England appeared finally took off at the third attempt as Fabio Capello's advancing to the tournament’s second round with a 1-0 win over Slovenia to secure runners-up spot in Group C on Wednesday in South Africa 2010.
England coach Fabio Capello said,'' this team, this spirit, played together and tried together. I am really happy because I found the team I know. We now go forward. We can play against all the teams because the mind is now free.''
The victory gave England second place in Group C behind the United States, which beat Algeria 1-0. Slovenia entered the day the surprise leader in the group but finished with four points to five for the U.S. and England. The U.S. earned first place based on tiebreakers.
England started brightly, their passing sharp and accurate, but it was Slovenia who had the first shot on target when Valter Birsa tested David James in the fifth minute. Wayne Rooney raised the temperature just after when he raced onto a superb through ball and Slovenia's defence had their work cut out to stop Steven Gerrard heading in his cross to the far post.
Capello had called for John Terry to put up a "big performance" after his failed mutiny and the Chelsea defender responded, making a fine robust intervention to rob Robert Ljubijankic of the ball beside James's near post.
England then took the lead with a superb high ball from James Milner, who started in place of Aaron Lennon, on the right wing into the box for Defoe to volley past Slovenia keeper Samir Handanovic.
It took a succession of fine saves from Handanovic to prevent England from doubling their lead as the Slovenia keeper kept out shots from Defoe and Gerrard.
Seconds after the restart Defoe could and should have got his second, but his goalmouth effort after great work by Rooney on the left, went wide. He then had a goal disallowed for offside as England maintained their high tempo pace.
Slovenia though gave them a scare in the 67th minute when Terry, Johnson and James combined to deny a trio of quickfire shots from Milivoje Novakovic, substitute Ziatko Dedic and Valter Birsa.
Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole made his 2010 World Cup debut, coming on for Rooney, with Defoe later making way for Heskey. But they held on, with Capello raising his hands in the air in delight, and no doubt relief when the final whistle blew.
The victory gave England second place in Group C behind the United States, which beat Algeria 1-0. Slovenia entered the day the surprise leader in the group but finished with four points to five for the U.S. and England. The U.S. earned first place based on tiebreakers.
England started brightly, their passing sharp and accurate, but it was Slovenia who had the first shot on target when Valter Birsa tested David James in the fifth minute. Wayne Rooney raised the temperature just after when he raced onto a superb through ball and Slovenia's defence had their work cut out to stop Steven Gerrard heading in his cross to the far post.
Capello had called for John Terry to put up a "big performance" after his failed mutiny and the Chelsea defender responded, making a fine robust intervention to rob Robert Ljubijankic of the ball beside James's near post.
England then took the lead with a superb high ball from James Milner, who started in place of Aaron Lennon, on the right wing into the box for Defoe to volley past Slovenia keeper Samir Handanovic.
It took a succession of fine saves from Handanovic to prevent England from doubling their lead as the Slovenia keeper kept out shots from Defoe and Gerrard.
Seconds after the restart Defoe could and should have got his second, but his goalmouth effort after great work by Rooney on the left, went wide. He then had a goal disallowed for offside as England maintained their high tempo pace.
Slovenia though gave them a scare in the 67th minute when Terry, Johnson and James combined to deny a trio of quickfire shots from Milivoje Novakovic, substitute Ziatko Dedic and Valter Birsa.
Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole made his 2010 World Cup debut, coming on for Rooney, with Defoe later making way for Heskey. But they held on, with Capello raising his hands in the air in delight, and no doubt relief when the final whistle blew.