Some of Manchester United’s players were
again in action for their countries last night in their quest to take
their teams to Brazil for the FIFA World Cup next summer. The players in
action were Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young, Jonny Evans, Robin van Persie,
Shinji Kagawa and Javier Hernandez. Many other United players never
made it off the bench including Patrice Evra, Angelo Henriquez, Michael
Carrick and Chris Smalling.
Ukraine 0 – 0 England – Olympic Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
Not one United player was named in the
starting XI for the match against Ukraine. Ashley Young replaced Jack
Wilshere on the 67th minute and Tom Cleverley replacing Theo Walcott on
the 87th minute. England drew 0-0 which put them at the top of Group H
still needing wins against Montenegro and Poland next month to play in
Brazil next summer.
Luxembourg 3 – 2 Northern Ireland - Stade Josy Barthel, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Jonny Evans played the full 90 minutes
in the 3-2 defeat to Luxembourg last night. Northern Ireland already
knew that they have no chance qualifying for the World Cup in Brazil
next year. Russia and Portugal are the most likely, with Russia topping
the group right now. However Israel stand a chance should they win they remaining matches against Portugal and Northern Ireland.
Andorra 0 – 2 Netherlands - Camp d’Esports d’Aixovall, Aixovall, Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra
The Netherlands qualified for the World
Cup in Brazil next year after a stunning display by United’s Dutch
striker Robin van Persie. He scored twice in five minutes (50′ and 55′)
to ensure his side were to take part next year. The Netherlands top the
group with 22 points and had a considerable goal difference over their
group rivals. This leaves Hungary, Turkey and Romania to fight it out
for a possible play off place to try and make the World Cup finals.
Japan 3 – 1 Ghana - Saitama Stadium 2002, Saitama, Japan
Shinji Kagawa started for Japan in their
friendly with Ghana. After having qualified for the World Cup earlier
this year. Kagawa scored a great goal on the 50th minute and was
substituted on the 86th minute of the match, so as long as his long-haul
flight back to Manchester does not take its toll, he could start for
United against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday.
USA 2 – 0 Mexico – Columbus Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio, USA
Javier Hernandez started and played in
the full 90 minutes of the 2-0 defeat to the USA last night, which could
leave Mexico’s qualification hopes hanging in the balance. Hernandez
had a great game and was making getting into all the right places, but
was not getting the service he needed in order to make any difference
for Mexico.
Brazil 3 – 1 Portugal – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA
Nani played the full 90 minutes in the
3-1 friendly defeat to Brazil at the Gillette Stadium where the New
England Patriots (NFL) and New England Revolution (MLS) play. Nani will
be looking to get his fitness levels right ahead of a tough fortnight
for United as they play Crystal Palace, Bayer Leverkusen, Manchester
City and Liverpool before the end of the month.
Bolivia 1 – 1 Ecuador - Estadio Hernando Siles, La Paz, Bolivia
Antonio Valencia played the full 90
minutes for Ecuador in their 1-1 draw with Bolivia in the CONMEBOL World
Cup qualifying match. Ecuador find themselves in fourth place with two
matches remaining and could qualify for the World Cup finals in Brazil
next year. Valencia played well throughout the match, which should help
him stay fit and ready for the clubs next few matches at least. There
will be some competition on the wing for United with Nani, Young,
Valencia and Zaha all fit and raring to go.
The next international break happens at
the start of October, which will again be a slow fortnight for club
football, but at least that will be it over until February/March for
most of United’s players, unless they have to take part in a play-off to
try and achieve qualification for the FIFA World Cup in Brazil next
year.
No comments:
Post a Comment