Page 19 - ARUBA TODAY

A19
SPORTS Tuesday 19 June 2018

Late header from Kane gives England 2-1 win over Tunisia

By ROB HARRIS post after breaking past
AP Global Soccer Writer goalkeeper Farouk Ben
VOLGOGRAD, Russia (AP) Mustapha.
— Twice wrestled to the "The pleasing thing was the
ground during the match, movement, the pace, the
England captain Harry interchange," Southgate
Kane finally evaded the said. "The control from the
Tunisian defense just as back with the ball."
time was running out. STATISTICS
Kane found an open area However hard it was to
of space at the far post break through, the English
and used his head to meet attack achieved its most
Harry Maguire's flick-on, shots on target in the first
scoring the winning goal half at a World Cup since
Monday in a 2-1 victory at 1966 — the only time the
the World Cup. team won the trophy.
It was relief for Kane and For Kane, wearing the
Gareth Southgate, who captain's armband is only
leapt into the air in delight making him more prolific.
as his World Cup debut as a He now has eight goals in
coach got off to a winning six games as captain.
start. INJURY WATCH
"The best teams in the world Tunisia was forced into an
keep that belief in what early goalkeeping change.
they're doing," Southgate Mouez Hassen was caught
said, "and in the end they by Lingard in the fifth
break the opposition minute but remained on
down." the field and even pulled
England shouldn't have off a fine save — clawing
found it so tough in its away Stones' header from
Group G opener against Ashley Young's corner —
such opposition. Not after before Kane scored.
Kane got England off to a Hassen, though, was forced
perfect start with an 11th- England's Harry Kane scores his side's 2nd goal against Tunisia during a group G match at the off in the 15th and replaced
2018 soccer World Cup in the Volgograd Arena in Volgograd, Russia, Monday, June 18, 2018.
minute tap in. But after Kyle Associated Press by Ben Mustapha.
Walker softly conceded a GROUP DYNAMICS
penalty that Ferjani Sassi since then. For all When Walker's flailing arm I'm absolutely buzzing." England and Belgium are
converted in the 35th, the placidness and caught Fakhreddine Ben NEAR MISSES the early front-runners as
many of the fouls went togetherness within the Youssef, a penalty was England seemed destined expected.
against England. group, Southgate has awarded and Sassi slotted for a familiar hard-luck story But while England passed
"Maybe there was a bit of added persistence and it in to equalize. — dominance with little to the sterner test, Belgium
justice at the end," Kane doggedness. England's players later show for it. had the most comfortable
said. "It shows the work we have thought they deserved the Before Kane's opener, Jesse start in its 3-0 victory over
Finally, Kane showcased on put in these last few weeks," same verdict when Kane Lingard had a shot saved Panama.
the international stage the Walker said. "Togetherness was grappled to the ground on the line before setting England will hope the World
predatory instinct in front and believing in ourselves." twice by Tunisians on either up Raheem Sterling, who Cup newcomers roll over
of goal that has served At the last World Cup, side of the halftime break. fluffed his chance while as easily when they meet
Tottenham so well. Only two England couldn't even win Both times, the referee staring at an unprotected on Sunday.
years ago, the striker failed a game. Low expectations decided against punishing part of the net. BUGGING
to find the net at the 2016 for this year's overhauled the culprits. Chances to regain The late priority in the
European Championship, team were dispelled Despite it all, Kane the advantage were warm-up for England was
which ended in humiliation early in Russia when Kane remained patient and squandered. When Dele needing insect repellent.
with a loss to Iceland in the reacted quickly to score delivered in the first minute Alli's header was turned Mosquitoes and little bugs
last 16. after John Stones' header of stoppage time. onto the crossbar, Stones have been swarming
The team has been was saved. But England "You go until the last messed up the follow-up. across the city, creating an
transformed by Southgate struggled to finish it off. second," Kane said, "and Lingard later hit the annoyance for players.q