England V Croatia preview
By Carly Goodwill
September 9 2009
England will look to secure their place at the World Cup tonight when they take on Croatia at Wembley. Fabio Capello’s side currently have a perfect record in World Cup Qualification with seven wins from seven and another victory over Croatia would guarantee the Three Lions’ place in South Africa next summer.
Less than two years ago, England found themselves up against the same opposition playing for a birth into the European Championships 2008. A win would have sealed the deal for England, but instead, Croatia came to England and left 3-2 winners, ending England’s journey before it could even get started.This time, England will have the comfort of knowing that a loss against Croatia would not seriously damage their ambitions of reaching South Africa as Capello’s men enter the match with the maximum 21 points from seven matches played. England also boast a phenomenal goal difference of 26-4 from the seven matches. Croatia are on 17 points after eight games played but feeling the heat from the Ukraine who are on 14 points with a game in hand.Croatia are currently ranked ninth in the FIFA World Rankings with England being seventh. This is the second consecutive qualifying section the two countries have been drawn in and the match at Wembley will be the seventh meeting overall.England currently hold the historical edge with three wins to Croatia’s two, but the Croats have won two of the last three, including home and away wins over Steve McClaren’s England in Euro 2008 qualifying.England’s overall record vs. CroatiaP6 W3 D1 L2 F13 A9England’s record vs. Croatia at home
P3 W1 D1 L1 F5 A4
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
The Lords My Shepherd.
The future is bright. The future is Stripes.
www.wbabaggies.co.uk