World Cup news - day 12...
Tuesday, 20 June 06, 08:59 AM · Comments (9)
Andriy Shevchenko scored his first World Cup goal yesterday as the Ukraine put their nightmare performance against Spain behind them with a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia. Chelsea's record signing headed in the third goal and made the fourth in an impressive performance considering he is still some way short of full fitness. Former Tottenham forward Serhiy Rebrov was also on the scoresheet with a superb strike from thirty plus yards, while Andriy Rusol and Maxim Kalinichenko also scored for the Ukraine. A win over Tunisia in Berlin on Friday will put Shevchenko's men through to the last sixteen.
Spain overcame Tunisia 3-1 in Stuttgart with an impressive second half performance, but only after suffering an attack of nerves when they went behind to a goal from Joahar Mnari with less than ten minutes on the clock. The introduction of second half substitutes Raul, Joaquin and Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas finally changed the game with twenty minutes remaining. Raul equalised from close range and Torres turned the game around when he lifted the ball over Tunisian keeper Boumnijel as he rushed off his line to put Spain ahead. The Athletico Madrid striker, linked with a Premiership move this summer, added a late third from the penalty spot to make the game safe. Spain progress to the knockout stage, while Torres now heads the race for the Golden Boot with three goals in two games.
Switzerland improved their chances of making the second round after a 2-0 win over Togo in Dortmund. Alexander Frei and Tranquillo Barnetta scored for the Swiss putting the African World Cup debutants out of the competition, although Otto Pfister's team could still have a say in the final outcome of Group G when they face France in Cologne on Friday.
As the final round of group games commences, England face Sweden this evening in Cologne in a game that will decide the winner of Group B. Frank Lampard, John Terry and Joe Cole look set to start while the much-maligned Owen Hargreaves is likely to come in for Steven Gerrard who is rested along with Peter Crouch. Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen will start up front for England, for whom a draw will be sufficient to claim pole position. England have not beaten Sweden since 1968. The winners of the group will play the runners-up of Group A, the identity of whom will be decided this afternoon when Germany meet Ecuador in Berlin. A draw for the impressive South American side will be sufficient for them to top the group, on account of their superior goal difference. Michael Ballack is one booking away from a suspension which would see him miss Germany's second round game, but is likely to appear for the hosts.
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I agree with you about Lennon - he does look a threat. But I'm not sure about Beckham at right back against top opposition to be honest. It just shows Sven's ridiculous selection policy that we have no reserve right back, and it looks like the scary one will be out for a while. I would rather see Ashley Cole move to right back, with Bridgey coming in at left back. I'd like to see more of Lennon on the pitch, but it looks like he will be mainly used as a late substitution when things go the way of the pear. At least Sven has a 'Plan B' though with him up his sleeve. Question is though, under what circumstances in a match will Sven show his faith in Walcott's ability to turn a match??
I think Hargreaves will play well tonight, win the MOM award and cement his place in the team for the later stages. Then will Sven revert to 4-5-1 or stay with 4-4-2. Will he play Lampard and Gerrard together with Hargreaves in the holding role and Rooney as the lone striker? At least with Hargreaves in the side it means we can keep at least one of our star players (Lampard, Gerrard, Rooney or Owen) on the bench as a weapon for late in the game (when lots of goals seem to be scored in this tournament).
I think it will be 2-2 tonight, with Joey Cole and JT scoring for us.
Ballack is simply fantastic in midfield!!! He can really put Lamps, with his (Lamps) current form, down the pecking order. Michael extremely precise with the passes, works like a maschine. Reall midfielder in my understanding, one that makes the game and creates chances.
I wish I had as much faith in England as Kafka and Lordmorf. 2-0? A man-of-the-match performance from Hargreaves? 2-0 is a tad more likely I suppose.
I predict a 0-0 bore draw. And I'd much prefer to see Carrick as holding midfielder; his skills are sublime in comparison to the headless chicken act Hargreaves regularly puts in as a substitute.
See what Eriksson's done? Turned me into an eternal cynic.
Here's hoping I'm utterly wrong.
So far so good. Joe Cole scored and it is fifth goal for Chelsea in this WC!!!
Well I was right with the score and with Joe Cole, but sadly it was Gerrard and not JT with the second goal - oh well!
Actually I though Hargreaves did quite well and made a difference for England. Who will Sven leave out for the Ecuador game? Hargreaves? Crouch? Lamps or Gerrard? Will be interesting to see.
And what a goal by Joey Cole - absolutely superb! Shame about our defending of set-pieces - scandalous considering we have JT, Rio, Carragher and Crouch.
And wasn't it great to have a player of the class of Steven Gerrard to bring on off the bench later in the game when we were struggling somewhat? Why do we insist on always trying to cram all the best players onto the pitch from the start, leaving nothing to bring on later if it needs changing?
Look at the Spanish bench - they can bring on Raul, Fabregas, Joaquin etc etc. Top top players with world reknown. Who do we usually bring on? Hargreaves, Crouch, Lennon, Jenas? Not really going to make much difference, with the possible exception of Lennon. Grrrrr.
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I have a good feeling about tonight's game. The return of Rooney is exciting in itself but critically I think his presence will deliver more creativity from Owen and Lampard through the middle. And I really hope that Hargreaves shows what he can do in the hole - I can't remember the last time he started for England in a competitive match?
My one concern though is on the right - Beckham and Carragher feel like a weak link in terms of pace. Am I the only one who was quite taken with the Beckham at right back/ Lennon combo last thursday....? Although by then I had sowewhat overinduldged in alcohol and the way England were playing I would have been impressed if the Highbury squirrel had started warming up....
My prediction - 2-0 to England. Owen and Lampard to score. Rooney man of the match. COME ON YOU REDS! ( A phrase I've strangely never used before........)
To Kafka
This is a Kafkian situation to shout out loud "Come on Reds!" :-D