Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

damn Poland so nearly got a draw but then the germans got lucky again

Spain looked good when I saw the first half

England were woefull against Paraguay.. they had their second keeper on for most of the match and he only had to make one save.. hardley good enough IMO

we need to do better against T & T but then they played really well against Sweden

---------- Post added at 11:00 ---------- Previous post was at 10:44 ----------

seems the German's and the Poles have been fighting

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/5081684.stm

300 arrests were made.. England aren't the only nation that has hooligans and fighting it just that when other nations do it it never gets reported as much over here so we think it is just us

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Apparently, Ronaldo suffered from dizzyness during the Brazil game. He was very poor in the '98 final against France as well. I believe he had some form of epileptic fit the day before that final.

---------- Post added at 11:16 ---------- Previous post was at 11:05 ----------

I don't think it's luck. They just never give up, and that often gives them the game in the final minutes. They had loads of chances in the last 15 minutes. It was just a matter of time before one went in (especially with Poland reduced to 10 men).

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Apparently Ecuador have an Amazonian witch doctor on their coaching staff :erm:, how cool is that ;)

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Well, we used to have something similar ourselves. But it never did us any good, did it.

But enough about Eileen Drury............

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

As much as I think Peter Crouch is an over-rated numpty that's only in the squad because he's 4-foot taller than the rest of the players (and to think I'm a Villa fan too! :rolleyes: ), at least he managed to put us out of our misery tonight. Gerrard's goal was much better, but I wonder if he'd have been as relaxed if Crouch hadn't secured the win a few minutes earlier...?

Overall, England's performance left me not overly impressed. For the best part of 80 minutes, we'd have counted ourselves lucky to have not lost the match. Let's hope we can improve for Tuesday's match against Sven's countrymen.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Aaron Lennon (and Stuart Downing) made all the difference tonight imo. England were poor for the first hour, but after the substitutions, it seemed there was a purpose to the team. I don't think Rooney made much of an impact, but he needs some time. If England can play like they did in the last 30 minutes for a full game, they might be in with a shout. Stop playing long balls as the default. England have one hell of a midfield. Use it, don't skip it...

As for Sweden: They will want to attack, so there will be loads more space, which will suit England.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Yes, good point, daniel. Lennon was very impressive. Let's hope we see more of him next week.

Who have the Netherlands got next?

---------- Post added at 00:29 ---------- Previous post was at 00:27 ----------

Oh, just seen it's the Ivory Coast tomorrow.... should be pretty easy ;)

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Ivory Coast (Billed as Robben v. Drogba :) ). 5pm Tomorrow. Let's hope we win this. We'd be through to the last 16 with Wednesday's match against Argentina deciding on top spot in the group (assuming Argentina beat Serbia & Monte Negro).

Greetings from the group of death :shocked: :)

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Sven said we were better than against Paraguay but i didn't see that myself.. owen is still not fit and wasn't very good and neither was Crouch.. even I could have scored that header.. not a great performance.. didn't think much of J Cole either but Lampard played well and gerrard scored a belter but T & T gave us a few problems and they not even that good

is Walcott isn't even good enough to come on against T & T who is he good enough for

Rooney still isn't fit and didn't have a great game.. seeing as he could have been injured straight away surely theo should have come on first

did anyone notice who Posh never cheered when we scored a if because if wasn't Beckham scoring she didn't really care ?

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

I really felt for fatty (lampard). How many times???!!! Englands possesion was great, but they just couldn't convert.

Sweden I reckin - we don't need to win it now so maybe a good time to experiment with him?

I don't think he was needed last night. And I can't believe Owen was taken off - he needs 90mins!!!!!! How the hell else is he going to get his very fragile coinfidence back? Crouch should've gone off, and Walcott on.

Downing makes my heart sink - he is NOT world class and should NOT be on the team, at all. Lennon though is a different matter. He's bloody fantastic. The game picked up as soon as he was brought on. He is text book perfection, he really is. And he's at Spurs too :D:D:D
She's his wife and she's there to support him. Myabe she's just not that into footbal, but wants to be there for her husband, who might I add, is on top form this tournament. :tu:

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

i wonder how many times the commentators while call "rodriguez" by the name of "gonzales" in the next match even though:
a) it's "maxi rodriguez" and
b) luis gonzalez doesn't even go by the name "luis gonzalez" anymore. he is just simply called "Lucho" now

am i being just a little too picky? yes, but isn't that the whole point of the internet :)

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

If there's been a better team goal, other than Argentina's 2nd goal, I haven't seen it. Pure Class !

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

that 2nd Argie goal was pure class........... I think they mean business

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

What a joy to watch, Argentina were. I hope we get more performances like that (hopefully from England ;)) throughout the rest of the competition.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Well, Argentina have definitely nailed their colours to the mast. One class outfit...

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Argentina are looking good for it, and no way would england beat them the way they (both) are playing now.

England are damn lucky to beat Paraguay and TnT but Artgentina are looking much better than a few months ago.

the only teams so far to look as good has been Ivory Coast (for me) and Spain.

ik

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

I take your points about Argentina, and Ivory Coast and Spain.

But there is another thread here you may want to post in about England. Let's not have two threads with the same comments in. ;)

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Very impressed with Argentina, they showed how football should be played with great passing instead of long 50/50 balls into the box.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Argentina move into second spot with the bookies

http://www.willhill.com/iibs/en/buil...hoice=WC988239

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Personally, from what I've seen, they would be favourites in my book. The czech's look a very tasty price though. Value for money and all that. ;)

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

great performance. they are looking far more comfortable than brazil at the moment.

the 2nd goal reminded me a lot of the goal that eventually got maradona kicked out of football back in the 94 world cup

i am so fed up hearing "(leo) messi this, crespo that, saviola is god, pablo aimar is the greatest player ever". tevez is better than the whole ****ing lot of them(no offense meant to leo messi or crespo, and plenty of offense to pablo aimar)

also, i am very impressed with ayala and heinze considering they haven't played all that much this season.

it was a laugh to watch the internazionale teammates kick the crap out of each other :)

speaking of internazionale, cambiasso has to be the most improved player of the last few years

but, i'll finish on a positive note - at least we've only had 3 dull matches(2 of which were england and the other being the god-awful french match). been a very good world cup to watch so far

JOGA BONITO! :)

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

a small point I made in one post, which as far as I am aware, has to do with the world cup, I am only saying they were lucky.... I was not saying anything against them.............not in this thread. :D

just my point of view on how they have played so far in this world cup! :erm:

if you can't take that then you should not be reading this thread. ;)

I know there is that other thread, which I posted on.:D ;) :angel:

ik

---------- Post added at 17:09 ---------- Previous post was at 17:07 ----------

saying anything about this pedantic?

ik

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

ah yeah, but i slagged off the french. surely that's allowed :D

---------- Post added at 17:17 ---------- Previous post was at 17:16 ----------

i'm going the ivory coast on this one. even though on a different message board i am called johan van der smut, i have more of a nigel powers style attitude to the dutch team :)

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Well, as you posted on the "other" thread a few minutes after this one, I suspect your comments had "ulterior" motives. And proves my point exactly. ;)

Oh, and if England bothers you that much, maybe YOU shouldn't be reading this thread, or watching the world cup for that matter. :D


Well, that was posted AFTER I made my post, but here goes........

Those matches WERE dull, so there's no problem, it's hardly the same thing is it. ;)

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

my comments on teh anyone but england thread was totally different to my comments here.

I take it you did not like what I said cause I am Scottish?! :rolleyes:

I said they were lucky to win....... I never said anything bad about them, they played rubbish, I have seen them play better.

this might be easier for you to understand.....

They won, but just (a case of political correctness gone mad, to keep pedantic happy :D)

see it looks similar

ik

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

This is annoying me...all the decent games seem to be on the afternoon...when I am at work :mad:

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Oh please ! Not the "because I'm scottish" card :rolleyes:

Your comments are exactly what I would expect, you said it for the same reason you post on the other thread, for a reaction. The preceding posts were about how well Argentina played, England was never even mentioned. You obviously felt the need to do so though.

I understand perfectly well, thanks for asking though. :D

Yes, we just about won. No political correctness required though, but thanks again for the offer. ;)

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Well done to Angola :tu:

The smaller nations seem to be doing well at this world cup, not winning, but doing well in regards to losing by a small margin, or drawing games.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Angola have done well in youth football for years, so there is obviously talent there, they just needed to take the final step and qualify for the finals, now they have done that anything else is a bonus.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

The commentator said they were made up of part-timers, and unemployed players, which makes the result even better.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

I suspect this is due to the state of the country rather than a lack of talent, hopefully any success will give the entire nation a lift.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Agreed !

And being in the shop window, so to speak, will attract clubs' attention.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

ok, look when the last time I posted on this thread before I posted the one which annoyed you, and only you.

can you see it was about brasil, I never said anything, I was looking for what is supposed to be a world class team, play better than they did against Paraguay, so I never mentioned england at all at that point.

so they played bad, I am entitled to my opinion.

if you thought my post was off topic, and trying to get a reaction, why did you not report it?

probably becuase you know I never said anything bad or tried to insinuate anything..........

ik

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Yes ! you are entitled to your opinion, that's why we're all here.

You may be able to pull the wool over some people's eyes with your post, but to me, you are incredibly transparent in your intentions.

And as a side note, I don't make it my business of reporting posts.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Right, can we get back to the actual topic of this thread as opposed to having a lengthy 'discussion' regarding what is on and off-topic?

Thanks.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Which is exactly what I have been doing in this thread, but some people feel the need to link it to another thread. ;)

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Just drop it (or take it to PM if you wish to continue). It's getting boring...

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Ignore it then. ;)

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

pulling the wool over peoples eyes!?

I am sorry you are so shallow but that was not what I done.

IT WAS AN OPINION.

ik

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

i think what he is trying to get at is that it is solely an anti-england post, which we have a separate topic for

my post wasn't doing that, it was having a go at the quality of certain matches. england were only part of that

i believe their goalkeeper doesn't have a club and trained by himself all season. and i believe he was MoTM wasn't he?

i expect most of them to turn up at lyon as houllier continues to tear lyon's team to shreds :)

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

HT: Portugal 0 Iran 0 :shocked:

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Portugal are all over them, it's only a matter of time before they score.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Think you`re right Dad.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

in theory, both of the next two games should be great

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

lmao ! I think someone has the hump. :D Oops ! Off Topic. Don't wanna bore anyone. ;)



Good half for Ghana anyway, wonder how long they can hold out for.

They didn't need to hang on after all lol, they battered the czech's in the end. :shocked:

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Well, plenty to talk about. I'm surprised no one has posted here since 6.

Ghana upset the Czech Republic and Italy - USA ends one all, with Italy down to ten man (due to an elbow which should result in a ban for the rest of the tournament), end USA being a bit unlucky for having two men sent off. The final scoreline looked about right. This match did not deserve a winner.

All teams in this group can still go through. The final games should be interesting...

What really puzzled me though is the following: After the second goal for Ghana one of the Ghana players (not the goal scorer) produced an Israeli flag. Does anyone know what that was about? :confused:

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Well who would have thunked it?!? France 1 - S Korea 1 :Yikes:

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

The French well and truly blew it, why they didn't play like they did after South Korea equalised, a bit sooner is a mystery. Having said that, a number of teams do for some unknown reason.

I'm still not convinced about Brazil, great players, but they still don't impress me as much as Argentina, or Spain (even though they've only played once).

And talking of those games, I really do think that it's a shame to see players like Zidane and Ronaldo looking like they are finished. Great talents, in years gone by, but sadly looking like they just can't cut it anymore.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

I reckon Brazil would be more threatening if they dropped Roundaldo and started with Robino from the outset. He created much more and Brazil looked a different team in both games when he's come on.
I was going for Portugal before the tournament, but on seeing the Argies crush Serbia (who only let in 1 in their previous 10 games I think), I'd say they're the team to beat.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

I have said Argentina all along, I am gutted actually as a mate got really good odds on them, Brazil wont win it if they persist with their current line up, players like Emerson, Cafu and Roberto Carlos are obviously past it and Ronaldo, he is not even 30 and could not be bothered to get himself in decent shape for the start of the competition.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Here's something that made me laugh...
:rofl:

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

The player, John Pantsil, plays in the Israeli league. He apparently showed the flag to thank Israeli supporters for coming and supporting him and by showing support to the country that's helped him so much. Some thought have accused him of supporting Israel in the Israel-Palestine conflict and I think he was forced to apologise over it.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Ta for clearing that up :tu:

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

NP. I wasn't far off as it goes: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/foot...na/5092762.stm

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Felt quite sorry for Tunisia, a draw would have been fair considering the effort they put.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

would have made the group very interesting if they had lost or got a draw..

seeing as no one has said it yet nice to France only get a draw at the weekend :D

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Yeah, the Tunisian keeper is a bit of a Jekyl and Hyde... produced some outstanding saves, but made a huge mistake coming out so far on Spain's 2nd goal.

---------- Post added at 22:36 ---------- Previous post was at 22:35 ----------

By the way, anyone else think Ian Wright is useless as a studio guest? He was a very good player, but he should leave the TV appearances to other, more capable people.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

I cannot stand that man :td:

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Yep, Tunisia had a few good players.

Predictions for tomorrow night please.

I'll go for a 2 - 1 win for England

Edit: Our Mr Blair on 5 live tonight did not rule out a public holiday if England win the competition........so there's the kiss of death there then

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

I think I'll sit on the fence and go with a draw, we never seem to beat Sweden.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Well, I'm stuck at work until 5 (poo!), but it appears that Baby Nug is all ready for the match - offical England shoes from Grandad Nud, don'tcha know :D

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Grrrr I'll have you... You know damn well as soon as a baby picture is posted, the other half won't shut up for a week! :)

Baby Nug's coming along nicely though. Don't he 'arf look like you? Even ignoring the hair... ;)

---------- Post added at 15:41 ---------- Previous post was at 15:33 ----------

The following squads have just been announced for the 2006 World Cup.

BRAZILIAN SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP 2006
Pinnochio
Libero
Vimto
Memento
Borneo Tango
Cheerio
Subbuteo
Scenario
Fellatio
Portfolio
SUBS:
Placebo
Porno
Polio
Banjo
Brasso
Stereo (L)
Stereo ®
Hydrochlorofluoro
Aristotle
Computersezno

YUGOSLAVIAN SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP 2006
Itch
Annoyingitch
Hardtoreachitch
Scratchanitch
Hic
Sic
Spic
Pric
Digaditch
Fallinaditch
Horseraditch
SUBS:
Mowapitch
Letsgetrich
Shagabitch

RUSSIAN SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP 2006
Whodyanicabolicov
Ticlycov
Chesticov
Nasticov
Slalomsky
Downhillsky
Risky
Swedishshev
Mastershev
f***ov Taykitov
SUBS:
Rubitov
Gechakitov
Sodov
Pastryshev
Najinsky
Ivorripa*******ov

ROMANIAN SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP 2006
Chatanoogaciouciou
Atishiou
Blessiou
Thankyiou
Busqueue
Snookercu
Pennyciou
Twoapennyciou
Fourapennyciou
I'llgetciou
Youandwhosarmi
SUBS:
U
NonU
ManU
Stuffyiou
Lee Kwan Yu

DANISH SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP 2006
Toomanigoalssen
Tryandstopussen
Crapdefenssen
Haveagossen
Firstsson
Seccondsson
Thirdsson
Legshurtssen
Notroubleseeingussen
Wherestheballssen
Getthebeerssen
SUBS:
Howmanygoalsisthatssen
Finallygaveupcountinssen
Hurryupandblowthewhistlessen
Yourelatedtoalexfergusonssen

ITALIAN SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP 2006
Baloni
Potbelli Beerbelli
Giveitsumwelli
Wotsontelli
Yarseissmelli
Onetoomani
Legslikejelli
Havabenni
Wobblijelli
Spendapenni
SUBS:
Cantthinkofani!!!
Buggermi


MEXICAN SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP 2006
San Francisco
Costa Brava
Hopelez
Juan Andonly
Manuel Gearbox
Don Criformi-Argentina
Skrewdigalz
Luis Canon
Sombrero
Chihuahua
Jose
SUBS:
Jesus Maria Don Key
Burrito
Speedy Gonzalez
Tequila
Caramba

DUTCH SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP 2006

Kenning van Hire
Van Diemansland
Van der Valk
White Van Man
Van Gard
Van Erealdizeez
Ad van Tagus
Hertz van Rental
Transit van Dors
Van Coova
Van Sprokendown
Aye van Hoe
SUBS:
Van Iller
Van Ishincreme
Van Morrison

Two players who are not included are Russian hard-man Sendimov, who will be
serving a three-month suspension, and the hard-w*rking Mexican midfielder,
Manuel Labor.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Why do you think I posted it :angel:

Actually, I think he looks more like Mrs Nug, just with my haircut. Still, could have been worse, eh :D

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

2- 0 to Germany at half time, not to much for England to worry about, providing we win the group of course ;)

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

I guess one day we will beat the Swedes 2 - 2 FT :erm:

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

One day I think England will realise our national team are not very good ;)

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

They have yet to really click, which worries me a bit

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

well they better start clicking now or it will be another early bath

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Some dire defending on that second Sweden goal...

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Dire defending at all set pieces tbh

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Well, yes. There is that...

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Yup that's are weak spot :(

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Shame that Owen could have finished his World Cup tonight :(

The way he crawled (literally) off the pitch in agony was impressive... some of the players on the pitch were pussies, yet he was clearly in severe pain and still managed to show what a good sportsman he is.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

How the Hell did that second goal go in, Someone up there doesn`t like our football team.
I know, ****e defending and a bit of bad luck. At least we won the group.!!!!
Ecuador won`t be as easy as is being said though.!
Full credit to Joe Cole , he`s played blinding football for us in ALL of our games so far. :tu:
Thought the ref was pretty crap though. ;)

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

I'm not sure if it is coincidence, but I tuned in to the match seconds before Gerrard's goal - just like I did the previous game - scarey :erm:

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Can't agree with you enough there. And only aftr a minute as well, most of them would have had the game stopped right then, and stayed put.

Hopefully it is just a twisted knee, nothing too serious.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Owen should be put down like you would do to a useless horse im certain his got a touch of the andertons.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Good luck to your team tomorrow, not that it really matters, as you are in the next round anyway, but it would be nice to see you get one over the Argies, it should be an interesting match.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Thanks,

Yes, it should be an interesting match, but I'm not getting my hopes up too high for Tomorrow. Van Basten is likely to rest some players on yellow cards (including Robben), and it would be a tough game without resting players. We'll need a win to top the group, but I'll settle for a draw. We're out of the group anyway. So it looks like it will be Portugal next, and possibly England after that. Fingers crossed. ;)

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

One FIFA stat that I did find interesting is that even before tonights game, Frank Lampard has had more goal attempts than any other player in the competition, now all we need is one or two on target or with more power. Rooney looked knackered after 30 minutes, Beckham was useless and was at fault for Sweden's first goal. we should leave him on the bench and start with Lennon. I also thought that Owen Hargreaves had a good game.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Fatty Lampard may have had most shots on goal but he's rarely been even close to on-target. Gerrard needs to start in the next game.

Oh well, I guess we made it through. Now it's down to who gets the least dodgy referee and penalty shoot-outs.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Lennon impressed me against T&T, and to a lesser extent, so did Downing. I suppose 4-3-3 is an option...

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

There's too much evidence that England are happy to score one goal and hang on for the rest of the match.

With Owen regretably gone it's time to move to 3 - 4 - 3 with Rooney, Crouch and Lennon up front and Cole, Lampard, Gerrard and Beckham on the half - back line.Ashley Cole, Terry and Callagher complete the fullback line.

Irritatingly, England have a bad habit of dribbling out of their own half when a big boot to our wings would remove the danger of the opposition getting a shot at goal. This would have avoided the shambles in the goalmouth which led to Sweden's second goal.

They also spend a lot of unecessary time in the centre of the pitch with their short passing instead of using the long ball to make the other side run. Beckham's pass to Rooney was a classic example. They need to spread out more and move the ball and themselves up the pitch, as a team, more quickly.

They also spend too much time passing sideways across the pitch and passing backwards instead of moving the ball up the pitch on the offensive.

It was noticeable particularly when we were taking corners that England never had anybody in place outside the opposition penalty area so that when the opposition defence headed the ball out we had someone to kick it back in.This allowed the rapid breaks that threatened our goalmouth.They need to contain the ball in the opposition goal area until someone finally scores.

The best combination was Cole & Cole who showed how effective they could be with rapid movement up the wing in partnership. Getting Beckham to do the same with Lennon could be an equally dangerous combination particularly if Gerrard and Lampard keep up their long shot barrage from just outside the penalty area.

We need to develop the fast flowing, accurate passing and deadly shooting style of Brazil/Portugal/Argentina in attack and a more effective stonewall and clearance style in defence.

We have a winning team if only we can be more positive, more goal hungry and get the tactics right. I hope they manage to get things right in time.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Downing in the two games that he came was just average at best. Lennon did impress though and for me, should start.

Does this make me a fan? ;)

...and the fact that we are not a team which can purely defend, i.e. shut up shop, makes it all the more worrying... :erm:

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

not very impressed at all.. we can still only play ok for 45 mins and then play rubbish for the rest of the game and the manager still doesn't know what to do

Owen is out and although Rooney is back he still isn't fully fit.. that leaves us with Crouch who is rubbish and showed in the second half he can't hold the ball up and Walcott who Sven won't even play.. he'd rather play Gerrard or Cole up front that Theo so why did he take him :Yikes:

defending was poor and midfield didn't keep the ball very well. yes J Cole has looked quite good but EVERYTIME he gets the ball he cuts inside we all know what he is going to do and it was poor defending that he was allowed to do it all the time.. that will get cut out soon and then he won't be able to do anything leaving us with 10 men

hargreaves was rubbish.. Lampard and Becks didn't do too much either

we didn't deserve to win any of our three games so far and am worried Ecuador could beat us.. we have no form at all and can't really see any signs of us getting any better

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

I think he was great last night. Definitely made an impact

agreed on all counts

Yep
I'm sorry, were we watching the same game? J Cole was outstanding, and got a well deserved MOTM.

I would usually agree with you, and I do for the second half of the game, but first half was the bestb I've seen hargreaves play for england for a long long time.

I'm really frustrated for Lampard. Becks wasn't on top, but he's been fab otherwise so far, so I'm hoping it was just an off night for him.

We do have form, the first half of last nights game showed that. We just need to keep it for more tha 45mins... How do you 'deserve' to win any game? You score the most (pretty or not), then you win. Which England have done.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

i wasn't saying J Cole wasn't our best player last time I was saying he only has one move he can do when he gets that ball and that is to cut inside onto his right foot

even i could have coped with that and it was poor play from the Swedish RB to keep letting him do that.. if he was playing against a better defence then that would be cut out

also what on earth has Sven been doing.. he gets 5 million a year.. he stopped the football season early so they could have a full month together and we all know the problems that caused

in that month did they even practice defending set pieces ? work on passing and playing as a unit.. work on playing with Lampard and Garrard together.. surely after one month together they could have worked it out ?

did they work on attacking or holding the ball up ?

or did they just have a free holiday in Portugal or whereever they went

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

the problem we have is that sven is absolutely adamant we must play a 4-4-2 to please the media(cos he has no balls) and then he must go to his real favourite formation, the almighty 4-5-1 all out defence with a poor lone striker that he used oh so (in)effectively at lazio.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

:mad: 3-5-2 is the way to go IMO.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

With apologies to Baddiell and Skinner :p:

He's coming home,
He's coming home
Owen's coming home.

Three minutes on the pitch,
Michael Owen stood dreaming
tripped on a piece of dirt
Like a girl lay screaming

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...nd/5100516.stm

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

He's probaby devastated, and it's put his career on hold for at least 5 months. He didn't lay like a girl screaming. Unlike so many of our premiership players (notably those of Mediterranean origin), he got himself of the pitch so play wasn't held up and did not roll around like he'd been shot. Admirable behaviour and not really something to mock IMO. :dozey:

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

i see madrid have got newcastle back for woodgate

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Well, after last nights debacle, I really wish England would stop trying to defend a lead. :disturbd:

We looked good in the first half, Joe Cole has been our best player of the tournament so far. :tu:

We should be doing the things we are good at, attacking, and stop this defensive approach, which we're not good at.

Portugal and Mexico is a good game so far, hope it doesn't fizzle out in the second half.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

The problem with the midfield is that there were so many of them they got in each other's way. Same thing happened in the England goalmouth when Sweden scored their second goal.

Offence is the best form of defence.We need the bulk of our team forward in the opponent's half. The full backs should be on the halfway line creating an offside trap and Robinson needs to be just outside the England penalty area acting as sweeper booting any through-balls back upfield. Robinson effectively becomes an extra man because the opposition are too busy defending their own goalmouth.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

I think Messi will shine in this world cup......

so far for me, he has been the best bit of talent of the tournament

ik

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Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

Definately agree, he has been in outstanding form when he has played, just hope he gets to start the next match instead of coming on as Sub, he has genuine talent, can beat a man, pick a pass, and score - absolutely amazing to watch.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

The other Argentinian (Tevez, i think is his name - was a ub in the Serbia game too) is also class. Good game against Holland, it just lacked a goal.

Re: World Cup 2006 Thread
 

messi will always "shine" and be the goldenboy according to the media just because he plays in europe, even though(and i mean no offense to him) tevez is far better than he is