International Round-Up


By Chris O'Brien
October 9 2004

Numerous Manchester United players were in World Cup Qualifing action last night for their respective national sides. Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and Alan Smith all helped England earn a much-needed 3 points against Ryan Giggs and his Wales side at United's Old Trafford. Hobbs in Trouble

International Round Up
It was the big 'Battle of Britain' at Manchester United's Old Trafford, but the game was something of a letdown and the result fairly predictable. An early strike from Frank Lampard which deflected in via the boot of Michael Owen settled the nerves of the hosts, with a spectacular long-range lob from former Red Devil David Beckham securing the win later in the game.

England should have scored more but some decent defensive work from Mark Hughes' men and a series of good saves from Paul Jones kept the scoreline at a respectable rate for the visitors. However, Wales rarely threatened and a clean sheet was easy to come by for Paul Robinson with the Welsh attack, that included Ryan Giggs, punchless.

For the first time in his career, Manchester United was a 'visiting' player at Old Trafford, but he struggled to make an impact as England cruised to victory and headed to the top of the World Cup qualification group. For the English, Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney were representing the Red Devils on familiar soil. Alan Smith was brought on late on in the game.

Despite reports suggesting otherwise, Roy Carroll had to sit on the bench as Northern Ireland drew 0-0 in Azerbaijan to draw their second game in succession. The Ulstermen now desperately need three points against Austria during mid-week to get themselves back in contention for a play-off place.

Meanwhile, winger Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted on the hour mark by former Spurs striker Helder Postiga as Portugal only managed a 2-2 draw with Liechtenstein.

Republic of Ireland pair Roy Keane and John O’Shea both completed a full 90 minutes and guided their nation to a good 0-0 draw with Mikael Silvestre’s France, whilst Darren Fletcher’s 10-man Scotland endured a 1-0 defeat by Norway.

Gabriel Heinze and his Argentina side claimed 3 points from Uruguay, maintaining the momentum they gained by winning the Olympics in Athens just recently.
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