Sunday, September 16, 2007

England Women v Argentina

Chengdu Sports Center Stadium
Monday, 17 September
Kick-off: 1300 BST
Live on BBC TWO/online from 1250 BST, Commentary on Radio 5live sports extra from 1255 BST.

England will reach the quarter-finals of the Women's World Cup if they beat Argentina by two clear goals on Monday.

Winger Rachel Yankey and striker Eni Aluko are poised to make a return to the starting line-up after missing Friday's goalless draw against Germany.

Any win on Monday will be enough for England unless Japan draw with Germany in the other Group A encounter.

If England win by one goal and Germany are held then Hope Powell's team will be level on points with Japan.

England and Japan, who drew 2-2, would also have the same goal difference, with goals scored, then disciplinary record, the deciding factor.

After their draw with Japan, England held group leaders Germany to a very creditable goalless draw.

England's draw was the first time Germany have failed to score at a match at the Women's World Cup since the 1995 final - a total of 12 matches.

Argentina lost 11-0 in their opening game against Germany but showed a marked improvement in conceding a last-minute goal to lose 1-0 to Japan.

England star Kelly Smith said Argentina will be smarting from their defeats.

"They've learned from that (Germany defeat) and they shut up shop and lost only narrowly to Japan," Smith said.

"I've not seen them attack, but to take Japan to the final minute showed it will not be an easy game when we play them."

Source: BBC Sport

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