Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has been called into the England squad for Wednesday's 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifier against Belarus as a replacement for the suspended Robert Green.
Foster originally missed out on selection after being sent for scans on bruised ribs sustained in Manchester United's Barclays Premier League encounter with Sunderland last weekend. However, at the time it was viewed as little more than a convenient excuse for England coach Fabio Capello to sideline the 26-year-old, who had been blamed for Kenwyne Jones's second-half header for Sunderland - just two weeks after he was held responsible for two Manchester City goals in the pulsating 4-3 derby win at Old Trafford.
But, with Green ruled out of Wednesday's game following his dismissal in yesterday's defeat to Ukraine, Capello has opted to show faith in Foster, who has been cleared to join up with the England camp after scans revealed nothing untoward. It is ironic that Foster should benefit from someone else's absence, given the number of times he has had to pull out of international squads himself as a result of various inuries.
For Green, serving a one-match ban will be a painful experience after he started the last seven internationals under Capello. Eager to make an impression following the recall of David James, the West Ham United goalkeeper lasted just 15 minutes at the Dnipro Arena before he brought down Artem Milevskiy after a mistake from Rio Ferdinand.
Initially, it seemed Ferdinand would take the punishment when he was shown the red card by referee Damir Skomina, which frustrated Capello intensely. However, after consultation with fourth official Darko Ceferin, the decision was eventually reversed with Green the man dismissed.
Ronaldo ruled out of qualifier
Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Portugal's final 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifier against Malta on Wednesday due to a right ankle injury.
The Real Madrid winger insisted he was fit to start against Hungary last night after spraining his ankle during his club's UEFA Champions League win over Marseille on 30 September. He lasted 27 minutes before being substituted in the 3-0 win over Hungary in Lisbon in which Carlos Queiroz's team moved into pole position for a play-off spot in Group 1.
"After the medical examination and the failure to recover from the injury he has suffered in his right ankle, Cristiano Ronaldo was given permission to leave the Portugal national squad," read a statement from the Portuguese federation.
"Therefore, the player cannot play the team's next match on Wednesday, October 14, in Guimaraes, against Malta."
Two goals from Simao Sabrosa and a header from Liedson earned Portugal their first home win in the qualifying campaign last night. That, coupled with Sweden's 1-0 defeat away to Group 1 winners Denmark, enabled the Portuguese to move into second place in the pool, a position they can hold if they beat Malta.
The 24-year-old had made an impact before his departure,as his shot in the 18th minute was fumbled by goalkeeper Gabor Babos and Atletico Madrid winger Simao reacted quickest to tuck away the loose ball and set his side on their way to victory.
The Real Madrid talent was then replaced by former Manchester United team-mate Nani.
The Real Madrid winger insisted he was fit to start against Hungary last night after spraining his ankle during his club's UEFA Champions League win over Marseille on 30 September. He lasted 27 minutes before being substituted in the 3-0 win over Hungary in Lisbon in which Carlos Queiroz's team moved into pole position for a play-off spot in Group 1.
"After the medical examination and the failure to recover from the injury he has suffered in his right ankle, Cristiano Ronaldo was given permission to leave the Portugal national squad," read a statement from the Portuguese federation.
"Therefore, the player cannot play the team's next match on Wednesday, October 14, in Guimaraes, against Malta."
Two goals from Simao Sabrosa and a header from Liedson earned Portugal their first home win in the qualifying campaign last night. That, coupled with Sweden's 1-0 defeat away to Group 1 winners Denmark, enabled the Portuguese to move into second place in the pool, a position they can hold if they beat Malta.
The 24-year-old had made an impact before his departure,as his shot in the 18th minute was fumbled by goalkeeper Gabor Babos and Atletico Madrid winger Simao reacted quickest to tuck away the loose ball and set his side on their way to victory.
The Real Madrid talent was then replaced by former Manchester United team-mate Nani.
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