world cup thread

[tigermatty]

walcott, baines, parker, huddlestone, bent, adam johnson and michael dawson supposedly not going to south africa according to leaked reports.

some also saying dawson is going and king is dropped...

[Woody]

Surprised that Adam Johnson has missed out, thought he offered us a good option on the left or right.!

[penalty]

Its Ironic because SWP who Johnson gets in ahead of week in week out in the Man City squad is going ahead of him.... Just shows how dsifferently people can see the game & attributes if different players,

[Neil]

Shame about Johnson, but is he just another Stuart Downing?

[penalty]

Shame about Johnson, but is he just another Stuart Downing?

No...... I think that Downing was badlty affected by Steve Mclaren. When he 1st came into the 'Boro squad he would run at defenders & terrify them the big stevie tried to encourage him to spread the ball more which seemed to curtail his raw talent.. Johnson hasn't lost the ability to really run at & terrify defenders.

[Joe]

Aside from taking Carrick ahead of Parker, he's taken the correct 23 out of the 30. Good job. Theo got what he deserved.

[tigermatty]

fab has got the balls to make the big decisions, I think its a good mix of youth and experience, oldest average age of a world cup squad since at least 1986.

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[Neil]

You've been watching Sky Sports News too then!

[tigermatty]

sad isn't it?

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[tigermatty]

where is everyone planning on watching the games? would be good to get a crowd of city fans, could get some sort of fundraising involved too?

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[Neil]

I think it's a real shame that they didn't think to put up a big screen in Kings Square. A joint initiative between the City Council, The Regal and Chambers would've been a winner on all counts.

[tigermatty]

dont be silly, there would be loads of trouble from those pesky drunk football hooligans:

http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/news/Alcohol-tents-confirmed-World-Cup/article-2261711-detail/article.html

[Neil]

Oh I meant to say, I ordered a 4cd + dvd of the 100 greatest football songs from amazon for £4.99. Bargain!

[tigermatty]

Oh I meant to say, I ordered a 4cd + dvd of the 100 greatest football songs from amazon for £4.99. Bargain!

you realise disc four is all covers?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/100-Hits-Football-Various-Artists/dp/B00395CEGQ/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1275562888&sr=8-2-fkmr1

[Joe]

That is easily the shittest CD I've ever seen!

Ruud Gullit - Not The Dancing Kind ?

Showaddywaddy - Hey England (Here We Come Berlin!) ?

Justin Fashanu - Do It Cos You Like It ?

To be fair, disc 3 has some solid indie on it, but is nothing to do with football. Bloc Party- Little Thoughts?! What an amazing, if totally random, song.

The classical disc, and the cover disc, should provide literally minutes of fun before you sling them in the bin.

[Neil]

I got it for the dvd to be fair, but for a fiver, it's a bargain!

[Shandy]

That is easily the shittest CD I've ever seen!

Ruud Gullit - Not The Dancing Kind ?

Showaddywaddy - Hey England (Here We Come Berlin!) ?

Justin Fashanu - Do It Cos You Like It ?

To be fair, disc 3 has some solid indie on it, but is nothing to do with football. Bloc Party- Little Thoughts?! What an amazing, if totally random, song.

The classical disc, and the cover disc, should provide literally minutes of fun before you sling them in the bin.

Since when were you ****ing Jules Holland!

[Neil]

I notice he didn't diss Outstanding by Andy Cole!

[Shandy]

That's because Gangsta Cole would put a bullet in his head, although he'd probably need 6 shots before he found the target

[Mini-Vac]

The squad numbers have been announced, looks like Joe Cole, David James and Peter Crouch are set to start against those ol' colonials.

[Neil]

So, who else invested a fiver in that great compilation? You must've been tempted!

[clifty]

The squad numbers have been announced, looks like Joe Cole, David James and Peter Crouch are set to start against those ol' colonials.
David James is wank! Rather have one of the other two keepers in goal any day of the week! James is guaranteed to make a calamitous mistake!!!

[Mini-Vac]

David James is wank! Rather have one of the other two keepers in goal any day of the week! James is guaranteed to make a calamitous mistake!!!

I agree, I think Hart is just my first choice, ahead of Green, but Hart's the last number... Full list:
1. David James
2. Glen Johnson
3. Ashley Cole
4. Steven Gerrard
5. Rio Ferdinand
6. John Terry
7. Aaron Lennon
8. Frank Lampard
9. Peter Crouch
10. Wayne Rooney
11. Joe Cole
12. Robert Green
13. Stephen Warnock
14. Gareth Barry
15. Matthew Upson
16. James Milner
17. Shaun Wright-Phillips
18. Jamie Carragher
19. Jermain Defoe
20. Ledley King
21. Emile Heskey
22. Michael Carrick
23. Joe Hart
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8720235.stm

[Neil]

Experience counts for everything, thats why James is #1

[Shandy]

In which case why isn't Shilton No 1?

[Joe]

Experience counts for everything, thats why James is #1

Trivia- how many World Cup appearances has David James made?

[tigermatty]

none? he was first choice in euro 2004, thats the only time i can remember him being our no. 1 in a tournament. I wouldn't be fussed about any of the three keepers starting, we have a pretty good defensive record in qualifying, i doubt they will have much to do.

[ItmustbeCity]

Trivia- how many World Cup appearances has David James made?

i'm guessing none as Paul Robinson was in goal for the last world cup

[Si Robin]

It is none, Seaman was goalkeeper in 2002 and Robinson for 2006. As previously stated, James was number 1 at Euro 2004

[Neil]

So you're saying he has no experience then? Drop the clutz!

[Neil]

Drogba has broken his arm and may be out of the tourney already.

[Shandy]

He'd be no good in goal then, even with his experience

[Pablo]

James had to be the keeper because he has the tournament experience and I think he is a better 'keeper than he was then. Green and Hart will have their time. James can't save a penalty though, I do seem to remember him diving the wrong way for nearly every Portuguese penalty and even Helder Postiga did him with a dodgy chip on the muddy penalty spot.

Ferdinand's out though, Upson starts for me.

[Pablo]

On the subject of where people are watching it, some of my mates have suggested the Regal. I don't know what the Regal is like for watching football but it would be good if we could get a load of us to go in and start some songs etc. I went to the Ridge last year and we had virtually the whole pub singing by the knockouts.

What does everyone else think?

[tigermatty]

up for watching it with a city contingent but not a fan of the regal, screens are too high up. guildhall has biggest screen in glos?

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[Neil]

That didn't register about Ferdinand earlier, I just saw it on the news. That's a real blow!

[dommotyger]

up for watching it with a city contingent but not a fan of the regal, screens are too high up. guildhall has biggest screen in glos?

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Think we should all descend on Fieldings Sports and Social Club for the big games!

[tigermatty]

fieldings, if only! I think the captaincy will bring the best out of stevie g

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[EGG]

Wouldn't go to the Regal they don't like football songs :) Jog on.

[Joe]

Coral have given these odds on John Terry's defensive partner in England's opening game:

5-4 Ledley King
6-4 Matthew Upson
4-1 Jamie Carragher
14-1 Michael Dawson
40-1 Any Other

I think Ledley will get the nod, as he's the best player out of the bunch. But it's worth remembering that he and John Terry have a bit of nasty history, allegedly- see here (http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061107081300AA8SvqL).

[Neil]

It'll be Jamie "I don't want to play England ehhhhh" Carragher

[Shandy]

I'm sensing that John Terry is not a very popular guy in football, and when his footballing decline begins it will be very quick and nasty.

[Neil]

That DVD on 100football hits is a fu*king karaoke DVD. Wankers :(

[Joe]

That DVD on 100football hits is a fu*king karaoke DVD. Wankers :(

Just looked back at the CD/DVD on amazon- it says Singalong Karaoke DVD on the front. Dead giveaway really.......

Mr. P had better get his vocal chords ready for a bit of Outstanding by Andrew Cole:

Tell the world my name
(who's that?)
Andy Cole
I blaze the scene
-Score the goal.
Keep my eyes
On the prize
-My inspiration
To celebrate the life,
To rock the nation.
Gather round
Get close to me
Here's the VIP
To my private party
The host with the most
Got clientele guaranteed
To rock the mike well.
Can I KICK it!
Yes you can.
A summer time rhyme
And a party jam
Sharp like a razor.
Speed to amaze ya.
Best ya like
Ali did Joe Fraizer
I reminisce back
to the school yard.
I used to work hard.
I used to play hard.
Got my kicks
From hitting the net.
Not from drugs.
You bet we're
Outstanding

[Neil]

And I didn't notice that, bugger :(

[Shandy]

Always read the big print. Maybe your pigtail got in your eyes

[Neil]

Fancy coming round for some good old footie karaoke tonight guys?

[Joe]

Fancy coming round for some good old footie karaoke tonight guys?

Sorry mate. At the Black and Yellow dinner then going to the gym.

[Neil]

I wasn't being serious ;)

It's Kylie Minogue day on Smash Hits, I've locked it on and ripped the knob off!

[tigermatty]

England 1-0 Platinum Stars, Defoe 2 mins, G Johnson conceded a penalty on 4 mins which they missed

[Neil]

I was watching the live feed on the BBC website but can't stand any more of that awful noise from the crowd.

[Pablo]

I was watching the live feed on the BBC website but can't stand any more of that awful noise from the crowd.

That noise is going to be constant for the whole competition. It is annoying.

I reckon Upson should start with Terry, not King. King's only just come in whereas Upson has been involved in the Qualifying and was solid.

I've also got a feeling that we won't win the USA game because it's the first game and they'll be nervous. It's the best team in the group first and they aren't a shabby team and also we never start tournaments well;

2006 WC W1-0 vs. Paraguay (Own goal)
2004 EU L1-2 vs. France
2002 WC D1-1 vs. Sweden
2000 EU L2-3 vs. Portugal

[tigermatty]

http://www.marca.com/deporte/futbol/mundial/sudafrica-2010/calendario-english.html

[Neil]

Thats tidy!

[Jake]

Thats tidy!

Indeed - Thanks!

[Neil]

Is there any chance that Germany will play Nigeria? Just think....

http://i.imgur.com/zBOSA.jpg

[Girlsilver]

Tenuous World Cup themed story http://sportglos.co.uk/?p=394

[Neil]

http://www.spitorswallow.co.za/blowme.php

[Neil]

Fair play thats a lovely stadium!

[Neil]

Is Giovanni still a Tottenham player?

[Neil]

Great goal!

[Girlsilver]

Great goal!

He had those boots that O'Hara borrowed off Mol on - if we keep Mol and his supply of Nike boots it bodes well...

[dommotyger]

So who's going where to watch this one?

[tigermatty]

fosters have a bbq on, reckon I'm going there

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[Pablo]

Has anyone else heard the USA World Cup Song, sung by the players?!

"Blah blah blah Football. Blah blah blah Football. Soccer's what we play in the USA. Soccer's what it's called.

USA, USA, Soccer is the game we play. And when you lose and we go through, you will call it Soccer too. "

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGUpdxTDBBc

[daveangel]

http://www.slatev.com/video/how-get-americans-watch-soccer-futbol-football-world-cup/

Quality!

[Neil]

They think it's the USA v's the UK!

[Neil]

Anyone else watching ITV HD watching adverts while we scored?

[Yatesey]

anyone else watching itv hd watching adverts while we scored?

yes !!!!

[Neil]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bz6vxPkMR0

[Joe]

Anyone else watching ITV HD watching adverts while we scored?

Robert Green was watching adverts when they scored...

[Neil]

I think everyone should get behind Robert Green.

It'll help if the cu*t does it again ;)

[tigermatty]

thought we played better than we have done for ages but just no end product, needs tweaking.

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[Shandy]

Green green ass of England

[Yatesey]

What have Rob Green and Michael Jackson got in common?

They both wear gloves for no reason.

[Neil]

I put a better reply on your facebook page, both of their International careers are over ;)

[Pablo]

I didn't think we'd win yesterday anyway. A draw is a good result.

[Mini-Vac]

We should have had Crouch on earlier in the second half. He could have put away some of the crosses.

[Joe]

Apparently this is real...

http://www.nypost.com/rw/nypost/2010/06/13/covers/front061310.jpg

[Neil]

Did Cacau score with his first touch?

[Mini-Vac]

Apparently this is real...

http://www.nypost.com/rw/nypost/2010/06/13/covers/front061310.jpg

When you think about it, they did win. England drew, but the result is as good as a win for USA.

[Shandy]

1-1 is OK, and won me £50 with the bookies

Both other teams are there for the taking, and let's not forget the goal difference as it could well become a shoot out between us the US now.

Some of the reaction I've heard has vomitised me. It was as if we had lost and were out the cup. People who I've never seen at my local before slagging off players individually and consistently - the world cup armchair football fan has become the down the pub every four years blatherer.

Get behind the team

[Si Robin]

100% agree with you Shandy. We're renowned slow starters, why should this World Cup be any different.

Rest assured, we'll win this group, absolutely destroy someone (Ghana) in the second round and then all of a sudden we're the greatest team in the World again.

Only for us to then balls it up against France (based on my own predictions) in the quarter final. And that is despite the french looking more rubbish than the local tip.

[Shandy]

What vegetable do you think Capello is going to be protrayed as?

[daveangel]

I have a fiver on Jerusalem Artichoke.

[Shandy]

I'll take that bet

[daveangel]

Already placed it at Bet364.

[Neil]

The England kit it shit.

Well, it was covered in it cos a sewage pipe leaked all over it. Hopefully they'll come out against Algeria smelling of roses!

[Neil]

In case you missed it on saturday....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXo2nm2ODF0&feature=player_embedded#!

[Mini-Vac]

Good video.
Meanwhile, North Korea scored against Brazil. Still lost 2-1, but an amazin result for them.

[Neil]

I didn't realise they'd scored. Did the scorer cry?

[Mini-Vac]

I think he'd cried earlier... But that goal means at least his family won't be killed when they return home after losing every game... That result's more of a win for them than 1-1 was a win for USA

[Neil]

I've just read that the NOTW have had an injunction lifted so that they can print a story about Steven Gerrard. Great timing by the gutter press.

[Girlsilver]

I've just read that the NOTW have had an injunction lifted so that they can print a story about Steven Gerrard. Great timing by the gutter press.

If it's the story which was surpressed a month or so ago it is a cracker!!

[Neil]

He's playing away, she's playing away, he's leaving, he's gonna be a daddy again etc etc

Great story but the press have a great habit of shooting down England's chances don't they.

[Shandy]

I have a feeling that if they print it this Sunday (while we are still in the cup) and especially if we get what we want against the Algers, that there will be a backlash against NOTW. I think they'll wait until we're out and everyone is looking for scapegoats to attack.

[Shandy]

And for those that might not understand the attack on Gerrard when it comes let's just say its OK to come out of the closet, but only as long as it is with the same species

[tigermatty]

Why oh why do the papers have to try to ruin our chances every time? There was quite a backlash against the Mail on Sunday for the Triesman thing, more so than I have seen before, and the public won't take much more of this bollocks which clearly isn't in the public interest as the public interest is to win the world cup!

[Neil]

http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/sport/Dave-Mehew-s-World-Cup-column/article-2316226-detail/article.html

I agree with what Boris has to say about the Germans, I thought it was more that the Aussies were poor rather than the Germans being brilliant.

[Neil]

If you want to read this thread with a true WC atmosphere click here (http://www.vuvuzela-time.co.uk/http://cof.tigerroar.co.uk/showthread.php?297-world-cup-thread)

[Mini-Vac]

I think we should bar all media from the close proximity of the team's camp, to be honest. Sure, appoint two or three official "England Reporters", but they'd be controlled by the FA (Do the FA know where "South" Africa is, by the way? Is it between Egypt and Libya?). Sure, if players go to visit the orphans' camps then the press can see them, but that can only be good coverage, surely? Oh well, early morning thought over...

[Neil]

Germany were hard done by there.

Who says that Nemaja Vidic is a world class defender?

[clifty]

Germany were hard done by there.

Who says that Nemaja Vidic is a world class defender?
The fact that they were hard done by and missed a penalty just makes the result sweeter!

[clifty]

What a pile of shite!! I thought France looked disinterested the other night, well we looked ****ing worse!!!

[Neil]

I said on facebook last night that I hoped that wasn't us. It can only get better.

Can't it?

[Malabus]

Worst England game I've ever seen.
I can see Slovenia getting at least a point on Wednesday.

[daveangel]

Never been more p'd off at an England performance. Glad i'm not on my hols, i'd have been embarrassed.

[daveangel]

+57 million

[Mini-Vac]

Admittedly, the Spanish Ref in the Germany match was a right idiot, but if Germany lose, all is well!

[Mini-Vac]

Disasterous performance... Have to win against Slovenia...
I'm thinking; keep James in goal (Need some consistency). Start Crouch and Rooney front, Wright-Philips, Lennon, Gerrard and Lampard Midfield, Johnson, Terry, Upson and Cole defence. We can still go through...

[Joe]

Joe Cole needs to start. He's the missing piece. Get him in there playing some intelligent football. Beckenbauer was proved right last night. Kick and rush.

[Woody]

He needs to change it to 3-5-2
James
Dawson Terry Upson
Johnson Lampard Barry Gerrard A Cole
Crouch Rooney
Awful display last night!!

[tigermatty]

come back Kevin keegan all is forgiven!

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[Kingo]

Drop Rooney, both games I don't think he had a shot and then after last night had the cheek to complain about the boos, er hello Mr Rooney, people have spent thousands to watch you and were treated to a 0-0 draw against Algeria, my team for Wednesday;

James
Johnson - Terry - Upson - Cole
Wright Phillips - Gerrard - Barry - Cole
Crouch - Defoe

[Neil]

I wouldn't drop Rooney, I'd put him on the left side of midfield and start Crouch and Defoe up front.

Rooney keeps going deep and leaves Heskey on his own. We played 4-5-1 last night, not 4-4-2

[Pablo]

End of the day the big players have not turned up! Rooney and Gerrard especially. The team Capello put out should be beating Algeria!

The team seems shot of confidence and racked with nerves. We need to get behind them for Wednesday!

I do think that Joe Cole needs to play, I can't believe we haven't seen him at this tournament yet.

[tigermatty]

it can only be nerves, when they play for their clubs there is always another game, another competition, another season to put it right and if you play rubbish one week the fans will still get behind you, but the world cup is different

[daveangel]

The wierd thing is that those things should also apply to the players of other nations, and not just us. We just need one good performance to get the ball rolling. Lets hope it is Wednesday, if not, at least i can have a bloody shave!

[penalty]

Well I've written a poem to try & spur on the boys for Wednesday! I don';t normally publish my poetry in public forums in fear of Shandy's reviews however, on this occasion in my unique optimistic fashion I hope this stirs some hope & patriotism:

On the flag of old St.George
A passion cast in steel is forged.
The press clamour ,
“Not since 66!” Screams the red top banner.
The boys in shirts of pale, significance.
Encouraged by pale, singing England fans.

An Italian wearing Versace
Waves his hands with ferocity,
Run Rooney Run
Write the writers pun.
And with a cold clasp on metal and the rattle of a pea
England’s men of steel
,Leave the emboldened field

[Neil]

poetry is wasted on this lot Penno....

[Neil]

I chuckled at this that I found on the confforum...


If they weren't good enough to play football (and earn millions, Rodney) at the top level, what do we think the various personalities would be doing to earn a crust (or not) in a parallel universe?

James: Hairdresser
Johnson: Insurance Salesman
Cashley: Drug dealer
Carragher: Bouncer
Terry: Second hand car salesman
Gerrard: In prison
Lampard: Estate Agent
Wright-Charlie: Toilet Attendant
Lennon: Chimney Sweep
Rooney: In prison
Heskey: Fruit & Veg Salesman on a market stall
Crouch; Bonds Trader

[Pablo]

On the flag of old St.George
A passion cast in steel is forged.
The press clamour ,
“Not since 66!” Screams the red top banner.
The boys in shirts of pale, significance.
Encouraged by pale, singing England fans.

An Italian wearing Versace
Waves his hands with ferocity,
Run Rooney Run
Write the writers pun.
And with a cold clasp on metal and the rattle of a pea
England’s men of steel
,Leave the emboldened field

It's like one of those Cathedral City adverts. Good effort Pen.

[Si Robin]

End of the day the big players have not turned up! Rooney and Gerrard especially. The team Capello put out should be beating Algeria!

The team seems shot of confidence and racked with nerves. We need to get behind them for Wednesday!

I do think that Joe Cole needs to play, I can't believe we haven't seen him at this tournament yet.

A bit harsh on Gerrard, he was played out on the left last night which takes away most of his game.

In my opinion the weak link in midfield has been Lampard. When was the last time he played well for England? I certainly can't remember.

J Cole is a necessity, he's the only player in the England squad capable of playing out on the left and still putting in a decent shift. Despite his wages, he continues to play with his heart on his sleeve and England needs his creativity. That then means Gerrard can move inside, Barry can stay as anchor (he did well considering it was his first game in well over a month). I felt for Lennon who was taken off just as he appeared to be getting into the game and was replaced by Wright-Phillips who made no difference whatsoever.

As for Rooney, I'm lost for words at how the best English player on paper has been easily the worst player in the whole tournament. Commentators and pundits call it frustration. I call it petulance. Maybe dropping him will make him realise that he's not as irreplaceable as he thinks he is.

[Neil]

Cameroon v's Denmark has been one of the best games I've seen so far. How long ago was Rohmedaal at Charlton? I can remember him!

[Neil]

:cool:


The England team went out visit an orphanage in South Africa this morning 'Its so good to put a smile on the face's of people with no hope, with a big struggle and facing the impossible' said Jamal Umboto aged six.

[Pablo]

A bit harsh on Gerrard, he was played out on the left last night which takes away most of his game.

.

Gerrard was misplacing passes everywhere, I can remember one of note where a decent goalscoring opportunity was waster and it doesn't matter where he plays for England, he never plays as well as when he's at Liverpool and that's always been the case.

[daveangel]

I am venturing into Gloucester for the match on Wednesday afternoon, as i have watched the first 2 dire efforts at home, and am hoping a change of routine might bring a change of fortune. Going to meet up with Penno, is anybody else pubbing it for the game, and if so, where is the best place to go? I don't get out much!!

[tigermatty]

I am also in town, and have also watched the previous games at home, so pub recommendations welcome! have had Wednesday booked off since the fixtures came out, was meant to be a nice relaxing day after we had already qualified!

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[Neil]

I'd join you but my use of the C word during the past two games has been abhorrent and will get me thrown out!

[penalty]

Its ok Neil We'll go to Sloane's or Varsity your use of the C word woulf be considered mild in those venues of debortory! ;)

[tigermatty]

there's only one c word I don't allow ;D

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[Neil]

This world cup is a stage for cheats, play actors and divers.

[Mini-Vac]

Indeed it is - But Kaka shouldn't have been sent off...

[tigermatty]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/pictures/6670565/Fifa-World-Cup-match-balls-through-time.html

[Neil]

The ball is shit. No direct free kicks scored yet and the players know how they fly so are deliberately aiming at heads in the wall because they know that if it goes up it ain't coming down.

[Mini-Vac]

Perhaps they should shoot from further out... Get some goals from the half-way line.

[ItmustbeCity]

Can't shake the feeling it's all going to go wrong for England tomorrow, anyone else more optimistic?

[Neil]

This thread will die now that everyone has gone to Glastonbury!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/downotfarm/football/fra-rsa.jpg

[daveangel]

Got my scarf ironed...where are the CITY watching the game??

[Pablo]

We've watched the last two in the Regal and there has been a pretty decent turn out both times. I'm wondering if it's a bad luck venue though. lol!

[penalty]

You have my number Dave?

[daveangel]

666 ?

[Neil]

Come on England!

[Mini-Vac]

Anyone else on the verge of bursting blood vessels with stress in the time between us scoring and the game ending? A second would have made me much calmer...
And damn USA! I was so hoping they would drop out.

[Neil]

Why? They're decent.

[ItmustbeCity]

Result was good for England today which was the important thing but in with a chance of winning the World Cup, sorry I don't think it'll happen going on the games so far. Maybe a win of Germany will bring the optimism back

[Mini-Vac]

Why? They're decent.
Because they're a decent team! If the decent teams stumble (a la France), we might do well. And particularly darn to the USA for winning and making us lose to Germany.

[tigermatty]

look at it from Germanys point of view, they won their group but have to face us and then Argentina if they get through, they can't be happy

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[Mini-Vac]

Germany - Argentina should be a good game...

[Shandy]

When was the last time we played Mexico, seem to remember beating them in the World Cup knock out stages?

[Si Robin]

Just off the top of my head, I think we last played Mexico in the World Cup in the group stages in 1966.

In 1970 we both went out in the quarter finals.

1986 We both went out in the quarter finals.

1990 we played Belgium, Cameroon and Germany

1998 we lost to the Argies in Round 2

2002 we played Denmark then Brazil

2006 we played Ecuador then Portugal.

The only one I'm not sure of is 1982.

[tigermatty]

Mexico.was in the quarter finals in 66, bobby charlton scored a screamer

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[Si Robin]

Argentina was the quarter final, Rattin was sent off.

Our group was exactly the same as South Africa's this year, Mexico, Uruguay and France.

[tigermatty]

my bad

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[clifty]

Where's everyone watching it?

[Neil]

Are you not moving the TV so that you can enjoy the hottest day of the year, the football and the hot tub all in one?

[clifty]

I can see tv from hot tub! Lol

[Yatesey]

whos playing ?? ;)

[tigermatty]

abysmal, we actually moved the.ball from front.to back fairly effectively at times but the defending was woeful and we couldn't make.it stick up front. tactically Germany got it spot on, exposed our slow centre backs, slow Gareth Barry and the space left by our attacking full backs to perfection. people say the players are overhyped but most of them are being regularly selected in champions league and premier league winning squads by the worlds best managers.

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[Philip Grace]

[QUOTE=tigermatty;3712]abysmal, we actually moved the.ball from front.to back fairly effectively at times but the defending was woeful and we couldn't make.it stick up front. tactically Germany got it spot on, exposed our slow centre backs, slow Gareth Barry and the space left by our attacking full backs to perfection. people say the players are overhyped but most of them are being regularly selected in champions league and premier league winning squads by the worlds best managers./QUOTE]

Sounds a bit like Gloucester City at the beginning of last season.

[Neil]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_k6n3ygSnPq8/TCeAimDwZ5I/AAAAAAAAA7k/cYtRYLs1yWs/s1600/England+Non+Goal.jpg

[Neil]

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/121717565.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1277663283&Signature=coUemDwCFr2zLrFhEnNlZsgIXqI%3D

[Dr Wart Hoover]

great picture Neil. The ref got it right then.

[IJD]

Once again the over hyped and over paid "stars" of the English game fail to deliver the goods in major championship. Had the officials had their eyes open when Lampard "scored" then I've not doubt it would have been a different game. The 3rd and 4th goals came from when we were chasing the game. However, it doesn't hide the fact the all over the park England were just not up to the job. The media in this country hyped up the win over the "mighty" Slovenia and all of a sudden England were world beaters - even though we couldn't even beat USA or Algeria.

If Fabio is not going to quit and is going to take us through the Euro qualifers for 2012, then he has to show some balls and drop some of the so called superstars. For the second World Cup, Rooney has failed to deliver and not score. Lampard, although unlucky today, has been a shadow of the player he is at Chelsea....the list can go on.

The papers in the morning will make interesting reading.......

[Biggsy]

Blimey, the Jerrys were a bit keen, weren't they? It's only a game, after all :(

[IJD]

If FIFA, sorry Sepp Blatter, aren't going to consider goal line technology, why don't they use officials on the goal line as they did during the Europa League last season?

[Shandy]

I am sick to the back tongue of those running, or should I say ruining, the people'sd game.

FIFA whose stance on technology is based on the ego of key members of the organisation not wanting to be told.
The footballing press, who consistently build up England just to knock them back down.
English players and team, who should not kid themselves that they are good enough to win it, but don't seem to be able to perform for their country, yet do so for the clubs who pay them so well
The FA - whose greed for cash means the season is overcrowded
The glaring inequality of the rich at the top and those at lower league or non league who get fed scraps.
The FA, who impose stupid ground rules that have no bearing on reality and threatens clubs existence.
The FA, and their relegation reprieve bias making a mockery of the leagues.
The FA and their understanding of geography

I am sick to the back teeth of football, I'm walking away from it. I have had enough.

[Jake]

should not kid themselves that they are good enough to win it, but don't seem to be able to perform for their country, yet do so for the clubs who pay them so well


That Shandy, has been my thought from the start of the competition in S.A.

It is my belief that their clubs reminded the players before they left the country that is they who pay their wages and not to risk any injuries, hence the players have not played with any conviction of national pride so thus just gone through the motions.

[Neil]

Our game is rife with talent.

Foreign talent.

The Premier League is just a practice ground for other countries players to hone their skills whilst our best young players don't get a look in.

It's the reason why we've had "44 years of hurt", in that time we've barely improved whilst our opponents have made up so much ground on us that they're now as good.

[Mini-Vac]

We could enter our Tigers squad for the next tournament. After all, New Zealand are not a professional team, and they didn't do that badly considering. And Gloucester play together anyway, so they'll be more cohesive than England.

[RegCubit]

Sam Allardyce said a couple of years ago, why would top Clubs pay ridiculous sums of money for young unproven English players from lower League clubs; when they can buy proven foreign players for the same money.

Be interesting to see how things start to change now, Ancellotti at Chelsea has said he wants youngsters to come through at Chelsea; there are a couple coming through.

What must be looked at here, is the managers role in the failure. In particular squad selection and team selection; why take players with injury problems, Ferdinand and King; then play Upson against the Germans instead of Dawson. Playing Lampard, Gerard and Barry together is asking for problems; all three play central midfield for their Clubs which clearly they can't for England at least one is playing out of position; why did he fail to play one of the best attacking midfield players in the Country, Joe Cole; who can play on the right, left or centrally. Yes the players failed, but the manager in my book was the biggest failure; it will be interesting to discover what the "issues" are, that Joe Cole mentioned after the game.

[Neil]

This made me laugh yesterday


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVTNdswXhpc

[tigermatty]

Radical idea but I think the FA should follow the same route as cricket and to an extent rugby and have a select group of players on FA contracts, have their wages entirely paid by the FA and loaned to premier league clubs for a minimum of 3 seasons so the clubs can't moan about them being injured etc, then select the rest of the squad on form and take them out of their clubs to train with the squad 3 or four times per year (as well as qualifiers) and have televised England 'A' vs England 'B' games, and bring back the home internationals.

Like I said, radical.

[Mini-Vac]

I personally think we need to copy the Germans. Get rid of most of our older players, select a young side, and train them for 8 years. Leave the odd older player for the experience and control, (one defender, one mid, one attack). This is what the Germans are doing, and whilst they're good now, in two and four years they'll be even better.

[Woody]

Put Harry Redknapp in charge. Get Beckham, Shearer etc in as part of the backroom team. We need to abandon the foreign route, it doesn't work.
You would never get an Englishman in charge of the Italian, French German & Spanish teams.
I can just see it now. Copies of the racing post scattered around the dressing room. Team bonding trips to Wimbeldon dogs and Goodwood races.
Jellied eels and pastys on the pre match menu.
'Arry would do a great job!

[tigermatty]

A few weeks ago I read an article which was questioning why Beckham was in SA and that a member of the FA wouldn't divulge why he was there...it occured to me that maybe Beckham was in SA because he was being groomed to be the next England manager...the more I think about it the more it seems certain that's what will happen, the FA are massively strapped for cash and this would be the marketing opportunity to end them all. If he isn't manager by the next qualifiers I'll eat my hat.

[Neil]

I don't think you'll need your knife and fork there Matt, in fact I would appoint him as a matter of course rather than desperation, he embodies everything that is good about English football and no-one can really say you need managerial experience at a club to do it with the national team.

[Woody]

Loads of nations have appointed people with little or no management experience.
Germany with Klinsmann and Loew
Holland with Rijkaard and Van Basten
France have now gone for Blanc
Brazil with Dunga, he'd never managed anyone before.
Barcelona appointed Guardiola when he'd only been coaching the kids.
Perhaps even strangest of all - Maradona with Argentina.
All of the above don't command respect with authoritarian rule like Headmaster Capello
They instantly have it because of who they are and what they have achieved.
Argentina's players look like they are enjoying playing, they have smiles on their faces. The players give off the impression that they want to win as much for the manager, as they do for themselves.
All the coaching badges and certificates in the world can't teach that.
Get Redknapp in to weather the storm with Beckham as his no.2, with a view to David taking over after the 2014 World Cup.
What odds Beckham to be coach when England lift the world cup at Wembley in 2018?

[Mini-Vac]

Rednapp for manager. Definately Shearer and Beckham in the backroom, with the view to either taking managerial duties. If Rednapp isn't up for it, and we're willing to go British rather than English, Martin O'Neill would be a good manager.

[Neil]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1290766/Wayne-Rooney-goes-holiday-booked-TWO-days-World-Cup-exit.html

So the Rooney's booked a holiday on Friday, even though Wayne was due to play Germany on the Sunday. Hmmm...

[tigermatty]

heard an interesting theory this morning, I assume most people know about the gerrard rumours (if not then google gerrard, ronnie whelan, 16 year old daughter, pregnant). Even though there is still an injunction on this story, it was common knowledge around the FA, and John Terry was understandably hacked off when the FA decided to hand stevie g the captaincy after rio got injured, as Terry was stripped of it for more or less the same thing. This is what caused the rift in the camp, the JT speech etc etc. Sort of makes sense...

[clifty]

Funny, I heard this morning that gerrard has got his wifes sister pregnant and has a press injunction out at the moment!

[Woody]

Below is the email doing the rounds at my work. Probably all bollocks!!

'A little rumour or 2 doing the rounds from the bloke who told me the JT story before it was released. They are all scum and should never wear the shirt again.

Courts held a further 2 week gagging order on steve gerrards private life, turns out he got his wifes sister pregnant (not a 16 year old ) Will hit the newspaper in 14 days, the judge held the gagging order to protect FA while they decide on capello, and the future of English footy..
John terry and the england boys all know about it and JT had a argument with capello because gerrard got to keep the captains armband. the tension in the camp was down to JT and half the team saying gerrard was a disgrace and the other half of the squad backing gerrard..The press conference was related to the tension and JT wanted Gerrard exposed - they hate each other..

Also

Rooney has apparently been knocking off someone whilst Coleen is pregnant and the News of the World have been holding it back until after the World Cup.'