England versus Ghana – First half review: International friendly (Part 2)
After dominating the first 20 minutes of the match, England had another wonderful chance to score when http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/James-Milner-c17706 sprinted free of Ghana’s defensive shackles in the 23rd minute. Manchester City’s midfielder was played in by Jack Wilshere. Milner
then played the ball towards Ashley Young, who evaded everyone in the Ghanaian penalty area to get a touch on the pass by his compatriot. However, the Aston Villa winger only managed to hit the post from around about five yards out as Ghana survived a real
scare.
Needless to say, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ashley-Young-c6813’s goal attempt
as Sully Muntari was brought down near the half way line by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Dominic-Adiyiah-c11500 made contact with the ball but his header
was kept out by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Joe-Hart-c18699, who exhibited lightening reflexes to keep his team on level terms.
In the 27th minute, England were awarded a free kick of their own as http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Stewart-Downing-c34221 was the one who eventually
tried his luck on Kingson’s goal. Regardless, Downing’s shot sailed over the cross bar as the score-line remained at nil all at the Wembley stadium. Throughout the first half, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 dominated possession due to their three man midfield. Wilshere, alongside
Barry and Milner maintained a monopoly over ball possession.
Additionally, England’s front-men did remarkably well too. Andy Carroll held up the ball to connect with Young and Downing down the wings. From the center of the park, Milner also linked up with his former Aston Villa team mates i.e. Downing and Young. Villa’s
wingers provided England with width which helped the three lions stretch Ghana’s defence. In the 40th minute, England finally got their break through. Downing was once again involved in the build-up play for England as he played in Andy Carroll
whose well struck shot blitzed past Kingson as Capello’s men took the lead.
The first half came to a close soon after with the score-line at 1-0 to the home side. Ghana threatened on the counter attack time, and again in the first 45 minutes, but England’s clinical approach coupled with their midfield strength proved to be the difference
in the first half between the two teams.
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