Match Report
Wednesday 6 June 2007
On the bench for Tallinn
No ticket, so reduced to the armchair for England's game in Tallinn. The visiting allocation was only 1,140 for this game and with 34 caps needed as a guaranteed ticket I fell a long way short on 27. Tried both the second ballot and the reserve list but no ticket was forthcoming and the television had to be settled for. England played well enough to overcome a Estonian side that have no points and no goals in the group and thankfully there was no repeat of the over-the-top reaction of some England supporters in Barcelona. Beckham was once again to the fore and despite playing the second half on a twisted ankle set up goals for Crouch and Owen (welcome back, Michael) to add to Joe Cole's first half opener. My good friend, John Gilmour was our man in Tallinn and hopefully he will add a comment and a picture.
Match Report
Match Report
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Arrived in Tallinn at lunchtime on the day of the match, glorious weather - sunny and high 70s.Only 10 minutes to Tallinn centre which was filled with many England fans \ flags as is commonplace on travels abroad.
Collected match ticket from local hotel organised by the FA. Atmosphere in the town was good.
Arrived at the stadium 2 hours before kick off - surprised to find a club shop and match day stall selling the usual licenced merchandise but unable to get a programme. There were a few free programmes which appear to have been for the VIPs - someone should tell these countries they would make a financial killing selling programmes.
Getting in the stadium was easy - bag search easy -minimal police presence. England fans seated in the 2 lower tiers behind one of the goals ( uncovered), very close to the pitch with a few groups dotted about with the Estonian supporters. Keepers warmed up in front of us. Ray Clemence was panting for breath, either unfit or unwell whilst putting Robbo through his paces. Both National anthems respected. Good atmosphere -no slagging off of players or management.Pitch was better than expected.
Beckham was excellent. numerous good crosses and high workrate off the ball - in addition he was carrying an ankle injury for the last 20 minutes of the first half.Goal came at a good time.
Midfield played better. Owen needed the goal and Crouch won virtually everything in the air - just one moment of madness when he needlessly got booked. Terry was excellent at the back. In the second half you could see him marshalling the defence from behind the goal. Estonia were poor going forward although their fans kept going to the end.I thought the referee had a good game.
Allowed out immediately after the game. Back at Mnachester 2.45am.
Very impressed with the Estonian women -
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