Arsenal - Roma

Hoorah… It’s back! The cream of European football returns tonight to the Emirates Stadium. We’ve got Arsenal up against the aristocrats from Roma in the C.L. Bring it on!

Arsenal have been firing more blanks than an impotent granddad recently, but bring a 22-game unbeaten European home record to the table. For the visitors, the final’s played in Rome this year, and they’ll be as keen as mustard to be there in in front of their own fans.

Team news sees Arshavin cup-tied (much to Wenger’s disgust) so Diaby comes into midfield and the Gunners revert to a 4-4-2 formation. For the Romans, Totti leads the line, but the dangerous Vucinic has to settle for a place on the bench. One interesting fact, randomly there is only one English-born player on view tonight – his name, Simone Perrotta! Born in Greater Manchester. Anyway, enough of me showing off, on with the game – Roma to kick off.

2 mins: Roma already look content to get men behind the ball, keep things tight and hit Arsenal on the break. The likes of Nasri need to step up and provide the quality for Van Persie and Bendtner.

5 mins: Nasri escapes down the right and his cross finds Bendtner in the area, who’s first touch lets him badly down and the chance is wasted. Real opportunity there for the not-so great Dane.

9 mins: Arsenal look up for this with a Clichy cross flicked wide by Nasri. Good link up play. In the ideal world, Nasri would have had the first chance, and the headed chance would have fell to Bendtner. Shame that. Still promising signs in the first 10 minutes.

12 mins: Some great possession from the boys in red as they probe for an opening. Nothing doing, but promising. Diaby leads a quick break from his own half, which is cynical halted by Mexes. Yellow card for the big defender. An almighty goalmouth scramble from the resulting free kick. Roma survive, but for how much longer can they hang on for?

15 mins: V.P is centimetres away from taking a Diaby ball through on goal. Doni alertness in the Roma goal coming to the rescue. At the other end, Almunia is called into action, and what a cracking save. Motta hits a piledriver from outside the area, which Almunia fingertips wide. Almunia completes a good few minutes with a fine claim from the corner.

19 mins: Nasri flashes one wide from outside the box. Good play from Diaby once more in the centre of midfield. He’s totally over running the more illustrious pairing of Motta and De Rossi.

22 mins: Pass and move, pass and move, pass and move from the Arsenal sees the Romans chasing red shadows. Although sometimes you get the impression that Arsenal are always trying to score the perfect goal. Any goal will do here, no matter how scrappy.

26 mins: Roma look to be slowly settling into their strides showing some Arsenal-esque pass and movement.

29 mins: The Beast, Julia Baptista, gives the Arsenal faithful a glimpse of the form he showed when on loan here two years ago – miserably dragging a left foot shot wide when well positioned.

33 mins: Totti snatches at a shot and sends it miles over the bar into row z. Disappointing from such a talented player. Has there ever been a more appropriately named player? Well, according to a female friend.

35 mins. PENALTY ARSENAL. V.P sucks in Mexes in the area who clips his heels. Referee points at the spot straight away, with barely a word of protest coming from Mexes. V.P with the penalty... GOAL ARSENAL. As cool as you like, V.P rolls the ball in the opposite direction from whence the keeper has dived. ARSENAL 1 – ROMA 0.

38 mins. Arsenal go looking for the jugular. Bendtner denied by some heroic defending from the right back. V.P forced his way to the byline, albeit with a cheeky shirt pull, to set up the chance. The goal has galvanised the Gunners as they go looking for more.

41 mins: De Rossi sees yellow for a nasty looking lunge at Nasri. Lucky boy De Rossi was there, that could well have been a red. Still, with that caution he’ll be suspended from the second leg. Big out that for the return match.

HALF TIME ARSENAL 1 ROMA 0
There goes the half time whistle and Arsenal deservedly take a lead into the changing rooms. They’ve been superb so far tonight, tight at the back and looking as dangerous as ever when going forward. Diaby is the stand out man so far. He’s just back from injury, so may fade later, but so far he’s been the driving force in the Arsenal midfield. Honourable mention goes to Samir Nasri too. He’s wanting the ball at every opportunity and linking play nicely. More off the same please in the second half. For Roma, I expect to see them looking to attack a bit more and go in search of an away goal. They’ve got some decent strikers on the bench, how long until we see them?

45 mins: I don’t think I’ve seen this before at a game of football. Arsenal kick off with only eight outfield players on the pitch. Toure and Gallas lacking behind in case you’re wondering. Toure has obviously entered the pitch without the referee consent, and duly sees yellow. Random!

48 mins: Slow start for the Gunners before they spurt to life with a five man breakaway down the right. Sadly this time, Nasri and Diaby, over play this one and it comes to nothing. Shame that, as they had players queuing up at the far past.

50 mins: Roma have really come out to play this half, and playing some nice stuff at the moment. They seem keen to get Totti involved more. That shouldn’t be too hard, as he barely featured in the first 45. Admittedly, the service to him has been pretty shabby.

52 mins: Nicolas Bendtner hangs his head in shame, and so should he! The ball finds its way to him at the back post with only the keeper to beat. He succeeds in only shovelling the ball over the bar. Great chance, poor miss. The (not-so) great Dane should at the very least make the keeper work from there.

53 mins: Roma all over the place, and Bendtner almost redeems himself, this time turning provider for Nasri. Nasri stretching for the ball is just unable to turn the ball home.

54 mins: How have Arsenal not doubled their lead? Doni makes a decent save from Diaby. The keeper diving to his left to push out a Diaby left footer despite being unsighted. Arsenal really playing with their tails up, and showing great confidence. A second goal would go down a treat.

60 mins: After a breathless few minutes of all Arsenal pressure we’ve had a few minutes breather. The calm before the next storm maybe? Diaby gets a deserved breather, and is replaced by Alex Song. Great hour-long performance by the returning Diaby. That’s the best performance I’ve seen from him in a long, long while. The Emirates faithful give him the reception he deserves.

65 mins: Eboue’s time to hang his head. A poor defensive play sees him storm into the box. He twists he covering defender one way than the other, before shouting into the side netting. The crowd on the far side thought he had scored, and he really should have done. How many more chances do Arsenal want to waste? Will they rue these misses?

66 mins: Wenger removes Bendtner from his misery, replacing him with Carlos Vela. This kid is a great finisher, so let’s hope the next chance falls to him.

67 mins: Jon-Arne Riise – he off the hammer left foot sees a half volley go agonisingly wide. The ball taking a slight deflection of Nasri to go out for a corner. It comes to nothing, but just a slight warning that Roma still have something to offer going forward.

71 mins: We’re entering a crucial time in this tie. Arsenal would love a second goal that their dominance deserves, but in the last few minutes Roma have been looking far more dangerous. Is 1-0 a big enough lead to take to Rome in a fortnight’s time? Arsenal’s away record in Europe is nothing to write home about though.

75 mins: Both Roma fullbacks are playing a lot higher up the pitch now, and it’s the Romans dominating possession. Arsenal almost playing like the away side at the moment, looking to hitting Roma on the break.

78 mins: Arsenal seem to have a lost some of their cutting edge of earlier, as they seem to be tiring a bit. Can they muster the energy to create one more chance before the final whistle?

80 mins: Roma show their intent for the last few minutes with Vucinic entering the fray. This is the guy remember who bagged a brace in Roma’s victory over Chelsea in the group stages.

84 mins: Aaron Ramsey (when he did come on?!?) sees a shot deflected and ricochet harmlessly through to Doni. Moments later it’s the turn of Nasri to see his shot deflected out for a Arsenal corner. Good response from Arsenal after a little lull.

88 mins: Arsenal definitely finishing the stronger of the two teams now as they look for the all-important second goal, though Roma defence holding strong.

90 mins: The fourth official signals four minutes of additional time to play. No one is leaving the Emirates Stadium just yet.

90+3 mins: Clichy with probably the last attempt on goal. Good work from Vela down the left as he wriggled into the penalty area. His cross is cleared as far as Clichy, who on his weaker right foot can only hit it straight at Doni.

FULL TIME ARSENAL 1 ROMA 0. It’s all over here, but in the context of the tie it’s only half time. Arsenal deservedly winning, but they’ll be disappointed they didn’t win by a greater margin. They had their chances especially in the first 15 minutes of the second half, but couldn't make those chances pay. For Roma, they’ll probably be quite pleased with just a one goal deficit after the way they played. Am sure you’ll see a totally different team next time around in Rome. It promises to be a cracking occasion. I can’t wait already.

Picture credits:

Champions League logo courtesy of UEFA.com

Van Persie image courtesy of www.offside.com

Bendtner image courtesy of Setanta Sports

Wales - England

Welcome one and all to a riotous Millenium Stadium, where rugby fever has taken over. It's the big clash - Wales versus England. The bookies have Wales nailed on as red hot favourites to sweep England away, but don't put your house on that. Despite not impressing last week against Italy, the noises coming from the away dressing room are positive, and they're here to spoil the Welsh party. Martin Johnson never lost in Cardiff as a player, and he'll be damn keen to preserve that record.

Team news for Wales sees good and bad news. Inspirational skipper Ryan Jones returns but they'll be missing the world's best player in Shane Williams, ruled out with an ankle injury. For England, Joe Worsley comes in at flanker, and Mike Tindall returns into the centre. That's out the away, so on with the game with England to start.

1 min: Delon Armitage takes a clearance and tries an outrageous drop goal from near the half way line. He gets in badly wrong and it doesn't even reach the goal line. First penalty given away from England. So much for working on their discipline this week!

3 mins: Great start from Wales, they've started like a train. Stephen Jones bursts through a Andy Goode tackle to set up good attacking position. England spoil the ball in front of the sticks and it's the easiest penalty for Jones. Wales 3 - England 0.

5 mins: Looks like Wales are intent are putting a marker down for the rest of the game. Every opportunity they're looking wide, with gaps already appearing in the England midfield. England's indiscipline lets them down (again), and referee Kaplin issues them with their first, and last, warning. Leigh Halfpenny takes the penalty shot from 45-metres but pushes it just wide. Let off that for England.

8 mins: This is looking ominous for England. So far they've barely got out their own half. Only fantastic covering work from Armitage foils Halfpenny after good work from Mike Philips. England need to get a few phases going. Very hard to do when their giving away away as many penalties as minutes we've played. An exaggeration, I know, but only just - 4 pens, 8 minutes.

10 mins: What's happening here? England are showing some enterprise and flair. The ball goes down the line with some good work from Flutey and Tindall. It comes to nothing, but at least shows their intent.

13 mins: Can already see Johnno's thinking behind starting with Joe Worsley. He's been everywhere so far, but most noticeably has so far nullified the buccaneering threat of Andy Powell,

16 mins: I did say that Kaplin had given England their last warning, and that's definitely the case. Mike Tindall, aka Mr Zara Phillips, makes a good tackle but handles on the floor and sees yellow. Jones makes England pay with another easy penalty. Wales 6 - England 0. As if playing Wales isn't hard enough already, England will have to do it with 14 men for the next ten minutes!

17 mins: Goode slips an inside ball back to Paul Sackey. he runs straight into a Welsh red wall, and is driven back metres. Great defence. Everything is going right for the men from the valleys so far.

20 mins: Another minute goes by, another penalty to Wales. This time it's Phil Vickery pinned for problems in the scrum. Not excuse really, as ref Kaplin had warned him only seconds earlier. Halfpenny finds his range, and makes England pay. Wales 9 - England 0.

23 mins: It's try time. But would you believe it, it's to the men in white! Riki Flutey makes the initial break with some beautiful footwork in midfield to beat a couple of defenders. The ball's recycled wide to Goode, who chips through for Sackey to beat Mark Jones and Lee Bryne to touch down. Great try England. Goode makes a hash of the extra points, but we've got a game on here. Wales 9 - England 5.

26 mins: Tindall returns, but who needs him? England having outscored Wales five to three in those ten minutes. The tide seems to have turned a bit, with England coming more into the game. They need to improve their kicking game, wastefully kicking away possession time and again. The Welsh backs are too good to do that, and will eventually make them pay. England you've been warned.

29 mins: England playing on the front foot and suddenly we've got a game on big time. Ref Kaplin plays the advantage with Wales offside and Goode wobbles a drop goal over. Wales 9 -England 8.

32 mins; Wales turn over the ball deep in England territory, not releasing the ball in the tackle. Shame that, as they had the numbers and we're looking good there. It looks like they've got the ability to switch through the gears at will on offence. Credit to Worsley again, he's always the first man in contact, and doing more than anything to stop the Welsh dragon. Inspired selection so far from Johnno.

35 mins: Byrne is a tad lucky to stay on the field there. He takes Armitage out in the air, with no attempt to play the ball, and could well have seen yellow there. Ref Kaplin showing extreme leniency there. If that had been the other way the Welsh crowd would have been baying for blood there, and England's reputation would have preceded them.

40 mins: HALF TIME. Wales 9 - England 8. Concerted Welsh pressure in the final minutes, but England survive with a combination of sound defence and managing to slow the ball down.

This game is tantalisingly poised with a just a point in the game. And what a game it's been so far. England, or more accurately Worsley, have managed to stop the go-forward of the Welsh, but indiscipline has been their undoing. For Wales they may be leading, but they'll be looking to step their game up. Whatever rate, more of the same..

41 mins: Maybe the pace of that half has caught up with both teams, as that interval was about five minutes longer than normal! We're off, and Wales have again come out the trap fast. Jamie Roberts make the initial break through midfield, the ball spun wide to Halfpenny who's stopped just short of the line. Goode with the last ditch tackle, but he seals the ball up on the floor. He's in trouble here. Yellow card. Stephen Jones adds salt in the England wound with the penalty. Wales 12 - England 8. Can Wales make England pay this time with the extra man?


44 mins: That's an emphatic yes. The Welsh forwards secure turn-over ball on the half way line. Roberts and Byrne take the ball on, and with leave Leigh Halfpenny with a clear run to the line. Whatever Warren Gatland said in the dressing room at half time has worked a treat. They are on fire. This time it's looking a costly sin binning for England. Jones misses the conversion. Wales 17 - England 8.



46 mins: Wales seem intent on winning this game while playing with the extra numbers. Every opportunity they look wide, normally with success. The attacks breaks down as they're penalised on the half way line for coming in from the side. It's a long kick but Armitage is going to have a shot. The result is as dismal as his attempted drop goal in the first minute - short, and wide.

50 mins: Terrible choice by Jamie Roberts. Wales must have had a four man over-lap there, but Worsley, need I say it, brings him down and stops a certain Welsh try. If England are to get back in this game, that could prove crucial.

52 mins: Looks like Andy Goode won't be coming back after his spell in the bin. Toby Flood coming on to replace him, and will look to unleash the England back line.

53 mins: Stephen Jones make a great break through three tackles to set up another Welsh attack. The whole of the England back line defence is deemed offside by ref Kaplin, but I'm at a lose to see it myself. Stephen Jones profits from the penalty. Wales 20 - England 8.


56 mins: England aren't going quietly here. Delon Armitage picks the ball up just inside the Welsh 22, he throws an outrageous dummy to Stephen Jones, and scoots over to touch down under the posts. Great work there from Armitage. Flood can't miss the conversion, and suddenly they're back within five points. Wales 20 - England 15.

60 mins: The bounce of the ball favours the men in red. Harry Ellis catches the Welsh napping, with a kick through. It's a straight foot race between Sackey and Jones again, and there's only one winner there. Sadly for Sackey he's got the touch of a rapist on his grubber kick through and the chance goes begging.

64 mins: Well into the last quarter of the game, and this could go either way. England look to freshen the pack up with a couple of changes. This really has been a fantastic game with both sets of players playing their part. Is there a twist in the tail of his bad-boy?

68 mins: The last few minutes has developed into a bit of kicking tennis. Both teams looking to force the other deep in defence on the back of some prodigiously long kicking. This will suit Wales better as they look to defend their lead.

70 mins: Indiscipline is killing England. This time it's hand on the floor in the ruck, and Jones has a straight forward penalty kick, which he makes no mistake of. Wales 23 - England 15. And now i know why the Millenium Stadium roof is opened for today's game. The noise would have lifted it clear off. Crucial kick that for Wales, England now need more than a converted try.

72 mins: Penalty England. Ryan Jones is pinned for killing the goal, giving Toby Flood a crucial kick at goal. Without putting too much pressure on the lad, but England need this one. But they don't get it. He misses to the near side, and the whole of Wales breath a sign of relief. Where's Johnny Wilkinson when you need him?

75 mins: Monster hit there from Ian Gough on Dylan Hartley. He stopped him dead in his tracks there. That typifies the Welsh forward, and the Welsh crowd respond with the noise level going up a further few decibels.

77 mins: England have got the ball in hands, and going through the phases, but not really going anywhere with all the work being done in their own half. The Welsh defence holds, and pressure on the ball carrier results in a red put-in at the scrum. This game belongs to Wales.

FULL TIME. Wales 23 - England 15.
And it's all over. The Welsh dream of back-to-back Grand Slam is kept alive, but my word, they were made to work for that victory. It wasn't a Welsh performance that we've grown accustomed to seeing lately but a brave, and just deserved, victory.


For England it's a performance full of heart but sadly lacking in discipline with 18 points gifted from penalties. England will take heart from outscoring their hosts two-to-one in the try count, but ultimately that counts for nothing as it's Wales that secure the two points in the championship.

Man-of-the-match was undoubtedly Joe Worsley. Colossal performance from the flanker, and he certainly didn't deserve to lose.

For Wales, they're off to gay Paris in the quest for the Grand Slam in a fortnights time. For England it doesn't get any easier, Ireland away at Croke Park.

Picture Credits: Zimbio.co.uk, http://www.belchfire.net/, Getty images

England - Croatia

Welcome to Wembley and a wet and windy last-chance saloon for England. It's do-or-die tonight, a draw will be enough to qualify for the EURO 2008. No pressure there then!

As for team-news, McClaren has gambled big time. Robbo is dropped from goal in place of Scott Carson. It's a brave decision on such a big night. Formation wise, Macca has gone for a defensive looking team. Crouchy will lead the line as the sole striker, with SWP and Cole providing support from the flanks. For the Croats, already qualified, they field four player from the Premier League. The heaven's have opened, the crowd are up for it - can England deliver?

1 min: Fairly quiet start on the pitch, but the stands are rocking, English fans expects it would seem. One bizarre sight already, is Macca hiding from the elements on the touch-line under an umbrella! 3 mins: Still early doors but Crouchy has won every thing in the air so far. With SWP and Cole in advanced positions already, this bodes well....

5 mins: They may have already qualified, but fair play to the boys from Zagreb, they've come here to play. Just hope they don't play too well. Cole gives the keeper some early practice. but it's dealt with easily. Still any shot on target on such a night could prove worthwhile.

7 mins: GOAL CROATIA! England 0 - Croatia 1. The commentator's curse strikes in dramatic fashion. What was I saying about shots on goal being worthwhile? Niko Kranjcaer has a go from 30 yards and the ball bounces in front of Carson and goes straight through him. The crowd are stunned and McClaren (still under umbrella in case you're wondering) ponders his decision to start with Carson.

10 mins: Big chance England. Crouch plays SWP in on the edge of the box, but Pletikosa in the Croat goal blocks well. Good chance that, and without being too harsh on SWP he should have scored. Still good response from the crowd and England.

12 mins: Crouchy gets the ball stuck under his feet with the goal gaping. Great work from Richards down the right to set up the chance. Still another chance goes begging. Will they be made to pay?

13 mins: Yes they will! GOAL CROATIA. England 0 - Croatia 2. Disastrous start from England. Croatia breaks, Eduardo slips Olic through, Bridge plays him onside, Olic rounds Carson with ease and rolls into the back of the unguarded net. Too easy. England two down and Carson's two touches so far have both been to pick the ball out the back of the net. Still let's look on the bright-side of a miserable evening so far, there are still 77 minutes left.

18 mins: England are in a state of shock at the moment. Croatia buoyed by those two early goals are playing so terrific football despite the conditions.

20 mins: Gerrard drives through the centre of midfield before being unceremoniously dumped to the deck. If ever England need the inspirational Liverpool skipper it's now? He's never really done it in a England shirt, but what better place to start than right here, right now. Can anyone slip a red Liverpool under his England shirt? Free kick is wasted.

24 mins: They may be two goals up, but they want more it would seem. The movement of Eduardo and Olic is keeping Lescott and big Sol on their toes. Slightly alarming that all the neat play is coming from the boys in blue.

27 mins: Macca has got to do something here. Crouchy wins the ball in the air for the umpteenth time, and flicks the ball harmlessly through to the Croatia keeper. There's no support for the big fella. We're two nil down, and still playing a lone striker. Come on Macca, earn your money.

31 mins: Booking for Niko Kovac. He cynically checks SWP's run, and gives England a decent position from which to wipe the ball in. Barry swings the ball in but it's too near to Pletikosa who punches clear. Could he prove to be another Tomaszewski?

34 mins: England need to take care here. They very almost get caught on the break with the fleet-footed Modric leading the charge. Only the final ball letting him down.

Latest news from the Andorra-Russia game. After 35 minutes it's 0-0. At this rate, and if the game stays the same (unlikely I know) but England would still qualify. Keep the faith reader's.

37 mins: England have the lions share of the possession, but so far apart from the clear opening to SWP, it's been all huff-and-puff but with no end result.

I should just shout up! No sooner have I written the latest score from Andorra-Russia, then Russia open the score. As it stands, we won't qualify, and McClaren will no doubt be out a job before you can spell Pletikosa!

41 mins: Carson holds, or does he drop, his heart in his mouth. Modric has a shot which Carson chooses to beat out, narrowly missing the on-rushing Eduardo. That could have been catastrophic.

45 mins: Final chance for England with a Gerrard free kick wide on the right. The delivery is shocking, as he fails to clear the first man, and it looks like England will enter the break staring at a two goal deficit.

HALF TIME England 0 - Croatia 2. The unthinkable is happening, and England as it stands at the moment are crashing out in spectacular fashion. It was never going to be an easy game against the technically superior Croats, and it's getting harder and harder as the minutes tick by. McClaren is going to have to make some changes, and bring some support on for Crouchy. Defoe, Bent, anyone your country needs you!

Big news from the changing rooms, McClaren has been reading my commentary and made the necessary changes. SWP is off for golden-balls Beckham, and Defoe replaces Barry. Bit harsh that for SWP, he was one of England's better players in the first 45 minutes. Still cometh the hour, cometh the man. Beckham has saved England before, can he do it again?

46 mins: The changes seemed to have worked a treat, as England fly out the blocks at the start of this half. Beckham is already involved, and only solid defence from Kovac prevents Defoe getting a early sniff. Talking of sniff and whiffs, is it me, or is there something in the air? Smells like a Beckham-inspired comeback.... Or is that my heart ruling my head?

48 mins: The England band strike up the theme music from 'The Great Escape'. Couldn't have thought of a more appropriate song myself.

50 mins: A trademark Beckham freekick clips the Croatian wall, and flies over for a corner. Becks scampers across to whip the corner in like his life depends on it. It comes to nothing, but at least there's a sense of urgency in England's play now.

54 mins: PENALTY ENGLAND. Simunic - he of Graham Poll three card trick in the World Cup- needlessly tugs back Defoe and the referee points to the spot. The decision was gievn by the Assistant Referee on the far side. Could decision lino! Looks like Frankie Lampard is the man to take the penalty.

55 mins: GOAL ENGLAND. England 1 - Croatia 2. Lampard sends the keeper the wrong way, and it's game on. How cool was that? Answer - very!

57 mins: England pushing now, and a Beckham freekick comes to nothing. The crowd sense blood, and it's all England.

58 mins: It's all happening here, and smoke is plumming from my keyboard as I struggle to get all this down. First a Croatian cross is deflected onto the England cross bar by Bridge, and from the resulting corner Carson pulls of a blinder of a save to keep out a Olic header. Breathless stuff. If the next half an hour are anything like the past few minutes, am thinking that there could be an alarming number of cardio related emergencies around the country.

61 mins: Eduardo rolls in Olic again. How many times have a written that? This time he tries to bend one in, but harmlessly rolls the ball to Carson. Still good save from young Scott, he was off his line quickly to deny Olic.

64 mins: GOAL ENGLAND. England 2 - Croatia 2. Crouchy, and we're back! Sorry, I mean, England are back. Oh sod that, this is important, so apologises to any Croat readers, but tonight all impartially has gone out the window. For the record, cracking goal. Beckham drills the cross out, to the big fella. One touch on his chest, and he volleys the ball past Pletikosa.

As it stands, we're going to the big show - Austria, Switzerland here we come. Just don't book them tickets just yet, have a sneaky suspicion that the Croats aren't just going to roll and die here. They still look dangerous on the break.

69 mins: A breather, enjoy it while it lasts. My heart is pumping out my chest at the moment, and if there any typo's, I'm going to plead nerves rather than incompetence on the keyboard. Back to the action, and a Gerrard shot is deflected by a flying Croat body. A flying Croat body! I kid you not. Great defence it must be said. Come on Croatia, you've already qualified - let someone else have some glory.

74 mins: 16 minutes left and counting. As Sir Alex Ferguson would say 'it's squeeky bum times here.'

76 mins: GOAL CROATIA. England 2 - Croatia 3. Disaster strikes! Substitute Petric picks the ball up on the edge of the box, and out of nowhere strikes a left footed shot past the unsighted Carson. What just happened there? There didn't look like any danger when he picked the ball out. We've got it all to do again.

79 mins: Macca with the last roll of the dice. Darren Bent replacing Joe Cole. Its Bent, Crouch, and Defoe up front now. Looks like England are going to throw the proverbial kitchen sink at Croatia.

84 mins: This is getting desperate for us now. Six minutes left and we need a goal. Still as Brian Clough said it only takes a second to score a goal. Well we've got 360 of those little buggers left (second that is) so there's still time.

85 mins: That was the chance England wanted. Lamps plays the ball over the top to Bent. He shows great strength to out muscle the defender but harmlessly hooks the ball over the bar. That was his first touch on my reckoning. Could have been an inspired substitution by McClaren. That could prove costly, and that could be the greatest understatement of my evening so far!

88 mins: Croatia are still looking to get the ball down and committing players forward - five blue shirts flooding the box on that chance.

90 mins: The fourth referee's board show an additional three minutes. It is most definitely now-or-never. A Beckham corner comes to nothing and time is slipping away.

91 mins: England pump the ball long and are looking for the crumbles. Lescott and Richards add their bodies forward to make a congested forward line up. So far, the Croats are dealing with everything thrown at them.

93 mins: FULL TIME. England 2 - Croatia 3. They think it's all over.... it is now! Am sorry to have to say this, but England are out. The referee blows his whistle and it's all over red-rover. A dismal end to a dismal night, and probably/possibly/definately (delete where necessary) the end of Steve McClaren. The blunt truth of the matter is that England weren't good enough. Sad but true.
Picture credits:

McClaten with brolley courtesy of Daily Mail
Kranjcaer goal courtesy of Getty Images
Olic goal courtesy of bbc.co.uk/footbal
Crouch celebration courtesy of bbc.co.uk/sport
Defalted England players courtesy of bbc.co.uk/football

Scotland-Wales

Welcome once more, and Six Nations weekend continues with Scotland hosting the Grand Slam champions of Wales at Murrayfield. Through the ups (Ireland’s performance), the downs (England’s performance), and the damn right ridiculous (Bergamasco’s performance) – yesterdays games had it all. More of the same please!

Some breaking team news sees Wales losing their inspirational captain Ryan Jones. He’s replaced Dafydd Jones, with Martyn Williams leading the team. For Scotland, they line up with an attacking looking back division led by stand-off – Phil Godman.

Wales undoubtedly will start this game as favourites, but don’t write the Scots off just yet. A few people in the know have tipped them as the potential dark horse of this championship. It should be a cracker. Time for the anthems, and then we’re off.

1 min. Scotland to kick off. An early victory for the Scottish pack, pushing their counterparts back despite conceding weight in the pack. A bit surprising that, but can they keep it up for the whole 80 minutes?

4 mins. Scrappy start from both teams. But the Welsh back line spurts into action with only a knock-on and some desperate defence keeping the scores level. The Reds already looking pretty dangerous with ball in hand.

6 mins. Great run back from Lee Byrne for the Welsh. He slices through the defence like a hot through butter. Only some indiscipline saves the Scots as the Welsh are penalised for not releasing the ball.

10 mins. No score yet, but Wales are looking like a well-oiled machine. A huge hit by Webster stalls that attack, but he’s that hurt. Sickening clash of heads, yet these rugby boys are tough, and he’s not down for long. How long can the Scots hold out?

12 mins. Not for long is the answer. Huge pressure on the Scots scrum sees them giving away a penalty shot in font of the sticks. Stephen Jones chips it through easily. Scotland 0 – Wales 3.
15 mins. The first roar from the Murrayfield faithful. First good turnover ball sees the forwards trundling on, then Southall breaks through the defence with a searing break, but it comes to nothing. Wales only conceded two tries in last season’s championship, and they seem as meagre again this year.

18 mins. I think the Scots have been studying the tape of Marco Bergamasco yesterday. Southall loops a 20-metre pass straight into touch, and throws away good attacking position. Dear oh dear.



20 mins. What was Jeff Cross thinking? The Scottish prop marks his debut with a yellow card, stupidly taking Lee Byrne out in the air. He’s stretchered off, looking in a bad way. When play does continue it’ll be 15 against 14. The inevitable substitution will have to wait for 10 minutes. Webster also pays for his heroic defence earlier. He’s been throwing up on the pitch, and can’t continue, Chris Paterson enters the fray.

22 mins. TRY WALES. Quick ball gives the Welsh back-line a chance to showcase their skills. And they need no second invitation, good work and great hands from Shane Williams and Lee Byrne sees Tom Shanklin in support to dive over. Richly deserved to be honest. Jones misses the extras. Scotland 0 – Wales 8.

27 mins. Wales are sensing blood, and going in for the kill. Instead of a kick for goal, they kick deep into enemy territory as they go in search of try number two.

28 mins. TRY WALES. The Welsh pack shoves the Scots off the ball with ease deep in the Scots 22. Stephen Jones is held just short, but Alan Wyn-Jones is backing up to touch down despite the attention of two defenders. Jones seems to have left his kicking boots down in the valleys, as he misses an easy conversion. Scotland 0 – Wales 13.

31 mins. Penalty opportunity to Scotland, and finally a chance to get on the scoreboard. It’s Mr Reliable Chris Paterson, and he never looked like missing, drilling the ball through from 35-metres. Scotland 3 – Wales 13.

34 mins. Put this in the diary, as it’s such a rarity - a mistake by Lee Byrne. He’s been majestic so far, in attack and defence, but he’s just turned possession over kicking directly into touch there.

37 mins. Good pressure Scotland who do everything but score. Great moves from Paterson see him stopped centimetres short with the ball held up over the line. Attacking 5-metre scrum to Scots, but it comes to nothing, as the Welsh scrum muscles up and drives them back to clear their lines. Missed opportunity that.

40 mins. Silly play from the Scottish forward with hands in the rack, gives Jones a opportunity that he gratefully accepts right on the half time whistle. HALF TIME Scotland 3 – Wales 16.

So far, so good for the Grand Slam Champions. Amazingly enough, Scotland have had the lions’ share of the ball, yet Wales have been dominat. It’s the attack potency of their Welsh back-line, and their dominant pack that is proving to be the difference. Still, Scotland aen’t out this game, and if the Paterson had slightly longer arms, they would have gone in at half time level. The first score in the second half could be vital, if the Welsh get it, expect them to win it by some distance.
41 mins. TRY WALES. Great score by the Welsh right at the beginning of the half. Jamie Roberts barrels through the distance to create the chance. Super Shane flicks it out the back of his hands, and Halfpenny dives over in the corner. Brilliant stuff. The video ref has a look, but I think it’s more in admiration that anything else, it’s a try all end up. Jones misses the extras, again, and he’s the only reason this game hasn’t been put to bed already. Scotland 3- Wales 21.

43 mins. Who can stop the Welsh dragon on this form? Relentless pressure, quick ball, and Harlem Globetrotters-like passing by Shane Williams again, sees them come close again. Although you can bet your bottom dollar that Martin Johnson isn’t sitting too comfortably watching this.

47 mins. Good break by the Scots, but a better tap-tackle brings that to an end. The Scots are huffing and puffing but just don’t carry much of a attacking threat. The Red cover defence comfortably dealing with everything that is thrown at that so far.

51 mins. It seems Chris Paterson has a point to prove today after starting off the bench. Another slicing run sees Wales concede a penalty in front of their own posts. Easy kick that for Paterson, as the Scots get some reward for a decent few minutes. Scotland 6 – Wales 21.

55 mins. The Scots try and mix it up with a few chances. It may work, but what they really need first to do is control the ball better on attack. Everything time they look dangerous they seem to knock-on, or give a penalty away.

58 mins. It must be, and it is. TRY WALES. Initial break by Roberts again puts Wales on the offence deep in the Scottish 22. The ball is recycled through the phases, and Super Shane pops up to crash over the line from close range. Too easy that for the Welsh. Jones, misses, needless to say. Scotland 6 – Wales 26.

60 mins. Your job is done Mike Philips, take a break. Philips takes a deserved break, having completely outplayed Lions’ rival Mike Blair at scrum half. Wales switch kickers for a penalty attempt, but Halfpenny proves as wayward as Jones, missing to the right.

62 mins. Further chances to the Welsh team with mass chances to the team. The game is so open now, expect more tries, and more likely to the team playing in red.

65 mins. Williams blots his copybook with a yellow card for a deliberate knock down from a quick Godman break. I think that’s the first time I’ve mentioned Godman, pretty much sums up the Scottish performance. Can the Scots make the extra man count, and restore some pride to their game?

69 mins. Yes they can! TRY SCOTLND. Sub Max Evans gets on the outside of Williams, steps inside Byrne and crosses for a try. Good effort that, taking on and beating two great players there. Paterson proves as deadly as normal with the conversion. Game on? One more try and it certainly is. Scotland 13 – Wales 26.

73 mins. They’re giving it a good. Wales seems to have stepped off the gas a bit, and it’s the blue team marching forward. A great Godman offload, sees Cusister breaking into the final third of the field with only a knock-on being the undoing of that move.

75 mins. Martyn Williams returns after his enforced break, and boy, do Wales need him. It’s all Scotland, with Max Evans at the forefront again. Stout defence keeping them at bay.

77 mins. Something for the video ref to get his teeth into. Paterson just failing to get downward pressure on a little grubbered kick through, knocking on in the process. That could have made the last few minutes interesting.

FULL TIME. Scotland 13 – Wales 26. The final whistle sounds with Scotland in the ascendancy, but just failing to get another try. Still, they’ll take great heart from their performance in the past 20 minutes, admittedly Wales had won the game by then and switched off a bit.

So it’s a great start for the Welsh in their bid to go for back-to-back Slams. In the first 60 minutes they looked a very good team, and have laid a marker down for the rest of the teams. They had match winners all over the pitch, with Roberts, Byrne and Philips really standing out today. For the Scots, they’ll be pleased with how they ended the game, but will need to address some serious issues before heading to Paris next weekend. Not least their inability to consistently cross the gain line proving a huge handicap.

Picture credits: www.zimbio.com, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Everton - Liverpool

Welcome once more to tonight's live text commentary. It’s probably cold and snowy wherever you are, but tonight I’ve got something to warm the cockles of your heart – a spicy Merseyside derby. Yep, it’s Everton v Liverpool, take three (the third meeting in 16 days.) So far we’ve had two 1-1 draws, but tonight it’s a fight to the finish, we need a winner whatever it takes – extra time, penalty kicks or even more favourable referring decision to Liverpool!

Team news for tonight sees the Toffee’s sticking with the team that narrowly lost at Old Trafford, and Rafa unsurprisingly making changes to his team that took care of Chelsea – Dossena and Lucas in for Aurelia and Mascherano.

The last time these teams met at Goodison in a FA Cup reply it finished 4-4. I’d settle for that tonight, but with both teams fielding a lone striker, we may be dreaming. In Everton case, with injuries, it’s not even a lone striker, more like lone midfielder in Tim Cahill.

1 min – And we’re off. Full house, cracking atmosphere, let’s just hope the game can match it.

3 mins – Quiet start on the pitch, but not in the stands. Seems like Fellaini is playing high up the pitch, and almost like a second striker. First derby-day tackle with Osman welcoming Dossena back to the first-team. Referee Wiley shows his wile, and correctly keeps his card in his pockets.

5 mins – Fernando Torres in acres of space on the right wins the first corner. The ball eventually ending up with Xavi Alonso 25-yards out, who hits one well, but fizzes it just wide.

9 mins – Liverpool have definitely settled the better of the two teams. The Toffees stuck in their own half by some crisp, snappy passing. Kuyt especially looking lively – not something you often hear!

13 mins – Reina touchs the ball from a back-pass, and warms himself up.


16 mins – Huge blow for Liverpool. Gerrard replaced by Benayoun, with their captain fantastic holding his leg. The Everton crowd react like they’ve just won the league and the cup, with the noise level going up another decibel.

18 mins – I couldn’t believe Fellaini had made it so long without committing a foul, but he has now. Also can’t believe we’ve gone so long without mentioning his hair. Cahill leads with a flailing elbow on Carragher, and sees yellow for his troubles.

21 mins – Torres lucky to escape a booking with a cheap-shot tackle on Lescott. Sums up the game so far, very stop-start and pretty niggly. Apart from Alonso’s earlier shot, there’s been nothing resembling danger to either keeper.

25 mins – Leon Osman with a chance, but in his defence it wasn’t even a half chance. As the ball dropped over his shoulder, he caught the volley well but only sent it harmlessly over. Still it was a shot.

28 mins – Almighty scramble in the Liverpool box - the ball just not falling for Cahill. The ball breaks lose and Baines is bought down right on the edge of the box out wide. Free kick is wasted as Arteta hits it straight into the wall.

32 mins – Goalless and chanceless, and not a game for the purists. But if you like good old-fashioned ‘British’ football played with passion, this is the game for you.

35 mins – That’s something we don’t see everyday. We all know Arteta’s quality on the ball, but he’s just chased Dossena back 30-yards to shrug him off the ball and end a red breakaway. As much as that would please David Moyes, he’d want to see Arteta creating havoc higher up the pitch.

40 mins – Apparently Dossena is Italy’s first choice left back. You wouldn’t know that after his attempt to cross there. He had all night and could only put the ball high behind Howard’s goal. Poor!

42 mins – Pienaar crosses the line between commitment and going over-the-top. Deserved yellow for a nasty looking stamp. No complaints there, he was so far across the line, he couldn’t even see it.

HALF-TIME EVERTON 0 LIVERPOOL 0
It’s not exactly a great game. A whole lot of huff and puff, but not much class. The ball is pin balling around the pitch with both defences well on top. At a push, I’d say the reds playing the slightly better football, but I think that’s being generous. In such a game, it goes with stating the obvious, but the first goal could be absolutely crucial. Not that I can see where a goal is going to come from. Don’t think we’re getting that 4-4 here. Maybe on penalty kicks... I wonder if Rafa is regretting his decision to let Robbie Keane leave now?

46 mins – Everton begin the second half. Let’s hope for something better than what both teams served up in the first 45.

47 mins – First piece of action sees Neville earning himself a yellow with a late tackle on Alonso. What is it about Xavi Alonso? Does everyone hate him, or something? He’s always on the receiving ends of these tackles at the moment.

49 mins – Alan Wiley evens up the card count in the second half, with a yellow for Lucas.

50 mins – Jagielka for England sing the Everton faithful, as their own big Phil comfortably beats Torres to the ball.

52 mins – Fellaini and his Jackson 5 hair-do leaves the field to be replaced by 19-year old Dan Gosling. Not one of Fellaini’s better games – he just couldn’t get to grips with the speed of this derby.

55 mins – It’s the blues now showing more composure on the ball this half, but still yet to work Reina. This game needs a goal and fast… The crowd are doing their bit, and both sets of fans still in great voice. They’ll be hoarse in the morning, especially if this goes into extra time.

59 mins – 17-year old Jack Rodwell replaces Pienaar. Moyes showing great faith in his band of youngsters. But will they want a spot kick should it come to it at the end of the night?

60 mins – Alonso releases Reira in the box, and Howard is out his goal quickly to smother. Finally, a save! The ball going out for a corner. Wasteful delivery by Alonso – not for the first time tonight. The game finally opening up, and space appearing.

65 mins – Finally this game seems to be coming to life. The passion is still there, but there’s also some class slowly rearing its head. Not from Dossena though – his crossing still leaving a lot to be desired. How poor must Italy be if this guy starts for them?

68 mins – The reds working up something like a head of steam. First a Torres shot is blocked by the excellent Jagielka, then Kuyt loops a header from the edge of the box into Howard’s hands.

70 mins – That was the chance Everton have been looking for. A Cahill lay off releases Osman in the box. His shot beats Reina but not the post. He should have really scored there. Liverpool breath a sigh of relief, while Arteta picks up another booking for a late challenge. This is more like it.

74 mins – Torres may look like he’s carrying a injury, but take nothing away from Jagielka, he could well be playing himself into Capello’s England squad for next week.

75 mins – RED CARD – LUCAS. Liverpool down to 10-men as Lescott is bought down by a flying Lucas for his second booking. Ref Wiley not having a choice but to send the Brazilian for an early bath. Can Everton make their numerical advantage count?

79 mins – Benitez looking for extra time, me thinks. He replaces the disappointing Reira, with Javier Mascherano as he tries to quell the blue tide that is threatening to over-run his team.

83 mins – Everton cranking up the heat. A decent Arteta corner causing panic in the Liverpool box, and young Rodwell blasting his shot into orbit.

85 mins – Good cross by Rodwell but only one blue shirt in the box. Unsurprisingly, a red shirt gets to the ball first.

89 mins – Alonso sees yellow for a body check on a raiding Tony Hibbert. Arteta, normally deadly from dead ball, clips a cross straight down Reina throat. Wasteful, especially when you think Everton’s goals in the previous games came from dead-ball situation.

90 mins + 1 – Liverpool with successive corners – both well dealt with by the Everton defence.

90 + 4 mins – Everton force a corner in the last minute of added time. Desperate defending by Liverpool as they battle towards the final whistle. And there it is..

FULL TIME EVERTON 0 – LIVERPOOL 0

Extra time beckons. Another 30 minutes that neither manager would have wanted. Everton have the numbers so must start as favourites for the extra half an hour. But with chances at a premium can Liverpool nick a goal, or will they play for the lottery of the penalty kicks?

92 mins – Great work by Leighton Baines down the left, with Cahill stretching but just failing to connect with his cross. Good start by Everton in this extra period. Baines particularly seems to be playing in a very advanced position this half.

94 mins – Osman turns on a six pence in the area, but his shot lacks power, and Reina flops down easily on it. Still Everton looking the more likely.

96 mins – Great double save by Pepe Reina. First he denies Osman and as the ball rolls lose he smothers at the feet of Gosling. From the ensuing corner, Cahill glances one marginally wide. Can Liverpool hold out for another 25 minutes?

100 mins – Torres has run his race for tonight, replaced by Ryan Babel for the closing moments. Can he provide the spark for the reds? Well, he wins a corner with his first touch, but Kuyt can only help it harmlessly through to Tim Howard.

104 mins – Arteta with a chance to showcase his freekick skills. The ball deflects over a 2-man wall, and deflects just wide. That could have gone anywhere! Liverpool stand strong from the corner.

HALF TIME EXTRA TIME. STILL 0-0.
Everton with all the numbers, the possession but not yet the breakthrough. Liverpool defending for their lives, and so far it’s so good for them. Penalties only 15 minutes, and counting… Will they be needed?

106 mins – David Moyes with his last throw of the dice. Van Der Mayde replacing captain Neville. Van Der Mayde has never really hit the highs at Goodison. What bigger place than right here, right now as Fat Boy Slim would say?

110 mins – Babel leads a rare red attack into enemy quarters. He’s up against five blue shirts, but manages to win his team a freekick. Alonso wastes it – again!

112 mins – Earlier Roswell had a chance, this time it was Gosling. 20-yards out, he hits it well enough, but again, good position by Reina makes for an easy save. Wiley brandishes his umpteenth yellow card or the night, this time to Tony Hibbert for a late challenge on? Yep, you’ve guessed it Xavi Alonso! He must be black and blue after every game at the moment.

115 mins – Again successive Liverpool corner. Finally Alonso gets his delivery right, but to no avail. He does manage to waste valuable seconds as he takes one from the right, then slowy trots over to take the other from the other side. An experienced pro, Alonso.

117 mins – Van Der Mayde touchs the ball for the first time, and is unceremoniously dumped to the floor by fellow Dutch man Kuyt.

118 mins – Would you adam and eve it? GOAL EVERTON. A Van Der Mayde cross falls at the feet of Dan Gosling in the area. He shows unbelievable composure to get the ball onto his right foot, and curl one past Reina with a slight deflection of Martin Skretal. Surely the winning goal. Everton 1 – Liverpool 0.

FULL TIME EVERTON 1 LIVERPOOL 0
It’s the blue half of Liverpool celebrating tonight. Referee Alan Wiley blows his whistle and the stadium erupts. Everton earning a deserved victory over their bitter rivals, with a touch of class in a game that quite frankly lacked quality. Liverpool badly missed Robbie Keane. Oops, Freudian slip. Liverpool desperately missed the inspirational Gerrard, and were badly let down by Lucas’s needless dismissal. Still, Everton don’t care for that, it’s a famous night, a and famous victory.

Picture credits: Skysports.com

Wales - Australia

Good afternoon ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, and welcome to the Millennium Stadium. What a cracking afternoon we’ve got lined up for it. It’s the Grand Slam champions, Wales, up against the might of Australia. Can Wales write yet another chapter in their glorious rugby history? Wales are led as always by Ryan Jones – one of five Jones’ in their starting line up. Talk about commentator’s nightmare! Jones to Jones, with Jones on the inside, to Jones on the over-lap! For good measure, there are two more of the Jones boys on the sideline.

1 min. Australia to kick off with Giteau, and we’re off. Oops….A school boy error from fullback Ashley-Cooper taking his eye off the ball, gives Wales giving a good attacking scrum on the half way line. Poor start that for the Wallabies.

2 min. Wales show their intention to attack from the off, with the ball spun wide from the scrum, but kill the ball at the breakdown giving away a cheap penalty. Big news and a huge blow for the Wallabies. Captain Stirling Mortlock is taken from the field feeling his shoulder after a huge hit in midfield. He’s not coming back, and they’ll miss their influential leader. It’s already looking like a battle field, with two red shirts down also.

4 mins. Try time Wales. What a superb start. And it’s that wing wizard Shane Williams. Super Shane starts the move with a break in his own half, superbly backed up by Lee Byrne at fullback. The ball comes wide from the break down and Shane scoops the ball off the turf to touch down in the corner. They’ll be singing in the valleys after that one. Stephen Jones misses the conversion. Wales 5 – Australia 0.
7 mins. It’s all Wales, as they take the fight to the Wallabies. The ball is going through hands, and the three quarters are licking their lips at the prospect of my opportunities. They’ll have to wait a little longer though, as Wales give a penalty away for going off their feet. The Wallabies can breath… for the time being.

10 mins. Possession 80%-20% to the Welsh dragons and they’re breathing fire. Australia have barely been out their own half.

12 mins. Take that Phil Waugh. Welsh No. 8 Andy Powell runs straight through the open side flanker attempted tackle as Wales press hard for another score. Waugh shouldn’t feel bad. I don’t think a wall would have stopped that run from Powell. This is fantastic stuff from the Grand Slam champions.

13 mins. The commentators’ curse strikes. It’s the easiest try you’ll ever see from the Aussie lock forward Chisholm. Rees misses his jumper in the lineout and the ball falls nicely for the big forward to stroll unopposed to the Welsh line from 60 metres. The Welsh had left no-one at home, with Byrne joining the line in expectation of red ball in the line up. Not even Shane Edwards’ famed slide defence could stop that. Giteau with the easy conversion and amazingly, it’s Wales 5 – Australia 7. Undeserved but there you go. How will Wales react?

17 mins. Not very well is the answer. Buoyed but their try, the Aussies are putting some phases together now, with only a knock on deep in Welsh territory halting that attack. It’s the turn of a very decent Aussies smattering in the crowd (accompanied by the obligatory blow-up kangaroos) that are making themselves heard now. Gatland and Edwards faces are a picture high in the stands. They look truly dumb-founded, probably wondering how they’re behind after their opening 10 minutes.

20 mins. It’s fast and furious, with both sides looking to attack at every opportunity. The Millenium faithful are being served up with a real treat today. The Aussies continue to be found down (under) on the wrong side of the ball, giving Wales great attacking position.

22 mins. The groans go up around the Welsh faithful, as for the third time Welsh indiscipline throws away great attacking position. Great play prior to that by the Welsh pack, the pick and drive gaining valuable yards.

24 mins. Drop goal Matt Giteau. Slow ball coming back on the Aussie side gives Giteau the drop goal opportunity, which he easily slots from 30 yards. Wales 5 – Australia 10.

27 mins. Yellow card. Take a breather Stephen Moore. The Wallaby hooker is given 10 minutes in the bin for killing for the ball with Wales looking dangerous. Good decision ref, the Welsh had the numbers over and a try looked a dead cert. Stephen Jones finds his kicking boots. Wales 8 – Australia 10.

29 mins. Welsh hands in the ruck giving Giteau a penalty opportunity from 40 minutes… Which he misses pushing to the left. Wales off the hook.

31 mins. The sin bin looks costly now as Ospreys Lee Byrne picks a great line, takes a short ball from super Shane in midfield and strides over for a cracking try. Is Byrne the best fullback in Europe, and a shoe in for the Lions? On this form, it’s a definite yes. Jones converts from in front of the sticks. Wales 15 – Australia 10. Game on…

35 mins. Great snipping from the base of a Welsh lineout sees Gareth Cooper bursting towards the Aussie line. He looks left with Martyn Williams in support and a run for the line. But no, the pass doesn’t go to hand, and Williams knocks on. Big opportunity that.

40 mins. HALF TIME. WALES 15 AUSTRALIA 10, and what a half of rugby. The half ends as we started with the Welsh in the ascendancy. Only great Aussie defence keeps their line intact. Take a breath; put the kettle on, we go again in 15 minutes.

The Welsh have seen more ball, but so far indiscipline has cost them dearly, as they’ve thrown away great field position. I can hardly wait for the second forty. If the Welsh cut out these errors, I’m putting my head on the line and saying a narrow victory….

Maybe its wrong to single out players after such an entertaining half, but I’ll do it anyway. Star turns today coming from Lee Byrne, and Andy Powell. Powell particularly is having a field day, and turned himself into something of a human battering ram.

Picture Credits: Rugbyheaven.com, Skysports.com