All reports are courtesy: The FA Official Web Site


No joy for England

Wednesday, 30 January 2008

Indonesia 7-2 England
KL World 5's
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Wednesday 30 January 2008

England’s hopes of securing their first victory of the competition at the KL World 5’s were hit on Wednesday, when they finished on the wrong end of a 7-2 scoreline against Indonesia at the Stadium Negara in Kuala Lumpur.

After a 12-1 reverse in the opening game against Argentina on Tuesday, Graeme Dell’s team were hoping for better fortune in their second game and they almost took the lead through Ashley Allanson in the early stages.

It wasn’t to be, though, and Indonesia took a three-goal lead with the impressive Jailani Ladjanibi netting the first two before Sukma Nagara made it 3-0.

England hit back in the second half with an improved performance and captain Richard Follet reduced the arrears with a rebound shot.

However, Indonesia hit back and notched up another four goals to take a 7-1 lead into the final minutes.

But England restored some pride when Alex Sykes netted in the last minute to complete the scoring - but it wasn’t enough to please the Head Coach.

“I am disappointed obviously with how things have turned out,” said Dell.

“More importantly, the players know that they could have done a lot better than what they showed today.”

England’s next game is on Thursday, when they meet Australia.




Mistakes cost England

By Dermot Collins in Kuala Lumpur

Thursday, 31 January 2008


Australia 6-1 England
KL World 5's
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Thursday 31 January 2008

England couldn’t find the winning formula in their penultimate game in the KL World 5’s competition in Malaysia on Thursday.

Playing in the last slot of the day, at 9pm local time, Graeme Dell’s team faced Australia at the Stadium Negara.

Australia, who had already beaten Malaysia by 7-1 in the morning game, knew that a win against England would set them up with a final game against Argentina to decide who finishes top of Group A.

They were quickly out of the traps too and netted all of their six goals in the first half of the game although Dell will be disappointed with the manner of how they were conceded with at least five coming through individual mistakes.

England’s solitary goal came from Alex Sykes in the 11th minute, his second goal of the tournament.

The second half saw a much more resolute display for Dell's charges and greatly improved defending shut down Australia's attack.

No further goals were conceded and at the other end, England fashioned a number of chances - Nick Colley of Worcester City going close on a number of occasions.

England will now play Malaysia tomorrow at 3pm (local time).




England halted by hosts

Friday, 01 February 2008


Malaysia 6-2 England
KL World 5's
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Friday 1 February 2008

England’s final group game in Kuala Lumpur ended in disappointment, as hosts Malaysia ran out as 6-2 winners at the Stadium Negara.

The result means that the Three Lions will now take on China in Sunday’s final game, after they finished in the same position in Group B.

Graeme Dell’s side fell behind to a tenth minute goal, but hit back almost immediately through Alex Sykes’ ferocious shot, to register his third goal of the competition.

Malaysia soon restored their lead though, with two quick fire goals making it 3-1 at the half-time break.

Two more goals in fast succession five minutes made it 5-1 to the home side before they completed their scoring with five minutes to go.

England did manage to reduce the arrears though, when Marc Canham struck home, also in the 35th minute.

"We came to KL with our eyes wide open,” admitted Dell, after the game.

“We knew it was going to be difficult and we certainly did not expect to win all four matches we played in our group.

"But we have learnt a lot from this trip and hopefully we will take the lesson learnt to improve our game.

“Of course our reputation as a footballing nation has taken a beating here but then again as I said, we are on a learning curve.

"The difference in standard between us and the rest, including Malaysia, shows that we are still new in the game and Malaysia are probably much better than us."





Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com