Monday, June 20, 2011

Sterling Stars In U17s Opener

Raheem Sterling scored a sensational goal as England U17s got their World Cup off to the perfect start with a 2-0 win over Rwanda in Mexico on Sunday.

Everton's Hallam Hope netted the opener before Sterling curled an unstoppable effort over the 'keeper from the left flank in the 86th minute.

The Liverpool winger was a constant menace down the left wing and combined superbly with Academy colleague Brad Smith.

Smith had a fine match at left-back before he was forced off the field after 72 minutes after being on the receiving end of a bad tackle.

Liverpool colleague Matty Regan was his replacement, while Adam Morgan also came on for the final five minutes. Jack Dunn and goalkeeper Tyrell Belford remained on the bench.

The crucial opening goal might even have gone to Rwanda. Seconds before Hope's opener Rwanda almost took the lead with an audacious effort that crashed off the underside of the bar, then straight up the other end John Peacock's side got the vital goal when Hope ran clear to score.

Earlier Sterling came close to a sensational goal after nine minutes when he smashed a fantastic drive that beat the Rwanda 'keeper only for the ball to come back off the post.

He continued to cause havoc down the left wing and almost created an opener when his superb cross found Hallam Hope and the Everton striker was so unlucky to see his header hit the post.

However, the No.7 wasn't to be denied and he made it 2-0 with an absolute corker four minutes from time.

No comments: