Thoughts on the England game?
I think a draw is a more than fair result tbh. Really not liking Lennon and Wright Phillips on the wings
fair result. Just shows that England was expecting an easy game and underestimated USA. They were lazy about finishing things off and let the USA have too much freedom.
(13-06-2010 08:48 AM)marcus Wrote: [ -> ]fair result. Just shows that England was expecting an easy game and underestimated USA. They were lazy about finishing things off and let the USA have too much freedom.
Totally agree. Nice sum up, Marcus!
I was generally encouraged by the performance by England and had predicted a draw before the game. First half particularly the USA seemed to have way too much possession in midfield. Thought Heskey and Johnson both had good games. Rooney just wasn't there though - once he gets firing we'll be OK I think.
I wouldn't say England underestimated the USA though. They'll have faced a few of the players in the Premiership and knew all about their threat. We've just never been any good at dominating and controlling a game, despite the quality of players we field. I think that's one reason it is such a traumatic experience to watch England games!
Really disappointed for Rob Green. I rate him as a keeper and this slip will be hard to recover from.
Terrible.
WTF midfield?!?! Gerrard saves the day again. One of the only England players who consistently wants to win the game.
Rooney, score some goals man!
HESKEY!?!?! GET THE HELL OFF THE PITCH YOU MADMAN! - Crouch and Rooney up front, EITHER write phillips or Lennon on the right, Joe Cole on the left (much more proven than write-phillips who was AWEFUL last night. Heskey did some okay stuff but I wish he could actually remain onside and not fall over in crucial situations, run right at defenders and shoot right at the keeper.
Defence was solid mostly, keeper messed up (it happens, get over it, move on - he is still better than calamity James).
My thoughts so far.
Watching the two other games at the moment - if we don't go through we should stop playing football officially in England. Of course, now Americans will think they are just as good at football as England...
Those horn/trumpet things give me a headache :/
I'm currently supporting England, but if they go out I'm defaulting to my favorites to win it, Mexico! They have a wide range of Warcasters that specialise in getting their units up the field as fast as possible. Also their unit's generally do loads of damage in defence so I like how they play. Also, SOMBREROS!!
Watching yesterday's games, Germany look the hottest at the moment. They are relentless in getting the strikers in there and when they are, they tend not to mess it up. They also have a very sturdy build up with strong back line. Argentina was were my money was at first, but they didn't impress me in their opening game. It is hard to call it from the first games though, lots of pressure going in there and teams need to settle (especially keepers).
Germany have definitely come out of the blocks looking strong and dominant. I was also nonplussed by the Argentina performance. Holland looked pretty handy today - though I only caught brief highlights.
Yeah Holland did look sweet, but they have their world cup curse to get over
I think they would have struggled a little more over the Danes had they not got lucky with the OG.
Admittedly they were applying a lot more pressure and probably would have won it in any eventuality.
Japan vs Cameroon was what you'd expect from two lower standard teams, Japan have some flair but lack any strength, Cameroon are hoofers.
So it comes to Italy and Paraguay tonight. Italy could go two ways, they have a strong squad but it is old, do they have the stamina for the latter stages?
(14-06-2010 07:17 PM)TheOneYouKnow Wrote: [ -> ]Italy could go two ways, they have a strong squad but it is old, do they have the stamina for the latter stages?
Amusingly, the average player age in tonight's Italy team was the same as the England squad apparently.
I'm not a great supporter of this squad I have to say. There are some shameful choices imo, but hey.
Italy's average age is 28 apparently, some of their best are getting past their prime though. The experience does come in use within a team that is for sure, but the younger players seem more eager for the win. Their performance was underwhelming to say the least. So far the world cup has been pretty boring. Let's hope the second lot of fixtures sees it pick up pace. We have yet to see some of the strongest contenders though. I'm looking forward to watching Spain and Brazil. Spain I think will be one to watch out for this year.
Sucks to be France right now
Argentina are looking pretty scary though. I laughed pretty hard at Maradona's little heel flick on the sideline
I missed the Argentina game.
I was at the British museum with the family, which was good. I might have to watch it online, but I do know the scoreline lol
Have to admit - did take somewhat of delight in watching the Mexicans slam the French.
Highlight had to be the Fench substitutes hiding behind the goal in the second half to avoid being picked.....
The best was watching the Swiss beat Spain.
Enjoying it so far but the big teams have not kicked into gear yet.
That game was a shock... the Swiss got very lucky with their goal (although it could easily have been a penalty had the ball not gone in anyway).
I think Spain will go through regardless, they completely outclassed the Swiss side, but then, no team that has lost their first game has ever gone on to win the tournament.
France on the other hand are quite possibly the worst team in the tournament so far!
I actually think this cup will be down to Argentina and Germany. They are both on fire.
and now Germany is losing. The Bookies must be having a field day
Yeah, who would have thunk! lol
Slovenia look like they are going through in our group, so we better trounce Algeria tonight, and give Slovenia a good lesson in how to play. Otherwise we aren't going far I don't think!