VIDEO: A massive push
Friday, 08 October, 2010
Goalscorers reflect on first leg win over Romania.
Wally Downes
Click here to watch FATV's video interview with the pair.
England defender Chris Smalling’s goal helped his side to a much-deserved victory over Romania and he believes that the 2-1 win now stands them in good stead for the second leg of their European Championship play-off on Tuesday.
“I think it’s a massive push to take us into the second leg," he said.
"I think we knew it was going to be a tough game. We have analysed them over the last few days it was great to get the first goal, because that allowed us to start opening up some pockets because we found them very hard to break down.
“I think we were playing our football the way we have been in training all week and we looked really lively. Their goal didn’t get us down, we kept our head up and it paid off in the end.
“The goal I scored was similar to the one I scored against Scunthorpe (for Manchester United in the League Cup), it’s always nice to chip in. The boys were terrific tonight and it’s a great result for us.”
Jordan Henderson claimed the Man-of-the-Match award and scored the first goal and he is now relishing going to Romania with the one goal advantage.
“I think we did well, we were patient in the second half and the two goals came so overall we are pleased. We're a bit disappointed with the goal we conceded, but I think we will take the result and move on to Tuesday,” he said.
Speaking about his fine volleyed opener, the Sunderland playmaker added: “It came off the keeper and came to me on the edge of the box and I just tried to put it back in the area and fortunately it went in.
“A couple of times I thought I should have scored but in the end it paid off.”