Tottenham Spurs' in-form striker Jermain Defoe stroke home a splendid shot in England's 2-1 victory over Slovenia in a friendly international on Saturday.
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?England's players celebrate Jermain Defoe's (3rd R) second goal against the Netherlands during their friendly soccer match in Amsterdam August 2, 2009.[Xinhua/Reuters Photo] |
Walking onto the pitch of Wembley as a second-half substitute, the 26-year-old Defoe stunned the crowd and also the Slovenian goalkeeper Samir Handanovic in the 63rd minute with a swift low shot after receiving a pass from his Spurs teammate Aaron Lennon in the edge of the box. Handanovic even failed to make a move before the ball rebounded into the left bottom corner.
It was Defoe that scored twice in the friendly against the Netherlands more than three weeks ago, enabling England to come from behind to end with a 2-2 tie. The petite forward have netted four goals in four Premier League matches so far.
Wayne Rooney gifted the hosts a penalty on the half-hour stroke after a tangle with defender Bostjan Cesar in the area. The visitors protested furiously but midfielder Frank Lampard confidently stroke home the spot kick into the bottom corner to put the Three Lions ahead.
Five minutes later, Rooney shot Steven Gerrard's fine corner against the post in very close range. The powerful shooter from Manchester United nearly grabbed a score with 20 minutes remaining, but his shot was cleared off the line by Matej Mavricrozic.
In the late minutes, England finally paid for their careless defense. Nejc Pecnik teased Glen Johnson before placing a superb cross into the box. Substitute Ziatan Ljubijankic nodded home from close range to nail the result on 2-1.
After the warm-up, England are slated to meet Croatia four days later in a World Cup qualifier. If they can beat their opponents at Wembley, they will become the second European team to book a berth in the 2010 World Cup. The Netherlands have confirmed their attendance to South Africa.
(Xinhua News Agency September 7, 2009)
