England come from behind to beat Belgium
Monday, March 28, 2011
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Belgium 1-2 England
England came from behind to beat Belgium and set up a Group 5 qualification decider against unblemished Spain on Thursday.
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Didier Cabumi had put Belgium ahead but goals from Nicholas Powell and Blair Turgott swung the game in England's favour to move them level on points with UEFA European Under-17 Championship elite round Group 5 leaders Spain.
England dominated the first half and Raheem Sterling was unlucky not to give his side the lead on more than one occasion, twice being denied by Sven Dhoest. But it was Belgium who broke the deadlock when Tiko Musonda found Cabumi, who gave the group hosts an unlikely lead.
Just before half-time John Peacock's charges drew level thanks to a fantastic strike from Nicholas Powell. Max Clayton's header almost put England ahead straight after the break but Dhoest's reflex save kept the scores level.
However, England were not to be denied, Turgott getting on the end of Powell's cross to score the crucial winning goal and end their opponents' qualification hopes. England and Spain both have 100% records but Peacock's side will have to prevail on Thursday to claim top spot.
"I am happy with the game today, Belgium only scored from a defensive mistake and after that the reaction of the team was great," said the England coach. "We will do our best against Spain to prevail."
"It was a pity that England scored just before half-time because it would have been a different game starting the second half at 1-0," said Belgium coach Eric Abrams. "I think all our players played very well and I am very proud of my team for how they did in this game and against Spain."