Mamadou Sakho scored and claimed another as France reached the World Cup finals in Brazil after a 3-0 win over Ukraine on Wednesday night. The Liverpool centre-back was recalled to the starting XI after the first leg 2-0 defeat, and produced an inspirational display. Liverpools No.17 netted the opening goal from a well worked set piece and Real Madrids Karim Benzema made it 2-0. Sakho then claimed the decisive third goal when he appeared to get the final touch and deflect a cross come shot into the bottom corner of the net to book the trip to the World Cup finals and spark wild scenes in Paris. Some reports claim it was Ukraine defender Gusev got the final touch but Sakho claimed it. Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson all featured as England lost 1-0 to Germany at Wembley. It was a proud night for Gerrard as he equalled 1966 winning World Cup captain Bobby Moores tally of 108 England caps. The skipper, who went close to scoring with a rasping drive that went just over the bar, played for 55 minutes before making way for Anfield teammate Jordan Henderson. Daniel Sturridge led the attack for Roy Hodgsons side and played the full game while Glen Johnson was an unused substitute. There was disappointment for Simon Mignolet who played the full 90 minutes as Belgium lost 3-2 at home to Japan. On-loan Pepe Reina appeared as a late substitute for Spain during their 1-0 defeat in South Africa. After replacing Iker Cassilas at half-time Victor Valdes picked up a knock and Reina replaced him in the 81st minute. Martin Skrtels Slovakia were held to a goalless draw away to a Gibraltar side making their European debut.
Posted on: Tue, 19 Nov 2013 22:06:13 +0000
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