World Cup 2010

[Team Andromeda]

Don't be so sure we will top our group. The USA will also most likely win their two games as well so it will probably come down to goal difference. Everyone seems to be expecting England to Wallop both Slovenia and Algeria, and while i expect them to win both i'm not so sure more than a goal or two will be in it in either game. I actually wouldn't be surprised if we draw one.

Just on reflection from the US game, if Rooney is isoloated again then we are going to struggle to score. Personally i'd drop donkey for Barry if he's fit and have lamps and Gerrard (with Cole on the left this time) going forward in support of Rooney on his own. Whilst i don't think donkey was that bad against the US, he just cannot be relied upon to score if the games tight and in the balance and we simply cannot carry a striker who can't score as the time will come when we'll need someone else who can step up to the plate.

Great points, That's part of the trouble with the English media, its almost like because you're English you're meant to win every match . There's not many teams that are push overs these days .

Also if Rooney plays as poor as did inthe USA game , maybe its time he was dropped (for a game) and play the likes of Defoe instead.

[Number45]

Also if Rooney plays as poor as did inthe USA game , maybe its time he was dropped (for a game) and play the likes of Defoe instead.

I'm inclined to agree to be honest. I'm still curious to know whether he's being asked to drop deep or not - because if he's supposed to be playing an advanced role he's obviously not listening. Defoe certainly would have no problem with staying up front!

Having said that I still think Rooney is the most likely to conjure something from nothing, which is often what England need (i.e. We struggle to create too many chances through our natural play).

[NemesiS]

I wouldn't drop Rooney simply for what he brings to the team. His workrate and running along with his skill and eye for goal cannot be underestimated even when he is double marked and quiet as a consequence as he was against the USA. But he does need more help from behind which is why i would be tempted to go 4-5-1 with Gerro and Lamps in support.

Also TA, as you have just said, there are no easy games any more. Both Slovenia and Algeria will defend in numbers and make life difficult which is why i don't see a landslide of goals for us.

[merf]

I wish they'd stop blaming the ball for everything, Heskey is saying this morning that the one he shot straight at Howard when 1:1 was because of the ball, WTF ?

fair point on the goal diff, I expect us and the US to win both games so will probably come down to that now.

I just hope this is more an Italia 90 Mexico 86 scenario where the team learns from its opening game and grows into the tournament, in more recent years we haven't done that, simply been poor and lethargic in group then capitulate to the first good team we meet.

[saturn-gamer]

Germany's offensive options actually caught me by surprise.

Klose, Poldi, Gomez, Kiessling, Cacau.. wtf? Every single one of these strikers, in decent form, kicks in some 15+ goals in a vastly underrated Bundesliga. Hell, 3 of them scored yesterday.

That Ozil guy I didn't even know, but he was brilliant. That Marin is a threat on the wing.

As far as Australia goes, I think they're being counted out. Too old, no rhythm. Serbia and Ghana seem to be more versatile, those 2 are also a more difficult horde for Germany.

[Number45]

I think Ghana will come through that group with Germany, unless Australia play considerably better than they did yesterday (And without arguably their key player).

[ShadowDancer]

Do you think Japan will beat Cameroon?

I think Holland and Italy will win - can't make up my mind on the middle game.

[Brats]

I've figured out the best way to watch the world cup (for me anyway).

- Ignore everything about it throughout the day (not difficult)
- Record the MOTD highlights in the evening
- Watch the highlights just after they have finished, and fast forward through the rubbish banter, post match dissection, reaction shots in pubs and other boring filler and just watch the actual play

Voila, just the 5 minutes decent bits from every game without the hours of dullness and naff talk, plus only 15 minutes of killer wasp noise every day.

[NemesiS]

I've figured out the best way to watch the world cup (for me anyway).

- Ignore everything about it throughout the day (not difficult)
- Record the MOTD highlights in the evening
- Watch the highlights just after they have finished, and fast forward through the rubbish banter, post match dissection, reaction shots in pubs and other boring filler and just watch the actual play

Voila, just the 5 minutes decent bits from every game without the hours of dullness and naff talk, plus only 15 minutes of killer wasp noise every day.

Thats the spirit...

[nakamura]

The Blue Samurai are out in the force today. If the coach wasn't so hapless Japan may of had a chance. Instead lets settle for some cute blurry pics.









Damn kid wont stand still!

[ChrisF]

Sorry if already posted...

[yesteryeargames]

Germany would annihilate England on that performance, and even if they didn't they'd still win on pens, get real England fans.

doubt that very much, aus were pritty poor, i would love to play the germs in the next round,

anyone getting annoyed with the constant slow motion replays and cam shots of the managers every minute?

[NemesiS]

We will have a clearer picture of Englands chances after the next game against Algeria. If we struggle to beat them convincingly then i would say it could be curtains for us in the next round.

[vanpeebles]

Some real tough tackling in this Holland game.

[merf]

normal service resumed after the blip of a game with some goals in it last night.