International Friendly Wrap: England, Argentina, Brazil win
The FIFA World Cup in South Africa is less than a 100 days away and the 32 participants were busy gaining some valuable practice over the last couple of days. The Samba boys Brazil, the ever-efficient Germany, Diego Maradona's Argentina were all in action in the mid-week friendlies, taking their World Cup preparation forward. As national coaches finalise their squads for the mega-event in June, friendlies at this juncture will help them clear any inhibitions or doubts they carry, about players.
England took on African Champions Egypt at London's Wembley Stadium on Wednesday night. Fabio Capello's men ran out 3-1 winners, though not in very convincing fashion one may add. Chelsea skipper John Terry was booed by the crowd prior to kick off but all was forgotten once the Lions got their act together. Borussia Dortmund striker Mohamed Zidan gave the Egyptians the lead in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a mistake from center-back Mathew Upson to coolly finish past goalkeeper Robert Green. The first half was dull and the home side lacked the cohesiveness to take the game to the opposition. Capello wrung in the substitutions in the second half and a brace from substitute Peter Crouch sandwiched a 75th minute strike from another substitute Shaun Wright-Phillips to hand England the victory. The African Champions proved to be a better opponent than most would have predicted and Capello will be pleased with his team's second half performance. Peter Crouch has built a strong case for himself to start alongside Wayne Rooney, who burst into life once the tall striker entered the fray.
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