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Group G - England-Tunisia, Shearer sharp in England victory |  |
England opened its World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Tunisia on Monday to justify coach Glenn Hoddle's belief that his team is a potential winner of the trophy.
Goals at the end of each half from striker and captain Alan Shearer and attacking midfielder Paul Scholes reflected England's supremacy in a game it could, and perhaps should, have won more convincingly.
The match, at least for a time, diverted attention from the violent scenes of hooliganism which scarred the weekend, although trouble flared again on the beach where fans were watching on a giant screen.
Shearer, performing as expected of such a highly rated leader of the attack, headed in his 19th goal in 40 internationals after 42 minutes.
Scholes, an inspired choice to succeed the unfit Paul Gascoigne on the English team, swerved home a 20-meter shot in the final minute.
Tunisia, in the finals for the first time in 20 years, rarely threatened an upset, but kept England frustrated for periods.
But, as Hoddle pointed out, it was the result that was of most importance to end "first-night nerves" for his squad, none of whom have played before at the World Cup finals.
"It was important to win this game," he said. "We could have won by more goals, but I was pleased with the outcome and with the performance. I am delighted with the start we have made."
He added, "Scholes showed maturity and talent. He played his natural game under these circumstances and that is good to see."
Against opposition which lacked the physical strength to unsettle England at either end of the field, Hoddle's team faced an intricate midfield cat-and-mouse struggle for most of the match before overpowering the Tunisians to take charge. Tunisia, coached by Polish veteran Henry Kasperczak, filled the middle third of the pitch and attempted to play a close possession game.
But England's strength, particularly in the tackle and in the air, never allowed them to take the initiative.
With greater penetration on the flanks, where Hoddle included winger Darren Anderton at the expense of David Beckham, England could have overwhelmed Tunisia, which made three second-half substitutions and collected three yellow cards.
Tunisia, however, did create the first chance after only four minutes when a shot by midfielder Skander Souayah deflected off defender Sol Campbell and bounced just wide with David Seaman beaten.
After the early scare, England slowly raised the tempo on an afternoon of African drums, blue skies and a breezy Mistral, Campbell and Scholes frequently triggering their best attacks.
Scholes had a header well-parried by goalkeeper Chokri El Ouaer, Teddy Sheringham saw a well-struck volley palmed on to the bar and Scholes, again, forced a one-handed save with a header before Shearer struck to set up the victory.
