Budweiser Man of the Match: Joe COLE (ENG)

20 June 2006

England midfielder Joe Cole scored what might prove to be the goal of the tournament and delivered an outstanding effort all around in his team's 2-2 draw with Sweden in their last match in Group B. The performance made him the clear choice for the Budweiser Man of the Match.

His 34th-minute strike was absolutely stunning, an amazing volley from over 25 metres that left Sweden goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson with no chance – an undeniably brilliant effort from one of England’s best. Cole also played an important part in England’s second goal, clipping in a pinpoint cross from the edge of the area for Steven Gerrard to head home. It would have been the match-winner if not for Henrik Larsson’s 90th-minute equaliser.

“It was an excellent overall performance from Joe Cole,” said FIFA Technical Study Group member Kalusha Bwalya. “In the first half especially he was the outlet on the left, always positive in trying to take on his man and finding Wayne Rooney and Peter Crouch. He scored a wonderful goal and had an assist.”