England Draws 0-0 with Nigeria to Cruise into World Cup Last 16

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, June 13, 2002

England Draws 0-0 with Nigeria to Cruise into World Cup Last 16

England cruised into the second round of the 2002 World Cup finals with five points after a goalless tie with Nigeria Wednesday in Osaka.

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England Draws Nigeria 0-0

England cruised into the second round of the 2002 World Cup finals with five points after a goalless tie with Nigeria Wednesday in Osaka.

The last match of the group F, the well-known "Group of Death", was more like a demonstration game than a final duel. Despite concentrating on their defense, England created a few scoring chances but missed all of them.

England's best opportunity came in the 35th minute when ace striker Michael Owen danced past two defenders and sliced into thebox. But his shot was knocked out by a chasing defender. Midfielder Paul Scholes wasted another in the 44th when his long-range volley was tipped by goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama to the pole.

In the 76 minute, England's veteran Teddy Sheringham, a second half substitute, squandered a wonderful scoring chance by strikinga precise left-wing cross incredibly high over the bar.

The Nigerians, who played technically better than their opponents, penetrated England's defense line several times but also failed to cash in.

Nigeria coach Adegboye Onigbinde sent five bench players including the goalkeeper Enyeama onto the pitch. Nigeria's heroic striker Jay Jay Okocha retained the captain's armband in the field.

The African "Super Eagles" had already been eliminated from thegroup before their final game against England. They had lost 1-0 and 2-1 to Argentinaand Sweden respectively.

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