England (7) v (5) Italy
England got off to a fine start in the secondary group stage of the 2008 Homeless World Cup with a hard fought 7-5 win over Italy
England (7) v (5) Italy
By Sebastian James
ENGLAND got off to a fine start in the secondary group stage of the 2008 Homeless World Cup with a hard fought 7-5 win over Italy.
Dominic Holver continued his prolific scoring after only two minutes with a shot on the turn that the Italian goalkeeper, Bangali Dimande was unable to save.
The goal seemed to spur the Italians into action. They stepped up the pressure and were able to score two quick goals, both from the boot of Maximillano Leotta.
Italy's slender lead vanished swiftly though, with England able to score two goals before the end of the first half.
Italy equalised with nearly the last kick of the half thanks to a penalty that Leotta was able to convert.
The English came out after the break inspired and proceeded to score four goals without reply.
Holver scored his third and fourth of the match, both coming from acute angles that sneaked past the goalkeeper's gloves and into the goal.
Italy never gave up, and late in the second half were able to pull back England’s lead to only two goals when Anderson Nascimento scored his first goal of the match with a powerful drive from the top of the penalty area.
Photos: Photoworx