Jun 20
Familiar guff from Messi, and a word on England fans/Rooney
So yesterday some journalist — for the 43406th time — asked Lionel Messi who his favourite footballers were. And Messi listed out familiar names — among them, to our interest, was Wayne Rooney.
“At the moment, there are maybe Ronaldo, Rooney, Xavi and one or two more – but I can’t think of one that plays with the desire of Rooney,” he said, conveniently forgetting his Argentine team-mate and resident grafter — or in Ferguson’s words, trier — Carlos Tevez. We actually like this slight, however inadvertent it might have been.
“It would be a dream to play with Rooney if Manchester United ever came to the point where they needed to sell him,” Messi told the Daily Star.
You know what Lionel; here’s an idea. You love the game a lot. Rooney loves the game a lot. Money is not a factor for you. You love playing with Rooney. So why don’t you come to Manchester, have a kickabout with Rooney, or better still: buy out your contract with Barcelona, and come play for us at Manchester United for £100 (yes, not million) a week, you know, because we can’t really afford you right now? I’m sure Rooney would love to play alongside you too.
Anyway, he goes on and on, and it’s a bit odd, seeing him go on and on about it in the midst of the world cup. We’ll let out a collective groan, a sigh, and move on to other things.
* * *
We all know about the Wayne Rooney outburst: “Nice to see your own fans booing you. If that’s what loyal support is.”
There’s been a predictable media storm over Rooney and it’s been tied with his piss-poor performances for England. Of course, they are also demonizing Capello — the same manager who presided over a fairly successful qualification campaign for England. [There have been some glaring blunders by Capello, over the past two matches, but that's a discussion for another day.]
The issues at hand here are two-fold. One: the booing of the players in the dying minutes of the game by England fans, and two: Rooney losing it in front of camera, taking a shot at said fans for said behaviour.
I’ve always held the view that booing one’s own players is very counterproductive and retarded. Especially on the pitch, during the match. As it is players are down, and if you’re booing them, you are sucking out the very remnants of confidence they may have left in them. In club football, in England, fans of almost all clubs have been tolerant of their players. United fans, I know have had very few instances of actual booing in stadiums. There were a few isolated incidents in the past when Nani and Berbatov got stick. But even when that’s happened it’s been largely muted. As Scott pointed out, in his article yesterday that during the 1-4 defeat at OT against Liverpool, fans chanted, “We love United, we do.” And I’m glad we see that level of support with not only United fans, but by and large, most clubs in the league.
With England fans I have little sympathy, especially the kind we see at Wembley, where instances of booing have been much more frequent. United fans have justifiably — however irrational it might be — a lot of reasons to not show any sympathy for England fans given the history with Beckham, Neville, Rooney et al. But after the Algeria draw, I felt, even in my moment of schadenfreude at another England failure, a sense of sympathy for those fans who either quit their job, or took time off their lives, for an expensive trip to South Africa for the privilege of having to see — in Valdano’s words — shit served on sticks. A sober man would be livid to be in the midst of this madness — a nightmare, surely. What of 10,000 inebriated supporters then?
So, I can understand where they’re coming from (England, of course, but that’s not what I meant, obviously) and I can make an exception on this occasion. However — there is a ‘however’, but you have to read what I have to say about Rooney first.
Just as the crowd’s boos were from a raving-mad, angry mob, Rooney’s outburst was the result of a player’s reaction to a no-confidence vote from his own fans. That and Rooney’s own temperament, which has been reigned in under the Capello regime. [Now there's a debate on whether Capello should have allowed Rooney to be himself, but it's not a debate I am interested to get into, because that's once again digressing from the points I want to make here.]
But just as the crowd’s boos are perfectly understandable, so is Rooney’s reaction.
We could revert to the cliched argument that players are paid by the millions and are supposed to reign themselves in even if a crowd insults his entire family lineage. But that argument is really not meant to be applied to every scenario involving a player. Yes, Rooney and co deserved every bit of blame for such an insipid performance, but let’s not forget the context. He’s not used to repeated failures at United. Even in moments of abject failure, as some matches last season have been, he’s got the undying support of his fans. And he’s used to playing in a system with players of arguably higher calibre and technical skill for much of his United career than he’s with England. All things considered, it’s perhaps liberating for someone like him to vent when tempers were frayed. And, guess what, he apologized the next day. Most players are supposed to do this anyway.
Sure, he might not have meant it. Or maybe he might have. But publicly he’s offered something, as players usually end up doing, to the fans, and one hopes England fans in South Africa understand that and move on to giving them the full support they will need.
But will they understand? Will the English tabloids understand?
Oh wait, who are we kidding here? News of the World are already doing their bit. “ROONEY OUT OF CONTROL!” apparently. Sigh.
The article is a bit unclear because it seems to talk more about general player dissent over Capello’s attitude than a few throwaway lines that Rooney is behaving like a spoilt-brat.
As United fans we know that despite the red mist that envelopes him, he’s usually been a selfless player for his side, often to his own detriment. Unless there’s been a team-wide unrest among players, I find it odd Rooney would be acting like a prick.
There’s little good about this England side anyway. I don’t really care if they beat Slovenia. They aren’t going that far if they put out the same side. Right now it’s begging for someone creative. But then there are many other articles offering expert advice to Capello on how to put out a decent side. So I’ll pass.
Related items from Red Rants:- United related links
- Et tu, Rio?
- Ronaldo’s Alligator Adventure + Cannavaro – Zola – Eriksson – Pele – Banks – Ferdinand
- Derby County v Man Utd: Preview
- United End 2009 With a Flourish
Tags: Opinions/Columns
June 20th, 2010 at 10:18
Nice article RR but I disagree with your point that fans who their own players are retarded. Not at all. You think it’s a cliche but when those blokes make millions and perform like they have, they deserve to be showered with boos. Booing is the only civil outburst paying fans have to show their displeasure and their anger at being let down and frankly, ripped off. You yourself demonstrate some compassion for those who spent hard earned money to go to South Africa to have “Shit on sticks” served up to them. What exactly would you expect them to do with those smelly kebabs, eat them? No, they threw them back metaphorically by booing their socks off, and deservedly so.
The day we start showing sympathy to spoilt egotistical and arrogant primadona athletes will be the day Hell freezes over. For all the pride English fans take in having a a blue collar mentality, they also have a blue collar mentality in the way they vent anger and frustration. What do you expect from them in the stands after such a stink job, articulate and Oxfordized rhetoric and criticism similar to that of William F Buckley? Football isn’t a game for intellectuals and elitist snobs who simply poo poo something under their breath. Blue collar people work hard for their money and they play hard. They are emotional beings and they show their temper when things are not going well or if they are being treated poorly or misrepresented. And frankly, England is misrepresenting their legions of fans, not by losing, but by not giving their all and by not seemingly giving a damn. I could care less if booing plays with their confidence. As a fan my confidence is being played with as well as my wallet when a team like that takes me to the cleaners with their anti-entertainment extravaganza.
My heart goes out to all England fans who are mad as Hell and don’t want to take it anymore. Thank God for Howard Beale. A fictional voice for the little people who are not being heard anymore due to the money and corporate mentality of sports franchises and big league sports in general. Anarchy Anarchy!!!
To all unsatisfied football fans who feel they are being served a festering steaming platter of camel shit called this World Cup I urge you all to band together and ” Cry Havoc and let slip the dogs of war”. Let the bastards know how dissatisfied you all are at this poor and ridiculously overpriced and over marketed spectacle. A big thumbs down from the mob is needed. 
June 20th, 2010 at 10:21
And as for the Messi thing, that little cunt is doing what all players from Barcelona and Madrid do to help tap up a player the team would like to seduce enough to get him to come and play for them. It’s nothing more than a buying tactic and it disgusts me. I seriously doubt Messi even gives Rooney a thought. Next week Ronaldo will once again open his mouth and say sweet nothings about Rooney hoping that Rooney considers Madrid as his next team. Lets remember, footballers in general amongst the least educated, most easily manipulated and most idiotic dumb asses on the planet. Just listen to an interview with Beckham in order to confirm my theory.
June 20th, 2010 at 10:33
@Grognard: Um, the vast majority of blue collar folk in England are of the opinion that you don’t boo your own as a rule. You make exceptions from time to time, like against Algeria. If you don’t trust me ask most middle class season ticket folk who comment on here on their views on booing.
There’s a time and place for booing. I could understand it when it happened against Algeria. But in most cases I don’t agree with the idea, as a rule with exceptional cases, and I stand by it.
June 20th, 2010 at 10:36
I don’t have sympathy for the supporters. Yes, they paid money to travel and follow their team during the competition but the fans should know what they’re getting with England. The players for the individual clubs are great but collectively they fail to show the same form, and sometimes desire. It’s strange how our team comprises of these Premiership players but yet Rooney is the one almost all fans and tabloids are shouldering the burden on – because we need Rooney to inspire the team, to step up to the plate when the team as a whole aren’t doing an awful lot. Just to sum it up, I don’t agree with booing and don’t blame Rooney for what he said, it is a true observation after all.
June 20th, 2010 at 10:55
And for the 43406th time ,it was English journalists only.
June 20th, 2010 at 11:53
Rooney certainly needs to grow up, he has of late been behaving like a spoilt brat but he still in my opinion a top, top player.
I would like England to play:
James
Johnson Terry Upson Cole
Carrick Barry
Lampard
Gerrard Cole
Rooney
For me this side would retain the play better, get players in the perferred positions, and attack. Capello seems so one dimentional an his obession with 4-4-2 is to Englands detriment. I am not Carricks biggest fan and for me he was atrocious for us last season but he would move the ball and keep it simple.
We seem to be accommodating Heskey which playes Gerrard out of position, puts a harness on Lampard. Heskey is a striker who does not score goals, Deschamap was the “water carrier” what is Heskey? The suspender holds the ball up but you can’t wait to take him off.
June 20th, 2010 at 13:16
Some good points RR. You are correct, both Rooneys and the crowds reaction were understandable. Rooneys was born out of frustration probably with himself and the team, the booing was just the straw that broke the camels back. In defense of the crowd, that performance was one of the worst that I can remember by professional footballers and bordered comedic. Basics in the game like control, passing and shooting were on a par with a local pub team and it must have been dreadful to watch from a supporters perspective. Both Rooney and the fans made mistakes in doing what they did, but for the sake of the team they should forget about it and come together for the game on Weds, coz the strange thing is this, one good performance from England and Rooney on Weds could turn the whole thing round and breath new confidence into the team, football is that fickle at times. Capello holds the key to this. Heskey need to make way for an extra midfeilder, Cole on the left would free up Gerrard to push further up in support of Rooney and also allow Lampard to time his forward runs into the box with the insurance of Barry as the holding player. Play Lennon on the right with the simple instructions of attacking the fullback at every opportunity when England have the ball and then to provide help for Johnson when they dont.
Five in midfield allows you press the opposition higher up the pitch and should result in more possession and control of the match.
I drive a delivery van for a living and have been listening to the radio for large chunks of my time during this World Cup and at times the Media have been way over the top. They are analyzing every minute detail of Englands activity from the training camp, Beckhams involvement, Capellos personality, body language, it is just bonkers how many differing opinions England have to accommodate. They have trying to get pics of them whenever Capello has asked for privacy. Playing for and managing England is on the verge of becoming the impossible job, and this in my opinion is down to certain elements in the media who it seems to me have more interest in writing to enhance their own reputations and sales figures than actually getting behind the team. Who are these people that can exert so much influence over a nations psyke at times like these, what have they ever done in life that qualifies them to give thier bold opinions on things that they have never experienced, They have too much power to influence people in my opinion and would better serve the country if they were told to stay away during a world cup, coz as I see it, they coz more harm than good.
Leave the team alone and stop performing autopsies when there isnt even a dead boby, the time to criticise is when the tournament is over.
June 20th, 2010 at 13:23
I just want to qualify what I said previously about the media. They do have an important job and not of them are bad. But some of them really need to live in the real world at times and be more balanced in the pieces that are writing. Footballers and managers are human beings, not robots, despite what ever money they are earning.
June 20th, 2010 at 13:24
Mmmmmm ‘A RAVING MAD, ANGRY MOB’ – way too above exaggeration! The England fans themselves post game, were so dispirited from the lashings of manure fed them, that the boos barely registered a few decibels! In fact I thought they should have been inventive, borrowed the African fans Vevulas and really intensified the booing atmosphere. This performance definately MERITED the booing, and Wayne and Co would have endeared themselves to the supporters more if they had approached the stands and apologised, instead of Wayne gobbing it because he is a failure thus far in this world cup.
As for Wayne himself, and the comment that ‘he is usually a selfless player’, well not last season he wasn’t. He took Ronnie’s role, Ronnie’s Ego, Ronnie’s arrogance, and Ronnie’s tantrum behaviour – except that Ronnie didn’t bollox other players around him for their failures to promote his egotistical cause. Wayne as you say correctly has been used to winning, and to being adored, etc etc etc. The problem with Wayne though, is that if things are not going for him – he can’t deal with it. I know many of you still think he is a world class player, and in some games for us he does show world class performance, but he certainly doesn’t have world class composure or humility. Sorry lads, but you all if you are honest with yourself know that is true. This competition so far, has revealed how Wayne’s game falls apart when his performance isn’t there. He cannot with all the will in the world be the great hero all the time, and the desire for that above all other things is paralysing him. Far from this WC being the arena for Wayne to declare and show forth his one of the world’s best tags, he has not found himself able, for whatever reason to free himself from his inability to rise to the occasion. It has paralysed the lad, and I feel very sorry for him. Yet I know IF not this time, his times will surely come, and he will return from Africa having learned so much about himself, and with experience that will see him good for a fantastic future in what will be many more world cups for him. I am not sad that he has had to come down to earth, and reassess his importance to this great game – football!
June 20th, 2010 at 13:32
A case for Carrick after England’s passing horror show?
One thing was increasingly obvious during the England-Algeria game – those bleach blonde hairstyles donned by some of the Algerian players were horrible. Oh, and if you didn’t notice England’s passing in that game was dreadful. Certainly, there were problems in that game, such as worryingly, England’s inability to press the opposition.
With all the quality England’s team possesses, it’s a mystery why they failed to pass the ball with any conviction. Step up, Michael Carrick. His range of passing is exactly what England need, although Capello looks set to only make a change or two to his team with Carrick rooted to the bench for the game against Slovenia. Spain’s Xabio Alonso believes England missed a trick in not playing Carrick, and presents a strong, convincing case to Capello on why he should be in the starting XI.
“If Carrick plays for the national team the way that he does for Manchester United, then it would be very good news for England. I think that he could easily fit in the Spanish system because I really like the way he plays.
“He reads the game so well, he is always ahead of what is going to happen and he is always in the right position. When he gets the ball, he plays it easy and he is available to his team-mates all the time. For me, he has the profile to play for Barcelona or any of the Spanish teams. He would also be very complimentary to Stevie (Gerrard).”
I don’t know about Barcelona, seeing as he too has the ‘profile’ to play for Manchester United. But, Alonso has a point. He can set the tempo in the team, and is, undoubtedly, the best passer in the England side. If Capello decides against playing Carrick for Wednesday’s crunch game, then you’d imagine a 4-2-3-1 is a must, playing Rooney by himself up front with either Gerrard or Joe Cole behind
June 20th, 2010 at 13:39
@Fred the Red: It should be the England team and Backroom staff who have switched off all radios, tv’s and other media, so they hear nothing negative eh, and then they just concentrate on the game ahead. Just shut the commentators and critics out – there is nothing wrong with their switch off button I suspect. By the way, I admire the several of the England players who went walkabout yesterday around town, to engage all the England fans they met, and try to mend bridges. Wayne wasn’t one of them I understand from sky sports!
June 20th, 2010 at 14:24
I think Carrick deserves a chance. Yes he has never impressed for England but he has never played as badly as Lampard has the last two games. A five man midfield with Carrick Gerrard and Barry would be an interesting proposition and keep the ball a damn sight better.
CraigMc much as I hate to admit it you have a point. On the one hand Rooney’s new found selfishness has turned him into a goal predator for Manchester United. All strikers need to have a selfish streak and it has benefited his game. But he has developed an ego as well and the problem with having an ego is that you become more sensitive. And that is what is happening to Rooney. He cannot handle the disparity between his form and his self perceived image of himself as a football God.
The problem is the higher the expectations he has of himself, the more likely he will fall below those expectations. Which will make him frustrated. Which makes him play worse and you get a negative spiral.
June 20th, 2010 at 14:30
From what I read in the papers Capello is making the team hotel like a prison only letting the players play table tennis and golf. Not even giving them computer games. So Im glad they are getting the chance to do some sightseeing.
Footballers spend long periods of time off the pitch and training field so it is important they have distractions and are able to enjoy life. Im not suggesting they go clubbing John Terry style. But making it like boarding school isn’t helping anyone.
I imagine Rooney is pulling his hair out in the team hotel because with his ADHD he needs distractions and can’t sit still. Probably all the free time and boredom is just making him think even more about his performances which isn’t at all helpful.
June 20th, 2010 at 14:47
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/06/20/1985975/manchester-united-set-to-launch-20m-bid-for-inter-ace-wesley
June 20th, 2010 at 15:02
Talking of players having a bad world cup, Ronaldo and Kaka didn’t play well at all in their games. Messi is the only one of the really big names having a good world cup.
Personally I am enjoying the success of Diego Forlan. He flopped at Old Trafford but has been one of the few players to leave Old Trafford and achieve career success. And he is having a great world cup.
June 20th, 2010 at 16:02
Jesus things go from bad to worse for the french, now their fitness coach has walked out after a row with domenech
June 20th, 2010 at 16:52
Italy haven’t won a game either, neither have France. What is happening in this world cup?
June 20th, 2010 at 17:17
@colver: Pique left OT and has made a career for himself too, and he is having a good world cup! Italy were out of their mind not to take Rossi – because he is another good ex United player, and he did brilliant for Italy in games leading up to WC when they played him! So serve Italy right.
Ronaldo is missing his supplier – mi man Nani! Portugal messed up big time sending him home when he was in such great form, and free scoring for them!
June 20th, 2010 at 17:20
@colver:
Rooney hasn’t got hair to pull out mate. 
June 20th, 2010 at 17:22
@colver: Exactly Colver!
June 20th, 2010 at 17:41
Bloody hell New Zealand
, shows you what a bit of fire and much effort can do eh? Good on you Kiwi’s!.
June 20th, 2010 at 17:53
@Red Ranter: Perhaps you are right mate but if there was ever a right time and place for booing, then the other night after the Algeria game was the time and place. England deserved the raspberries they got and so much more. And kudos to all the poor stiffs who levelled the abuse on them. Spoilt millionaire playboys will never ever get my sympathy over the hard working fans who sacrifice their hard earned money for some entertaining escapism only to get shit served to them on a platter.
Booing goes back to way before the Roman Empire and it was the mob’s way of voicing it’s opinion over unpopular political or entertainment based decisions. It’s Ok with everyone when we boo our political leaders, I say add athletes who perform poorly as well.
June 20th, 2010 at 18:04
@colver: Actually I thought Ronaldo did alright and was unlucky to not score from 40 yards out when he hit the post with a drive which had it gone in would have been the goal of the tournament. He worked hard but the separation between players and the stupid system Queiroz is using is the reason for the problem. Domenech may be the worst manager in this World Cup but Queiroz and Capello are not far behind in my opinion. Queiroz continues to miss out on why Portugal and especially Ronaldo seem to be having an impossible time scoring goals. He needs to allow Ronaldo more room to cut in and be part of the play in the box and he needs to create more congestion with players in the attacking zone which is not the case so far. When one watches Portugal the separation between players makes it almost seem that they are playing with only 8 men. Closer interplay between forwards and midfielders has to take place and the wingers need to get more involved with the central striker in support of him if they are to score. Ronaldo could definitely play better but like the French, great talent can be easily stifled by poor management and tactics.
June 20th, 2010 at 18:05
I was at the England vs Algeria game and the English supporters were behind the team from the start.
It was only after the final whistle that the boos ran out and English fans sitting in front of me could not believe how shit the team played. Basic things like passing and off the ball movement was non existent and the hunger and urgency was lacking. Cappellos love in with the same players who never performed under Sven and McClaren does not help.
I spent a tidy some on tickets for my missus and my mom who had not been to a football game before and i feel like contacting the FA for a refund cos that was just plain shit.
June 20th, 2010 at 18:08
@Owen: Like that will ever happen. Seriously, I have just about had it with all the filthy tabloids out there and there rumour mongering. It’s become a joke. Schneijder for 25 million sounds nice but Fergie never had a clue last year when he could have bought him for 15 million or had him included in the Ronaldo deal. If by some chance this was true (which it isn’t) it would only reveal to all what I have said all along that Fergie has lost his marbles and is truly well behind the pace these days. But I don’t see that being the case. I see this as just rumour mongering. As well, like Rafa is going to sell his second best player after Maicon to United and to Fergie whom he hates. I don’t think so.
June 20th, 2010 at 18:11
@colver: I don’t know mate. The Forlan I saw scored a long distance goal that went in right above the keepers head and should have easily been stopped. He then scored with a penalty, albeit a good penalty take. Other than those two goals, he has done nothing but squander half a dozen great scoring opportunities combined from both games. His first game he missed three sitters and so for me he is not having a great World Cup. He is having an OK World Cup thanks in part to the two chances he did put away. I think he has been very wasteful indeed. I’d say the same thing about Messi, many chances and no goals. Very wasteful but yes, very dangerous. An OK World Cup so far for him, but certainly not the goal machine we thought. He’s even lucky getting an assist off the post when Higuain put in the rebound. The guy has incredible luck but then again, I guess you have to be good to be lucky. Where would Messi be if he had to be forced to play for Portugal, England or France? Lost in the wilderness I say
June 20th, 2010 at 18:16
@DRed: No the fitness coach walked out after he was confronted by Evra and exposed as the traitor who leaked the Anelka situation. Evra apparently roughed him up a bit and had a violent confrontation with him which forced him to quit on the spot. The inmates have definitely taken over the asylum in the French camp. 2 years too late in my opinion.
June 20th, 2010 at 18:18
@colver: The worst international football tournament of all time. Mediocrity has taken centre stage. One thing about Italy though, they never start well. In 1982 they didn’t win in their first three games and then went on to barely qualify for the next round and then win the World Cup.
June 20th, 2010 at 18:23
@Grognard: Messi is himself sufficient enough to excel in any average side he will play.Dont protect Ronaldo by falsely blaming Messi.
Messi has been brilliant so far.He is playing as Attacking Midfielder and is just superior to any other player playing in the WC.
June 20th, 2010 at 18:27
Best players in the WC so far:
1.Alexis Sanchez
2.Messi
3.Maicon
Worst players :
1.Rooney
2.Ribery
3.Kaka
June 20th, 2010 at 21:17
@Owen: Why just balme Rooney? Yes he has been poor but so has Lamaprd, Lennon and SWP when he has come on, and yes Heskey who is simply awful.
Gregory van der Wiel has been very good for the Dutch, and obviously Ozil.
June 20th, 2010 at 21:26
@Stephen: Mate,Who expected SWP,Lennon,Heskey to be the stars at WC.There is nothing unusual when these players don’t perform.
June 20th, 2010 at 21:32
@Grognard: With CQ how now to people belive he is a football coaching genius still?
Claiming that a manager and coach are two seperate entities for me is a falsehood, if someone tactically is meant to be superb but cannot articulate out his views then that is a laughable.
Many state that he was the one who coached Ronaldo and that was the reason why he was so fantastic for us, then why has he not not scored a competitive goal for his country since a 1-0 win over Finland in February 2009?
For me he is vastly overrated as a coach, his record as a manager is very poor and a lot of people beg for his return back to OT and yes as a number sure, but he would never come back for the third time if he was not going to succeed Fergie and if that happened it would be a disaster.
June 20th, 2010 at 21:33
Good news for Ronaldo and Company.Kaka and Elano will be out.
But i fear they will not be able to beat Korea also.
June 20th, 2010 at 21:36
Who is this Gervinho?He was very quick and gave a lot of problems to Brazilians in 10 mins only.
June 20th, 2010 at 21:36
@Owen: Who expected Rooney to be? The media? But his form and fitness dwindled towards the back end of the season and that has continued, but soem people seem to revel in his loss of form, which is odd.
What happens if he scores a hat trick on Wednesday, will he be the best player in the World, of course not, but he is the second tier bracket of players and was United’s player of the year and we should be proud of thwe fact he wears the shirt.
June 20th, 2010 at 21:38
@Owen: You are welcome to that opinion mate. I just don’t agree with it. I thinkhe has played well but he has also squandered many good opportunities. One thing that I commend him for though is his aggressive play as he really goes at defenders and his incredible luck as eh always seems to get the right bounce of a defender or post etc. But like I said earlier, too be that lucky you have to be that good. I just think his finishing has to improve before I totally agree with you. For me the player of the tournament so far is Mesut Ozil, not because he is German but because he has played two great games in which he shredded defences with great passing and movement. If Podolski had done his job finishing he would have had three assists against Serbia and he was clearly the player of the game vs Australia.
June 20th, 2010 at 21:40
@Owen: Well Kaka had a great game today and the fact you could ignore Ozil and include Maicon and Sanchez tells me everything I need to know mate.
June 20th, 2010 at 21:41
Please tell me that I am not the only one sickened by the BLATANT fucking cheating going on in these WC games. I mean Brazil if it wasn’t for their cheating and getting away with it, with a smile on both their’s and the referees faces, well just where would they be. It is onlt a stroll in the park for some teams in this competition because of persistent fouling, and rolling all over the floor simulating injury etc. I have no respect for these Brazil players, or for Ivory coast who were scared to death of them and stood off them
. Just plain sick of it all!
June 20th, 2010 at 21:43
@CraigMc: Also a player which I love is De Rossi but he blatantly cheated for the Italian pentalty which is sad to say the least.
June 20th, 2010 at 21:44
@Stephen: I agree. Rooney is part of an entire team that has hit rock bottom. Sure he has been poor but if he received poor service he’d have been better than he is. The service he has received has been worse than poor. For me the most guilty culprits for England’s attacking woes are Lampard, Lennon and SWP. No creativity, pace or movement from any of these players. Gerrard has been poor but at least i see him trying hard. Then there is Heskey. A more useless muppet on and England team there has never been. Crouch did more to impress me in a few minutes on the pitch than Heskey has done in an entire England career. Just a fat lethargic sloth with zero skill.
June 20th, 2010 at 21:47
@Stephen: I think he is a decent #2 man because he isn’t in charge. In charge he is clueless like Domenech. Ronaldo also needs to get more aggressive and move inside more rather than being forced to stay out wide. The real problem with Portugal on the pitch is the midfield. Deco is a joke and Veloso doesn’t even start. And I do feel that they would be a lot better if Nani was starting on the right side.
June 20th, 2010 at 21:48
@Grognard: England out wide are pathetic which the constant exclusion of Joe Cole is even more baffling the only player in the squad who can actually produce a step over.
June 20th, 2010 at 21:50
@Stephen: Fans are fickle mate and they can jump on the bandwagon as easily as they can jump off. You are right about Rooney, his form fell way off after he was injured and he has not regained it at all. I think his problems are a combination of poor service and teammates, poor health, poor form and a head that is loaded with issues. He above all needs to grow up and stop making life for himself and his managers hell.
June 20th, 2010 at 21:51
@Stephen: Totally agree except that i am not a big fan of Joe Cole either. He is better than the rest but he is not the player he was 3 or 4 years ago.
June 20th, 2010 at 21:51
Fabiano used his hand 5 times to score the 2nd goal.But Refree was just smiling and it seems he was telling Fabiano that i know the goal is illegal but carry on.
June 20th, 2010 at 21:54
The gamesmanship shown today by the Ivory Coast was just disgusting and deplorable. Keita should be banned for the entire World Cup and Kaka’s red card rescinded immediately. Their diving and theatrics was just a joke and even Brazil did a lot of that especially Lucio acting like he was shot when he wasn’t even touched. I sometimes wonder if we will ever see real men play this sport again instead of the pseudo transsexuals who are presently souring and polluting the game with their unethical behaviour. Where have the real men gone?
June 20th, 2010 at 21:59
@Grognard: You know any thing about Gervinho,Grog.He was very impressive.
June 20th, 2010 at 22:09
@Owen: One of Ligue 1’s hot properties.
Forms with Hazard, Lille’s main offensive threat.
Can play as winger and also striker. Scored 13 goals with Lille as a striker – makes him not bad, but not great either.
Dreams to play for arsenal, what a surprise.
June 20th, 2010 at 22:35
@Owen: No nothing mate. He did look impressive with his movement but his end product seemed to be absent. Still, 20 minutes doesn’t really tell us anything.
June 20th, 2010 at 22:37
Good news for Portugal. Deco will be missing the next game.
June 20th, 2010 at 23:07
@Grognard: They’ve went on to become legends but age has caught up with them.
June 21st, 2010 at 0:30
Brazil look the most complete team so far. They have a good unit, are comfortable in possession but also strong in the tackle. The only real weakness I can see is that their defence is a bit slow. Watched the game with some Brazilian friends on a big screen and the atmosphere was fantastic.
June 21st, 2010 at 1:46
@Stephen: That’s what I mean Stephen – they are all at the cheating. I mean DOGba would have scored another goal today, but the Brazillian player was pulling his shirt off his back, obstructing him as he was through on goal – did he get a penalty or a free kick – did he fuck!
June 21st, 2010 at 8:45
@CraigMc: Pretty poor stuff i have to say, especially Lucio he is about 6ft 2 and going down like a hooker on prom night, very sad.
June 21st, 2010 at 8:48
@Grognard: I have personally never been a fan of Deco, even at Barca in his pomp there is something about him I simply dislike.
June 21st, 2010 at 11:09
You know what everyone, I am quickly agreeing with Fergie that today’s players are so out of touch with reality of the everyday man, and are increasingly without lack becoming more and more veracious fucking greedy bastards. They just can’t get their fill of frequenting Managers offices with their agents and CRYING gimme, gimme, gimme. Give me the money, that’s what I want, give me the money, thats what I want, thats what I want, want, want, want, that’s ALL I want. I can come before the fans, perform like shit personified and that continually, because the fans adore me so much, that they will keep forking out their hard earned money to the last penny, until they go broke, so that I can maintain my celebrity lifestyle. If our fans run out of dosh, then we will go to some other club, where sugar papa’s join the fans and gimme, gimme, gimme. The behaviour of players, who truly believe they are Messiah’s is truly sickening, and they get money for nothing. Fergie was so right to speak out against these greedy unsatiated appetite ravenous ‘we will screw you’ WOLVES. This WC tournament is a perfect example of pompous over inflated ego’ed primma donnas of the highest, but also LOWEST order. Please God let the money pots of football DRY OUT. Perhaps then we will see players play for love of the game instead of monetery grand gain!
June 21st, 2010 at 12:20
@CraigMc: I totally agree with that, seems the great ego himself John Terry has annoyed the rest of the squad with his egotictal behavior at the World Cup. He is a classic example of player power which is rife at some clubs, especially Chelsea which does not wash with many.
These guys are so well look after, pampered they forget where there roots are and more importantly how important the fans are.
June 21st, 2010 at 12:25
@Grognard: I’m still here!
June 21st, 2010 at 12:36
@Stephen: ‘Going down like a hooker on prom night’
. I wouldn’t know on that score Stephen, I have no experience of hookers or prom nights – but hookers are the in thing of your friend Rooney, well when he was 17 years old and Grannies frequented the brothels that is. Nowt like learning from older women though 
.
June 21st, 2010 at 12:37
@EduardoDaVinci4: Are you here and sober though Eddi?
June 21st, 2010 at 14:23
RONNY!!! <3
June 21st, 2010 at 14:24
@CraigMc: I am here right now mate, but I haven’t had much time to be on this site these last couple of days. This summer is gonna be lots of hard training, I’ve been on some trials and it’s all looking good but I need to train more and prepare myself phsyically for all challenges I’ll confront. Gonna be a busy sommer mate, but it’s gonna be mint as well!
June 21st, 2010 at 14:26
@Grognard: They cannot rescind it, as he was sent off for two yellows (which cannot be contested) rather than a straight red. Kaka gave him a dig, and should have got the second yellow, but he wont be done for violent conduct, he’ll miss 1 or 2 games, and keita will be banned too.
Still, that’s what you get for Rivaldo. You do something to someone, don’t cry when it happens to you.
Also, England have been terrible. Rooney is angry at his team and himself, not the fans really. The lack of pace/skill/deliveries from out wide makes a mockery of Capello’s decision to leave out Walcott and Adam Johnson. While SWP and Lennon have done little, it’s no suprise when we only play one of them at a time. We don’t stretch teams. It’s too easy to double up on someone when you know there is no winger on the other side of the pitch.
If they don’t win against Slovenia, they shouldn’t bother coming home. They wont like what they’ll find.
June 21st, 2010 at 14:40
Just seeing the Kaka thing back on TV. Kaka elbows him in the ribs, but he goes down holding his face because that’s where Kaka’s shoulder hits him. Everyone is focusing on his elbow, but watch it again, and watch his shoulder. He leans in.
June 21st, 2010 at 15:22
Brilliant football by Portugal.Great one touch passes and wonderful finishing.I hope they are through to the 2nd round.
And yes Ronaldo was very good for last 45 minutes.Set up 2 goals,Scored one and hit the post also.
June 21st, 2010 at 16:08
So far the South American continent is unbeaten, winning seven out of nine games disputed and topping every corresponding group.
June 21st, 2010 at 17:26
@Stephen: He has always put me to sleep.
June 21st, 2010 at 17:34
@Owen: Yes Potugal finally woke up although I can’t help but feel that the Korean team that showed up could not have been the same team that gave Brazil such a hard time. They were awful. The secret to the Portuguese win was their movement off the ball. Finally Queiroz listened to me and the many others who have been crying for movement off the ball and moving Ronaldo in more and creating runs that with weaving between players. They opened up North Korea like a cheap whore and Ronaldo was outstanding. He should have had at least two goals and his two assists should have been doubled if not for a couple of poor finishes. Their LB Fabio Coentrao was for me truly a revelation. His attacking runs and strong defence were highlights. God to see Ronny finally score as you could see it was playing on his mind.
June 21st, 2010 at 17:41
@Grognard: This Raul guy is a brilliant midfielder and has been consistent for a long time both for Portugal and Porto.It is surprising he is still at Porto where as someone like Quaresma has played for all top clubs in Europe.
June 21st, 2010 at 17:44
@EduardoDaVinci4: Good for you mate – where do you think you’ll finish up then Eddi – which club???
June 21st, 2010 at 17:47
@Grognard: And basically Coentrao is a winger and may be joining Madrid.He is the hottest property in Portugal at present.
June 21st, 2010 at 18:45
@Owen: If he’s a winger and can play LB like that he would be a tremendous signing for anyone.
June 21st, 2010 at 19:48
@CraigMc: Sorry mate, can’t say.
yet
June 22nd, 2010 at 1:20
@Owen: Actually mate I’m curious, is there any player out there today that’s good who isn’t joining Madrid? I don’t think there is anything I would like more than to see somebody test a dirty bomb at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. I hate that team with such a passion. It breaks my heart that both Mourinho and Ronaldo have sold their souls to those devils.
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:14
This season City are going to be a real force in PL and will be the main contender for the title.They have made some excellent signings and they all are big and quality players.They have signed Toure and won the race for Silva also.Robinho will be given another chance.Tevez will be still there.It looks a brilliant side and if we are not going for any quality purchases as it seems now,then we will struggle to get higher position than Shitty in the table.
Anyway there is a good news that we have won the race ahead of Madrid and Arsenal to sign Cole.
June 22nd, 2010 at 13:33
Owen they are not done deals. But I agree with Silva and Toure added to their squad Manchester City are going to look very dangerous.
But they are still a little way off being genuine title contenders. Their defence is still very weak aside from Shay Given. Robinho may have had a good world cup but he has yet to convince in the Premiership and I wonder whether he has enough heart for a title challenge. Adebayor flopped. Roque Santa Cruz flopped. And while Tevez had a fantastic season he is not really world class and I do not see him scoring as many next season.
But City are definitely heading in the right direction and if they sort out their defence and buy a world class striker then I could see them having a good chance at winning the title.
June 22nd, 2010 at 13:37
Actually I forgot they were signing Boateng, which is a step in the right direction. But still a defence of Richards, Boateng, Toure, Bridge is ok but outside of that they dont have much defensive depth and all the above defenders are second tier defenders.
The sad thing is that if we had bought Toure and Silva we would run away with the title.
June 22nd, 2010 at 13:51
I am just followed up on something Craig was saying yesterday and it is getting like a cancer within our game, player power.
I was listening to the radio heard some members of the French may not want to play today against South Africa. I simply could not belive my ears, yes Domenech is a total fool but refusing to play for your country at a World Cup finals is the act of traitorism.
Firstly Gallas the man who said he would score an own goal for Chelsea if he did not get a move to Arsenal, the team he was subsequently stripped of the captaincy from as a result sulking said he was unhappy that the over the hill Henry wasn’t captain, a player who was not a shoe in as a starter.
Then Anelka was sent home for calling the manager a “son of a whore” which is probably one of the worst things you can call someone so the players are up in arms and now won’t play, this a laughable.
John Terry goes out on a press conference and undermines his manager simply becuase he was stripped of the captaincy for having it away with the left backs other half, and has been allegedly behaving like a spoilt brat around the training camp.
The players simply do not care about the fns and feel they are above us all, I feel for the French supporters who have spend thousands of pounds to watch the rubbish which has been served for them. The fans are the life blood of football, we inject the money into football which funds their lavish lifestyles all we expect is them to play for us, let alone perform.
June 22nd, 2010 at 14:23
Stephen, on the one hand I agree with you. These player power plays are ridiculous and destabilise the team. I do not think it is a coincidence that the players causing all the trouble are Chelsea or ex Chelsea players. That club has long had a tradition of players causing trouble and questioning the authority of managers as Mourinho and Scolari will tell you. Rather than accept the blame for poor performances, players just try and get rid of the manager.
Still the fans and media aren’t altogether blameless. The French press in particular are well known for slating the national team. The English press can be just as bad. And booing your team never achieves anything.
June 22nd, 2010 at 14:39
@colver: I agrewith all of that, but the French supporters dreserve better and the players are playing for their own ego, not the Country
June 22nd, 2010 at 15:28
@colver: Mate these two are done deals 100%.Their defense is not that bad.Last season till 35 games ,City had the least number of defeats.Now they have added some quality also in their list of defenders.
How can you predict mate that Tevez will not that score number of goals next season.If Tevez is not a world class player mate,then only Messi and Ronaldo deserves world class status.No one else.
Dont underestimate them Colver.They will be a very tought team to beat next season.Yaya and Barry as CM,Silva as ACM,Bellamy on right,Robinho on left with Tevez upfront.It will really be strong team.
June 22nd, 2010 at 17:17
Owen, there is no doubt on paper they do look like a very good side. But virtually all of them are mercenaries. Do they really have enough heart to ride out a whole season and bring home a title? Also virtually all of their players have spent most of their careers in clubs outside the top four. Only Tevez and Yaya Toure have any experience being part of a trophy winning side.
Don’t get me wrong I love Tevez as a player and Im really sad we let him go. But just like Rooney his goal ratio last season was a lot higher than any previous season and I think he’ll regress towards the mean.
Also in Mancini they don’t really have a top level coach.
But I still think they are a top central defender and a top striker away from a title. But then again each season they attract bigger names so I think they will win a title sooner rather than later.
June 22nd, 2010 at 17:35
@colver: And the day when they will the title will be a very sad day in the history of Man Utd.
Mancini has won the League with Inter ,Colver.I just read that they are also leading the chase for Kjaer and Krasic.This season they have become wise and are spending on quality.Last season they were just spending here and there.
June 22nd, 2010 at 17:48
Mark my words. After watching the Uruguay- Mexico game this afternoon it confirmed the opinion I already had: We have bought the wrong Latino. Suarez is a much better striker than Chicharito. It is not just that he scored the goal, he is strong and quick and has all the attributes to shine in EPL. On the other hand Chicharito seems to me very lightweight.
June 22nd, 2010 at 18:05
@frankie:
I haven’t watched the game but what I have seen of CHicharito is that he is too lightweight for the premiership…he mayb be able to finish and have a good header but unless he goes on a serious weight training program that will be another 10 mil down the tube…Fergie is turning into Rafa at this point…to be frank i don’t rate Suarez all that much either..I think Forlan is better than both …but we tried that already…the premier league is totally different than most leagues…I would much prefer an aguero if we are going for a poacher speedy finisher type…bar Benzema and Torres I really don’t see a striker in world football going for currently…i would be open to trying the striker by committee and blood macheda, king and keane in the first team…
June 22nd, 2010 at 18:17
@frankie: @Don: Both Suarez and Aguero will cost more than 30 million which we can’t even dream to spend at present.Whereas Chicharito was available for 8 million which is a real value of money for Fergie now-a-days.
June 22nd, 2010 at 18:25
Gourcouff should come on the cheap after his horriblé World Cup.
June 22nd, 2010 at 18:32
@Owen: They look to be improved but having a lot of stars means nothing mate. Just look at France? They have to play like a team and not be selfish and disjointed as a unit. If they can do that, they probably will be a force but i am not yet convinced.
June 22nd, 2010 at 18:36
@colver: In fairness, Chelsea were build on the backs of mercenaries. mercenaries can win if the right manager is in place. We here with United are not into the mercenary thing and we are used to winning with teams but we also have had our fair share of mercenaries who are now mostly gone. Being a mercenary is the state of the modern game. 75% of all players and managers are mercenaries so based on that high a number, some of them will have no choice but win.
June 22nd, 2010 at 18:37
@Stephen: Who in his right mind would want to play for France?
Of course they are playing for their ego’s, which are right now shattered.
June 22nd, 2010 at 18:39
@frankie: Ronaldo was light weight to when we got him. He seemed to turn out OK.
June 22nd, 2010 at 18:43
@Don: Torres was thought to be lightweight and he has played well for Liverpool. Tevez was considered lightweight and he has had a great EPL career. Size is not a limiting factor anymore. The modern game requires pace and agility like at no time previous. The English game has also moved to wards being a more continental style game and so the old myths of handling English football hardly apply anymore.
June 22nd, 2010 at 18:47
World cup Prizes:
winner : Man Utd
Best Defender : RedNev
Best Midfielder : Scholes
Best Striker : Owen
Player of the tournament : VALENCIA
June 22nd, 2010 at 18:58
Grognard, I think bring in mercenaries is ok if they are also winners. But Manchester City are still buying players used to hovering in upper mid table. Very few of them have actual experience of winning titles or title challenges (except for the ex Arsenal players who always bottled it anyway).
News is we have won the race to sign Joe Cole. I have mixed feelings. On the one hand he will be a useful squad player to have, capable of playing in a number of positions. But then again we have enough squad players and we need first teamers especially midfielders and I dont see Cole staying fit enough to be a productive first team player for us.
June 22nd, 2010 at 19:26
@colver:
Current Players and whom they are leading to sign:
1.Tevez : PL,CL Winner
2.Yaya:La Liga,Cl
3.Silva : Euro Cup
4.Robinho : Lla Liga,WC
5.Krasic: Russian League
6.De jong : Dutch League
7.Zlatan : Serie A,La Liga
8.Mancini : Serie A 3 times
9.Bridge : PL
10.Viera : PL,WC,Serie A
11.Toure: PL
So how you are saying they dont have enough experience,i dont know mate.
June 22nd, 2010 at 21:40
Breaking News:
Manchester United have left the path clear for Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to attempt to sign Joe Cole after it was confirmed they are not interested in the England international.
June 22nd, 2010 at 22:16
Ahem!!
June 22nd, 2010 at 22:34
@colver: I have no problem with us getting Joe Cole mate not because I think he is a great player but because he didn’t cost a dime. If we had spent 10 or 12 million for him then I would have been up in arms. Like Owen he is really a risk free gamble. Where he is a liability for us is if he is the only signing. And I wouldn’t put that past United.
June 22nd, 2010 at 23:21
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Yeeeeey, finally someone who thinkgs my way!
June 23rd, 2010 at 8:40
I just hope and pray Red Rants just doen’t turn into just speculating about transfers, it will be somewhat disheartening.
June 23rd, 2010 at 12:26
@Owen: This was exactly 1 day after The Sun reported that Cole has told everyone he is only interested in joining United. I don’t think we will know either way before next Wednesday, when he actually becomes a free agent.
June 23rd, 2010 at 12:35
Except 10 mins later, according to Talksport, Manchester United have officially ruled out making a move for Joe Cole.
Probably because we are signing Silva, or Di Maria or something…….
June 23rd, 2010 at 12:41
You heard it here first, England team for this afternoon.
James
Johnson, Upson, Terry, A.Cole
Barry
Milner Lampard Gerrard
Rooney, Defoe
June 23rd, 2010 at 13:00
Also, in possibly Joe Cole related news.. we have flown some of ‘our people’ over to talk to Udinese about signing Chilean winger Alexis Sánchez. From what I recall, he’s a left winger, so maybe these things are connected. £15mil is the price.
June 23rd, 2010 at 14:36
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5-yKhDd64s
Make them motherfuckers in the England squad listen to that song before the game today and they’ll fuck Slovenia to pieces. Rape is gonna happen…
June 23rd, 2010 at 15:27
Respect to Capello for making some changes. Great cross from James Milner for the Defoe goal. The whole team looks much more fluent and we are actually dominating possession for a change.
June 23rd, 2010 at 16:23
So far England are 1-0 up but I have to say kudos to Capelo and the lads because they are playing much much better. Only one goal but the attitude and the effort is there. As we know with this grand old game you can be playing very well and the goals don’t come. But at least they have improved their performance greatly with more pace and much better movement off the ball. They don’t look disinterested for a change. I still feel Joe Cole should have started as his skill set might be what we need to really crack the code.
June 23rd, 2010 at 16:35
Rooney off. A shame really because he was starting to find his form and getting a lot of the ball and playing those little passes he is so good at.
I dont think England will score another. They have gone off the boil and everything is starting to look a bit scrappy. Shame because they had enough chances to be two or three up.
I think the Milner change made a lot of difference as did taking off Heskey. Milner’s end product is much better than Lennon and Wright Philips and with Defoe on the pitch the players are passing it around a lot more.
June 23rd, 2010 at 16:48
Joe Cole has looked pretty wasteful and seems too keen to make an impact when really we need to keep possession.
I have to say Ive been very impressed with Milner. Great defensively and offensively and looks very comfortable
June 23rd, 2010 at 16:49
Damn Germany in the next round as USA have topped the group
June 23rd, 2010 at 17:01
You get what you deserve and England did not deserve to win the group, only two goals scored against the USA, Algeria and Slovenia.
June 23rd, 2010 at 18:16
Yeah Stephen I agree with you. We scraped through the group stages and produced a performance today that we can build upon. Also in James Milner we have a player capable of giving Rooney and Defoe the service they need from the flanks. Gerrard also produced a much more disciplined performance on the left and was linking up very well with Rooney.
Problem is that Rooney’s ankle seems to keep flaring up. It reminds me of the Bayern game where he had to be taken off after a tackle so probably the same problem and his ankle hasn’t fully healed.
Rooney showed signs of getting back to normal and while his shooting and touch was still off and he still looked a bit slow on the mark, his passing was much better and he was beginning to run at defences again
June 23rd, 2010 at 18:46
@colver: Wayne was unlucky not to get his goal today when he hit the post. He was also unlucky not to have an assist, when Defoe so very narrowly missed the target. I still say he is lying to Capello that he isw fit though, and I hope he doesn’t come back to us crocked because of this!
June 23rd, 2010 at 18:47
Miraculously – nobody has scored against England yet, because Rob Green scored for the Yanks
.
June 23rd, 2010 at 18:53
@Traverse: So Nani will be off then IF we get Sanchez – just as I predicted. Well Spain’s GAIN and long may Nani reign – for whichever lucky buggers get him in Spain. Man United’s loss, but they deserve it.
June 23rd, 2010 at 18:55
@colver: I wouldn’t be too averse too that mate, it will be a cracking game, and FIERY to the extreme
. Germany better not lose tonight, because if they do, they will be out of the WC. They shouldn’t lose to Ghana though!
June 23rd, 2010 at 19:05
CraigMc, where are you getting this info from? I cant see us selling Nani yet. We will wait a few seasons until his transfer value peaks and then the Glazers will cash in.
Manutd.com are saying he is a rightwinger, so if anything it is Valencia who would lose his place in the team with Nani retaining his position on the left wing.
More likely if we are interested in this guy the intention is to give us the option of going back to the 4-3-3 circa 2007/8 with Sanchez Rooney and Nani forming a formidable threesome, with Valencia available where we want a more defensive 4-5-1
June 23rd, 2010 at 19:08
Apparently, one of my mate’s family works for an advertisement company that do Manchester United’s marketing. He’s supposed to have been told to take off Berba and Vidic from the advertisements currently being made for United.
This could mean Vida is going to Real, which is the most likely move I can think of for him. United have been rumored to be getting Cheillini and this could be why.
June 23rd, 2010 at 19:09
If England could counter with speed and skill the way the US did to get their game winning goal would be nice. Sure Donovan got a rebound but he was well placed for it and the buildup and fast break was outstanding. Amazing what a little pace and urgency can accomplish eh?
June 23rd, 2010 at 19:13
If England meet Germany it could be curtains for the English but then again this is a bitter rivalry and one the English would get very motivated and stoked over. I cannot help but remember Italy sucking as badly as England in the group stages of the 1982 World Cup only to meet Brazil who was an awesome powerhouse during that tournament and beating them 3-2 with a Paolo Rossi hattrick. As good as Germany is, they are not in the same class as that 82 Brazilian team and Italy was a joke that just got hot at the right time and won. Well perhaps England will be the 2010 joke that catches fire at the right time then builds momentum on their way to who knows what. Stranger things have happened. Perhaps we also should wait to see if indeed England do play Germany, as they could conceivably lose to Ghana…………..NOT.
June 23rd, 2010 at 20:09
@Grognard: Yeah matey but Brazil defensively in that game were awful, cannot see Germany at the back be that bad, oh and Italy had red hot striker in form…..
June 23rd, 2010 at 20:11
@CraigMc: Why do we deserve it mate? Nani was firstly a starter in the latter half of the season and I can guarantee you we will not sell him, why would we bro?
June 23rd, 2010 at 21:24
Germany it is then, what were the odds…………….
June 23rd, 2010 at 21:35
The Germany game will be interesting. They have a midfield who can easily outpass our midfield and strikers who always seem to be able to score in the World Cup. They do have weaknesses at the back but with Rooney out of form and Defoe still inexperienced at this level we may not be able to exploit those weaknesses.
I think the key will be whether we can get it right on the flanks. We were much improved against Slovenia because Gerrard was doing his job on the left and linking up well with Gerrard, while Milner was combining well with Johnson and delivering in some good crosses into the box.
But my main concern is that Germany have goals in them and if they get a goal or two I do not see us in current form scoring two or three and we all know what happens when we end up in a penalty shootout.
June 23rd, 2010 at 21:37
Start practicing Penalty.
June 23rd, 2010 at 21:39
American John Isner and Frenchman Nicolas Mahut were locked at 41-41 in the deciding set.
June 23rd, 2010 at 21:40
@Owen: Start booking flights home
June 23rd, 2010 at 22:26
@CraigMc: We need two left wingers! He ain’t going nowhere.
June 23rd, 2010 at 22:37
@Traverse: How do we need two left wingers??? That means Nani will get far less games, will be unhappy again, and will want out surely? Unless Fergie is going to alternate right and left wing between our 3 players?
June 23rd, 2010 at 22:38
@Stephen: Tell that to the Germans
. I am looking forward to what should be a great game, with lots of fire and brimstone!
June 23rd, 2010 at 22:41
@colver: Nobody has scored against us yet, so lets wait and see. Lets hope also David James doesn’t do a Rob Green and score for the Germans
.
June 23rd, 2010 at 22:44
@Stephen: I meant for buying someone else for our wing spots, when what we really need is MF players and another top class striker. Something tells me last season might have been the best Wayne has!
June 23rd, 2010 at 22:49
@colver: Well I thought Traverse said that he is a left winger! Also what you got against Valencia, I thought you were a fan of his Colver?
June 23rd, 2010 at 23:02
@CraigMc: Valencia is the best player in the world,Craig.
June 23rd, 2010 at 23:10
@Owen: Of course he is Owen, that must be why Fergie is buying another right winger, or so the reports go. Ask Traverse, he seems to know the score on this Sanchez bloke!
June 23rd, 2010 at 23:36
@Stephen: Very true but Rossi was cold and invisible in the first four games they played in that World Cup. Like I said, he scored three vs Brazil and then 2 vs Poland and 1 in the final vs Germany to total 6 and win the Golden Boot. He scored 6 goals in his last 3 games while having scored 0 goals in his first 4.
Germany’s defence has been rock solid while England have struggled to get a goal. So what does this mean? A 3-0 win for England against the odds a hattrick for Rooney. mRemember, football is a funny game and often goes against conventional thinking.
June 23rd, 2010 at 23:47
@colver:
Excuse me mate but what exactly are the weaknesses Germany have at the back? They are fantastic at the back and Neuer is proving to be highly reliable and very strong when called upon. I’d take Mertesacker and Friedrich over any back four in the world and Lahm for me is the best fullback in the game. Boateng might not be that great but he only played today because of his Ghanian heritage. Badstuber is a fantastic young player who regularly plays LB. That is the area that worries me the least with Germany. I also love Germany’s midfield but the striker situation worries me. Cacau showed himself to be basically useless today and Klose is good but at his age cannot be counted on. Gomez is a total slug and Kiesling is unproven on the international scene. That is where I worry.
As for England, well where do I start? There defence looks good on paper and the fact they only gave up a cheap goal in three games should mean something positive but I wasn’t impressed with any of Terry’s partners at CB and Glen Johnson for me is a nightmare waiting to happen. The midfield and wingers are an absolute mess but England still have Rooney up front and today Defoe made a claim to start the rest of the way instead of that useless old fart Heskey. It’s going to be an epic. I call it even because although I think Germany is the better team overall, their inexperience may cost them and England as bad as they have been have loads of experience and have history on their side. Germany have whipped them like government mule’s in the past several tournaments and the odds just have to eventually change. I love my Germans but I am looking to England to win this game and go against conventional wisdom and the odds. Remember, it’s a funny old game.
For England’s sake I hope the team is practicing penalties because they are going to be tested if it comes to that. I’d also take Neuer over James in the area of stopping them any day of the week.
June 23rd, 2010 at 23:52
@CraigMc: Sanchez is like Ronaldo ,mate.He started as winger but now mainly plays as attacking midfielder or forward.He is a great dribbler and perhaps only Messi is better than him in this respect.Be sure he is not coming to United.Mourinho wants him but his club has told that at any price he will not be sold this season but they will consider next year..
And if somehow Chile reaches semis then he will win the player of the tournament .Then he will be valued at 40 million.
June 24th, 2010 at 0:05
@Grognard: Grog,if there were some decent strikers in Ghana team ,they would have scored 5 goals.German defence was below average today.Lahm was only good and saved 2 certain goals.
Germany will struggle to score against good defences.Klose is just not good now and Podolski is again back to his club form.Muller and Ozil don’t score much(but today he scored a good goal).
England will beat Germany if they will manage to restrict Schweinsteiger dictating the midfield.He is genuine class.Johnson will have to play a great match because i have seen that 90% of German attacks start from right side only where Lahm and Muller/Ozil combine very well.
And yes,England will have to somehow score a single goal because in penalties,Germans are unbeatable.
June 24th, 2010 at 0:24
CraigMc, manutd.com has him listed as a right winger/support striker.
Valencia is one of my favourite players. But Ive always seen him as more of a wide midfielder. I miss having someone like Ronaldo who was able to cut inside and play almost as a forward. Sanchez has some of those qualities. Nani is also very effective cutting inside. With Sanchez we could recreate the 4-3-3 formation that was so deadly in 2007. But would also have the option of 4-5-1 with Valencia giving both offensive and defensive qualities and also ensuring Rooney gets lots of crosses. Also Sanchez can play as a striker so we could go for a 4-4-2 as well.
Imagine a front line to be chosen from the White Pele, Valencia, Sanchez, Nani, Chicharito…..that is a lot of Latin flair!! Dump Berbatov and bring back the exciting fast attacking football!
June 24th, 2010 at 0:44
@CraigMc: nani will be our new second striker mate dont wory
sanchez would be a nice bit of biz i wonder how much.
June 24th, 2010 at 5:02
@Owen: Mate I couldn’t agree with you more. Go take a look at the different papers ratings. Lahm gets an 8 across the board. He was brilliant. Mertesacker was ok but Friedrich was also very good. Germany may struggle to score against better defences but keep in mind that Ghana was playing not to lose and parked the bus. As we know, that’s a tough nut to crack. Better teams will attack Germany which in turn will leave them exposed to Ozil and Schweiny’s through balls. Podolski has to pick up his game as he was utter shite today as was Cacau. Ghana played so far back that they literally slowed down the german Machine and at times they were plodding along like England. Low will fix that. Having Klose back will help but for me, Podolski needs to be played up higher where he can score. Playing him so low was a mistake. Credit to Ghana though, they played good team defence.
June 24th, 2010 at 5:04
What is all this shite about Sanchez? We haven’t signed him yet some of you on here are acting like we did and that Nani is in jeopardy. Fact, we haven’t signed him and I seriously doubt that we will. Fact, Nani is our starting LW and will continue to be until he fails, which I do not see him doing so this time. So lets just shut it with Alex Sanchez, unless you all know something the rest of us don’t.
June 24th, 2010 at 8:59
@Grognard: It will be tough for us against the Germans, if Schweinsteiger is not fit for the Germans then that would be a help as the Krauts do not have another holder in midfied plyer, will keep my fingers crossed.
June 24th, 2010 at 9:54
@CraigMc: I remember us going after him last season, and I seemed to remember him playing on the left? We were offering £10mil, and they wanted £25mil. If he’s a right winger, then we probably aren’t interested. We’re sorted on the left. Valencia has been brilliant all season, and Nani and Park can play there if needed.
We still have to accept the fact that while Nani was great for about 6 weeks at the end of the season, he could still play like he did the first 5 months, and we need a left winger as Giggs CAN NOT provide backup in that role, and Obertan doesn’t seem to be being given the chance.
June 24th, 2010 at 10:24
We’ve been linked with another Winger this morning, Mexican winger Pablo Barrera. The same scouts who told us to get Hernandez have been watching this guy for s for a year or so. Can play on either wing. Almost joined Lazio for £3mil before the world cup, so wouldn’t cost us more than probably £8mil
June 24th, 2010 at 12:23
@Traverse: Well obviously I am not going to agree with that Traverse
. Nani for the half season he was allowed to pley fot increasingly better with each passing game. The lad is a confidence player, who needs regular games to find and keep his form. Play him sporadically and he will lose the sharpness and excellence of game play he has, and has produced when he was kept in! But then I will always been seen as biased, and rightly so!
June 24th, 2010 at 12:27
@Stephen: I don’t want Sweinsteiger out – I want no excuses for either side if they lose, I want their best team against our best team, and I’ll take my chances!
June 24th, 2010 at 13:03
@CraigMc: I agree, will be a good game and we owe them one or two!!
June 24th, 2010 at 13:05
@CraigMc: Yes you are ridiculously biased
June 24th, 2010 at 17:29
HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAQHAHAHA ITALY!!!
June 24th, 2010 at 18:31
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH CRASH AND BURN YOU ITALIAN BASTARDS! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
That did me my heart and soul enormous good
June 24th, 2010 at 18:32
@Traverse: You had me agreeing with you until you mentioned the name Park. I wouldn’t consider him a player yet alone a winger.
June 24th, 2010 at 18:35
@Stephen: My biggest concern with this German team was in their selection. I too could not understand why Low never selected any backup DMF or CMF. Instead he is saturated at LB and at winger. Khedira is one player but who will be the other to replace Schweiny if he is not fit? I have no idea. That is why he should have selected Torsten Frings as well. A very good player with loads of experience and arguably better than Khedira.
June 24th, 2010 at 18:38
@Traverse: Mate, we’ve been linked to a nearly every player on the planet this past month. Remember, nothing ever gets done until the old man comes back from his vacation in Southern France with a tan and his nose a little redder thanks to the local wines. All these links, and I mean all of them are nothing more than media and Internet Bullshit. I just wished we would all stop talking about them because it’s all BS.
June 24th, 2010 at 18:44
Now that Italy have crashed and burned as well as France, there is only one left before this is a utopian World Cup for me. I hope somebody can humble, no wait….HUMILIATE Spain. That would be awesome. I am not a big Brazil fan but I can respect and tolerate them. But i hate Spain, Italy and France and to have them gone makes me feel good. And although I am generally a fan of Argentina, this time around my feelings are a bit different. Leo Messi and his success is pissing me off and on top of that no Riquelme and too much Maradona is making nauseous. A severe humbling of that drug addicted criminal no mind would also be nice. As for winning it, as long as it’s Germany, England, Portugal or the Netherlands, I will be happy.
June 24th, 2010 at 20:08
Right. It seems Grognard has his own blog now. Those of you interested could head over to his blog for more rants from him. http://grognardrants.blogspot.com/
From the looks of it, it’s got Manchester United as well as his personal pop-culture interests. And he’s his usual self there. Promising.
June 24th, 2010 at 20:10
Italy going out is just great news. I am trying to get tickets to see Germany England as it will be a titanic affair where form will be thrown out the window!
England might just explode on Germany. I wasnt impressed with how easily cut open the German defence yesterday and with a little more composure from Gyan, they could have scored two or three goals. The defence was really struggling to keep up with the pace of the Ghanians and perhaps the finishing of African countries once agian was their downfall. England though arent as pacey with snails like Heskey, Lampard and perhaps even right now Rooney who looks terrible I must say.
I cant wait for this game. England still have many problems. This Ozil chap is a player that I would literally get on my knees to fergie and beg him to be signed, will cause England much problems as will Lahm but if England play like a team, I fancy them, just have a feeling.
June 24th, 2010 at 21:47
@Grognard: Lahm maybe couls hold, Ozil I have to say is has been the star of the World Cup, but this has been the competion of shocks and maybe England will go through, for me unlikely but but regardless if we do the Argies will knock us out.
June 24th, 2010 at 22:01
@Red Ranter: HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA
Now I’ve seen it all.
<3 you Grog!
June 24th, 2010 at 22:10
@EduardoDaVinci4: Just the vote of confidence I was looking for mate thanks a lot.
June 24th, 2010 at 22:20
@Red Ranter: Thanks for letting everyone know RR. Yes it’s true Grognard has his own blog loaded with his usual hot air and long winded rants.
A little history is needed right now. First of all, it was not me who started the blog. The other day my best friend contacted me and told me to keep writing my kind of rants as he enjoyed a few rants that I had sent him that were not Man Utd related. He has always tried to persuade me to start a blog but my procrastination and lack of courage and believe it or not, humility made me put it off and wipe it from my mind. But the fact is I am an opinionated SOB and i do have a lot to say. Now many of you on this blog are obviously familiar with my feelings on football and especially United but the Grognard also has many interests outside of football, even if footy is his number one passion. So when my friend created the blog and gave me no choice but to contribute to it, well I guess I was caught between a rock and a hard place. I went along with especially since he promised to manage it and handle all the technical issues.
The blog is far from complete construction wise. The fonts, titles, backgrounds and tools will all change over the next little while. But for now it looks very much like a Man Utd blog although this is not my intention. Like I said earlier, United is just one of the things that interest me and that i care about. I need to think hard as to what i want the blog to like in order that it conveys all my interests or my scatterbrain ADD thought processes.
A comments box will eventually be included but for now all I am doing is writing long and short rants for those who may be interested. And for those who aren’t or who couldn’t stomach any more of me than they already have to tolerate on Red Rants, well then just ignore it and that will be fine too. I should also close by saying that this blog will not end my contributions to Red Rants. This blog is still my favourite and i plan on being a part of it until RR is finally sick of me and bans me. Cheers.
June 24th, 2010 at 23:12
@Grognard: Mate no offence meant I think it was about time you got your own blog, but I thought you said you never would get one?
Mate it’s great, you’ll get tons of readers trust me. It’s brilliant, loving it. If I laughed it was out of happiness, not out of disrespect. Apologise if it came out wrong, but still loving it! 
June 25th, 2010 at 2:05
@Grognard: I guess it stops us becoming old and bitter
June 25th, 2010 at 2:24
<3
June 25th, 2010 at 3:37
First of all, Sanchez is not coming to United he is too talented and will cost wassayyy to much. It’s sucks too because with him we would have loads of options. From what I’ve seen he can play on either wing, or as a foward. So he is really flexible just like Ronaldo was. Also Valencia can be played in a more central role so that’s always an option, but again we can’t afford sanchez so I don’t know why we are talking about him.
In other non United news, did anyone watch the japan-Denmark game? The Japanese team is much better than I expected and that Honda guy looked a special player.
@Grognard: Congrats on the blog, interested to see the sort of topics you’ll be ranting on.
June 25th, 2010 at 4:40
@EduardoDaVinci4: I know you did mate. I was just having a dig at you. The blog was not my idea. The other day I woke up and my friend phoned me to tell me he put up a blog for me to deliver my rants that he seems to enjoy more than most. I always procrastinated and was very hesitant to start a blog because of the time commitment and also because my home is here at Red Rants. But my friend promises to manage it for the next while so all I have to do is deliver him rants and links of video material that interests me and as you know, it takes me very little time to write a long rant therefore I will go with this even if it was against my better judgement.
By the way if there people who have not seen the Panorama documentary on United which was so kindly blocked worldwide by the BBC, Youtube finally has it up. You can connect to the links from my blog at
http://grognardrants.blogspot.com/
June 25th, 2010 at 4:42
@Traverse: I guess it does mate. The old man needs his vacation but every year at this time the clock stops as we wait to see what scraps remain for him to rummage through in August.
June 25th, 2010 at 9:45
Tomorrow will be a big game but especially for Rooney, it is his time to step up to the plate and deliver.
He is no doubt a very good player, but no yet a great player. Messi and the one who shall not be named currently are the only two players who can be put into that catorgary, tomorrow maybe could be Rooney’s time, if he delievers the that could be a step forward to that eshelon or if he fails then his critics will be on his back, again.
I think he is falls short and is not in that claibre of the two prviously mentioned, but he does have it all, bar the temperament which lets him downhe divides many fans but one thing he is United through and through and I love him for it.
June 25th, 2010 at 10:13
@Grognard: Glad you got one mate, I enjoy reading your long rants and now it will be even better as, naturally when they are posted as main artciles, they will get more comments. Gonna read it often mate, and will comment, just gonna have to get myself a Google account(me thinks)
Long live the Grog!
June 25th, 2010 at 10:13
Rest in Peace Michael Jackson, 1 year today. Always missed, never forgotten, the true king of pop. You’re in a better place now…
June 25th, 2010 at 10:14
Stephen, I agree that if Rooney helps us get to the quarters or semis it will do a lot for his reputation. But I do not think it is his World Cup. He is still short on form and I think the ankle injury is still troubling him a bit. Also as we all know Rooney is a very streaky player and at the moment he is on one of his infamous goal droughts.
Moreover the individual player plaudits usually go to the stars of the best teams. Unfortunately this year it hasn’t been Manchester United or England.
Sad to say the best chance Rooney has of winning any player awards outside of domestic awards is a big money move to Barcelona or Real Madrid. I used to think it was impossible. But I think Rooney has become greedy for recognition and if we cannot give him a platform to get that recognition he will move elsewhere.
June 25th, 2010 at 11:36
@colver: Rooney will never leave United unless he falls out with Fergie or he does not dget on with his successor.
For me he is getting a little too big for his boots and needs to calm down, he is clearly not fit and when he lacks fitneess his game does suffer.
June 25th, 2010 at 11:53
@colver: Streaky is a good way to put it, now I will use the name BACON when referring to Roo!
. Shock of all shocks – dare I say that on seeing him in WC so far, perhaps it is Valencia and Nani that make Roo look good!
June 25th, 2010 at 14:18
All those who look down on me
I’m tearing down your balcony
Forcefully, undoubtably
Whenever you confronted me
I fucked you up mentally,
physically, you aren’t who you used to be
Cause when I go out honestly
You’ll see the new, amazing me
June 25th, 2010 at 14:58
I’m curious to see if quieroz has figured out the “maicon problem” from the last brazil Portugal game. He was allowed free reign on the wing and he absolutely punished them.
June 25th, 2010 at 17:06
Well, well, well, that was the biggest, shittest football game from supposed the creme de la creme team Brazil, than one will ever see. You can’t polish up a turd, and that’s what this game was. How the Brazil LAST MAN who deliberately hanled the ball to stop Ronaldo who would have been thru, didn’t see a red card – I can only assume two things. Either Brazil have paid off the ref’s, or ref’s are afraid of the supposed big name players. Maybe there might be just one other reason perhaps, that the referee is fucking blind. Brazil are the biggest GITS for gamesmanship in this championship, and once again got away with it all. I have not an iota of respect for them – dirty GITS. No wonder the bulk of the arena was boo-ing these players as they left the pitch. The spectators had paid thru the nose to see a classic game of football, and they got total and utter tripe.
June 25th, 2010 at 17:08
@EduardoDaVinci4: Eddi are you sober mate
June 25th, 2010 at 17:32
@CraigMc: Fucked your mind there didn’t I?
Dunno if I’m sober, feels like I’m drunk every minute now…
Loving this summer, loving it all!
June 25th, 2010 at 17:39
@EduardoDaVinci4: Thanks mate. Yes unfortunately in order to comment it seems that one must have a Google account for any blog designed by their program “Blogger”. I wasn’t even aware of that as I was not the one who constructed the site but still, it will be a while before comments are really a part of the site as it will be going through a major aesthetic and stylistic facelift. The site needs to be more functional and also utilize the tools and products available to expand it’s awareness on the Internet. Patience and time.
Some new articles have been posted their just this morning that might be of interest to you that are both footy and political in nature. Pretty soon I am going to start offering my real compulsion which is to deliver Grognard’s Lists. My favourite or least favourite things in the world. For example, My 50 top footy player, my 50 favourite sports movies, my 100 favourite movies of all time etc etc. I’m a little like the John Cusack character in High Fidelity who lives his life by Top 10’s lists. It’s just something my mind likes to do when he’s bored of life or actually passionate about a subject matter. I’m glad you are on board mate. Thanks.
June 25th, 2010 at 17:41
@EduardoDaVinci4: Yes rest in peace but unfortunately there you have someone who would fall in the category of my top 50 least liked pop culture icons. I couldn’t stand the bugger but then of course I never wished for his demise which was tragic and unfortunate.
June 25th, 2010 at 17:47
@Stephen: Many people will say the Vuvuzela or the Jubalani ball have been the major stars of this World Cup as well as the altitude but for me the real star of this rogues gallery has been the injuries. The injured players who never made it to the World Cup as well as the injured player who participated or were in injured in the World Cup. It has brought the quality of the event way down to be missing so many great players and to have some any playing with injuries or getting so injured that they miss upcoming games.
I just found out the Schweinsteiger is probably a scratch for the England game which is very very bad news for Germany and of course Rooney has tweaked his ankle again which never has really healed and this has probably got more to do with his poor play than anything else. I also read that Franck Ribery is having groin surgery today to repair an injury that has plagued him all season. I think that speaks volumes why he was considered one of the major busts in the tournament so far. It’s been a fantasy camp for medical professionals, not football fans.
June 25th, 2010 at 17:53
I never bothered getting up early to watch the Brazil vs Portugal game because I was actually predicting a 0-0
outcome to a few of my friends the other day. I just felt neither team really had anything to play for and so they would both call off the hounds. As it turns out I was right but apparently the game was even worse than I imagined. Just a shame and it speaks volumes over many of the things I have been saying and writing about for years about the state of the game and how Italian pragmatism and politics have overtaken the game and spread to even the nations whop used to play the game SAMBA STYLE. Now all of us bow your heads as we have a moment of silence for the great game.
June 25th, 2010 at 18:05
Fascinating article regarding the French revolt towards Domenech. Apparently, Pat Evra was one of the ring leaders who caused all the trouble. Although I am no fan of Domenech I think what the French players did was disgusting. It says a lot about the lack of character of Evra, Abidal, Anelka and especially Ribery who comes across like a selfish cunt.
The one player on France who comes out smelling like a rose (ARE YOU READING THIS FERGIE) is Yoann Gourcuff who insisted on training and not upsetting the establishment as he considered it wrong. A true team player who bit his tongue rather than be part of a ill tempered and unjustified mutiny.
http://sport.stv.tv/fifa-world-cup/countries/france/184235-evra-outed-as-main-protagonist-in-frances-world-cup-strike/?
June 25th, 2010 at 18:13
@EduardoDaVinci4: Well are you ever going to share with us what has brought on all this happiness Eddi – ‘cos it can’t be the world cup which has put most folk in top clinics for depression
. Did your Doc give you happy pills, or the ladies in your life are manifold, you got signed for a great club – errrr Man Utd maybe (or maybe not – they are not such a great club anymore, until the Glazer’s ship out, regardless of Fergie’s Glazer frothing from his mouth once again. Whatever it is – good for you, just plain drunk on life eh? 
June 25th, 2010 at 18:21
@Grognard: dont forget your neighbor to the south
June 25th, 2010 at 18:30
Just been listening to Mr. Beckenbaur – and his negative account on how Germany will play against England. It is hard to remember with this kind of talk, how he became a German great of times when fairness and great outstanding skill were prevelent throughout the football world! His recommendation to the Germans how they should play – to nullify things, play thru to get extra time, play thru extra time to get to penalties
. Capello’s word to the England players – FINISH it in the 90 minutes. Whichever way it goes, whoever wins, I would rather see a game of football played with speed and panache, both sides going all out to get the win, than a long fucking boring 120 minutes plus bore, in the hope of penalties. I don’t know whether the WC being in S.Africa has effected it, although I suspect it has, but it has surely been the most anti climax, anti atmospheric WC for many years. If this is WC African style – I couldn’t take another WC in Africa for any amount of money – shocking. How do the African’s feel I wonder, as so many games have come up short of being a spectacle, and after all their enthusiasm and hard work to cater for this WC, they must be disappointed!
June 25th, 2010 at 18:33
@CraigMc: they were hack and attack and the latter was found wanting.
i dont know what happened to brazil? they flat out suck and have become a hack job. they committed a foul every single time that portugal got out of their own half. pitiful to watch what was it 7 yellows in the first half. 
at least portugal were trying but what did we expect with two teams needing only to draw to advance i guess it was too much to ask for an actual competitive match. 
all i have to say is GO USA! show those fuckers what it means to have heart.
June 25th, 2010 at 18:40
@CraigMc: If I got offers by two clubs, them being Chelsea and United, with Chelsea being World Champions and United just being relegated to the Championship, I would still sign for United. Don’t care what situation they are in, they’ll always remain in my heart.
And no mate, I’ve not signed for a big club. Just finished four weeks of travelling around in Europe on trials for various clubs, now I am gonna do some personal training. It went well I think, but we’ll see. 
Now I’ve got four weeks of intense personal training. Gonna be running half an hour each day, rollerblading an hour each day, and train my body. Gonna take proteins so that my musclebulid will be stretched to the limit. Gonna do weights, train my chest, triceps and shoulders, and back, biceps and stomach. Leg training goes with playing football and rollerblading, and cycling. Gonna be intense, but looking forward to it. 
Really 
No mate, the reason your dear Eddy is mental is because he’s got a new bird.
But don’t think RedRanter will allow me talking about it. 
Got wild last time, never gonna go there again. But.. yeah, I’ve got a new bird. 
June 25th, 2010 at 18:41
@Grognard: Really looking forward to reading it mate, gonna be mint I’m sure.
June 25th, 2010 at 18:43
@gator: You know what Gator, I have very much enjoyed the way the USA have played their football in this WC. They do what Man Utd used to do, when there was an atmosphere at OT, in the good old days – they play FAST, free flowing attack, attack, attack football – which seems to be a dying art in the football dished up today. They seem to have the mentality Fergie used to have – attack the best form of defense. Yeah – I have enjoyed the yanks! As for Brazil, do they know how to win without cheating gamesmanship, and their continual fouling – your right about Gator, what I don’t get is how they got away with it? I mean I think they had about 7 players on yellow cards, and most of them should have had 2nd yellows for fouling Portugal players consistently every time they broke forward towards the Brazil goal – CHEATS!
June 25th, 2010 at 18:47
@EduardoDaVinci4: Well good for you on both counts Eddi – the trials around Europe, and the new girl! I wish you every success mate! I am routing for you
.
June 25th, 2010 at 18:56
@CraigMc: Thanks mate.
Luck, along with insane willpower has been the building blocks for me these last few weeks. Lots of shit people in the world mate, was really down a short while ago. But this girl I’m with now is really something, feeling confident as ever again. It’s all red, yellow and green now. 
Løøøøøøøv! 
And mate, how are you doing? Your daughter well? How about your darilig, are you all doing alright?
June 25th, 2010 at 19:00
@CraigMc: wow what a dumb ass plan to beat england. expect their keeper to fluff it
i guess it is not as bad a strategy to win as it is to watch. ill be watching two teams that i know will be throwing forwards at the opposition us-ghana.
——-
The yanks leak goals in the first half but that is bc they are playing open and trying to score. they have showed massive heart to get the late goals after the refs tried to fuck them twice
I take pride in the showing that the us have put on this cup. I was scared that the disallowed goal would set football back in my country but i feel that the opposite is true now. I get sooo many calls from friends that are converted by this and are now massive fans and are trying to learn all about the rules and the game. (even though everyone thinks that not having an official in a booth watching replays is hard to comprehend) It is exciting to see the genuine pride in their face when we discuss a match. and the crazy thing is they are watching the other nations matches as well and are telling me about matches i missed. I feel like im living in spain again with all the footy talk.
It has also been such a relief for alot of us who are on the gulf coast that we have something to talk about besides the oilpocalypse
a charter boat captain that was working for bp killed himself a couple days ago in his boat. Im afraid it is an idea that more people will consider in the coming weeks. 
A big thank you to the US team for taking our minds off our troubles for a little while and showing us what you can accomplish with perseverance and not feeling sorry for yourself.
June 25th, 2010 at 19:04
@EduardoDaVinci4: Yeah thanks Eddi, all is well with my loved ones! Glad to hear you have found someone nice mate. I expect she will encourage your efforts and your career. Any of your other mates from school get trials this summer then, or did you have to fly solo?
June 25th, 2010 at 19:06
@EduardoDaVinci4: haha way to go mate its amazing what a chick can do for your psyche good or bad glad to see you have a good one.
June 25th, 2010 at 19:08
@CraigMc: i guess they are living off of the great reputation of past brazil teams and they have refs scared to send them off bc… its brazil, they are supposed to win right?
June 25th, 2010 at 19:09
@gator: The best <3
June 25th, 2010 at 19:17
@CraigMc: Really good to hear mate, glad you and your loved ones are doing great. Hopefully it will continue, stay tight with you girlfriend though as I’m sure you both need eachother more than you can imagine.
None mate, since I started at secondary High School I’ve practically left all my footballing mates. They’re going the sport and physics scolar line, while I’m studying for Journalism or Psycology. But I’ve got three mates who are really good at football and who are dear friends of mine, but none of them had trials this time. They went in January, and April, and gonna go in early August. I’ve now got lots of free time until September, then I may be having my final trial. Lots of bitches there though, I’ll write a personal comment on that in a short time today. Experienced something new, which I was horrified to see.
And I’ve got the best girl there is, never thought I would find someone who was so similar to me.
Like, totally mental and ambitious and sensitive and loving. 
Incredible!
June 25th, 2010 at 19:18
@gator: I’m so sorry for the suffering the oil spill has caused to the gulf Gator. I know so many Americans are suffering yet again from another tragedy – you do seem to get tragedy after tragedy mate
. They still can’t find a way yet to totally stop the spill leak can they? With all the technology and Engineering advances, one would have thought that a solution would have been found by now. All us Brits feel bad about it Gator, we are not indifferent to your cause!
Yeah I was surprised by Beckenbaur’s comments, but he just can’t seem to shut up flapping his mouth about England. I just want to see a very good game, full of really good football, regardless of which team wins it in the end. I am praying it will end within the 90 minutes, and whoever wins, wins. I hope for great performances from both teams! I am made up that the USA style of football is turning on the public in the States to the game. America deserve to be through to the last 16, and yeah they should have been thru much sooner – had the ref’s not disallowed 2 perfectly good goals of their’s. I saw Bill Clinton in the stands, and he was on the edge of his seat – loving, loving, loving it. Good job he was watching the USA and not some ofr the other drab football played by many teams – he would have been turned off forever
. So, so glad your friends are into football now, and getting to know the rules. The USA team are doing you proud mate!
June 25th, 2010 at 19:22
@EduardoDaVinci4:
– you got the love bug!
June 25th, 2010 at 19:35
@gator: I love my great neighbour to the south mate. I actually hope they go far in this World Cup. Show all those old school Europeans a thing or two about heart and playing for one’s country as a thing of pride.
June 25th, 2010 at 19:41
@gator: It’s just Beckenbauer playing head games with the English. Now last time I saw he isn’t exactly running the show for germany and so what he says really doesn’t matter other than it is shrewd form of mind games that he is calling upon that he knows works on the English psyche. I love it when so many are so gullible to a little German teasing. And ets face it, Beckenbauer is a legend for one reason. He’s won everything there is to win as a player and as a manager. Who the Hell are we to call him an idiot unless of course England actually win the game. And that is far from being a forgone conclusion. I pity all the English fans who are shoveling dirt at the Kaiser and at the Germans if Germany are indeed fortunate to win. The Grognard will make mincemeat out of all of them with his upcoming rants.
June 25th, 2010 at 19:46
@EduardoDaVinci4: Mate I can say with complete honesty and love for United that if I was in the position of choosing United over any team other than Pompey and Liverpool, I’d go anywhere but to Old Trafford. I refuse to play on a ship that is sinking and for a manager that is a dishonest liar. I refuse to go to a team that has no promise or positive foundation for the future due to it’s owners and lack of money to ensure the club’s competitive edge. I would want nothing to do with the team. And believe me, it hurts me greatly to say that, but lets put it this way, if I were season ticket holder at OT, today I would be a former season ticket holder. I am sick and tired of the BS from that club and truthfully, right now I could give a damn what happens because I am so incensed. Perhaps when calmer heads prevail. I admire your loyalty mate but not your lack of common sense. What person would travel on the Titanic if they already knew it would sink due to hitting an iceberg. Sorry but I’m just not that brave.
June 25th, 2010 at 20:07
What a fantastic piece of artistry that goal of David Villa – total magic! Spain going nowhere, and then Villa has the vision to come up with an individual piece of goal-ship like that
. The top players, one moment of magic – can change the whole course of things!
June 25th, 2010 at 20:08
Now, as I just mentioned these last few weeks I’ve been around in Europe on trials for various clubs. The time I spent there gave me new experience, some good and a whole lot of bad. I made some new friends and I grew as a player and a person, with lots of great advices and coaching from proffesional trainers who really knew what they were talking about. I won’t say which countries I were in out of obvious reasons, but I thought I would have to reveal an agonising truth. Football as a whole is regressing, and I may know a reason for it.
Football has now of course as we all know become more than just a sport. It’s become a business, a competition, a game of life and death. Many talents in Europe are there for the taking, but you do wonder why more and more clubs prefer older players who in there generation were the potensial greats. United use Giggs, Neville and Scholes more than they should, Liverpool have Carragher and Gerrard who are over the top, Chelsea have players such as Drogba, Lampard, Terry, Anelka and Ballack who are all over 30. This is not only in England, you see Italy, Spain and Brasil all use more experienced players. They say speed is now the hallmark of modern football, but then how come oldies get used more and more? Well, I don’t know exactly why that happens, but I think I may have found a reason why young talent is regressing. I met a lot of young players who were on trial with me when I was there. But unlike what I see from the real proffesional, the reserves and players on trial don’t give you any respect. I, as a person, like to spark people on, inspire them and back them up to do well. But, other youngsters who challenge for spots seem to have their own game where they try to crack you mentally. It’s become an individual game, and team spirit seems to have been lost. Lots of the players who make it are bullies or arrogant twats with only their own best in sight. I saw players with incredible skill and amazing football understanding lose their places to less talented players because they get fucked up mentally by other people. Great talent is lost because of jealousy and ruining. I’m not saying everybody is this way, but it’s now unfortunately become a majority. Proffesional players are given critisism by press and opposite fans, but personal harassment and such demoralisation is something nobody can tolerate.
What France did this World Cup is know. And we all know how big of a twat Domenech is. But the discusting behaviour of their players is still not excusable. Unfortunately, I am afraid such behaviour will happen more and more often. People have lost all respect and good behaviour, team spirit, it’s all gone. I fear behaviour such as what the France team did during the World Cup will not be a rare sight in a few years, but rather conquer quite often. The serious evolution of football, by more than a game, has gone too far. Talent is good, but sometimes human behaviour must also be considered. Things need to change, if they don’t the world of football… will be ruined.
June 25th, 2010 at 20:10
TORRES DIVED!!!
Only in Liverpool… 
Poor Chile. But Sanchez is brutal tonight, I wanna know what he’s eaten!
June 25th, 2010 at 20:11
@CraigMc: Stung in my heart.
June 25th, 2010 at 20:13
@Grognard: Common sense sucks mate, never gotten anywhere with it!
June 25th, 2010 at 20:47
@Grognard: Read the French article and have a few thoughts. We don’t know half the facts that went on behind the scenes, the only facts we know of were the result of someone leaking to the press.
I’ll readily admit my bias in favor of Evra. From what I read he acted like a true leader and didn’t buckle under pressure. The entire team decided to strike, but as the captain he gets all the blame. But that comes with the territory, every leader knows this.
My question is what was le sulk and domenech arguing about? Domenech has proven himself to be a muppet in the past.,. But so has anelka.
Why was domenech not fired after the last world cup? He’s been theclaughing stock off Europe for 4 years now.
Again I readily admit we are left wanting for more information, but what I’ve read so far isn’t enough to overcome my natural bias for Evra. Couple that with a France team in shambles led by domenech makes me even more hesitant to doubt Evra.
June 25th, 2010 at 22:43
Why am i not surprised to hear more glazer boot licking from fergie once again.
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Manchester-United-boss-Sir-Alex-Ferguson-speaks-out-on-Green-and-Gold-campaign-Supporters-have-right-to-protest-but-Glazers-are-OK-by-me-article494179.html
I know hes said this time and time again, but its like a dagger to the heart each and every time we hear him sucking up once more to the bastads. He really is tainting his legacy to the point where i really am finding it harder and harder to even like or respect the guy. And thats hard because after all hes done for our club in 25 years it should be love and respect he gets from me, but sadly this performance with the glazers has totally blocked those emotions from me. Simply put i no longer see the man who came and awoke a sleeping giant and turned us into the best team in the world. I see a man who slapped us in the face and became a judas turncoat of the highest order.
It hurts even more so that this is a man who has never been afraid to tell us of his proud working class roots. A man who was the son of a ship worker, born into a tough neighbourhood and a man who in his younger days was said to be a bit of a hell raiser and a man who would not take crap from anyone. A man who was about a million miles from the corporate bootlicker he is today.
This is what gets to me, where has our old fergie we know and loved gone.
Very upsetting indeed, but again from the article it just came to tell me once more he simply does not understand the fans fears.
He says he understands why the fans are protesting yet he sees them only as great owners. If they are so great then why are we protesting? I dont get that fergie.
Again though all he says is how he is backed in the transfer market and how they dont interfere, he simply misses the point. All of us who supported the g&g campaign never started it because we dont have money in the transfer market.
It played a part yes, indeed us refusing to spend the ronnie money certainly contributed to its beginnings, but the whole protests were based on the fact this club does not have a long term future with them in charge. This is because of the £700m debt and nothing to do with transfer funds, something he has failed to grasp from day 1. I dont think i need to tell everyone of his remarks in 2005 just after the glazer takeover where he said “anyone who doesnt like it can go support chelsea”.
Im sorry fergie you missed the point then and you miss it now. Long term our club is in trouble and you failed to see this. Its nothbing to do with transfer funds. Would i like us to spend £100m a season on players. Yes if we wanted them because it would keep us at the top of the tree. Would it make me stop fearing for our future, no way.
Simply put this club has no future with them in charge and in 10 years time if we plummet down the leagues and are basically in the shits i would hold fergie just as guilty as the glazers.
Ferguson has simply slapped us around and treated us like shit for long enough and hear him constantly suporting the yanks really has left me in a position where i really do not like him very much anymore.
Its cruel to say that but i do not go along with the idea he has his hands tied behind his back and cannot speak out against them. If the long term future of the club is in doubt the fans have a right to know.
Does fergie think if he sits there, says nothing, and goes and gets players on the cheap, and twiddles his fingers the whole debt will disappear?
Or does he simply not care? He is an old man and he only looks out for himself now? Who knows, one thing is for sure though regardless of whether fergie continues to suck them off or not us loyal fans will fight the glazers til our last breath.
Im sorry for the way over long post but me writing on the glazers and fergie is never pretty, and i always end up going into a rant.
God these glazers cant be good for my blood pressure
Oh and by the way grognard congrats on the blog mate, will definitely come on and take a look when its up and running.
June 25th, 2010 at 23:48
@EduardoDaVinci4: The problem with a lot of young players mate is that at crunch time they are all style over substance. Experienced players in theory and historically have always delivered when it mattered most. Their experience, poise under pressure and familiarity with the big stage is a valuable tool. That was the rule until this World Cup made that theory crash and burn like it did entertainment and goal scoring.
June 25th, 2010 at 23:53
@Johnsom33: I totally agree with you. Evra has been a United player for long enough for all of us to know that he has a solid character, respects his manager and is a team first guy. Whatever happened, Domenech has nobody to blame but himself but even so, the players reacted poorly and that is a shame and a black mark on French football and the game in general. Still, I gained a lot of respect for Gourcuff who just stood back and wanted to play football. His reward for loyalty to the manager? The bench. Domenech deserved what he got because as you say, he should have gotten the sack two years ago.
June 25th, 2010 at 23:56
@tonymontanna4united: The blog is up and running mate. It’s just that it is still going through some construction but you can still go read the rants and comment if you like. Give a try as I just posted my ten reasons why England and Germany will beat each other. Apologies for the cheap plug.
http://grognardrants.blogspot.com/
June 26th, 2010 at 0:01
@tonymontanna4united: I have come to realize that the problems with Fergie are he just doesn’t really understand the business side of things because all he is concerned with and all he really has tunnel vision for is the football side. He trusts them because they don’t bother him and do not have any unfair or unrealistic expectations. It’s not like Chelsea or Real Madrid where you can win the league but get fired because you never won the Champions League or your football was not attractive enough.
I’m totally convinced that Fergie is just too old to give a damn and he’s not the brightest guy on the planet when it comes to the areas of business and economics. So he avoids it and if the owners don’t bother him, he won’t bother them. The lack of spending may actually be because of Fergie just getting cheap and stupid in his old age, although i rather doubt it. I think he has something personal to gain by staying mum on that subject and supporting the owners. What that is I don’t know but any other explanation doesn’t cut it with me.
June 26th, 2010 at 4:52
@Grognard: Im with you on the world cup utopia, but ill go slightly further. I wanted Spain AND england out of this world cup. I hate the Spanish league/team for their “our shit dont stink attitude” and I would have loved nothing more then for them to eat humble pie.
As for the English, I dont hate them at all. I just want them to wake up and smell the coffee… They arent that fucking good! They have won sweet fuck all since ‘66 yet they swear they are a super power. Every tournament is “their year” and every year they blow it. People blame Sven, Mclaren, Capello… for their woes but nobody ever bothers to question the players. Like Lalas said the other day “maybe they arent that good” As much as I dislike that man I have to agree with him. The english players for the most part have done nothing to cement their place among the worlds elite. I would say Rooney and Gerrard are the only unquestioned world class players on that team, with lampard being close. other than than that I see a collection of good not great players.
I was pissed at the Chilean GK because from what I saw Chile was controling the game until that weak clearance of his. Then they capitulated for the second goal, killing my dream for a spain loss. But this Chile team is dangerous, I would fancy them against any team in the competition except for maybe Argentina or infortunately Brazil. hey have an Attack Attack Attack mentality, bucked up by two world class wingers, and quality strikers. I kind of wish they were on the US side of the bracket because i think they could do some damage in this world cup but I dont think they match up well with Brazil.
June 26th, 2010 at 7:49
Again I am in total agreement. I hate the Spaniards for more than one thing and having them out would have been the ultimate. As for England, like i have said time and time again in the past, in theory I don’t dislike England teams but I cannot support any England team that has John Terry on it, end of. What really gets me is that the problem with England is not just the team not being good enough. The media is not good enough or honest enough, the fans , the media and the players suffer from a terrible case of delusions of grandeur which is based on nothing more than fantasy. In reality they are complete and total ass droppings of the worst kind and their fans just don’t get it. Credit to them for always dreaming the dream but until the English FA realizes that the number of foreigners in the EPL are killing the game by destroying the growth and nurturing of the local talent, the problem will continue to get worse.
Germany figured things out after 2003/4 when their national team and domestic league looked to have hit rock bottom in interest, quality and success. They realized that they needed to start building the German product again and sacrifice their success in Europe. Their domestic league is financially the most successful in the world and their national team is looking great for the future because their young and coming players are getting a chance to showcase their talents, grow and develop on all Bundesliga clubs and especially on the top clubs like Bayern Munich etc. Schweinsteiger, Badstuber, Muller, Kroos, are all young players who will be starting for Bayern this year. Ozil, Marin will be starting for Werder Bremen and many others like Kiesling, Neuer, Khedira, Adler etc are getting a chance to star for the best German teams while many of Englands best young players are stuck with bottom feeders or are still sitting on the bench somewhere in England.
Teams like United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal have no time for English or UK youth it seems and so these players end up playing for inferior teams and never get the kind of growth and maturation that comes from playing for a winner and a potential champion. Those teams are all saddled with enormous debt and are adding to that debt by buying every possible foreign player their money grubbing hands can purchase.
When United had a chance to grab up a great talent like Rodwell, they blew it so he will have to ply his trade for a middle of the road team where he will have to grow slowly by learning the cup is half empty routine as opposed to really learning about the game by playing Champions League football and playing for a champion they way Ronaldo, Nani and Fabregas have learned. England is doing a good job preparing Spain, Portugal’s and Brazil’s stars of tomorrow. Way to go and shame on them. The English nightmare ends when the big clubs and their debt and greed get a good dose of humiliation. If the Big four, (not Tottenham) actually had English managers perhaps things would be different but as their managers have no allegiance or any fondness for England, nothing will change.
I laugh at how the insecurity amongst English players is reaching a record ebb. “We will beat Germany” is the rally cry and “We are better than Germany” can be heard all the way here in Canada. And all I ask is prove it and you base this on what exactly? I hope England get their asses handed to them on Sunday not because Germany is my favourite team. Instead i want them to get humiliated so that they can all go stick their ego’s in the toilets they belong and why I hope a humiliating loss will finally teach this nation that they do not have a right to think of their team as a super power or even a contender in international tournaments. They have not earned that right and they need to develop and fix a lot of problems before they do have the right. Until then, I have no problem them getting hammered until they learn.
Can they beat Germany? Of course they can. They do have the experience factor on their side and several elite players with great CL and international experience at the highest level. But I honestly and sincerely think they won’t. Despite my own anxiety and insecurity that the German team lacks experience and their youth is untested, the fact is they are better than England in so many more way and are more progressive. But football is a funny game and the best team does not always win on a given day. Last year I witnessed the German under 21’s destroy the English under 21’s 4-0 in the final. Six of those German players are on this team and another half dozen are certain to follow like players like Beck, Boenisch, Wagner, Castro and Hummels within the next few years. How many of those England under 21’s are on the English team? James Milner. Enough said. Their comes a time when it’s out with the old and in with n the new but in England’s case, they are reluctant to go that way and besides, they have no confidence in these young players. Cattermole, Rodwell, Richards, Johnson and Walcott should all have been on this English team. Not because they would have one anything but because they would have learned so much from the experience and because they would have ejected new life and energy into an old dying horse.
Collectively they cannot shine the shoes of the German youth and that under 21 final proved it but the also did get to the final which shows that England do have some promise but how many of those players get a chance to play for a top English team and if they do, how many start? The answer is zero. And there lies your problem.
June 26th, 2010 at 13:52
Grognard, I think the shallow talent pool England has to draw on is part of the problem. But half of our team is still full of players who are world class for their clubs….Rooney, Rio, Ashley, Terry, Gerrard, Lampard etc.
The main problem is that English players aren’t that tactically adept or skillful. They only seem capable of playing a 4-4-2 which is pretty outdated as a tactical system. They do not know how to keep possession or hold a lead. They are not comfortable on the ball. They do not produce any players with creativity-and when they do such players tend to be marginalised (Joe Cole, Matthew Le tissier etc).
This has always been an English problem even before foreigners flooded the league. It derives from the way we coach football as a country. What we really need is to improve the academies, bring in foreign coaches, focus on skills rather than physical attributes etc.
Germany also benefit from a lot of immigrants from footballing nations. England is also an immigrant culture but we dont attract enough people from footballing nations-it is mostly Asians, Poles etc.
June 26th, 2010 at 14:35
England have a much better chance of beating Germany than they have on past occasions.
I think the key questions are going to be:
1. Can Gareth Barry cope with Ozil? And I think the answer is no
2. Can Milner take advantage of Germany’s suspect left back and float in some great crosses for Defoe and Rooney to run at? Here Im not sure. He has limited experience at this level and Slovenia could have been a fluke.
3. Will Rooney be in top form to take advantage of Germany’s slow centre backs? Unfortunately I am still not convinced he is properly fit.
The main problem is Germany are bound to score a goal which will mean England will have to score two. Rooney is on a goal drought, Defoe has never scored (as far as I know) against quality opposition, so we will be relying on Gerrard and Lampard to get forward and score goals and while they can do that at club level they dont seem to do so as consistently at international level.
June 26th, 2010 at 19:06
@colver: On Barry, maybe I’ll give you that one (although I think Terry is going to be quick to double up with Barry on Ozil, especially if Schweinstieger misses out), but in Milner, he put 8 or 9 of those quality crosses over in that game. I don’t think he was fluky for all of them, he has got that sort of delivery in his locker for sure.
Rooney is going to click eventually. His movement and passing was much better in the last game, and hopefully from an England point of view he has found he has found his feet now, and will turn it on against the Germans.
June 26th, 2010 at 19:08
@Grognard: What’s the point of going into a competition not believing you can win it? Don’t get what you’re trying to say there. Should United not start every season thinking we have the capacity to win everything?
June 26th, 2010 at 20:08
@CraigMc: thanks man.
June 26th, 2010 at 20:24
Traverse, I haven’t seen Milner play much on the flanks but if he has that crossing ability in his locker then that is a good thing. I was really impressed as he played mostly in central midfield for Aston Villa. Germany are having problems at left back so if we can give Milner a lot of the ball we could cause Germany some serious problems.
Rooney was a lot better against Slovenia and some of his passes were delightful. But what we really need is Rooney at his terrifying best running at defences. If he can manage that then we have a good chance.
Barry and Terry may be able to combine on Ozil but Germany usually play with a five man midfield and their numerical advantage and superior possession/passing ability could make it difficult for England.
It is essential we stretch Germany by making good use of Gerrard and Milner on the flanks. Also as Germany are quite a slow team in midfield and defence we need to counter attack with pace, something England have never been that good at.
June 26th, 2010 at 21:21
USA! USA! USA!
June 26th, 2010 at 22:13
Damn who does Asamoah Gyan play for? I like him, reminds me a bit of Saha
June 26th, 2010 at 22:42
@colver: First of all, Germany is not a slow team. Yes Mertesacker and Schweinsteiger are slow but that’s it. England have just as many if not more players who are slow. Secondly, crossing the ball in against them does not work for two reasons. Germany has a superior height and leaping advantage and England do not have the kind of forwards who generally play like old school strikers who wait for crossed balls. Completely inadequate for that task. If I was England I would not be so worried about how England can exploit German weaknesses as much as I would be concerned with strengthening their own weaknesses which are many. The whole team is out form and that is reason enough to panic. If there is justice in football Germany will win this match by two or more goals. But football is generally a very unjust game so for that reason I give England a chance. And for them to have a chance, Rooney needs to show up and contribute at least one goal.
June 26th, 2010 at 22:44
@colver: World class according to who? The bottom line is they have never ever shown themselves to be world class for their national team. Therefore, we can bill them whatever we like but for me the proof is in the pudding. For me they are all overrated and woefully selfish, childish and inadequate at this level. I also think they lack the bottle. Tomorrow they could exorcise a lot of ghosts and misconceptions but they first of all have to win. I have my doubts.
June 26th, 2010 at 22:52
@colver: Germany is currently buoyed by three Polish born players so what is England’s excuse. The fact that they utilize and develop their immigrant players is nopt a case of luck, but of a system that is there to get the best out of their talent pool. Unlike England which still does not like to develop or bring players from all their different class structures. They continually turn their back on talent that is middle class or better as they prefer to develop players from the poorer percentage of society. Their is a class structure in English football that shuns those who have over those who haven’t. Not the case in Germany or in other countries. England has Turks, Poles, Greeks, many of African decent as well as South American heritage but they choose to not go after many of them. Many hardcore German supporters are not happy when they see the Ozil’s, Podolski’s Trachowski’s, Klose’s, Khedira’s and Boateng’s on their national team. Some are still racists preferring good old fashioned aryan roots but that kind of thinking is being fought against and political correctness and fairness are winning the battle over those who are wrong. In England, those who are wrong still rule and have the final say. Clean up the English FA and that old boys network that runs that organization and you may get somewhere. Until then, England will suffer.
June 26th, 2010 at 22:56
@Traverse: Terry will have his hands full with Klose and both Podolski and Muller pinching in from the corners. Barry will have to deal with Ozil and he may do the job. Germany have proven that they can manufacture chances with Ozil and even Ballack before him not on their best form. That is why they are so good. Depth in numbers and depth in quality. England goes as far as Rooney alone will take them. Now where do you think the smart money should be on?
June 26th, 2010 at 23:02
@Traverse: I’m talking about English players backing up all their arrogant boasting with concrete and impressive performances on the pitch. They have no right to be talking the trash after having played the way they have. Germany has played far better than them and no player on that team is coming out and saying anything and i seriously doubt the Germans are scared. I mean really, when have you ever seen a German team play scared or look nervous? They shut their pie holes and let their play do the talking unlike these idiots on the English team that love to talk the talk but only crawl the walk.
England is a joke and their players are a bunch of farcical clown shoes who only know how to talk in order to deal with their own self doubt and a whole lot of denial. The day they win a big game and especially one against Germany will be the day I finally stand up and applaud them and show them respect. Until then they are just a bunch childish underachievers that really need to know the meaning of put up or shut up. And that goes for their loyal legion of supporters who still think denial is a river in Egypt.
June 26th, 2010 at 23:35
@Grognard: Wow, and I thought Denial was a mountain in Canada!!
June 26th, 2010 at 23:40
@Grognard: Ballack and the old man Beckenbauer can shut their fucking, kraut pie-holes and learn some respect for a nation that dominates their recent history.
Typical, fucking Germans!!
June 27th, 2010 at 0:32
@Grognard:The pureness and orderliness of the German race/game will be over-run by the passion and fairness of the English players.
The Germans will be out-emotion-ed by a superior human factor.
Besides, the experience of Capello’s team will see out the day!!
June 27th, 2010 at 0:44
Hey, Grognard, I heard you started a blog!
Any news on when you’re starting a third??
June 27th, 2010 at 0:57
The idea of Berbatov going back to Spurs has intrigued my interest!
I would say a straight swap for Huddleston and Pavlyuchenko would work for me. It addresses the needs in MF and Attack (although not nearly enough) and rids us of a huge White Elephant.
No cash involved here, so why not??
June 27th, 2010 at 2:31
Sucks the US went out against Ghana. But when I’m honest I expected it.
June 27th, 2010 at 4:01
@Redrich: “a nation that dominates their recent history” If we are talking football mate, I think you better get your facts straight. I think it’s the other way around. Ah but England will always have 2001 when they won oh so gloriously in a meaningless friendly. And if we are not talking just football, I’d just say yes you and everyone else’s army. Like in the days of Napoleon too, England can never beat an opponent without help. Try taking on the world by yourself the way the German’s do. Perhaps there is a reason why they are so tough eh?
June 27th, 2010 at 6:20
@Grognard: Well I never, shocking history lesson from the master of all things – should I now be put in my place??
Your surrogate nation of domination are far from dominant, mate, and it really matters not what we’re talking about! Your fantasies and adoration for the Bosch aligns you, firmly, with a despicable enemy who have never had it their own way.
2001 was a deserved English massacre, and while you think it a was a “meaningless friendly” you should be reminded that it wasn’t. Facts are facts and regardless how you’d like to spin them, the English nation have always matched up well to the “German Machine”.
The cold hearted krauts will always raise the passions of their opponents – long on organization, short on affairs of humanity, they deserve their fate, always!!
God Save The Queen!!
June 27th, 2010 at 8:28
@Redrich: And you go on believing that mate if it helps you get through the night. I’m really not one for trash talk. I’ll just let my German Machine talk for me. Either way, somebody will have to eat some humble pie tomorrow or bitch and whine how the ball and the referee screwed them over.
DEUTSCHLAND UBER ALLES!!
June 27th, 2010 at 10:48
@Grognard: See I think you’re taking a very hypercritical viewpoint on England believing they can win a tournament. All season you’ve had a go at teams like Hull and Stoke for turning up to games at OT knowing they wont win and playing 10 at the back. If those teams came to Old Trafford thinking they could win, we’d get better football.
@Grognard: Don’t let that ‘German Machine’ loose for too long. We all know how that turns out
June 27th, 2010 at 10:50
Fabiano has issued a pretty clear ‘come and get me plea’ to United.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6232361,00.html
Basically saying, “I’m not signing a new contract at Sevilla, I don’t want to go to Spurs cause they are basically the same club as Sevilla. Fergie is the best in the world, United are a great club, I’d love to be Rooney’s strikepartner.”
Also, COME ON ENGLAND!
June 27th, 2010 at 12:30
England will have to beat Germany as well as the rest of the World Podolski, Klose, Trochowski (Poland) Boatang (Ghana) Marin (Bosnia) Gomez (Spain) Aogo (Nigeria) Khedria (Tunisia) and Cacau (Brazil) Oh and Grognard (Canada)!!
COME ON ENGLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 27th, 2010 at 12:33
Oh and some Turk called Ozil………………
June 27th, 2010 at 15:52
COME ON ENGLAND!!!
Shit ref
June 27th, 2010 at 16:28
How do you spell HUMBLE PIE? H U M I L I A T I O N. That night in Berlin in 2001 is avenged and long forgotten now.
June 27th, 2010 at 16:37
England just aren’t on that elite level.
June 27th, 2010 at 16:40
I am glad england is out, rooney can take a rest.
June 27th, 2010 at 16:41
oh and germany took a shit on england’s face
June 27th, 2010 at 16:43
Let the excuses begin. I love sour grapes.
Oooh Lampard hit the post twice and had a goal disallowed. BOOOHOOHOOHOO!
FACT! Today England got Blitzkrieged by the Mannheim Steamroller.
June 27th, 2010 at 16:45
@ROOOOONEY: A festering long and very creamy shit I might add. It was long overdue and it exposed the truth about German football and the sad reality that is English football.
June 27th, 2010 at 16:54
Germany showed England how to play football, for fucks sake this is the World Cup not the basketball court just around the corner.
Congrats Germany!
England… lick some ass, smoke some weed and fuck your brains out this summer, cause you guys aint deserving playing football no more!
June 27th, 2010 at 16:56
Lampard’s goal would have changed the game and will blot this world cup and get Technology implemented ASAP.
Germany outplayed England after Lampard hit the bar on freekick… Germany deserve their win but Sepp Blatter deserved the rage that is on it’s way. World Cup cannot afford such blunders and technology is the ONLY way to avoid them.
June 27th, 2010 at 17:06
@Redrich: Like I said mate, trash talk is cheap. They needed to sow up and shut up and they did neither. Sorry for rubbing it in at this time because as a loyal Englishman I know you are hurting mate, but I too am a very loyal Germany fan going on 40 years and this victory for me was just so sweet I cannot contain my joy. But I will say this, the old cliche does truly exist when they say there is a fine line between winning and losing. What was a route in the scoreline could have been a lot closer had England not had a goal disallowed and had the cross bar not been so much in the way but then again, other than the four goals Germany scored, they missed some great chances as well and they could have piled on the misery in the last 5 minutes of the game as they had the English defence committed forward but they chose to show some class and respect for their opponents and just preferred to maintain possession.
I should also say that in 40 years of watching the German national team the performance today was the best I have seen from a German team against a top and historically significant opponent opponent since Germany defeated England in the European Championships in 1972 in London by 3-1 and since they beat Russia in the final of that year in Brussels by a 3-0 score. This was best case scenario stuff for my boys and they showed their class and metal tonight. As for England, well I’m sure i will have some major rants lined up for here as well as my blog which will tell the story and uncover the reality of the situation for all to read. My sympathies mate as I know this one is a hard pill to swallow but then again that’s footy and I still think Germany will be knocked out of the World Cup so I have some major disappointment to look forward to myself. FIFA wants either Spain, Brazil or Argentina to win and they will do their utmost to make it happen.
June 27th, 2010 at 17:08
@EduardoDaVinci4: It was aclinic in fast counter attacking football wasn’t it mate. I’m going for breakfast and then to see Toy Story 3 but when I get back I plan on writing a fitting epitaph for all English to read on my blog and answer everyone’s nasty comments on here that I expect to get after my elation and for rubbing it in like a truly happy and vindicated supporter of the Mannschaft. DEUTSCHLAND UBER ALLES!!!!
June 27th, 2010 at 17:11
@ROOOOONEY: amen
June 27th, 2010 at 17:18
Can people please shut up about Lampards goal, I don’t see the deal. Yeah, 2-2 would have been a different game but England were still only one goal down. If you can only manage 10 minutes of good, proper football in a 1/16 finals of the World Cup against your bitter rivals, you don’t deserve to win. Simple, England were shit and don’t deserve to go through. Never mind winning the World Cup, their display against Algeria was enough for me losing faith in the winning anything. But I still expected a fight against Germany… Boy was I dissapointed!
I see more fights in my head when smoking weed, and it’s all red and peaceful then! 
June 27th, 2010 at 17:19
england just suck they were denied an equalizer(wtf with the refs in this cup)
but they looked like they were out of their league and roony looks like he is injured and crashing at the end of a meth binge. get some rest boy.
the germans look like they could win a couple more at least.
June 27th, 2010 at 17:36
USA- just didnt have enough.
Joze killed us with his dive. who thought that the ref would give the us another penalty. none that have watched more than a couple matches. just disgraceful he could have easily stayed up and put a shot on target. but im afraid he suffers as our own park does with a on his ass syndrome. Ghana were clinical with their chances and scored great goals. hats off to them as they carry the banner for africa. good luck to the black stars.
June 27th, 2010 at 18:04
@EduardoDaVinci4: Well said mate. Germany had more goals than England had chances and for me that is the telling statistic. When I consider the german chances lost a fair result for today would have been Germany 7 England 2. The other crossbar that Lampard hit was close but from Neuer’s body language I honestly think he let it go because he thought it was too high. As it turns out it was but just barely. But Ozil, Klose, Muller and a few others had sure goals stopped by James. And nobody can deny the four goals Germany exposed England for the clown show they truly are. For me the crowing achievement was the fourth goal from the great long ball from Klose that Ozil completely outran Gareth Barry and basically embarrassed him on the way to setting up Muller for a freebee. Says it all I think. I doubt Rooney would have done that to Schweinsteiger.
June 27th, 2010 at 18:07
@Grognard: There is no question who was the best team today.
That English side looked old, tired and out of their class. I congratulate Germany for a very polished exhibition of breakaway football. Taking advantage of England pushing to tie the game, it became very clear that the difference in quality between these two sides was as large as the final score reflected.
No excuses from me, mate – England deserved what they got and probably then some. A horrible World Cup for the entire team, with not a soul that could take solace from his own performance – a combined melt-down of passion, fitness and tactical acumen – a true team effort!!
June 27th, 2010 at 18:17
@Grognard: Classy mate, don’t forget yoou are a Canadian who has probably has never been to Germany
We were shite, deserved to loose but the linesman was culpable, it would probably would have not made a difference but the it was shocking.
Lets get rid of the manager, bring in Adam Johnson, Joe Hart, Jack Rodwell and start again, overrated, under performing crock of shit.
June 27th, 2010 at 18:45
@Grognard:
I tend to disagree…Torres was always seen as too direct a player for the Spanish league and better suited to the English game..what people never anticpated was how pacey he was…
June 27th, 2010 at 20:00
my god cant we get decent refs for the world cup, this is stupid.
June 27th, 2010 at 20:18
@ROOOOONEY: They need help, goal line technology should be a no brainer. I’m also in favor of replays for disputed goals only. I don’t want to hear the excuse that it slows the game down. After Tevez goal, which was the most offside I’ve ever seen. The play was stopped for about 2 minutes. The 4th official could have watched 1 replay and radioed into the ref “clear offside”
June 27th, 2010 at 21:02
@Johnsom33: agreed it is stupid to argue against the use of replay and goalline tech. they could use the same tech to watch the touchline so that the linesmen only have to pay attention to fouls and offside. this world cup should put a dagger in the heart of the idea that ref error is part of the beautiful game. soo many mistakes that could have been corrected immediately.
It wouldnt slow the game down for there to be an extra official in a booth watching a monitor and radioing down to the on field official and they can make an informed decision together instead of refs just sticking to their guns when the whole world sees them fuck up. it takes longer for the ref to call the linesman over to discuss than if he had help in his ear.
Just plain dumb not to take advantage of these modern conveniences.
Human beings survived thousands of years without cat scans and x-rays but you dont see doctors saying no thanks i like to do it the old way. poke here does that hurt.
but im to the extreme with this. i would love it if the replay was used to correct dives and fouls as well as offside.
If the benefits of diving were taken away by replays and cards handed out more frequently then i would wager that it would happen much less frequently.(Altidore
)
also players running up to the ref and whining would be pointless as there is an eye in the sky to do it for them. this would actually speed the game up and take away players ability to slow it down. which is a much more prevalent problem in the game than the potential slowdown by replays.
June 27th, 2010 at 21:21
I am getting excited about chicharito dont try to convince me otherwise, because there is not much to get excited about.
June 27th, 2010 at 21:28
@ROOOOONEY: He has definately impressed me during this world cup. I’m xcited to see if he is good enough for united.
June 27th, 2010 at 21:34
Well taken goal by Chicharito..for a second there he seemed like he was always constantly hanging on the shoulder of the last defender (“hiding”) but that goal showed he has more…the service he got was dodgy and Mexico were just too ponderous in the final third taking too long to play a one-two or incisive through ball….he also should good strength which gives me hope…hopefully he will get a run in the side!
June 27th, 2010 at 22:08
Right, the officials at this World Cup have been fucking dreadful, I support no team at the world cup as my country is far from good enough to be at the world cup but I do feel for the millions of fans that have to deal with this shit. The Goal that was ruled out today was a fucking joke! We are in 2010 and still such mistakes are being made. What the fuck is going on, this wasnt just an offside that was ruled out, the ball was 4 or 5 times wholly over the line and would have put England at 2-2 having come back into the game. Its a shambles!!
Such decisions should remain in the fucking olden days of 1966!not 44 years later.
Just now we had Tevez miles, MILES offside and the wanker of a linesman does what, nothing. HE should be fucking fired! Mexico now have a mammoth task to claw back into the game and they wont.
Both England and Mexico are definately the weaker teams but those decisions are unforgivable and should end Sepp Blatters reign as President. What a fucking joke!
June 27th, 2010 at 22:52
@Don: exactly he could have easily gone down just before he shot but he caught himself and took the shot if he can get as many goals in as many games for united he will be a godsend.
poor roony had the expectations as one of the prems top scorers to play well and just couldnt. hope it hasnt dented his confidence and he recovers well over the summer. Collien better put it on him and make him feel better before the season starts.
June 28th, 2010 at 0:35
@Taehr: Here in the US, people just don’t understand why FIFA doesn’t implement some technology to rule out the eventual errors that the fucking refs always make.
It’s a complete no-brainer that 1 on-field official cannot always see what 22 players are doing – duh…
Blatter needs to put his head in the 21st century, and at least give the refs the same view that 5 billion viewers around the world have.
Shambolic is an under-statement, and criminal, are the charges that should be filed against FIFA, for their delinquent overseeing of this sport!!
June 28th, 2010 at 0:51
@Redrich: It takes a big man to admit what you have mate and that’s why I like and respect you so. As much as I love Germany I too was shocked and saddened by the English performance but somewhat relieved and elated that it happened against my German machine. Still, this has to go down on record as the very worst England club to ever play at a World Cup. It makes you wish for Sven Goran Erickson in charge……WELLLA.
I’d like to feel for the English over the disallowed goal but I don’t because even if they had tied the game then, they were still completely outclassed and out chanced and therefore didn’t deserve to win anyway. I also feel vindicated over the injustice served to Germany at Wembley in 1966. I have that game on DVD and I’ll say it a million times, the ball never crossed the line and that game was very evenly played. Still, water under the bridge. Now it’s time for England to reassess their entire program and to sack Capello because what he didn’t do which was so needed was to break in new and fresh talent into the England squad. He basically went with the same team used by McClaren and Sven. A coward who is stuck in the past and who overrates experience. Experience means nothing when you are Gareth Barry and you cannot catch Musut Ozil and experience means nothing when like italy all it means is that you are too over the hill to keep up with the young pups. In an upcoming rant I will deliver my stinging condemnation of the EngLand setup and i will suggest the name who should take charge of the squad for the EUROS. I’m sure most don’t care but I urge them to read anyway.
June 28th, 2010 at 0:58
@Stephen: Mate I was having fun the way many would have had fun with me had the scenario been reversed. Also, I have been to Germany 4 times and have spent over 6 months in total in that country and I absolutely love it with Austria. I may be Canadian but part of being Canadian is being a free thinker isn’t carrying nationalistic baggage along with him. This country is a friendly melting pot that has no racism and accepts everyone as equal. You should try us sometime. I choose to cheer for Germany out of a childhood loyalty for the team as I was introduced to the great game through German football. I am not sick or disloyal or warped, I’m just following my team.
And I agree, it’s time to throw out the trash and break in the Rodwell’s, Cattermole’s, Hart’s, Milner’s, Theo’s and Johnson’s. The Gerrard and Lampard experiment has gone on for far too long and it’s time to scrap. They still have Rooney who they can build around and they should look closer to their under 21’s and the clubs at the top need to utilize some English talent more if they are ever to improve and challenge teams like Germany, Brazil, Argentina and Spain.
June 28th, 2010 at 0:58
Germany deserved to win but the truth is that we made it too easy for them. What you saw from Germany was a superbly executed gameplan. If it wasn’t for the tactical naivety of the England team and manager we could have made a game of it.
We had set ourselves up for a counter-attack strike. We played a flat 4-4-2 with slow centre backs and overcommited ourselves on many occasions. The positioning of the back-line and Barry was shocking! And the first goal was the sort of goal you expect to be conceded in a Sunday pub league not at this level. And after that we were always chasing the game and risking getting caught on the counter.
Germany knew that they couldn’t handle Rooney so were sensible making sure they had two defensive midfielders so that Rooney never got the chance to properly run at their defence.
And England didn’t have the tactical savvy to counter this plan by stretching Germany by playing with more width to create space in the centre for Rooney.
The disallowed goal might have kept England in the game because it would have meant England were no longer chasing the game and not have left themselves so vulnerable to the counter and perhaps it would have demoralised Germany so they might have conceded another.
But you cannot afford to make such basic errors at this level especially with a squad as experienced as England’s and we have ourselves to blame for this defeat.
June 28th, 2010 at 1:00
@ROOOOONEY: What goes around comes around mate. Germany got royally screwed over in the Serbia game and yes England got screwed over today. But face facts, they would have lost anyway because Germany was truly mercurial and majestic in quality and form.
June 28th, 2010 at 1:04
@Johnsom33: When I think of all the scenarios at the World Cup that could have been reversed so easily with goalline technology and replays, I just shake my head in bewilderment. FIFA needs to be completely overhauled and all the clowns presently in charge there need to get the sack. All they are concerned with is the money and not the integrity of the game. Here in Canada the local coverage and media are just laughing at FIFA and feel embarrassed by the game. I hate this because the game is great but poor leadership and incompetence has destroyed a wonderful product. All the members of FIFA need to revolt the way people do at G8, G10 and G20 summits. It’s time to get really pissed off as this game is still in the 19th century technologically. Just a joke.
June 28th, 2010 at 1:06
@gator: If the linesman was actually awake and doing his job I find it hard to believe that he could not see that ball clearly over the goal line. Yet another argument for the extermination of all referees.
June 28th, 2010 at 1:10
Also Tevez once again hurts my heart. I never understood why we let him go and brought in Berbatov.
June 28th, 2010 at 1:11
@Grognard: Capello should definitely fall on his sword.
A man charged with infusing some tactical savvy into an already spirited squad, seemed to offer nothing technical, rather a ration of stern discipline, that appeared to squash the English spirit.
Once again the fucking FA knows sweet FA about what they’re doing and where they’re heading.
Let’s just all cringe, while they weedle their way out of this one.
June 28th, 2010 at 1:12
@colver: The reason mate that England made it too easy for Germany is because they were frankly not good enough. England were horrible and should hang their heads in shame. Poorly prepared, poorly managed and poorly motivated. I also think that the EPL season is just too long and gruelling with no break and this physically and mentally totals players. Look at how many foreign players who play in England like Torres and all those Frenchies fared. They all sucked because they were all burned out. Meanwhile German players were all rested well in December and January except of course for one, Michael Ballack. And look what happened to him. England wants to be a power on the international scene, they have many things they need to look at and overhaul or this sad scenario will continue to repeat itself. It’s no big secret that the last really competitive English club was in 1996 before the major exodus of foreign talent landed on British chores. Think about it.
June 28th, 2010 at 1:15
@colver: They handled Rooney beautifully but what I laughed at is how badly they embarrassed Gareth Barry with their passing finesse and especially their pace. Their last goal is something Barry can only look at and hang his head in shame over. It was also great to see Germany teach John Terry a good lesson. I loved it. Felt bad for Rooney though. If England were to score a goal or two in the loss, I would have loved to have seen Rooney do it. At least he should get a longer rest now and hopefully the ankle will be fine by August.
June 28th, 2010 at 1:20
@Redrich: I agree but I also feel his greatest mistake was imitating the likes of Lippi and Domenech by sticking with the old guard well past their expiry date and not showing faith and patience with young players. It was a shambolic mistake to not include Rodwell, Johnson and Cattermole on this squad. He was supposed to initiate change but instead lacked the courage to make those changes. I cannot help but think the English media intimidated him a bit. Unlike Klinsmann who back in 2005 told the German media and the likes of Beckenbauer and company to fuck off and let him do his job as he was not only overhauling the German team but instilling a new way of playing and training as well as psychologically preparing them better. England media and the FA are as thick as Canadian maple syrup. Hopeless muppets who will never learn their lesson.
June 28th, 2010 at 1:36
@Grognard: Capello is a conservative, and that really suited the old guard within the FA.
They thought we had a great team in ‘06 and that Sven fucked it all up. Bring in the tried and true disciplinarian, and it would whip that generation of spoiled boys into shape.
Well that’s how they think. It’s cheap, it’s convenient and more importantly, it’s safe.
The FA is an entitled group of fuddy-duddies. They know about the past and have no vision for the future. The ghosts of 1966 make them comfortable with their views – lets hope the demons of 2010 drive them all to an early grave!!
June 28th, 2010 at 1:51
We were all wrong, Lampard did not score as this picture clearly shows the ball never crossed the line.
http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/world_cup/32806/englands-disallowed-goal-v-germany-was-not-over-the-line-with-photo-evidence.html
June 28th, 2010 at 1:54
@Grognard: FIFA has all the right-angles!!
June 28th, 2010 at 1:58
@Redrich: Germany’s FA was not different until the 2004 team that crashed out at the EUROS woke them up. They should have been awoken by 1998 but it took them too long but finally they took a chance on a new idea and bright thinker in Klinsmann and the rest is history. Klinsmann was not a master tactician or strategist but he was a leader and a motivator and he had the smarts to hire a group of qualified teachers and coaches like Joachim Low to assist him. The rest is history. Having monitored the german situation closely for years you cannot imagine how terrible the German media were to him and even how terrible they have been to this team before today. It’s important for all FA’s to realize that the media in general know shit about football and their decisions should not be weighed by media approval. Now England have to wake up and bring in anew and bright thinker who will transform the team into a new hybrid and to change the way things are done. My choice has experience having played in England also has the ability to speak fluent English. Isn’t it time to hire Juergen Klinsmann?
He’ll bring with him quality people that will transform England in so many ways. Something that is impossible for him to accomplish under the pressures of club football but give him two years with a national side and he can work wonders. England should look and learn. Low is getting a lot of credit here but a lot of that team’s success belongs to Klinsy.
June 28th, 2010 at 1:59
@Redrich: No, FIFA uses Photoshop.
June 28th, 2010 at 2:02
Well the World Cup is not over for me yet but I think it’s time for all you England supporters to start talking and bitching about United. After all, this is what we care about the most. I guess Chicarito scored today which is good. Haven’t seen that game yet but I am encouraged that Messi didn’t score again. Hope he can keep it up for one more game. There is nobody in all football I would like to see fall on his sword more than that drug addicted criminal Maradona.
June 28th, 2010 at 2:30
Grognard, thanks for the different perspective. Im glad that Rooney was the only Manchester United player on that pitch and really he emerged from that game more or less blameless-the truth is the ineptitude of his collagues made it too easy for the Germans to contain him and while he did win us a few free kicks we are useless at dead balls without Beckham-yes Lampard hit the bar but that was a fluke.
England are in a lot of trouble. This was supposed to be the golden generation. For fuck’s sake players like Gerrard, Lampard, Terry, Rio, Ashley Cole, and Rooney are widely regarded as in the top five in the world for their position at club level. Each of them has been in Champions League finals at least once. But they have all consistently disappointed for England.
Terry and Rio are over the hill. Terry is superb at tackling and heading but he has never been able to read the game that well and has always been short on pace. The reason he did so well at Chelsea is because Carvalho was very strong in the areas where Terry was lacking. To a lesser extent Rio helped cover for him for England. That doesn’t make Terry a bad player but he certainly has never been the complete defender and Im glad that got exposed conclusively. Also this has been one of his worse seasons and he is not the player he was four years ago. Rio’s absence says it all-he is rarely fit for England or United anymore. And players like Upson, Carragher and Dawson just aren’t international level. Capello screwed up by gambling on King and not bringing along a pacier defender.
Gerrard and Lampard can’t play together and every single competiton for the last eight years they get played together. Capello’s supposed innovation of playing Gerrard on the left was a cop-out. He should have dropped Lampard, played Gerrard in the middle with Joe Cole on the left (or Adam Johnson if he’d bothered giving him a call up). Gerrard was really good in the centre against USA who are also a good counter attacking team and I dont understand why he wasn’t played there for England.
We always have problems with wingers. The only world class winger we’ve produced in the last 15 years is Beckham (who isn’t even really a winger). Because every team knows we are rubbish on the flanks we cannot stretch teams so it is too easy for teams to neutralise Gerrard and Lampard in centre midfield. Also I only recall around three decent crosses all of which came from Milner.
I dont understand why Capello took Shawn Wright Phillips ahead of Walcott. OK Walcott is still very inconsistent and doesn’t really have an end-product. But he showed against Croatia and Barcelona that he can be dangerous and Id have liked to see him run against Boateng.
While James also emerged with some credit from this World Cup if we had started him against USA we might have won that game and avoided Germany altogether. We should have won our group and while Ghana would have probably beaten us at least we would have given ourselves a better chance.
This is the end of a generation. Rio, Terry, Gerrard and Lampard will be too old for the next World Cup and Im praying the next England manager (and yes Capello needs to be sacked) will take a leaf out of the German’s books and select a young team giving them the chance to grow together so they will be a real force in the future.
June 28th, 2010 at 2:43
@colver: Sorry mate, but Rooney was England’s only lethal threat and the hopes of the nation rested squarely on his shoulders.
He not only destroyed those hopes, but disgraced the notion that he ever had the potential to make believe he could.
He was probably tired/injured/served poorly (as he probably was in 2006), but he was only a mere shadow of the man that played for United much of last season.
Not a good showing at all, and nothing that would make anyone think that he was “blameless”!!
June 28th, 2010 at 2:55
Grognard, as a German I cannot see Klinnsmann every managing England, despite his fondness for England. Im sure he would be seen as a traitor by the German nation.
In truth the England side has had pretty much the same composition for the last six years or so and the big names are advancing in age so even less equipped to deal with a long season followed by an international competition. I wasn’t really expecting anything this year. I was more disappointed in 2004 and 2006 where I thought we had a pretty good chance but messed up with poor tactics and inability to take penalties and the persistent error of playing Lampard and Gerrard in the same team (which probably contributed to Scholes retiring after being shunted out onto the left).
If Terry, Rio, Gerrard and Lampard have any decency whatsoever they should retire from international football after the Euros to give us a chance of building a fresh new side for the next World Cup.
June 28th, 2010 at 2:57
Sepp Blatter can suck my hairy black cock, Capello got it all wrong, England have no heart… aargh?
At least Hernandez is showing some promise!
June 28th, 2010 at 6:04
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/statistics/news/newsid=1259849/index.html#statistical+stars+from+group+stage
did anyone else see this? According to FIFA hernandez was the fastest player in the group stages.
He had a goof tournament, hopefully he can follow it up with a good summer and be ready to contribute next season.
June 28th, 2010 at 7:21
England vs Germany Player Ratings:
England:
David James – 5/10 A low score because he let four goals past him but the fact is he is really only at partial fault for Mueller’s first which he let in on the short side. Other than he had no chance on the others and actually made handful of big saves.
Glenn Johnson – 4/10 A complete non entity in the game. Never made any telling runs or crosses and looked very suspect defensively on numerous German counters. Honestly I have never understood what the big deal is about this stiff.
Matthew Upson – 5/10 This grade would not be nearly as high if it were not for his well taken header goal that briefly brought England back in the match. Was found wanting for Klose’s opening goal and was basically nowhere to be found for Mueller’s two goals and countless other strong opportunities Germany squandered.
John Terry – 3/10 This makes me so happy to be able to give my personal least liked player in all of football a major failing grade. He was absent all afternoon and was out of position and caught up field on all four goals scored by Germany. Probably one of the worst performances I have ever seen him give. He was humbled big time and it couldn’t happen to a worse human being.
Ashley Cole – 3/10 Was taken to the cleaners all day by the exceptional Thomas Mueller playing on the right side as well as Philip Lahm overlapping. Cole tried to ignite a few attacks but overall, he was useless and one of those players that needs to go for England to have a an attitude change.
Gareth Barry – 4/10 Did more attacking than defending and for me that was the big difference in the game. He’s not there to attack. But after falling behind early he abandoned his defensive duties and was somewhat useful on attack but was shown for the clown and overrated clown that he is when Ozil out paced him and embarrassed him for Germany’s fourth goal. Bsically, taken to the cleaners defensively. God how this team needed a healthy Hargreaves.
James Milner – 7/10 The single shining light for England all afternoon. No surprise as he is their youngest player. Continually worked hard and got cross after cross in there only to have nobody at home most of the day. Created a few guilt edged chances before he was shockingly substituted for Joe Cole. Now I have nothing against Joe Cole but why take off the team’s best player on the day when taking off Gerrard, Lampard, Rooney or Defoe made more sense. Actually by that time, taking off a defender would have been the smart move but Cabbage Head (that includes his brain) Capello sees the game different than the re rest of us logical peons.
Frank Lampard – 5/10 Some would say he had a good game considering he hit the bar with a fierce long shot and was robbed of a goal with another cracker. But other than those two moments he struggled all game to make his presence felt in the center of midfield. Khedira and especially Schweinsteiger completely neutralized him outside of a two-minute period where England scored and his goal was disallowed. For the rest of the game he was invisible.
Steven Gerrard – 4/10 I saw an effort but I saw very little constructive play from him. Playing him out of position is no way to utilize England’s most talented midfielder. Pretty bland and boring for most of the game.
Jermaine Defoe – 3/10 Sorry but he actually play in the match? I don’t recall ever noticing him. If this player isn’t getting fed early balls to run on he basically is a useless git. Note to Capello……DROP THE STIFF.
Wayne Rooney – 4/10 First of all let me start by saying that Rooney is one of my favorite players period. So it hurts me greatly to speak of him in this manner but for me he has to be the second biggest disappointment in the World Cup after the antics of the French team, which shamed the game. For me Rooney was playing hurt and that he never really felt comfortable having also felt very mentally and physically tired after a long season with Manchester United where his manager played him to death. Injuries and fatigue basically assured us all that Wayne would wear the choke collar very tight during the World Cup. I love the guy but he really has to grow up a bit and he has to learn to control his emotions as well as play with pain or know when to ask for a rest rather than burning himself out before the biggest tournament of his life. A massive disappointment. As for the game, the effort was there but he never ever penetrated the German defense or ever threatened Neuer. A complete non-factor.
Joe Cole – 3/10 Had a bout a half hour to show something but did nothing. In fact Germany exploded as soon as he entered the game. Clearly not in match shape and a real enigma at this point in his career.
Emile Heskey – 2/10 Capello showed what a hopeless idiot he was by bringing the human slug at a time when England we desperate for goals. I think they would have had a better chance to score if they brought in a Carragher or the backup goalkeeper. Why not bring the far superior Peter Crouch instead of this useless fat git? I’ll never as long as I live understand why this guy is on the England team as he isn’t good enough to start in the German amateur leagues. If you haven’t already guessed, I’m not a fan.
SWP – Not worth rating as he basically came in with seconds left to mow the pitch and fix spike divots.
Germany:
Manuel Neuer – 6/10 I have to be fair. I personally love this guy and have been dreaming of him joining Manchester United now for over two years. He is truly fantastic but today was not one of his better games. In reality let two soft goals in and another one hot the cross bar but for the rest of the game he was in charge and did deliver a couple of excellent saves. Bottom line is he’s human after all.
Philip Lahm – 8/10 Continually excellent and so damned consistent. Gave Ashley Cole and Gerrard first all day and defended with expertise and his now famous composure.
Per Mertesacker – 8/10 A fantastic performance from the friendly giant. Made up for his lackluster performance vs Ghana with a standout cool as a cucumber showing where he never made any mistakes.
Arne Friedrich – 8/10 For a guy who is 31, Arne is playing like 21. He has not allowed anyone to beat him and when he wins a tackle, he wins it cleanly and then gets the ball and dispatches it with poise and incredible composure. Had a very solid game in which Rooney and Defoe never troubled him or Mertesacker all game.
Jerome Boateng – 7/10 For me he was a surprise starter as I prefer the more defensively conscious Badstuber but Boateng never got a thing wrong. Was very composed in getting the club out of trouble on numerous situations where he seemed cornered. Also made some telling runs up field. Had a bit of a time handling Milner but came out of it fairly unscathed. A pleasant surprise.
Sami Khedira – 8/10 This guy has to be the biggest surprise for me on this team. I bitched and bitched that Low never picked a veteran like Frings or at least a competent backup because of my lack of faith in the defensive minded midfielder. Boy was I wrong. He has been a standout and today’s performance was almost flawless defensively while his presence in attack was really felt.
Bastien Schweinsteiger – 9/10 If not for Mueller, he’d be my player of the match. Just controlled the midfield with added help from Khidira and really neutralized the middle of the park for all but two minutes of the game. His tackles and positioning was superb but his passing and vision was outstanding. A beautiful chip that sent Ozil in alone and then setting up Mueller’s first goal with a great pass. The leader of this team along with Lahm and what’s great is that now he leads by example.
Thomas Mueller – 10/10 OK, many of you may be thinking that I am too generous with my grade here but honestly, I was totally wowed by Mueller’s performance. His running off the ball as well as his great touch passing, finesse, vision and lethal finishing allowed him to put in an almost perfect performance. He was in on three of the four German goals and was involved with at least four other great chances. He completely took Ashley Cole, Gerrard and whoever was on the English left flank took them to town and embarrassed them with his fine array of skills. Scary that this lad was unknown before Louis van Gaal rescued him out of the Bayern reserves and turned him in to a hybrid of his namesake Gerd Mueller and the great Karl Heinz Rummenigge who like him could play midfield, wing or striker. And he’s only 20 playing with the skill, pride and poise of a 30 year old.
Mesut Ozil – 8/10 Along with Mueller he is the man of the tournament so far. And for those who don’t agree, get your head out of your collective asses. This kid is awesome with his vision wide array of passes and his Cruyff like ability to turn on a dime at full speed and still control the ball as if it’s glued to his foot. A superstar for the future and a superstar right now who gave England fits all game with his great runs and pace. Had numerous chances and created chances for others. His crowning moment though was his total humiliation of Gareth Barry for the fourth German goal when he raced by him as if Barry was a parked car.
Lukas Podolski – 7/10 A much better game for Podolski as he got much more involved in the attacking zone and was rewarded with a very well taken goal from a very sharp angle. Didn’t see a lot of theball because Germany made the conscious decision to attack the weaker England left side wherte the overrated A Cole plays as well as the out of position Gerrard. Was always a threat cutting in with his pace and fierce left foot.
Miroslav Klose – 8/10 Simply outstanding all game as he continues to prove his critics wrong. This guy like Podolski should make Germany their club team because etheir form for the Mannschaft is light years ahead of their club form. Klose was simply brilliant against England. Scored a wonderful goal that only a true poacher could manufacture and his passing and vision set up other opportunities all game while his second really good scoring chance was brilliantly saved by James. I also loved his long range clearing ball that found Ozil on the run on the left side that led to the fourth goal. Way to go Miro, you are defying the odds and making a legend out of your name. Twelve World Cup goals now says it all unless I also mention he has scored 50 goals in 99 internationals too. A true legend.
Mario Gomez – 3/10 In fairness he came in when the game had already been one and Germany had turned off the jets and respected England enough to not try and rub it in. Still, I can’t dismiss the fact that this guy bores the crap out of me and that he is a total waste of time and space. I hope Bayern sell him.
Piotr Trochowski – 6/10 Showed some real energy but the game was already won and he was basically ordered to just keep control of the ball which he did.
Stefan Kiessling – To little time to rate him. But he was better than the entire England team.
Finally, let me say a few words about the managers. To Joachim Low 10/10 I congratulate him on a masterful game plan and tactics that totally uncovered the age and weaknesses of the English team. Also, he should be praised for showing no fear regarding England and letting Germany come out and attack with pace and finesse on the counter. Similar to the great job of counter attacking football Inter Milan displayed in the Champions League under Mourinho. As for Cabbage Face Capello 2/10, the less said the better.
June 28th, 2010 at 7:24
@colver: What do you think of my choice for Juergen Klinsmann as England manager? Based on my reasons of course.
June 28th, 2010 at 7:29
@colver: I don’t know about that mate. Today managers are known to be very much like mercenaries and a job is a job. He paid his dues managing Germany and owes his country nothing. England holds a fond place in his heart and I could easily see him taking the job as he loved his time in London and because he is fluent in English which makes the job and getting his message across, that much easier. If Capello can leave Italy and manage England, then I see no problem with Klinsy doing the English thing. I love Klinsy and I am a real believer in his way of doing things which is perfect for national teams but fails due to impatience and stubbornness on club sides.
June 28th, 2010 at 9:00
-fansrooney/comment-page-6/#comment-118124″>Grognard: England need to go back to appointing one of our own as manager, Hodgeson, Redknapp or gambling on a Shearer and Pearce the slate clean.
We need to move on, Terry, Lampard, Heskey, Beckham probably Gerrard and Barry all need to be sent to the wilderness and Rodwell, Gosling, Cattermole, Johnson, Walcott, Gibbs, Hart and even Richards and the like all need to be now groomed for four years time under an Englishman. Our foreign hiatus has been expensive gamble which simply hasn’t worked, either down to the manager of players so for me both should go.
June 28th, 2010 at 13:18
Grognard, it is difficult to argue with any of those ratings.
But I think Capello deserves huge amounts of blame. His stubborn logic that we qualified using this system so he wasn’t going to change it says everything about the man you need to know.
With a proper gameplan and players disciplined enough to follow it we could have made a game of it.
There was no plan to pick up Ozil. We needed an extra man in midfield so Barry could have stayed back and shielded the defence better. The amount of space we gave Ozil was astonishing. I dread to think what would have happened if we had won the game and come up against Argentina. Messi would have abused us.
Capello didn’t bring a pacey defender even though he knew that Terry does best with a pacy defender next to him to make up for his lead footedness. Instead he gambled on King.
Throughout the group stages we lacked width. While bringing in Milner remedied that a bit the real mistake was failing to play Joe Cole who while not a left winger can do a better job there than Gerrard and Adam Johnson who IS a left winger and in very good form. If we had played with more width we would have stretched Germany a bit more and created more space for Rooney and Defoe. Also it would have meant our full backs would have benefited from more cover.
June 28th, 2010 at 14:00
@colver: I agree that Capello should have revised his game plan..it wasn’t working in the group stages and it was pretty obvious it wasn’t going to work in last 16 as well…England has dearth of quality left wingers and lets face it Joe Cole is not the player he was let’s say last season..he has lost too many weapons..as for Adam Johnson..he has just come to top flight and we don’t want another Walcott and sure enough he hasn’t any national team experience or even in any of the big competitions…
Over all I thought Capello gambled a bit, threw the dice on a few and came out with nothing. We seriously lack a flair midfielder and alternatives to Rio or Terry.
btw i thought the Mexico game highlighted Fergie still got it, can’t wait to see Hernandez up here
June 28th, 2010 at 16:45
@Stephen: I agree with you about the young players taking over although like Germany, you cannot over do it. You still need balance of youth with experience. The next England manager and it may just stay Capello needs to not worry about fragile overpaid big egos. The Lampard/Gerrard experiment does not work and one of those two needs to be cut loose while the other kept. We have to develop a system where our wing play is not as important because unless Johnson and Walcott are in the team, our other wide players are bloody useless. Young strikers who are up and coming need to be given a chance as I never ever ever want to see the likes of an Emile Heskey or Jermaine Defoe or Peter Crouch supporting Rooney who should sue for lack of support. Terry needs to be sent home packing as i feel his presence and attitude is one of the key cancer cells that spreads distain, distrust and disharmony on the club. Frankly, Capello needs to check and see if he has a full sack and make major changes. In fairness to Capello, he doesn’t have an impressive talent pool to choose from in midfield or up front form a creative point of views. Just a bunch of muckers and grinders. Sad how far the English game has fallen due to the foreign infestation in the bloated EPL
June 28th, 2010 at 16:54
@colver: Gam plan is important mate but seriously, everyone needs to stop building these players up to be something they aren’t. It wouldn’t have made a difference because man to man, Germany were far superior to the slower and less selfish England. England’s problem was not just age, fatigue and lack of tactical awareness. Their problem is that there is a core of players on this team who collectively breed cancer in the dressing room. Trouble makers who are selfish and who make it very uncomfortable for the team to bond fully and to grow unselfishly and become a true team. Terry, A Cole, Gerrard, Carragher and Lampard all have huge ego’s and they literally run the show…….into the ground. The baton has to be passed on to the Rooney’s, Milner’s and Rodwell’s of English football and this old guard need to get their reservations for the retirement home straightened away. One change alone would make a world of difference to the England squad. Canning John Terry. I can tell you right now that if I were a player, I would have zero time and zero respect for him after the many crimes he has committed and especially after what he had done to a fellow teammate in Wayne Bridge. I couldn’t play with an asshole like that. Terry is a cunt and a bully and a selfish prick and his mini rebellion early in the competition is proof positive that when he goes, then England can begin again to repair the rips in their sails
June 28th, 2010 at 17:16
@Grognard: England are not a great team, and are selected from a weak talent pool – agreed.
However, those players did under-perform, individually and as a whole, and Capello must be held culpable for that!
June 28th, 2010 at 18:16
Any good songs? And I mean good
June 28th, 2010 at 19:07
@Grognard: what you want to “exterminate” the people in the black and white striped pajamas. I think your “German fervor” is getting out of control mate.
haha jk
i would rather their be no refs and have the game self governed by the players, like in the schoolyard, than have some dumbass making this many mistakes.
it is just not good business to neglect the legitimacy of a contest that is the marquee product of your organization. Not only neglect but to laugh at the suggestion of established improvements. I guess im just a typical American who doesnt get it.
June 28th, 2010 at 19:13
Well well well – I am going to write to every England player personally and thank them for flunking the game, because I got rewarded big time. I just got back home to Geordieland from my real home Manc Land, and the Missus thinking I might be upset about the game result had booked a Caribean holiday for us (with her own money). She has bought me a bottle of great Jack Daniels, and is arranging a Barbecue for all our friends at our place this weekend – no rain please if your listening heaven! She also said she will pay for my Bro and I to go to at least 4 Man Utd away games next season, and will get me the limited edition Tshirt MUST are flogging, so happy days. I didn’t have the heart to tell her that I wasn’t upset really, because I had had such a fantastic time in Manc Land with all the lads on the town
. Eddi I have got a good Missus mate, I hope your new GF is as sweet! Now I am writing pronto to the FA to beg them not to sack Capello or this present team for the European nations cup, because I have all the treats to look forward to, when they fluke again. Well done lads, you got me a free trip to the Caribean!
June 28th, 2010 at 19:22
@Johnsom33: nice but Gourcuff is on the criminal list
Michael Bradley is in the list of top tacklers and lando calrisian(Donovan) is on the list of top crossers. he scored a couple important goals too.
I think they both could cut it in the prem. well lando already has. bradley looks the business too. he scored a few goals(7goals in 28games) in germany this season. he is like the northamerican hargo…..
June 28th, 2010 at 19:41
@CraigMc: Love you mate, and your missus is awesome. Give her a kiss from me and say Eddy sends his best wishes for your relationship and your little girl!
What she did there was awesome, can’t imagine many women actually doing that. Effing great mate, enjoy your holidays!
BTW, if you’ve got Jack Daniels you need Coke. If you want it to taste real good, mix it and try adding some cinamon(yeah!), but just a little, cause it’ll taste awesome then!
June 28th, 2010 at 19:47
.siht daer uoy fi tsuj s’taht ,esruoc fO . mc 91 dnuora sinep a evah ylbaborp dna ,em sa looc sa tsuj era uoy ,siht daer uoy fi oS .sdrawkcab siht gnitirw ma I yas ot detnaw tsuj ,syug iH
June 28th, 2010 at 20:00
@Redrich: I don’t disagree with you. Capello I feel is a solid manager but the pressure in England got to him. He was intimidated by the old guard to stick with the old guard and not bring in too many young players. Although I would prefer a change, I kind of think that if he was kept on, he’d learn from this mistake and also learn from how Germany are being handled that bringing in new and young blood might not be such a bad idea. He has all the ammunition now to basically clean house and start fresh. I’d almost be tempted to see what he could do with a new mindset.
June 28th, 2010 at 20:02
@gator: I think it would be for the public good and in fact I’d sell tickets for the hangings. Get them all in the town square and lets have a barbecue and beer fest while we’re at it.
June 28th, 2010 at 20:06
@gator: What really gets me is the arrogance of FIFA and the European press whenever an American or Canadian offer up some common sense and logic to the proceedings. Europe is the old world but in football, they truly are living and thinking in the Dark Ages. They need to wake up and borrow from North American sports. We’re not perfect but from the point of innovation and technology, we are light years ahead of the great game which continues to shoot itself in the foot because old codgers and political ass clowns are running the show. They pay a great disservice to the game and the millions of supporters globally who love the game but would love to see fairness and justice come out of every contest.
June 28th, 2010 at 20:27
@Grognard: It’s not just NA sports either, Rugby and Cricket have successfully adopted technology to assist their officiating – not to mention Tennis.
The whole fucking wor