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Wales Beat T&T's Warriors 2-1, Coventry's John Opens Scoring, Norwich's Earnshaw Scores BraceSubmitted by Scott Harkness on Sun, 28/05/2006 - 01:13.
Wales have beaten World Cup finalists Trinidad & Tobago 2-1 in their international friendly match in Austria. The Soca Warriors, who have qualified for their first-ever World Cup Finals, were unlucky to lose the match after having the majority of possession and chances throughout. Coventry City striker Stern John gave the Soca Warriors the lead after 32 minutes, but Wales and Norwich City striker Robert Earnshaw sent the teams in level at half time after breaking through the Warriors defence and finishing beautifully. The ex-Cardiff striker then netted late on to hand Wales an ill-deserved victory over Leo Beenhakker’s Warriors team, who will meet England in the group stages of the World Cup. The attempts at goal in the first period were mostly tame efforts, with both goalkeepers enjoying some early catching practice, with Trinidad's Kelvin Jack easily saving an Earnshaw free-kick. Wales debutant goalkeeper Jason Brown was frequently called into action, keeping out a shot from Port Vale’s Chris Birchall, and holding on to Carlos Edwards' 30-yard shot. Both sides appeared happy with the slow pace of the first-half, with Trinidad and Tobago having the better of the attacking chances, although Wales had their moments. The best of Wales’ first-half attempts arrived midway through the first half when David Cotterill surged towards the edge of the area to unleash a powerful shot, which Jack did superbly well to push wide. But the first goal went to T&T in the 32nd minute when Birchall's free kick from the left was poked home by John's outstretched leg at the far post. Wales responded within six minutes, as James Collins knocked down Joe Ledley's punt into the box and Earnshaw nipped in to finish at the near post. Brown was also tested when he had to stretch to save a shot from captain Dwight Yorke before the keeper was replaced by fellow Wales debutant, Leyton Orient’s Glyn Garner at half-time. Gareth Bale became the youngest ever player to represent Wales when coming on as a substitute 10 minutes into the second half, but it did little to help Wales, who lacked any creative play at the beginning of the second period, with the Warriors pressing hard for a winning goal and only being denied a second goal by the Wales defence and the goalkeeping of Garner. Falkirk’s Densill Theobold, along with Chris Birchall, were lively in Trinidad's midfield and Theobald set-up Stern John, whose shot was deflected over the crossbar. Dundee’s Collin Samuel then headed wide from a cross from Theobold, Birchall lashed a shot just wide and the Falkirk veteran Russel Latapy had a scorching effort go just wide. Keeper Garner made an important save on his debut, keeping out another shot from Samuel, with Lewin Nyatanga removing the danger. The Orient goalie then made a more routine save from Birchall's thunderbolt before completely against the run of play, Wales’ man-of-the match, Robbie earnshaw grabbed the winner against the hard-working Warriors just three minutes from time with a scruffy goal. in favorites | email this page
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