Wilshere and Neymar, who are deemed as future stars for their respective countries, vie for the ball during England’s match against Brazil on Wednesday. PHOTO: AFP
England claimed their first win over Brazil in 23 years by unveiling an eye-catching brand of attacking play inspired by Hodgson’s gifted youngsters and battle-hardened veterans.
It was a potent mix that Brazil found too hot to handle at Wembley on Wednesday as Wayne Rooney opened the scoring after an incisive attack involving Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott. Even when Brazil equalised early in the second half through Fred, Chelsea midfielder Lampard came off the bench to bag the winner on the hour.
“The concentration and workrate in midfield, with me, Stevie and Jack was excellent,” said Lampard. “We were a threat going forward and we had pace. If you look at our team now, you can get a bit more excited.”
With the 2014 World Cup in Brazil drawing closer, Lampard is delighted by the way England have progressed since their tame exit from Euro 2012.
“You won’t always beat the top teams but if you can go into a World Cup with results like that behind us it will give us confidence.”.
Del Bosque boosted by Spain’s personal contact
Meanwhile, Spain manager Vicente del Bosque believes his side’s 3-1 win over Uruguay will prove good preparation for their crucial World Cup qualifiers against Finland and France in March.
The world and European champions finished the friendly in Qatar strongly as a second-half double from Pedro Rodriguez proved decisive after goals from Cesc Fabregas and Cristian Rodriguez had left the scores level at half-time.
“We need to remember what awaits us in March,” he said. We are preparing from now for these very difficult fixtures. If the relationships within the squad are clean and healthy then we are closer to success. In the national squad the behaviour of all the players is correct.”
Loew praises Germans, Deschamps takes positives
Germany coach Joachim Loew believes the spirit and quality shown by his side as they came from behind to beat France 2-1 bodes well for the challenges that lie ahead this year.
“This was an important game for the development of my players and for the team as a whole,” said the Germany coach. “To win coming from behind was fantastic.”
French coach Didier Deschamps was disappointed to see his team lose but he saw encouraging signs ahead of the return to competitive action.
“It wasn’t easy for us against such quality opposition but we stood up to them blow for blow for much of the game,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 8th, 2013.
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