England v Slovenia

[Tal]

[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=40702.msg1125380#msg1125380 date=1277310605]
It probably will be one of the two Gs, Wizardry. Not a great deal to choose between them, but if we get past them (and I think we will) I'd certainly have preferred to avoid Argentina in the quarters, which would have been more likely had we topped the group.

Ah well, on we go. And it's a relief to be able to say that.
[/quote]

We would have certainly avoided Argentina until the final if we'd topped our group because we'd be in the other half of the draw.

But now it's Germany or Ghana next, then Argentina or Mexico in the 1/4s, then after that it's undecided as the remaining qualifiers in our half of the draw are not yet decided.

 

[Jack D Rips]

[quote author=Wizardry link=topic=40702.msg1125383#msg1125383 date=1277310949]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=40702.msg1125379#msg1125379 date=1277310504]
USA were excellent today. Deserved to go through.
[/quote]

Could not agree more. Genuinely a team to be proud of for the US who are apparently watching in massive numbers. Their performance against Slovenia from 2-0 down was outstanding and should have been a win except for a truly ridiculous refereeing decision.

I'd actually like to see them line up against Italy - I think they'd run the current holders off their feet.


As for the England performance; they were massively better than in the last game and played football rather than simply trying to hit a big guy stationed up front. Worth noting that while Rooney still couldn't get on the score sheet we were all at sea in terms of keeping the ball when he went off.
[/quote]

USA's performance against Slovenia was indeed the performance of the tournament for me. However I watched it in a packed Daytona Beach hotel and counted three USA fans watching it.

 

[Judge Jules]

[quote author=Tal link=topic=40702.msg1125385#msg1125385 date=1277311191]
[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=40702.msg1125380#msg1125380 date=1277310605]
It probably will be one of the two Gs, Wizardry. Not a great deal to choose between them, but if we get past them (and I think we will) I'd certainly have preferred to avoid Argentina in the quarters, which would have been more likely had we topped the group.

Ah well, on we go. And it's a relief to be able to say that.
[/quote]

We would have certainly avoided Argentina until the final if we'd topped our group because we'd be in the other half of the draw.

But now it's Germany or Ghana next, then Argentina or Mexico in the 1/4s, then after that it's undecided as the remaining qualifiers in our half of the draw are not yet decided.
[/quote]

Fair enoughski. We can beat any of those if we play to our potential. If we don't and they get even close to theirs, though, we're toast.

 

[The Slugmonster]

[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=40702.msg1125384#msg1125384 date=1277311166]
[quote author=The Slugmonster link=topic=40702.msg1125381#msg1125381 date=1277310764]
[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=40702.msg1125380#msg1125380 date=1277310605]
It probably will be one of the two Gs, Wizardry. Not a great deal to choose between them, but if we get past them (and I think we will) I'd certainly have preferred to avoid Argentina in the quarters, which would have been more likely had we topped the group.

Ah well, on we go. And it's a relief to be able to say that.
[/quote]


Id really like it to be the Germans that england get. Then there can be no excuses, if england go through it will be because theyve upped it! Still think the krauts will do ye though!
[/quote]

You surprise me. 😉

The Germany who battered the Aussies would be a tough proposition for anybody, the Germany which stank the place out against Serbia not so much. You always have to take them seriously, but if we can keep today's improvement going I honestly think we'll put them away.
[/quote]


I shouldnt think it would be a sursprise! Germany, even though beaten against serbia still put in a good performance as they did against australia! Engerland havent put in what can be classed as a good performance yet (regardles of what the bbc, utv or any fan wearing st. georges goggles will say).
Yes england have better individual players but as of this moment I think ze germans have a better balanced team!

 

[LeTallecWiz]

England's chances of advancing depend on Rooney. He's got to take his game to the next level on the international stage. He's better than this, and if England can't rely on their #1 goalscoring threat, they won't get as far as their talent should allow them.

 

[Avmenon]

Germany may get through, but it'll probably be Serbia joining them.

Not Ghana.

EDIT : nice to be wrong.

Fuck Serbia

 

[Farkmaster]

[quote author=Wizardry link=topic=40702.msg1125383#msg1125383 date=1277310949]
Genuinely a team to be proud of for the US who are apparently watching in massive numbers.
[/quote]

Maybe for the US, but it still isn't THAT big a deal here, which was more obvious when the NBA finals were going on.

 

[kingjulian]

[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=40702.msg1125384#msg1125384 date=1277311166]
[quote author=The Slugmonster link=topic=40702.msg1125381#msg1125381 date=1277310764]
[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=40702.msg1125380#msg1125380 date=1277310605]
It probably will be one of the two Gs, Wizardry. Not a great deal to choose between them, but if we get past them (and I think we will) I'd certainly have preferred to avoid Argentina in the quarters, which would have been more likely had we topped the group.

Ah well, on we go. And it's a relief to be able to say that.
[/quote]


Id really like it to be the Germans that england get. Then there can be no excuses, if england go through it will be because theyve upped it! Still think the krauts will do ye though!
[/quote]

You surprise me. 😉

The Germany who battered the Aussies would be a tough proposition for anybody, the Germany which stank the place out against Serbia not so much. You always have to take them seriously, but if we can keep today's improvement going I honestly think we'll put them away.
[/quote]

Stank the place out against Serbia??

I think that is very very harsh. Klose was sent off for nothing. 10 against 11 for more than half of the game was always going to be tough against most international opponents. They dominated possession and created more chances. If not for Podolski missing chance after chance (including the failed penalty conversion) they would have got something out of that game.

England vs Germany will be a hard game to call, if they both play to potential. I think that German team has more tenacity and creativity, while the England team has more experience and the better manager. If i had to pick, then it has got to be Germany.

 

[Avmenon]

[quote author=Jack D Rips link=topic=40702.msg1125386#msg1125386 date=1277311316]
[quote author=Wizardry link=topic=40702.msg1125383#msg1125383 date=1277310949]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=40702.msg1125379#msg1125379 date=1277310504]
USA were excellent today. Deserved to go through.
[/quote]

Could not agree more. Genuinely a team to be proud of for the US who are apparently watching in massive numbers. Their performance against Slovenia from 2-0 down was outstanding and should have been a win except for a truly ridiculous refereeing decision.

I'd actually like to see them line up against Italy - I think they'd run the current holders off their feet.


As for the England performance; they were massively better than in the last game and played football rather than simply trying to hit a big guy stationed up front. Worth noting that while Rooney still couldn't get on the score sheet we were all at sea in terms of keeping the ball when he went off.
[/quote]

USA's performance against Slovenia was indeed the performance of the tournament for me. However I watched it in a packed Daytona Beach hotel and counted three USA fans watching it.
[/quote]


Agreed totally; I actually think the team deserves better fans.

 

[Judge Jules]

[quote author=The Slugmonster link=topic=40702.msg1125388#msg1125388 date=1277311887]
[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=40702.msg1125384#msg1125384 date=1277311166]
[quote author=The Slugmonster link=topic=40702.msg1125381#msg1125381 date=1277310764]
[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=40702.msg1125380#msg1125380 date=1277310605]
It probably will be one of the two Gs, Wizardry. Not a great deal to choose between them, but if we get past them (and I think we will) I'd certainly have preferred to avoid Argentina in the quarters, which would have been more likely had we topped the group.

Ah well, on we go. And it's a relief to be able to say that.
[/quote]


Id really like it to be the Germans that england get. Then there can be no excuses, if england go through it will be because theyve upped it! Still think the krauts will do ye though!
[/quote]

You surprise me. 😉

The Germany who battered the Aussies would be a tough proposition for anybody, the Germany which stank the place out against Serbia not so much. You always have to take them seriously, but if we can keep today's improvement going I honestly think we'll put them away.
[/quote]


I shouldnt think it would be a sursprise! Germany, even though beaten against serbia still put in a good performance as they did against australia! Engerland havent put in what can be classed as a good performance yet (regardles of what the bbc, utv or any fan wearing st. georges goggles will say).
Yes england have better individual players but as of this moment I think ze germans have a better balanced team!
[/quote]

England's performance today was a good one all right. I was a bit harsh on Germany's performance against Serbia BUT they missed too many chances, they can't blame that on Klose's sending-off and it's the same players who have to try and put those chances away in their future games, so I'd have to beg to differ about "better balanced". Fact is they found it hard to cope with a competent defence, and that's going to be their undoing IMO.

 

[Judge Jules]

[quote author=kingjulian link=topic=40702.msg1125392#msg1125392 date=1277312362]
[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=40702.msg1125384#msg1125384 date=1277311166]
[quote author=The Slugmonster link=topic=40702.msg1125381#msg1125381 date=1277310764]
[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=40702.msg1125380#msg1125380 date=1277310605]
It probably will be one of the two Gs, Wizardry. Not a great deal to choose between them, but if we get past them (and I think we will) I'd certainly have preferred to avoid Argentina in the quarters, which would have been more likely had we topped the group.

Ah well, on we go. And it's a relief to be able to say that.
[/quote]


Id really like it to be the Germans that england get. Then there can be no excuses, if england go through it will be because theyve upped it! Still think the krauts will do ye though!
[/quote]

You surprise me. 😉

The Germany who battered the Aussies would be a tough proposition for anybody, the Germany which stank the place out against Serbia not so much. You always have to take them seriously, but if we can keep today's improvement going I honestly think we'll put them away.
[/quote]

Stank the place out against Serbia??

I think that is very very harsh. Klose was sent off for nothing. 10 against 11 for more than half of the game was always going to be tough against most international opponents. They dominated possession and created more chances. If not for Podolski missing chance after chance (including the failed penalty conversion) they would have got something out of that game.

England vs Germany will be a hard game to call, if they both play to potential. I think that German team has more tenacity and creativity, while the England team has more experience and the better manager. If i had to pick, then it has got to be Germany.
[/quote]

I accept on reflection that that was a harsh judgment on the Germans overall, but their failure to convert their chances was pretty stark and IMO had little or nothing to do with being a man down, but everything to do with getting a rude awakening from Vidic and co.after having fun with a pisspoor Aussie defence. Creativity's fine as long as it doesn't carry you to the edge of the area and then stop.

Nonetheless I agree the game would be finely balanced. You won't be surprised to learn that I don't agree about the likely result. 8)

 

[jan]

Now I have a reason hate Landon Donovan even more

We were fucking crap today though, all over the place

 

[Rafiagra]

If we are going to win the World Cup, I cant think of a better way than beating Germany and Argentina en route

Thought we played today. Rooney is paying the price for coming back from injury too quick. Thank goodness James was in goal - another assured performance. Stevie was my man of the match. If Milner had been fully match fit from the start, we'd have qualified with ease and he'd be one of the surprise players of the tournament. Hopefully he can carry on that form in the next round

 

[The Slugmonster]

[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=40702.msg1125397#msg1125397 date=1277315240]
[quote author=The Slugmonster link=topic=40702.msg1125388#msg1125388 date=1277311887]
[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=40702.msg1125384#msg1125384 date=1277311166]
[quote author=The Slugmonster link=topic=40702.msg1125381#msg1125381 date=1277310764]
[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=40702.msg1125380#msg1125380 date=1277310605]
It probably will be one of the two Gs, Wizardry. Not a great deal to choose between them, but if we get past them (and I think we will) I'd certainly have preferred to avoid Argentina in the quarters, which would have been more likely had we topped the group.

Ah well, on we go. And it's a relief to be able to say that.
[/quote]


Id really like it to be the Germans that england get. Then there can be no excuses, if england go through it will be because theyve upped it! Still think the krauts will do ye though!
[/quote]

You surprise me. 😉

The Germany who battered the Aussies would be a tough proposition for anybody, the Germany which stank the place out against Serbia not so much. You always have to take them seriously, but if we can keep today's improvement going I honestly think we'll put them away.
[/quote]


I shouldnt think it would be a sursprise! Germany, even though beaten against serbia still put in a good performance as they did against australia! Engerland havent put in what can be classed as a good performance yet (regardles of what the bbc, utv or any fan wearing st. georges goggles will say).
Yes england have better individual players but as of this moment I think ze germans have a better balanced team!
[/quote]

England's performance today was a good one all right. I was a bit harsh on Germany's performance against Serbia BUT they missed too many chances, they can't blame that on Klose's sending-off and it's the same players who have to try and put those chances away in their future games, so I'd have to beg to differ about "better balanced". Fact is they found it hard to cope with a competent defence, and that's going to be their undoing IMO.
[/quote]

Agree to disagree so, i didn't see anything positive in englands performance that would lead me to believe they will beat better opposition. The only way it was good is the fact that it got the job done. Rememeber who you were playing, the last 2 games have given you games that you should have easily won and without those two teams having really caused you any concern you've limped through! I think engerlands downfall will ultimately prove to be what it more often than not has been in the past.....themselves, because regardless of you playing germany, serbia or ghana its all the one, they'll equally be as tough for you with the fragile mentality the squad has 😛

 

[Oncy]

England won't succeed in this tournament. It is really clear that we are brittle at the back and any team with pace will get at us. But more alarmingly we are goals light.
We scored 2 goals against Algeria, Slovenia and USA. Take that into a game against a Germany or a Holland and we'll struggle to score.
No Goals and a poor defence won't get us far.
I think the next game will be our last game.

 

[Shadey]

I believe 8)

 

[Wilko7]

I thought James was excellent today. As well as his handling, it was a mature performance and provided reassurance and encouragement to his team mates.

 

[Atlas]

[quote author=jan link=topic=40702.msg1125399#msg1125399 date=1277315780]
Now I have a reason hate Landon Donovan even more

We were fucking crap today though, all over the place
[/quote]

Condolances mate, Slovenia played their part today and it took some real desperate last ditch challenges to keep them out.
For Slovenia it was letting a two goal lead slip against USA that sent them out really.

 

[Atlas]

All that excitement and nerves said and done, I still believe we won't get that far maybe get to the quarters or most likely out the next game.

 

[Squiggles]

Great performance. Good result. Much better.

Shame we didn't top the group but after two shit performances we can not have any complaints. Playing harder teams and ones which will be passionate affairs, like Germany and Argentina, could actually help England as they certainly will not underestimate them and they'll be up for it - which seems to be a major problem of this English side.

That said, both of those teams could potentially beat us quite comfortably. Either way, it's going to be an exciting England experience from here on in.

 

[gene hughes]

I love the World Cup.

 

[jan]

[quote author=Asim link=topic=40702.msg1125412#msg1125412 date=1277318310]
[quote author=jan link=topic=40702.msg1125399#msg1125399 date=1277315780]
Now I have a reason hate Landon Donovan even more

We were fucking crap today though, all over the place
[/quote]

Condolances mate, Slovenia played their part today and it took some real desperate last ditch challenges to keep them out.
For Slovenia it was letting a two goal lead slip against USA that sent them out really.
[/quote]

I agree completely, the USA game was decisive and it would be much less disappointing if we weren't so close. However, I still think our players can leave with some credit as they've put up a good fight and before the World Cup not many people expected them to take it all the way to the last minute.
And USA deservedly top the group, they've been the best team in the group in my opinion.

 

[mark1975]

Slovenia did themselves proud, and were no easy opponents by any stretch.

 

[livvy145]

Slovenia, Mark

 

[spider-Neil]

"Tonight's result, by the way, means that one of the United States, Uruguay, South Korea or Ghana are guaranteed to be semi-finalists. That's what it would have meant to England had they won the group. Ho hum."

from the bbc 🙁

 

[keniget]

Yeah, this draw gave us one of our easiest routes into the semis for some time but we made a real mess of it. We can only hope that playing a major team will force us to up our game (even though our usual modus operandi is to come up painfully short), but I can't say I'm overly hopeful.

 

[mark1975]

[quote author=livvy185 link=topic=40702.msg1125474#msg1125474 date=1277325474]
Slovenia, Mark
[/quote]


I'm pissed, soz for generalising.

 

[spider-Neil]

green's howler is 'still' costing us.

 

[gene hughes]

So instead of Ghana and Uruguay, it's Germany and Argentina.

*gulp*

 

[Buddha]

[quote author=gene hughes link=topic=40702.msg1125507#msg1125507 date=1277327482]
So instead of Ghana and Uruguay, it's Germany and Argentina.

*gulp*
[/quote]

'kinell.