MOM Awards for Ballack and Joe Cole


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By 40 Years A Blue
June 21 2006

It is starting to become 'The Chelsea Show' in Germany as both Michael Ballack and Joe Cole were named Man of the Match in their respective games yesterday.

Ballack and Cole now join Lampard, Makelele, Essien and Arjen Robben (2) in the list of Chelsea player's receiving Man of the Match awards.

Not only did Cole get a Man of the Match award, but he scored a stunning 35 yard volley to give England the lead just before half-time. In England's three group games, Coley has been the most dangerous and effective player and his goal last night was reward for his endeavours.

England's lead was shortlived however as Sweden equalised through Allback five minutes into the second-half. England's goal led a charmed life as Sweden hit the bar twice, had a shot cleared off the line and generally England's solid defence looked ragged, tagged and bobtailed.

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard came on as a second-half substitute and scored with a header from a Joe Cole cross five minutes from time, but Sweden equalised again through Larsson with only a couple of minutes to play.

England won Group B and now face Ecuador in the last sixteen on Sunday at 4pm. Ecuador were soundly beaten by Germany 3-0 in the final Group A game to which reports suggest that Michael Ballack 'ran' the show.

In the other games yesterday Costa Rica lost 2-1 to Poland in Group A and Paraguay beat Trinidad & Tobago 2-0 in Group B.

In today's action Portugal play Mexico and Iran play Angola in Group D, both games kick off at 3pm and in Group C Holland (Robben) play Argentina (Crespo) and Ivory Coast (without Drogba, suspended) play Serbia & Montenegro, both games kick off at 8pm.

COME ON ENGLAND!

40 YEARS A BLUE!

 

 

 

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