Roger Federer Vs Rafael Nadal - Wimbledon Final 2007

Roger Federer is aiming for his 5th consecutive title today against Spaniard Rafael Nadal, who claims that winning Wimbledon is his "ultimate ambition." Will that ambition be achieved today?

FEDERER wins the First Set 7-6 (9-7) After 57 minutes of play, Federer wrestles control of the game away from Nadal finishing off with a brilliant back hand volley. It's developing into an incredible final.

NADAL wins the Second Set 6-4. Nadal levels things up after a truly sensational second set. This final has absolutely everything, tension drama and controversy. The standard of play from both men is of the highest quality. Bring on the third set!

FEDERER wins the Third Set 7-6. Federer allows a small celebration with a quick clenched fist to his supporters. Judging by the stats he marginally deserved to win that set, with a better first serve percentage, more points at the net, and returned 80% of Nadal's served in comparison with 50% returned by Nadal.

Fourth Set.

Nadal steams into a 4-1 lead before going off to recieve treatment on his knee. Federer has begun to show signs of frustration. You get the feeling this match is going to go all the way.

Nadal makes it 5-1. He now looks a dead certain to level this final and take it to the fifth and deciding set. Federer makes it 5-2 with a comfortable 15-40 victory. But Nadal still looks calm and composed.

Nadal makes it 6-2, and after 3 hours and 8 minutes played it 2-2.

Nadal wins the Fourth Set 6-2: This extraordinary final is going right to the wire here. Nadal has taken full advantage of some slack tennis from Federer, and it will be decided by the final set. Nadal after a comfortable 6-2 victory will fancy his chances now. We are in for surely one of the most exciting sets in tennis history.

5th Set. Federer 2-2 Nadal

First Game: Federer wins comfortably 40-0. 1-0 Federer.

Second Game: Nadal wins 40-30 and this final has more twists and turns than Collusus at Thorpe park. 1-1

Third Game: Federer wins after taking it to Deuce. This is truly magnificent Tennis. Federer leads in the final set 2-1 now.

Fourth Game: 2-2 as Nadal wins 40-15. We could be here until Wimbledon 2008 begins.

Fifth Game: 3-2 Federer. Fantastic tennis, again it goes to Deuce, Federer comes back when you think he's down and out.

Sixth Game: Federer usually the ice man lets some emotion out as he makes it 4-2, with an exceptional shot to win the 6th game 40-15.

Seventh Game: Federer is one game away now. 5-2, and Nadal is struggling.

Eighth Game: Federer is Wimbledon Champion 2007!!

One of the most amazing matches of all time. Federer clinches the title after over 3 and a half hours of tennis. Nadal is the noble runner up. He took the deciding game to deuce twice, but Federer clinched the final game to make it 6-2, and win the match by 3 sets to 2.

In doing so, Roger Federer has beaten Bjorn Borgs record. The last few hours have reminded us why we all love sport so much. This final will live long in the memory.

Rafa Nadal recieves his runners up trophy to a standing ovation. He has played his part in a truly magnificent final.

And up goes Federer, to recieve his record breaking fifth consecutive title.

A truly unbelievable tournament, with Roger Federer crowned the Champion once again.

Spanish Grand Prix 2009

Spanish Grand Prix 2009 - Lap by Lap.

So here we are for the fifth race of the Formula One season... How exciting...

Jensen Button in pole position on the grid... I understand that he is leading the Drivers Championship by 12 points!!

And away we go!!!

And a car has crashed straight away!!

Rubens Barichello, has made a stunning start and leads!

And Lewis Hamilton is at the back at the moment. But when you are dating Nicole Sherzinger, its hard to imagine that will get him down too much...

I understand the crash involved Sebastian Buemi... His car has spun off the track in lap one... How disappointing, you wait so long for the race, up all night excited... and you crash within the first minute.. Brilliant.

A shot of Buemi walking back, like a dejected middle child. Ironic cheers from the crowd. I can sympathize, as I once got bowled out first ball in a school cricket match I had been practicing for for weeks... And I've been sacked in my first season on Championship manager... I understand exactly how he feels...

Lap 1: So after the first lap, its Barichello leading, followed by Button, and Massa. But the highlight of the first lap is the crash involving Buemi..

Lap 3: Raikkonen seems to be reaping the benifits of the crash. He has moved up six places to tenth.

Lap 5: Lewis Hamilton, still behind, but still I'm sure delighted with life, goes through loads of debris from the crash. You wonder if this will have any affect on him?

Lap 7: Hamilton has moved himself up to 12th. Barichello, Button and Massa still lead the way.

Lap 9: We are down to just 15 runners, as Kovalainen pulls out. They are dropping like flies out there.

Lap 10: Barichello has just a one second lead over Button. Hamilton remains 12th, he will be satisfied with that, remember he is fuelled till lap 28! (and he is dating a Pussycat Doll)

Lap 12: 123.7 Barichello has the fastest lap so far. What a guy!

Lap 15: Button records the fastest lap of the race so far. The brawns are now nearly four seconds ahead of third placed Massa.

Lap 19: Button stops in the pits alongside Alonso. Has taken enough fuel for another 30 laps or so. Raikonen is OUT following a hydraulics problem. 14 are left now.

Lap 20: Barichello has widened his lead over Button, and is quick to get in and out of the pits. But you think he will need another two stops before this is over.

Lap 21: So it now stands as : 1: Barichello 2: Rosberg (yet to pit though) 3: Button 4: Massa

Lap 22: Barichello leads Button by six seconds or so. But a lot can happen in six seconds...

Lap 23: Confirmation that Barichello needs one more stop than Button. So someone needs to build up a big lead you feel!

Lap 25: Golden Balls of F1, Lewis Hamilton moves himself up to 7th. He still hasn't pitted however. But Lewis is still right in there with a chance for a point.

Lap 26: Hamilton moves up to 6th. If he maintains this pace then he will surely be confident of a points finish.

Lap 27: Barichello extends his lead over Button to 10 seconds.

Lap 29: Looks like this is going to be Barichello's day. His lead over Button is further extended to 12.1 seconds.

Lap 31: Barichello has entered the pit. Now is Button's chance to take the lead! How exciting...

Lap 32: There it is! Jenson Button takes first place!

Lap 33: Lewis Hamilton emerges from the pits in 10th place. Still in position for a points finish.

Lap 34: Button now has a 3.4 second lead over Massa in 2nd, with Vettel 3rd and Barichello has slipped to 4th. He has a healthy lead over Barichello, with both looking likely for one more stop. You feel it's Buttons race to lose now.

Lap 40: Barichello gets orders to hurry up, Button is still ahead. You feel for Barichello, in what has been described as a must win race for him. He is behind, and now he's getting shouted at to go faster. He's trying his best! Poor guy.

Lap 44: Lets see what's going on with our old friend Lewis Hamilton...

He's down to ninth and is getting lairy about the state of his tyres... Massa and Vettel go into the pits and emerge quickly.

Lap 45: Massa and Vettel re enter at 5th and 6th. This is going to be interesting, as Button and Barichello still have to pit again. How stressful must it be to work in the pits, waiting and waiting knowing you're services are going to be needed shortly, re fuelling as fast as you can whilst an irate driver shouts at you.. I thought working in Topman on a Saturday afternoon was stressful..

Lap 48: Button has a 34 second lead over Massa and Vettel. He is still to pit, but you feel surely this lead is too big a bridge to gap.

Lap 50: Button comes into pit... He comes back into the race, still way ahead of Massa and Vettel, but he has slipped behind Barichello. So little in this race.

Lap 51: Well that didn't last long. Barichello goes in to refuel and Button re takes the lead. Meanwhile Webber has quietly snuck up to 3rd, ahead of Massa and Vettel.

Lap 55: Mark Webber, where have you come from?! The Aussie driver looks set to close in on Barichello.

Lap 59: Barichello now finds himself 11 seconds behind Button. Barring a catastrophe, it looks like Button has won.

Button extends his lead.

Lap 60: Time for our regular Lewis Hamilton update... He's in 9th and is still grumbling about his tyres.

Lap 61: Problems for Massa. It seems he doesn't have enough fuel. Hmmm... You'd think that somebody would have realised this? A Formula 1 driver, in the last few laps of the Spanish Grand Prix.. What will he need? Fuel? No don't be silly..

Lap 64: Massa is passed by Vettel. With his fuel deficiancy, Massa will be hugely concerned now. Alonso is sneaking up behind him as well now.

FINAL LAP: Poor Lewis Hamilton is lapped by Button. But I'm sure he'll get over it. Massa has completely fallen apart, as Alonso zips ahead of him to huge roars from the crowd. And as expected, a delighted Jenson Button seals the victory, that in truth has been on the cards since the 32nd lap. Barichello, who led for so long, follows after him into second, followed by Webber, Vettel, then Alonso, and the hugely disappointed Massa.

Final Lewis Hamilton Update!!! He's finished 9th... Unlucky.

I really like this guy....

Final positions

1. Button
2. Barrichello
3. Webber
4. Vettel
5. Alonso
6. Massa
7. Heidfeld
8. Rosberg
9. Hamilton
10. Glock
11. Kubica
12. Piquet
13. Nakajima

Button celebrates his victory in style, in front of 3rd placed Mark Webber.

So what a race!! It's victory for Button, disappointment for Barichello, who led for so long in what was described as a must win race for him. Webber quietly snuck into 3rd, whilst Vettel made up the top 4. Spaniard Alonso pipped Felipe Massa, who will be gutted at his finish to this race. Lewis Hamilton missed out on any points with a 9th placed finish. Guess you can't have it all.

Wales Versus South Africa 2007

Wales Vs South Africa Live Commentary

Wales Starting Line up.

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Huw Bennet
3. Rhys Thomas
4. Alun Wyn Jones
5. Ian Evans
6. Colin Charvis
7. Robin Sowden-Taylor
8. Jonathan Thomas
9. Dwayne Peel
10. James Hook
11. Tom Shanklin
12. Gavin Henson
13. Sonny Parker
14. Mark Jones
15. Morgan Stoddart

South Africa Starting Line up

1. CJ van der Linde.

2.John Smit (captain)

3. Jannie Du Plessis

4. Bakkies Botha

5. Johann Muller

6. Schalk Burger

7. Juan Smith

8. Ryan Kankowski

9. Ricky Januarie

10. Andre Pretorius

11. Bryan Habana

12. Francois Steyn

13. Jaque Fourie

14. JP Pietersen

15. Ruan Pienaar

Both captains line up before kick off, with some other bloke in the middle...

This is South Africa's first run out since their magnificent World Cup triumph in Paris last month.

The South African national anthem is sung with as much passion as the most powerful Mariah Carey Ballad. Very moving stuff.

The Welsh National anthem is also sung with great pride and passion. It's also a massive relief to see they have ditched the skin tight Kappa team strip and gone for a classic Reebok outfit. The Kappa kit was good for slick handsome Italians, but for overweight Cauliflower headed Welshmen, not so much.

With all the talk of 'new dawns' for Welsh Rugby after a disappointing World Cup, this couldn't be a tougher game to start with.

Kick off: 16.45

2 minutes: Wales look to get in and about the South African's early on. They may not be favourites, but you never get an easy ride in Cardiff.

4 minutes: High tackle from Jonathan Thomas, as South Africa look to threaten.

Francois Steyn steps up for the first kick at goal. Fabulous kick, and South Africa take the lead.

Wales 0-3 South Africa

6 minutes: Wales first proper attacking platform with a line out set piece. Momentum is lost momentarily for Wales but Henson threatens. The attack breaks down and the referee signals a scrum.

7 minutes: Good counter attack by the World champions. Wales prevent the opportunity with some good defending from Colin Charvis, on what is his 94th cap.

9 minutes: The Cardiff crowd continue to get excited whenever the Welsh manage to string a couple of passes together, but end up disappointed as the South African's break up all the attacks. You can see why they are regarded as the best defenders in the world.

10 minutes: Another wasted opportunity for Wales. South Africa awarded possession. It never stops amazing me how little dissent the referee gets from these Rugby players, who look like aggressive angry monsters, but are really, sensitive caring sweethearts with a lot of feelings.

12 minutes: Welsh line out leads to a foul by South Africa. Hook launches a 45 metre kick for the Welsh side, who have equipped themselves fairly well so far against the World Champions.

14 minutes: Good break by James Hook. Francois Steyn clears but Wales come back again piling on the pressure.

16 minutes: Scrum down for Wales in a good position after good work from Gavin Henson.

18 minutes: Wales continue to apply pressure. Hook chases a Henson kick. He seems to have an injury to his finger. It's look away now time as Hook has his finger repositioned by the medic. This is certainly not a game for the faint hearted.

19 minutes: Wales not allowing South Africa to get into the game at this moment. They are edging ahead on the possession. Line out for South Africa in a dangerous position.

20 minutes: TRY!! JUAN SMITH, SOUTH AFRICA: South Africa score the first try of the match in their first real attack of the game. Smith is the man to take the ball over the line. Andre Pretorius the man with the conversion. Wales 0 - 10 South Africa

22 minutes: It's very important Wales score next having had most of the possession and terretorial play, they find themselves Ten down. Wales are awarded with a penalty, and the chance to go for their first points of the game. Adjudged to have been a swinging arm on James Hook.

24 minutes: WALES 0-10 SOUTH AFRICA: Cardiff groans as Hook puts what should have been a simple kick wide. Really disappointing effort from Hook.

27 minutes: TRY!! JAQUE FOURIE, SOUTH AFRICA. Wales run out of numbers, good hands by Smit, and Fouris is on hand for a simple try. Pretorius misses his kick, just from a wide position. WALES 0 - 15 SOUTH AFRICA.

29 minutes: The World Champions beginning to dominate now as Jones concedes a penalty. Wales look shell shocked. South Africa's two real attacks have both led to tries.

30 minutes: TRY!! JAQUE FOURIE, SOUTH AFRICA. Make that three attacks have led to tries... Fourie grabs his second try in 2 minutes. It's all too easy for South Africa as Fourie bursts through for a simple try. Pretorius smashes home the kick. WALES 0 - 22 SOUTH AFRICA.

33 minutes: Wales look to push on, but South Africa, regarded as the best tackling side on the planet are patient and see them off. The World Champions are looking very very comfortable.

34 minutes: Line out for Wales. Can they get something on the board before half time? Hook dinks a ball towards Bennet. Offside against South Africa.

36 minutes: Another Line out for Wales ends in disappointment. Can they make the most of this next one?

No...

38 minutes: Good defending from Burger. South Africa don't want to concede before half time.

39 minutes: Turnover ball for Wales, this will be their last chance of attack before half time.

TRY!! CHARVIS, WALES. Rhys Thomas's pass causes confusion in the South Africa defence. Good supporting play from Wales and Charvis bundles the ball over the line. Hook misses another kick to the disappointment of the Welsh fans. WALES 5 -22 SOUTH AFRICA.

HALF TIME: WALES 5 - 22 SOUTH AFRICA - South Africa go in at half time with a commanding lead. There is no doubt which of these two teams are World Champions. But a try for Wales will give them confidence for the second half. If Wales can stamp out these simple errors, a comeback could be on.

Jaque Fourie goes over the line

for South Africa's second try.

SECOND HALF.

41 minutes: South Africa get the second half going, firmly in control. Early line out for the World Champions. Scott Burger comes away with the ball, as South Africa look to continue where they left off in the first half. The Cardiff crowd seem subdued.

43 minutes: Wales look to pick things up at the start of the second half. Charvis drops the ball in a decent position unfortunately for the home side.

45 minutes: TRY!! JP PIERTESEN, SOUTH AFRICA. All too easy for South Africa as a bit of magic from Captain Smit leads to Piertesen recieving the ball and having a comfortable try. Pretorius converts his kick again, and Wales's promising start to the second half is over. WALES 3 - 29 SOUTH AFRICA

Piertesen converts another try for the World Champions.

47 minutes: Wales looking to bounce back here. Parker drives the home side forward. Yellow card from the referee to Van Der Berg. South Africa a man down here. Big chance for Wales.

49 minutes: Opportunity lost for Wales after a poor scrum. South Africa clear with Steyn.

50 minutes: Driving run from Stoddart. Wales trying to drive forward and get some more points on the board. South Africa showing why they are World Champions with some brilliant defending.

51 minutes: TRY!! MORGAN STODDART, WALES. The home sides pressure pays off, with the aid of the man advantage. Stoddart climbs highest to catch the kick from Hook and bundle the ball over the line. JAMES HOOK finally finds his kicking boots and converts his kick. So far its as if he has been playing with Toblerone bars on his feet. Wales into double figures and Cardiff comes back to life. WALES 12 - 29 SOUTH AFRICA

54 minutes: South Africa have another 4 minutes to play with just 14 players, as Van Der Berg sits in the sin bin, like a naughty child told to sit on the naughty step.

A little bit of afters between Phillips and Van Der Linde. The referee intervenes to calm things down. Spoilsport...

56 minutes: Pretorius with a hurried kick down field for South Africa. Wales give possession back to the visitors. A little bit of an edge has crept into the game now, with Phillips and Van Der Linde part two. Phillips feels aggrieved to have been denied what looked a clear cut penalty.

60 minutes: South Africa make a change, Olivier is the man coming on for Pretorius. Charvis, is replaced by Popham for Wales.

62 minutes: A rare moment in a Rugby match... It's all a bit scrappy...

64 minutes: Chance for a try for Wales wasted, the ball was worked wide well to Stoddart, who lost his footing at the worst possible moment. South Africa defend well once again.

66 minutes: Henson and Wales seeing plenty of the ball, but unable to penetrate the South African's defense seriously at any point. It's been a master class in defending from the World Champions. Not to mention they have made the most of every opportunity they have had. Ruthless.

68 minutes: TRY!! KANKOWSKI, SOUTH AFRICA: Surely game over now as Kankowiski ends another brilliant South Africa break with a simple debut try. The kick is wide, but South Africa are comfortable and won't be bothered. WALES 12-34 SOUTH AFRICA.

72 minutes: Another chance goes begging for Wales. They just haven't got it right from the line outs today.

South Africa seeing the game out casually. Time for the cigars you feel here in Cardiff.

75 minutes: Wales continue to press, 13 players within 10 metres of the line. The ball goes loose again, and Cardiff groans once more. Hook is replaced by Sweeney. It's been an up and down day for Hook. Mainly down though...

76 minutes: Parker makes an encouraging run down the right. A ball back inside for Henson sees South Africa defend superbly once more, and Wales are left frustrated.

77 minutes: Du Plessis becomes the second South African player to be shown the yellow card for infringing on a ruck. Off to the sin bin young man.

79 minutes: Wales offside. This is going to be a fitting send off for coach Jake White in what will be his last full international as South Africa coach. What better way to finish then with a comprehensive victory.

FULL TIME: WALES 12 - 34 SOUTH AFRICA.

Jake White goes out with a bang, as the World Champions pick up from where they left off in Paris last month. Disappointment for Wales, who worked very hard. Incoming coach Warren Gatland will have seen some positive signs from the side he hopes to mould into a powerful force on the world stage. But a comfortable victory for South Africa, and a perfect send off for Jake White.

"Today has been a celebration of what Jake White has done for us in our lives."

SOUTH AFRICA CAPTAIN JOHN SMIT SUMS UP SOUTH AFRICA'S DAY.

Francois Steyn, has a joke with coach

Jake White after his last game in charge.

England Vs Croatia minute by minute

ENGLAND TEAM: Scott Carson, Micah Richards, Sol Campbell, Joleon Lescott, Wayne Bridge, Shaun Wright - Phillips, Steven Gerrard (c), Gareth Barry, Peter Crouch, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole.

CROATIA TEAM: Stipe Pletikosa, Vedran Corluka, Dario Simic, Robert Kovac, Josep Simunic, Darijo Srna, Luka Modric, Niko Kovac, Eduardo, Ivica Olic, Niko Kranjcar.

The tactical genius that is Steve McClaren has decided tonight, the night when England's hopes of qualification hang by a thread, is the night to hand rookie goalkeeper Scott Carson his first England start between the sticks. The conditions mean it is sure to be a tough night for even the most experienced of goalkeepers. But maybe McClaren knows something we don't...

It looks set to be a 4-2-3-1 formation for England, with Lampard, one of the finest attacking midfielders in the game... playing in the holding role alongside Gareth Barry..

Skipper Steven Gerrard will play just off the target man that is Peter Crouch, whilst Wright - Phillips and Joe Cole will operate from either flank in support.

Croatia start with a much more traditional 4-4-2 formation. Luka Modric is the man to watch in the centre of midfield, a clever playmaker constantly linked with a big money move to the Premiership. Whilst Eduardo will be up top, looking to add to the goal he scored against England in Croatia's 2-0 truimph in Zagreb earlier in the campaign.

KICK OFF

Steve McClaren protecting himself from the rain with an umbrella, bearing the England colours. Must of popped down to the England superstore just after the team talk. Whilst Bilic looks more like a relaxed Dad coaching his son's Sunday league football team, still hungover from the night before, in his silver puffer jacket and white wooly hat.

2 minutes: England trying to ease themselves into the game and get used to the conditions, Campbell plays the first of what will surely be many long balls up to Peter Crouch, but the attack comes to nothing.

4 minutes: Neither side able to keep possession, possibly the conditions to blame for the scrappy start. An early goal would do wonders to settle the nerves flying around Wembley tonight, but at the moment, this looks unlikely.

5 minutes: First effort on target for England, Joe Coles stooping header from Gerrard's cross is easily saved.

6 minutes: Positive for England, as Crouches knock down from a Wright Phillips cross is cut out.

8 minutes: GOAL!! Croatia, Kranjcar.

It's a nightmare for McClaren and England, as Niko Kranjcar's speculative shot from 30 yards somehow beats Scott Carson, who fumbles it into the bottom corner. McClaren's gamble to play the 20 year old keeper has backfired terribly. The poor lad looks mortified, and ridiculous in his bright yellow costume. Is it going to be another one of those nights?

10 minutes: Wright Phillips squanders a golden chance to equalize, after being teed up by Crouch, 10 yards out to the right of the goal, his shot is parried by Pletikosa. How England could have done with that going in.

12 minutes: Why couldn't Peter Crouch be 2 inches taller?! He is inches away from connecting with a Michah Richards cross. Positive response from England.

13 minutes: GOAL!! Croatia, Olic.

Disaster for England. A counter attack sees the defence all at sea. Campbell is left appealing for offside, like a child asking his teacher to go to the toilet. Eduardo slips it through for Olic, clearly on. Around the massive banana look-a-like Carson, and a simple tap in. Bilic and his coaching staff celebrate, whilst McClaren looks crestfallen. Not even the umbrella can protect him from the storm about to come his way. Where do England go from here?

17 minutes: England are clearly shell shocked, and are lacking idea's. Shaun Wright Phillips is the main target for a left wing cross. But all 5 foot and 9 inches of him are somehow unable to outmuscle the 6 foot plus Croatian centre back...

19 minutes: Captain not so fantastic tonight, Stevie G is sent flying by little Luka Modric to earn a free kick in a dangerous position. Gareth Barry's effort is deflected behind for a corner, which comes to nothing. A feeling of shock and disbelief surrounds Wembley.

22 minutes: Well it's good to see England aren't yet resorting to plan B, as Campbell hoofs a free kick up to Crouch, who rises majestically unchallenged... to head straight into the greatful arms of Pletikosa. This is woeful.

25 minutes: Croatia look a threat every time they go forward, as Kranjcar escapes the attention of Micah Richards at the back post, but can't guide his header on target.

26 minutes: Lescott has to put a dangerous cross from Corluka behind for a corner. This is in danger of becoming even more humiliating... If that's possible. The corner comes to nothing, whist Bilic looks like he could light up a fag, and McClaren looks like he could sob uncontrollably into the replica scarf he also purchased from the team store, but didn't wear due to fear of looking a bit of an idiot...

28 minutes: Hope springs eternal for the three lions!!! Fourth choice Tottenham forward Darren Bent is warming up!!!

31 minutes: He's been called back... and told to sit back down.

Gareth Barry stands over a free kick in a good position on the right hand side. Pletikosa has a relativley simple punch clear, and England have to start again. Suprise suprise, this attack sees a long ball to Crouch who's flick on is easily cleared.

A shot of McClaren sitting on the bench, pondering his next great move..

34 minutes: A spell of pressure for England, sees a couple of crosses pumped in, a punch from Pletikosa and a decent headed clearance by Simic, but nothing clear cut.

35 minutes: A moment that sums up this match so far, as a simple Campbell pass from 10 yards, goes straight out for a throw in. Moment's later Carson, still traumatized from his earlier howler perhaps, scuffs a clearance straight to a Croatian's feet. Basic error's are causing England problems.

37 minutes: Gerrard show's signs of frustration after not being awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. His tantrum is dealt with by the stern and cold black eyes of the referee, and Gerrard backs down, looking somewhat like a child being disciplined by a much feared teacher. Nothing is going right for England.

38 minutes: Just when you think things can't get any worse... they do.

Russia, as expected take the lead against Andorra. At this stage, if things stay as they are, England are out.

41 minutes: Modric sees a strike from 18 yards nervously parried by Carson, who looks like he may wet himself any time a blue shirt comes within 30 yards of his penalty area. England manage to scrape the ball clear.

43 minutes: A shot of McClaren making notes... Or is he just playing hangman with himself? Perhaps he has realized it will be the final time he can play the game before he ends up like the stick man he has so carefully sketched...

45 minutes: One minute of additional time, and Gerrard whips in a free kick from the left... which doesn't clear the first man... The move is kept alive briefly, but results in Micah Richards kindly nodding the ball behind for a Croatian goal kick.

HALF TIME: It looked to be a race as to who can escape the pitch the quickest.. It's McClaren, followed by Carson.. But in truth, this has been a disaster for England. Perhaps Golden Balls is the only one who can save us now? England have a mountain to climb.

SECOND HALF: McClaren has made two changes and a change in the system. David Beckham and Jermaine Defoe are being bought on to replace Shaun Wright Phillips and Gareth Barry. It looks to be a switch to 4-4-2 with Beckham on the right, Gerrard and Lampard in the centre, Joe Cole on the left, and the little and large combination of Defoe and Crouch up front.

An early goal in the second half is crucial.

46 minutes: McClaren saunters out of the dugout belatedly, in time to see Beckham have an immediate impact by starting an attack which Croatia clear. England look to have more purpose, and the volume has been raised with the introduction of Beckham.

48 minutes: Half hearted penalty appeal from Joe Cole as he is blocked by Corluka in an attempt to meet a Gerrard cross.

49 minutes: McClaren is seen screaming instructions from the touchline. But you wonder if the England players can take him seriously with the ridiculous umbrella he is cowering under. Eduardo is booked, and Peter Crouch earns a free kick 30 yards out in the centre of goal. Can Beckham recreate 2001?

51 minutes: No... Beckhams effort is deflected over for a corner, which he takes and is also cleared. Croatia's counter attack is heroically cut out by Steven Gerrard, as the three lions found themselves for a moment in a 3 on 1 position.

53 minutes: Carson goes a small way to redeeming himself as he comes out to block an Eduardo shot with his feet, after the Brazilian born forward had outpaced Sol Campbell.

54 minutes: PENALTY TO ENGLAND!!! Jermaine Defoe is adjudged to have been pulled back by Siminic after Joe Cole's cross. Frank Lampard has the responsibilty. If England score this it's game on.

55 minutes: GOAL!!! ENGLAND, LAMPARD (P) England have new hope as Frank Lampard smashes his penalty into the bottom corner, sending Pletikosa the wrong way. Lampard held his nerve, and England are buzzing now. With the crowd behind them, and 35 minutes to go, qualification looks possible after all.

57 minutes: Beckham sends in a free kick, which is cleared. Croatia break, and Wayne Bridge stretches to clear a low cross. The ball loops up agonisingly over Carson and onto the bar and behind for a corner. The corner comes in and Carson makes a stunning reflex save to deny Olic with a free header from 6 yards. He has gone a long way to redeeming himself after his earlier error. Incident packed last few minutes, what a game this is now.

60 minutes: The pace of the game is frenetic now, end to end stuff. This is impossible to call. England need one more goal to save themselves.

62 minutes: England guilty of trying to force it too much, as Gerrard plays a heavy pass. Croatia break and Olic skins the hapless Wayne Bridge. Carson gets down well to smother Olic's shot from just inside the box. Carson will feel a million times better. Bridge on the other hand... And he wonders why he is second choice for club and country?!

64 minutes: GOAL!!! ENGLAND, PETER CROUCH.

Is this the goal that sends England to the European Championships?! Peter Crouch smashes home his 14th goal in his 24th international. David Beckham recieves the ball from Micah Richards and sends in the ball of the game. A pin point perfect cross, a beautiful touch from Crouch on the chest to tee himself up, and a low drive into the bottom corner from 8 yards. What a comeback!! I never doubted you England!!

67 minutes: This is going to be one hell of a last 23 minutes. Croatia still look threatening, the crowd are buzzing, but you still fear for England. What a ball from Beckham, and what a finish from Crouch. And let's not forget those two saves from Scott Carson with England 2-1 down..

68 minutes: Petric comes on to replace Eduardo for Croatia.

70 minutes: The soon sure to be 'Sir" David Beckham tees up a free kick 30 yards out. Campbell heads across goal and it drop to Gerrard edge of the box, who's shot is blocked.

73 minutes: The game is scrappy now, England looking to take the sting out of it. Crouch and Lampard both appeal for free kicks in quick succession, but both are turned away.

CROATIA SUBSTITUTION 75 minutes: Scorer of the first goal Kranjcar is replaced by Pranjic, with 15 minutes plus added time left to play. Meanwhile England look in danger of dropping back too deep. This is where McClaren earns his money!

77 minutes: GOAL!! Croatia , Petric. They build you up then knock you down... It's the substitute Petric who fires Croatia back in front, with a strike across Carson into the bottom corner from 25 yards. England look to be heading out after all. It had been on the cards, McClaren's side had been dropping deeper and deeper in the last few minutes, and have gone and committed suicide.

79 minutes: ENGLAND SUBSTITUTION: Darren Bent replaces Joe Cole.

This is Steve McClaren's last throw of the dice, as he sends on a third striker in Bent. Desperate desperate times for England.

81 minutes: Bridge pumps long balls forward for Crouch, with Defoe and Bent both scrapping for any loose balls. It pains me to say, but it looks like England are out of idea's. Let's hope they can make just one more chance.

83 minutes: Nothing is happening for England, all the noise is coming from the Croatian supporters. Wembley is shell shocked.

84 minutes: CROATIA SUBSTITUTION: Ivan Rakitic replaces Ivica Olic

...At a snails pace.

Srna then forces a corner off the woeful Wayne Bridge, which sees Crouch defend well.

85 minutes: Please don't let this be the last chance... Lampard's lofted ball sees Bent hold off the defender, and hit a left footed volley fractionally over the bar. It brushes the top of the net and Bent put's his hand to his head.

87 minutes: Desperate stuff, Lampard forces a throw in. Lampard then sends in a cross which is easily cleared. England are 3 minutes plus stoppage time away from the biggest disaster since USA 94.

88 minutes: Any suggestions for a fruit/vegetable that would be suitable to label McClaren that would rank up alongside the 'Graham Taylor Turnip' of 93?

90 minutes: Now or never for England, all eyes on the fourth offical... 3 additional minutes of added time... What would we give to have Ferguson as manager now? There would be at least 8 minutes of added time...

91 minutes: England force a corner, even Beckham can't save England as his corner is cleared. Rakatic nearly punishes England on the break.

92 minutes: England have lost all shape, Richards has gone up front. There is no shape and no idea's. Bilic risks the wrath of the Wembley crowd by dancing manically on the touchline encouraging his team to keep the ball.

93 minutes: Last chance, now or never. Lescott pumps it long, to no avail. Gerrard does likewise. Croatia clear everything.

FINAL WHISTLE: England are out of the European Championships. Croatia celebrate, McClaren is escorted away like a bullied school child. Boo's ring out across Wembley. Bilic looks delighted. This has been one of the most dramatic and desperately disappointing nights in English football history. Nobody could have scripted it like this. McClaren's England have crashed out, after one of the most emotional 90 minutes you are likely to ever see as an England fan.