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WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS: ENGLAND SNATCHES A 3-1 VICTORY OVER BELARUS October 16, 2008
(SomaliNet) Marking its best-ever start to a FIFA World Cup qualifying round, England has snatched a 3-1 victory over Belarus at Minsk's Dinamo Stadium.
Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard put the visitors ahead in the 11th minute when he struck from 30 yards, but the hosts tied the game in the 28th as Pavel Sitko headed the ball past goalkeeper David James on Wednesday night.
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney retook the lead for the three lions in the 50th minute and wrapped up the victory when he faked the defense and lifted a shot over Zhevnov 16 minutes from time.
"We had to work very hard," said Rooney, who has scored four international goals in the past five days.
"I've got to give a lot of credit to my teammates. It's a great three points. Twelve points from the first four games is a great boost for us," he added.
Fabio Capello's men are top of Group Six of the 2010 World Cup qualifying round with a maximum 12 points after four straight victories over Andorra, Croatia, Kazakhstan and Belarus.
Croatia and Ukraine each with 7 points stand second and third respectively on goal difference, followed by Belarus and Kazakhstan each with three points. While bottom-placed Andorra has no points.