INTERNATIONAL

• Halftime report Croatia vs. England

  
  

  Lisbon, Portugal (Sports Network) - Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney each scored in the final five minutes of the first half, helping England rally to take a 2-1 lead over Croatia into the locker room at the half of its Group B contest at the Luz Stadium.

  The 18-year-old Rooney, who has thus far been the star of EURO 2004, also figured in Scholes' tally. He headed a ball from the left post over to Scholes at the right post. Scholes headed it into the vacated net for his first international goal in over a year to even the score at 1-1 in the 40th minute.

  Rooney then produced a magical strike in extra time when he ripped a shot from outside the area just off the fingertips of Tomislav Butina. The tally in the 46th minute gave England the lead and the massive advantage at the half.

  England needs either a draw or tie in order to advance out of the group phase. Croatia now needs a huge comeback in the second half in order to secure a spot in the quarterfinals, as they need a win in order to advance.

  The Croatians actually scored on their first real opportunity in the match. Milan Rapaic sent a free kick dangerously into the area and England defender Ashley Cole accidently redirected the ball towards his own net. Goalkeeper David James made a fantastic stop to keep the ball out of the goal, but Niko Kovac was there to put home the rebound for a 1-0 Croatia lead in just the fifth minute.

  06/21 16:12:40 ET