International Friendly: England 2-1 Brazil – Cole Joins 100 Club As Three Lions Silence Sambas (Photos & Highlights)

Alan Duffy

6th, February 2013

5 Comments

 By Alan Duffy

England 2-1 Brazil – International Friendly – 6th February 2013

Yes it was only a friendly and yes it really doesn’t mean that much, but still, credit where credit is due – England performed superbly on Wednesday night against an almost full-strength Brazil side (although where was Andre Santos?).

With Ashley Cole earning his 100th international cap and Steven Gerrad partnering Frank Lampard in a retro-Golden Generation midfield, it was definitely England’s night. However, the star of the show for Roy Hodgson’s side was Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere, who was outstanding in the centre of the park.

The pint-sized schemer poked, prodded and got stuck in throughout the 90 minutes and was the creator of England’s opening goal, setting up Theo Walcott courtesy of a lovely pass before Wayne Rooney fired home from Julio Cesar’s save. That goal had come after Joe Hart had superbly saved a Ronaldinho penalty, as well as the follow-up.

Unfortunately for England, after the break, Gary Cahill suddenly thought he a Brazilian star too, and tried to dribble the ball out of defence, only for Fred to ultimately capitalise on the error with a fine finish.

However, Frankie Lamps put the home side back in front on the hour-mark, courtesy of a sweet finish. That goal came after good work from Walcott, who terrorised Adriano down the flanks in the second period.

Chelsea’s Oscar and PSG’s Lucas did their best to get the Brazilians back into the game while Neymar rather failed to live up to the hype, missing an open goal in the first period.  However, ultimately it was the Three Lions who would secure a nice little win against a traditional big gun.

Throughout the game, except for a few defensive lapses, England were organised and efficient and with Wilshere, Gerrard and Tom Cleverley and then his replacement Lampard in midfield, they held on to the ball well and used it intelligently.

Who said Stevie G and Frankie Lamps couldn’t play together, eh?

Photos…

Highlights…

Photos: PA

Posted in International football, Newsnow, Videos

Share this article: Email

5 Comments

  1. Jarren says:

    Didn’t get to see the match as I was working so just gonna comment on those highlights you’ve generously provided above:

    Awesome double-save from Hart. As a United fan it pains me to say it, but he’s up there amongst the world’s top keepers.

    Nice to see Neymar miss a sitter. For some reason he really gets on my tits, and it’s always nice to see him make a dick of himself.

    Cahill was really caught napping for the equaliser, but as you said it was a composed finish.

    What a screamer from Lampard! That Chelsea are adamant upon selling him is a tragedy (for Chelsea). My wife thinks Harry will snap him up for QPR, but personally I agree with others that he could be useful for us at United.

    With Sneijder choosing to swan off to Turkey in his prime, a Lampard with a good year or 2 left in him could be a very welcome addition for next season.

    Wherever he ends up, he’ll still be respected by every football fan.

    On a final note, maybe it’s just me but do Brazil just not seem to be all that scary any more? Sure, they have quite a few very talented players, but when you look at the teamsheet you’re hardly shitting yourself…

  2. Mr. Chopper says:

    RE: Lamps.

    The rumours going round were that Drogba, Lampard, Terry and Cole had all been very vocal when AVB was in charge, eventually leading to his dismissal. Abramovich was furious with the apparent diss of his choice of manager and vowed that rather than transfer them out there and then, none of them would be getting their contracts renewed. If they did get renewed, they’d only be on year-long contracts.

    Hence, we get Lampard apparently definitely leaving Chelsea even though he’s got plenty more in the tank and at any other club would be a shut-in for an extension; Drogba left at the first opportunity; Cole seems to have been happy to sign for another year. That just leaves Terry… Mr. Chelsea.

    I dunno how much of this is actually true, but it seems to be panning out pretty solidly so far.

  3. […] England’s victory over Brazil – highlights and pics […]

  4. Jarren says:

    @Mr. Chopper: Fascinating theory. Wouldn’t be at all surprised if it’s 100% accurate.

    Guess it’s something we’ll find out in an autobiography some day…