However Qatar had the look of a team who were going to provide a resilient and determined opponent for the hosts, something that was missing from the encounter against Cyprus.
This was evident in their keenness to press England at every opportunity, trying to prevent the fluid passing and moving play previously seen in the Cyprus game. However this would prove to be Qatar's downfall as after collecting a series of bookings in quick succession they had Ali Mohd Alsabah sent off.
England 3-0 Qatar
Four Nations Tournament
Saturday 7 June 2014
Sport Central, Northumbria University
By Stephen Brown
England quickly saw an opportunity and, like any confident team, capitalised on their opponent’s mistake by changing formation and utilising the fly 'keeper and it was Agon Rexha who followed up his goal from the night before with a sublime curling effort into the top corner of the Qatar goal after 14 minutes.
This would see England continue to dominate with Ballinger turning neatly and missing narrowly moments later. With two minutes remaining in the first half, England would bounce again with a swift counter attack following a Sam Murphy interception. A quick driving run followed, before some neat interplay with Cook saw Murphy slot home England's second.
The second half started off at a slow pace, with Qatar continuing their policy of disrupting England's rhythm. This began to affect England, with the hosts collecting a succession of quick fouls which contributed to Qatar’s growing confidence. They came close on a couple of occasions, but they were met by the uncompromising Dalton, who was earning his 50th cap, pulling off some fine saves.
Ben Mortlock fires in a shot against Qatar
Qatar’s period of pressure would see them go close again, but in the dying seconds of the game, Ian Parkes continued his goalscoring run by latching onto a Qatar mistake to slot home and make it 3-0, rounding off a professional performance from England.
Earlier in the evening Cyprus drew 1-1 with the USA in a rugged and scrappy game to leave England top of the table going into the final game against the USA with the chance of leaving the North East with a clean sweep.
Goals: Agon Rexha, Sam Murphy and Ian Parkes
Attendance: 159
Highlights of England's win in the Four Nations Tournament in Newcastle
