Carney converts England pressure
Thursday 9 March 2006
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Karen Carney's goal sealed an England win (©Getty Images )
England needed a late header from Karen Carney to seal a 1-0 friendly victory against Iceland at Carrow Road. The 18-year-old guided the ball past the impressive Thora Helgadóttir on 79 minutes to give the home side something to show for their near-constant pressure. Fara Williams, Eniola Aluko and Kelly Smith all went close for England, before Carney lit up a murky evening in Norwich with her winner.
Brown clean sheet
It proved a satisfying night for England goalkeeper Rachel Brown, now of Everton LFC, who became acquainted with opposing forwards Andrea Olga Færseth and Margret Lara Vidarsdóttir during a spell with Icelandic side ÍBV Vestmannæyjar. Vidarsdóttir went closest for the visitors in the first half, but was thwarted by a last-ditch tackle by Katie Chapman.
French test
The match was England's final warm-up ahead of their crucial FIFA Women's World Cup qualifier against France on 26 March. That encounter at Ewood Park between Group 5's leading nations could go a long way to deciding which nation advances to the final tournament in China next year. Iceland face a tall order qualifying, as they are already three points adrift of 2003 World Cup finalists Sweden in Group 2.
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