World Cup South Africa 2010

[Eruption]

What the hell are we playing at?

Its not like we were even just terrible in front of goal, we didn't even create chances.

Capello honestly isnt living up to reputation at the moment, unwilling to change tactics (to the point of making Rooney go wide!?) and what was bringng Lennon off all about? Lennon easily one of the best players on the pitch and seemed to be all over the pitch playing well.

 

[Serene Grace]

One word for England's performance: "lol".

 

[Binary]

England was a disappointment, but Algeria stood out quite well :/

 

[Eruption]

England was a disappointment, but Algeria stood out quite well :/

Algeria weren't that good, I can credit them for not allowing us much space though.

Ziani & Belhadj did stand out though.

 

[Captain Fabio]

Over-paid bunch of useless MORONS!
That was the worse team performance of the whole flaming tournament.

Absolutely ashamed to be English on the back of that performance.

 

[Jordan]

England need to step up their game. Their handling of the ball (especially on long balls/passes) was horrendous. Good result for America, but that was an unbelievable call. :/

 

[FizzleBizzle666]

the way England just played Algeria was completely piss poor but the only way now we can go through is if we win against Slovenia and USA lose to Algeria. but personally i think spain will win this year.

 

[Leo™]

My feeling is that England played ok and well just that. Maybe it's the pressure, but I just think every opponent should be treated with respect look at what happened to Spain. I just think sure if your country is a powerhouse cool but don't go saying other countries are playing mild when your country team isn't even playing at anything.

I thought Rooney would make a difference.

 

[donavannj]

America played too complacently in the first half against Slovenia. It was a good rally, but seriously, they have to stop letting themselves fall behind early.

I'm really happy about the possibility of England not making it out of the group stages, though.

 

[Eruption]

America played too complacently in the first half against Slovenia. It was a good rally, but seriously, they have to stop letting themselves fall behind early.

I'm really happy about the possibility of England not making it out of the group stages, though.

Gee thanks.

It is shameful though especially when you think we created the game.

 

[Leo™]

America played too complacently in the first half against Slovenia. It was a good rally, but seriously, they have to stop letting themselves fall behind early.

I'm really happy about the possibility of England not making it out of the group stages, though.

The problem with the U.S strategy is a wait n see. They close the spaces don't let the rival play and counter alot, but I do hope U.S makes it to the next round.

 

[Ctrl Alt Del]

England are shocking, they have a dream team and can't perform? Must be pressure or fear of losing because they were ruthless in the qualifiers. They need to change something. Could barely create anything against a lesser team, but hey, im a Scot i love seeing England fail.

Anyways well done USA for earning a point should have won the game, no idea what the ref saw as a foul, c'est la vie.

 

[donavannj]

Anyways well done USA for earning a point should have won the game, no idea what the ref saw as a foul, c'est la vie.

Best I've heard it described as was a "faceball" on another site I frequent. XD;

England may be running into the same problem the US ran into with Olympic basketball in 2004: too much star power, not enough team players.

 

[Limey-chan]

Oh well.

Anyone for tennis?

 

[Devil's Guitarist]

aw man, Argentina is waiting for a decent team for the love of god!

 

[donavannj]

I just realized that England, France, Spain, and Germany could realistically be done after the group stages. This prospect has me very giddy for some reason.

 

[bandgeek219]

I just realized that England, France, Spain, and Germany could realistically be done after the group stages. This prospect has me very giddy for some reason.

I know. I can't believe Germany lost, especially after that fantastic first game against Aus.

How about that call against USA's third goal today?

 

[donavannj]

I know. I can't believe Germany lost, especially after that fantastic first game against Aus.

How about that call against USA's third goal today?

Wouldn't have mattered had they not played so poorly in the first half.

 

[jjeangi]

The Dutch get Arjen Robben back tomorrow. That's the word on the street. He surprised everybody by coming to practice fit today. His hamstring injury should be very very close to being fully (if not already fully) healed by now.

For tactical reasons, I don't think Coach van Marwjick is going to start Robben though...
1st. Even though Robben's feeling fine, the tear might be still there slightly even though he can't feel it and he could aggravate it.
2nd. Probably doesn't want to risk that because they WILL need Robben for later matches, but now they're just fine without him.
3rd. Robben will probably sub in for somebody, most likely Kuyt or Elia if they choose to start Elia over VDW, in the second half. An Arjen Robben with fresh legs will be extremely dangerous on the right flank against the tired Japanese defenders.

3rd case, most likely scenario imo

It would be an exaggeration to describe this as a grudge match, but Holland are unlikely to have won many new friends in Japan during the build-up to this game.
Van Marwijk first met Japan manager Takeshi Okada at the World Cup draw in Cape Town last December, but mistook him for a Fifa official and asked for Okada. Well that "official" was Okada.

This is despite having played them in a friendly three months prior.

 

[bandgeek219]

Wouldn't have mattered had they not played so poorly in the first half.

True. I was extremely disappointed with USA first half. It was still a heartbreaker though that they couldn't completely finish their comeback after they actually brought some good game the second half. I think it was the only time I was excited watching USA play.

Oh well. What's done is done :/