Bring back pre-season tours to Mongolia sponsored by ‘insert name of multinational corporation here‘. What a load of old claptrap.
Holland 2 – 2 England
At least the match started with a minute’s applause for Sir Bobby Robson. When the actual football got underway, a piss poor Rio Ferdinand backpass was intercepted by Dirk Kuyt and, after evading keeper Robert Green in goal the Liverpool striker fired a ball past Terry on the line. On 37 minutes England cocked up again, Barry giving the ball to Robben who shot, although Green saved, Rafael van der Vaart scored on the rebound. England rallied at the start of the second half, Lampard releasing Jermain Defoe who scored with a classy left-footed finish in the near post. England equalised 15 minutes from the end when Jermain Defoe tucked home a James Milner cross from the left. At least we got our defensive lapses out of the way in a meaningless friendly.
Republic of Ireland 0 – 3 Australia
Oops. Big Tim Cahill once again proved his goal scoring ability with two goals and a late, excellent third from David Carney wrapped up the pummeling.
Montenegro 2 – 1 Wales
Oops. Big Stevan Jovetic gave the home side the lead from a penalty, Radomir Dalovic doubling the score before Sam Vokes pulled back a consolation goal.
Northern Ireland 1 – 1 Israel
Grant McCann’s fine free-kick put the home side into the lead, although Elyaniv Barda equalised for the Israelis.
Macedonia 2 – 3 Spain
Amazingly, Spain looked dead and buried at at halşf time as Goran Pandev scored after three minutes and then again on the half hour to leave the Macedonians two goals to the good. Just like mighty England however, a 50th minute Fernando Torres header started the second half fightbackand Gerald Pique levelled on 53 minutes after a shot rebounded off the upright. The turnaround was complete just two minutes later as Albert Riera rifled a stunning third.
