Michael Owen Hot: England Wins 3-0 Against Russia
England striker Michael Owen was in top form as he scored 2 goals in England’s UEFA Euro 2008 Qualifier against Russia held at the New Wembley Stadium in London, England. England won the match 3-0, and move up to the 2nd spot in Group E with 20 points, just a little behind group E leaders Croatia who have 23 points.
Just last week, England had an impressive UEFA Euro 2008 Qualifer result over Israel, winning by 3-0. Michael Owen was also instrumental in providing a goal in that match. In the Euro 2008 qualifer match against Russia, Michael Owen was able to produce a goal in just 7 minutes from the start of the match. Michael Owen was able to collect the cross from England midfielder Gareth Barry inside the box amidst heavy traffic, and slotted it to the corner of the goal past Russian goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev.
In the 31st minute, Michael Owen scored another goal. This time Michael Owen received a flick-on header from Emile Heskey and was unmarked facing the Russia goal. Michael Owen had no problems volleying the ball to the roof of the net as Russian goalkeeper VyacheslavMalafeev was helpless. The goal also marked the 40th international goal for Michael Owen.
Russia had their chances, but failed to get a goal past England keeper Paul Robinson. Eventually, it was England who were dominant in their home pitch at the New Wembley Stadium even adding a 3rd goal in the 84th minute just to seal the deal. Rio Ferdinand received the ball from Michael Owen and was able to make a move past the Russian defender and blasted a rocket of a shot towards the Russian goal, entering the near post.
England’s UEFA Euro 2008 Qualifier victory moves them past Russia in the Group E standings into 2nd place. Only the top two of each Group in the qualifying stages will advance to the UEFA Euro 2008 Finals which will be hosted by Austria and Switzerland, who will share their resources. England’s next qualifying match will be on October 13 2007 against Estonia, who will be visitors at the New Wembley Stadium in London. The week after, England will be visitors to Russia, who will certainly look for retribution in their home pitch.
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