Anelka and Cole on target as Chelsea overcome Malaysian XI
Tuesday, 29 Jul 2008 21:20
Scolari now takes his side to Moscow to compete in Railway Cup
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Nicolas Anelka and Ashley Cole were on the scoresheet as
Chelsea ended their Asian tour with a 2-0 victory over a Malaysian XI.
In front of a passionate crowd of over 70,000 Luiz Felipe Scolari's side were put under pressure for long periods of the game, but goals from Anelka and Cole saw them emerge from the Asian tour with a 100% record.
Scolari named a strong starting XI, with Wayne Bridge starting at left-back at the expense of Cole, while Mikel John Obi returned to the side and Joe Cole made his first start of the tour.
New signing Deco nearly scored a spectacular first-goal for his new club in the 14th-minute when he caught a Frank Lampard free-kick with a dipping volley. It took a spectacular save from Malaysia goalkeeper Helmi Eliza Elias to deny Chelsea the lead.
Anelka gave them the lead when he latched onto Joe Cole's through ball and shot left-footed across Helmi after 26 minutes.
Selangor midfielder Amirul was the danger-man for the Maysian XI, twice coming close in the opening period.
Scolari made four half-time changes, one of whom was Cole who doubled Chelsea's lead seven minutes before the hour with a neat turn and finish from the edge of the six-yard box.
Chelsea now head to Russia where they will face Lokomotiv Moscow on Friday in the Railway Cup.