Sunday, May 3, 1998 Published at 17:59 GMT 18:59 UK

Results and Reports

England 0 Chile 2 (February 11)

Glen Hoddle comments on Englands performance [1'21'']

Chile dented England's World Cup warm-up plans with a shock 2-0 win at Wembley.

Chilean superstar Marcelo Salas scored both goals - the first a beautifully taken volley, the second a penalty after he was tripped by Sol Campbell.

Salas masterclass 1: keep your eye on the ball

Salas, who had been a transfer target for Manchester United, eclipsed Liverpool's Michael Owen, who was making his debut as England's youngest player this century.

The South Americans, who have also qualified for the World Cup in France, seemed hungrier and outplayed the home side.

The England coach, Glenn Hoddle, said: "Right from the first whistle I felt we weren't really on our toes as we have been since I took over. We didn't approach the game in the manner that perhaps we wanted.

"On the night Chile deserved to win the game. They passed the ball well and had better movement than us."

... control the ball with your thigh ...

However, Hoddle said the England side had been experimental and the game had yielded some positive results - including the performance of Owen.

Owen, one of England's better players on the night and voted man of the match by television viewers, said he was disappointed by the result.

"I could have done a lot better but I could have done a lot worse. I had the one chance and I hit it with the outside of my boot when I should have hit it with power."

... then volley past Martyn ...

Owen, at 18 years and 59 days old, beat the previous record for England's youngest player this century held by Busby Babe Duncan Edwards. He is the fourth youngest of all time.

Salas, however took the plaudits. He scored the first goal on half-time, controlling a long ball from Jose Luis Sierra on his thigh before volleying past Nigel Martyn in the England goal.

Salas scores again for Chile [1'01'']

Salas again showed his skill in the 79th minute. He gave Campbell a torrid time, dancing around the ball on the edge of the box before turning and forcing a foul just inside the area. He casually flicked the resulting penalty into the net after sending Martyn the wrong way.

England had a number of chances, particularly in the second half, but were frequently thwarted by Chile's central defenders.

Owen's fellow debutant Dion Dublin made several chances but was unable to find the target. The Coventry star was, however, delighted to be playing.

He said: "It was my first England appearance at any level and to be out there in the white shirt was amazing.

"Michael did well and I thought I did okay as well. It was our first game and I just hope we get a chance to improve on this result in the future."

Nicky Butt worked well in midfield and the captain, Tony Adams, made a confident international return from injury.

Alan Shearer also completed his comeback from injury, replacing Teddy Sheringham as a second-half substitute.

The defeat at the start of England's warm-up trail for the World Cup was only the third of Hoddle's reign. England were previously beaten by Italy in a World Cup qualifier and by Brazil in the French Tournoi last summer.

Hoddle said the game had at least brought the team down to earth. "It'll certainly make people sit up and think that the World Cup isn't going to be a stroll as some people - the public and the media - might be thinking."

Your e-mail address:

Your message:

Back to top | World Cup Home©