009.[Xinhua/Reuters Photo] |
England secured their appearance in next year's FIFA World Cup finals with two games to go by smashing Croatia 5-1 on Wednesday.
Due to the outstanding performance of Aaron Lennon from Tottenham Spurs, the hosts established their predominance with two goals only after 18 minutes. The 22-year-old winger was replaced by veteran David Beckham with 10 minutes remaining, enjoying the passionate applause from the crowd exclusively.
 |
|
England's Wayne Rooney (2nd L) is congratulated by teammates after scoring during their World Cup 2010 qualifying soccer match against Croatia at Wembley Stadium, in London September 9, 2009.[Xinhua/Reuters Photo] |
A deft Lennon darted into the area after seven minutes and was tripped by Josip Simunic. Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard put the "Three Lion" ahead with a confident penalty kick.
Then, it was Lennon that delivered a fine cross from the right flank to the far post with Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard heading home 11 minutes later.
 |
|
England's David Beckham acknowledges the crowd after their World Cup 2010 qualifying soccer match against Croatia at Wembley Stadium in London September 9, 2009.[Xinhua/Reuters Photo] |
The 0-0 draw between Belarus and Ukraine meant one point was enough for England to confirm their place in South Africa, but Fabio Capello's team finished their job much better by scoring three more times in the second half.
Lampard completed his second goal just before the one-hour stroke when he headed in Glen Johnson's superb cross. Seven minutes later, Gerrard also made a double by nodding in Wayne Rooney's cross.
 |
|
England's Steven Gerrard celebrates after scoring against Croatia during their World Cup 2010 qualifying soccer match at Wembley Stadium in London September 9, 2009.[Xinhua/Reuters Photo] |
After Da Silva Eduardo putting one goal back for the suffering visitors, Rooney ruthlessly gave them a final blow when goalkeeper Vedran Runje fluffed a back-pass to assist the Manchester United striker.
When the 34-year-old Beckham finished his 114th game for England with his right arm held high and thumb up, England reached the World Cup finals by recording an eighth successive win in the qualifying campaign.
 |
|
?England's Jermain Defoe (L) challenges Croatia's Josip Simunic during their World Cup 2010 qualifying soccer match at Wembley Stadium in London September 9, 2009.[Xinhua/Reuters Photo] |
(Xinhua News Agency September 10, 2009)
