World Cup news - day 18...
Monday, 26 June 06, 09:20 AM · Comments (11)
David Beckham became the first England player to score in three World Cups as his free kick guided Eriksson's team past Ecuador into the last eight of the tournament.
In another tepid performance by England, there were again plus and minus points in equal measure. They swung between looking comfortable and passing the ball well with Carrick in the holding role, to spells where possession was conceded cheaply or the ball simply pumped forward for Rooney to chase with little support to speak of. John Terry and Rio Ferdinand endured a few uncomfortable moments against Carlos Tenorio and Agustin Delgado, but ultimately kept their third clean sheet in four games.
It was Terry who gifted Ecuador the first chance of the game when his botched clearance fell to Tenorio, whose shot deflected off Ashley Cole onto the bar.
Beckham made the breakthrough after an hour with a strike which reminded the nation that behind the media circus surrounding the England captain, there is a tremendously gifted footballer. He whipped his free kick in from thirty yards, beating Cristian Mora in the Ecuador goal low at his near post. 1-0 England, which bar more distinctly forgettable shooting from Lampard and some impressive tactical vomiting from Beckham, was the way it stayed. John Terry was named FIFA Man of the Match.
The bright side; Carrick generally handled the game well and Rooney looks to be returning to full fitness, while his influence on the game grew as it went on. Somewhere in this England side, there is a good ninety minute performance waiting to get out. We can only hope that it appears next Saturday when Beckham and co. will meet their old foes 'Big' Phil Scolari and Portugal in Gelsenkirchen.
The Portuguese reached the last eight by virtue of a 1-0 victory over Holland in Nuremburg in a match that is frankly best forgotten for both the participants and the football world in general. Maniche scored for Portugal. Pretty much everything else about the game, whilst being one of the most dramatic in World Cup history was, in short, an absolute disgrace.
This afternoon Australia will look to turn the football world on it's head when they meet Italy in Kaiserslautern, while Andriy Shevchenko and the Ukraine seek a place in the last eight at their first attempt when they meet Switzerland, minus the injured Philippe Senderos, in Cologne.
Like this blog? Help spread the word: 
Hmm. Dodgy sending off, even dodgier penalty. The standard of refereeing seems to be deteriorating as the tournament progresses.
Yes, yes. It is all due to commercial interests. Make football more entertaining, raise tv audiences. they have changed the ball, which is now more suitable for beach volley. they have cracked down on defenders, who will be sent off if they show any energy at all. Mind you, I am a conservative, free market type, but will not stick around for this much longer. not like there isnt anything else to do in life but watch football
Switzerland deserved that. Fancy playing for penalties for two hours then not scoring a single one.
Italy certainly won't be worried about Ukraine, though.
hey I hope I will get Kenns job if I end up predicting all the four semifinalists
Hey, Weibe, don’t bury me before I die! Okay, Australia did not cause the upset, but I said clearly that such an upset was conditional upon Italy losing their heads as they did against South Korea in 2002. Marcelo Lippi was canny enough to keep Totti out of the fray in the beginning and then brought him on when he was able to let him see that the whole aspiration of his nation rested on him. Did you notice how some Italians booed Totti when he came on? You see, such pressure made Totti sober – sober enough to take the clearly unearned penalty to take them to the next stage. If that game had entered extra-time, the Australians would have had the advantage.
As for the Portuguese-Dutch encounter, the less said about that, the better. That wasn’t football. That was a farce!
Meanwhile, here is what I said for the Spain v France clash:
“Spain v France: Having watched both teams, most neutrals would look to Spain to finish off the French. Well, I’m not one of those writing off the French. This is going to be the game of the round and I believe we will see a Zinedine Zidane inspired French side send out one of the best sides in the competition. Experience will do the trick!â€
Now, wasn’t that exactly what happened? C’mon, shower me with confetti!
For the next round:
France v Brazil: Brazil to take it. They’ve been playing within themselves this whole tournament. Many people are still not so sure of their defence, but this is the game that will prove they’re ready. France owe Brazil one since France ’98 Final.
Germany v Argentina: Germany will be roared on by their vociferous home support, but they will leave too many holes for the wily Argentines to capitalize on. A lot depends on if Ballack is fit. If fit, they’ll give the Argentines a game; if not, it will be a near-walkover. Either ways, Argentina win.
England v Portugal: England are still riding their luck – playing badly and getting results. With the Portuguese, they’ll have to step up. I expect a Frank Lampard and Rooney-inspired England to cut down Mourinho’s countrymen.
Ukraine v Italy: Italy will win this, but I expect Shevchenko and his compatriots to give them a game.
Right, your right. I was under the impression you had gone for spain, but you didnt actually. I am sticking with Argentina, Italy, France and Portugal. Nothing I saw made me change my mind.
11 Comments · Add yours
6 months ago, almost all of England, condemned Robben for farcing an headbutt by Reina, the Liverpool keeper.
Today, the same absolve Van Bommel's atempt to get Figo the same red card Reina got 6 months ago.
Football is wonderful, isn't it? :)
AverageJoe,
Get your facts right.