Japan took an early lead through Marcus Tulio Tanaka after some poor defending by England from a corner.
England’s first descent chance came after Rooney found himself in some space in the Japanese half. He fed the ball to Tottenham's Aaron Lennon down the left, who should have done better. Rooney had a very frustrating, sloppy first half, like most of the England team. Saying that he was trying to get England back into the game.
Ferdinand didn't have a bad game but he did have a bit of scare 19 minutes in. After a nudge, he miss kicked the ball but fortunately for the away side, the shot from the miss kick was well over the bar. He was also involved in one of England's better chances in the first half after his brilliant long ball into the Japan penalty area ended in a bad miss by Sunderland's Darren Bent.
After an awful first half from England, manager Fabio Capello made five chances for the start of the second half, both Rooney and Ferdinand stayed on the pitch for the full 90 minutes.
Early into the second half it looked like Ferdinand could have picked up a slight thigh injury after challenging for the ball. He carried on the rest of the game without too many troubles.
England were awarded a penalty after a freekick was handled in the area. Chelsea’s Frank Lampard stepped up and hit a poor penalty, which was saved. If England are awarded a penalty in the World Cup, will Rooney take them?
Rooney started getting frustrated, as he does and there was one moment where he seemed to lose his head. Rooney calmed down and instead he concentrated on helping to get England back into the game.
With 68 minutes on the clock Rooney found some space and unleashed a beautiful right-footed strike, which forced a brilliant save from the keeper. Minutes later England equalised after Tanaka headed past his own keeper, the assist goes to Joe Cole.
The final goal of the game was scored yet again by own goal. Chelsea’s Ashley Cole sent the ball into the area from England’s left, it took a slight deflection and slid in past the keeper.
The game finished Japan 1-2 England in Austria. Both Rooney and Ferdinand will be going to the World Cup in South Africa; it’s not looking so hopeful for United’s Michael Carrick. After a poor game against Mexico he played no part in today’s game, which may spell the end of his World Cup campaign.
