Tuesday, June 24, 1997

Falklands revisited (The Malay Mail)


MICHAEL OWEN scored in his third consecutive match yesterday and England
topped Group F of the World Youth Cup unbeaten.
England meet Argentina in their second round match in Johor Bahru on
Thursday.
The Liverpool player, who only turns 18 on Dec 14, has displayed such
maturity and scoring instinct that it is little wonder that he has been
dubbed the next Robbie Fowler.
Team manager Ted Powell has been very protective of his player but he
allowed Owen to speak to the Malaysian press for the first time last
night.
"He is a clincal finisher with tremendous potential," said Powell.
"And he demonstrated it again tonight by scoring from an acute angle."
Owen's winner came in the 65th minute when he was put through by Danny
Murphy and in a one-on-one situation he rounded Mexican goalkeeper
Alejandro Alvarez to score.
Owen converted a penalty in England's opening 2-1 win over Ivory Coast
and another against United Arab Emirates in their 5-0 win.
Owen said he was confident of scoring when put through by Murphy.
"It was not the best of performances by us but we did well enough to
win. I am glad I scored when the opportunity came along," said Owen.
Powell said his team played poorly in the first half and the Mexicans
gave them a hard time.
"The players looked lethargic because they have been cooped up in their
rooms and they played like they were still in bed," said Powell.
"But we did much better in the second half.
"We are the only unbeaten team in the group and we are also unbeaten in
two years since the team was formed," said Powell.
On meeting Argentina, Powell said their opponents do not matter at this
knockout stage.
"It is a one off match. We have to be at our best.
"I am glad we have topped the group and will remain here. With the match
only on Thursday we will have ample rest and be fresh for the challenge."
However, England will miss the services of Paul Shepherd - the match
winner against Ivory Coast.
He collected his second yellow card yesterday.
Powell said Jason Crowe will make a good replacement for the experienced
Shepherd.
(END)

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