Golden goal by Jackson

by Patrick Rowley in Amsterdam (28.8.2009)

ENGLAND 2 HOLLAND 1 (golden goal)

England scored a golden goal with 45 seconds left on the clock to win 2-1 over Holland and dethrone the European men’s champions in the
cauldron of their national stadium at Amstelveen.

Ashley Jackson, the new kid on the block, scored the goal with a deflection, after superb approach play by Simon Mantell.

It was only the second time England who have never won the European title, have ever beaten the Dutch in a major event, and takes them into
their first final in any competition since 1987, a year before Britain’s Olympic gold medal.

James Tindall scored the opening goal of a hotly contested match after taking a quick free hit and smacking in a return pass.

The Dutch responded by forcing a plethora of corners but Taeke Taekama, Holland’s lethal striker, could not find a way past an inspired James Fair in the England goal until finally successful with his 10th attempt after 50 minutes.

England were the dominant side in sudden death extra time, Tindall, Barry Middleton and Jackson all going close before Jackson’s match
winner.

Olympic champions Germany will be England’s opponents in tomorrow’s (Sunday) men’s final. They beat Spain 2-1 in the second semi-final.
England drew 4-4 with the Germans in their pool match last Monday after leading 4-2.

England’s win was a big consolation after their women’s team lost 2-1 to Germany by a golden goal the previous evening. England’s women will play Spain for the bronze medals today.

copy for Daily Telegraph 29.8.2009