© EuroFootball.com
The success did not leave the England national team - although representatives of football's homeland did not demonstrate impressive and powerful play in the second match against Trinidad and Tobago, securing their second consecutive victory ensured a place in the quarterfinals.
After the match, English coach Sven Goran Eriksson said: "In the first 80 minutes we had many opportunities, but we were unable to capitalize on them. The opponents defended with eight, nine, or even ten players, so it was difficult for us to break through their defense.
"The players of Trinidad and Tobago showed great discipline and strength, while we showed patience. We fully deserved the victory, and both goals were simply excellent.
The Swede also praised striker Wayne Rooney, who returned to the field after an injury: "I have to say, even though he did not score, I am very pleased with his performance on the field. I am happy that he is ready to play.
"Of course, W. Rooney has not reached his best sporting form yet, but it's not impossible, as he hasn't played for six weeks. The 30 minutes he played in this match will be very important for him and I hope that his performance will only improve.
"Now we have to start preparing right away for the match with Sweden. We have not beaten them in a long time, so it would be great to do it in Cologne."
"I can firmly say that you have not yet seen the best of the England national football team, but we have already reached the next stage," said team captain David Beckham, recognized as the best player of the match. - We won both of our first matches.
"I cannot help but admire our fans, they were simply excellent throughout the match. They believed, and we believed."
Meanwhile, striker Michael Owen, who has not yet demonstrated successful play, said he was not disappointed: "I was not disappointed when I was substituted. Soccer is a team game and the substitutions made today were justified.
"I know I didn't score, but Peter Crouch did, so everything is fine. I trust myself. If I have the opportunity, I will score."
Trinidad and Tobago coach Leo Beenhakker was not very happy: "I am proud of the efforts of the players, but of course, we are disappointed. My team played bravely and passionately. That's the only way we can compete.
"It was difficult to watch us concede the first goal. As time goes by and the match approaches its end, hopes of achieving something grow. When the opponents scored, we lost our heads, so I am not surprised that they scored a second time.
"The English dominated the match and deserved to win. I wish them good luck in the upcoming matches."
"We worked hard, but at the end of the match we lacked a bit of luck," said Trinidad team striker Stern John. - We proved that we deserve to be here and I hope we surprised some people.
"W. Rooney's entrance onto the field was a great compliment to us, as it showed that everything is not going as the English want. We kept the score tied for 83 minutes, and we are proud of that.
"It's a historic day for Trinidad and Tobago football."
