Job done.....just

Slovenia 0-1 England

After two poor performances in South Africa, England finally arrived at this summer's World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Slovenia which guaranteed Fabio Capello's men a place in the round of 16, where they face a daunting game with Group D winners Germany whose 1-0 win over Ghana meant they topped their group.

The first 15 minutes began in typical nervy fashion with Slovenia looking dangerous on the break, but the breakthrough that the nation was desperate for came 22 minutes in, as Milner who replaced Tottenham's Aaron Lennon whipped in a delicious early ball. It was a cross out of the top drawer, and by far the best England have delivered all tournament as it begged to be put in the net. Jermain Defoe, who replaced Heskey, obliged and England were on their way.

That goal galvanised England and the confident side we all saw in qualifying suddenly returned as the Three Lions found their passing range, with captain Steven Gerrard dictating the pace of the game by instigating a spell of swift and intricate passing which the fans have been desperate to see. This type of football inevitably creates chances and in truth England should have had a more comfortable margin at half time. Gerrard and a hugely improved Wayne Rooney linked up well to create a chance for the skipper, but his low shot was well saved by Handanovic, who was the only man keeping his side in the game.

After the interval England's pressure continued and Defoe could have wrapped it up early in the second half as he latched onto a cross only to put his chance wide from 6 yards. Rooney, who was obviously desperate for his first goal of the finals, came as close as he has so far in the tournament as his right foot shot hit the left hand post.

England's wastefulness meant the final ten minutes were nail biting for England fans as Slovenia pushed for the goal that would guarantee their place in the last 16. A swift counter attack caused problems as John Terry, who was a rock all day, and Glen Johnson combined to block a Milijov Novakovic shot before Birsa wastefully fired wide.

England lack of ruthfulness in front of goal ended up costing them, as America's Landon Donovan scored a 92nd minute winner to send the USA to the top of the group on goals scored. This means England wil be facing the Germans in the next round, who eased passed Ghana thanks to a brilliant strike from Mesut Ozil.

Lets not get carried away, England should have qualified for the knock out rounds in far more comfortable fashion, and after all a 1-0 win against Slovenia wont exactly strike fear into the hearts of Brazil or Spain but at least we saw signs that England are improving. The constantly changing defence still looked frail and were often caught out on the counter but Upson came in for his first ever World Cup game and did well whilst Terry was brilliant throughout the game.

Next up are Germany who will undoubtedly prove a sterner test for Capello and England as they are the first footballing powerhouse that Capello will face in a major tournament however Germany, much like England, struggle to find consistency and have shown that in this tournament already having brilliantly disposed of Australia, in their opening game,before slumping to a disappointing defeat against the Serbians.

That inconsistency will provide Capello with great hope however what is certain is that England still have to raise their game if they are to progress to the latter stages but as we have seen so many times before, starting slowly isn't always a bad thing, the reigning champions Italy are testament to that. The nation waits in anticipation and in hope for Sunday's game.

Paul Seed

Don Fabio

So let’s get this straight, the English nation is going to take the side of a man who slept with the girlfriend of one of his best mates and teammates, a man who was more concerned with having a beer after the Algeria game then reflecting on his miserable performance and the consequences it may have,a man refered to as 'Mr Untouchable' at Stamford Bridge but hated by his home nation, over a man who has won 9 league titles in Italy and Spain, led England to qualifying with only a single defeat and widely regarded as one of the best managers in the world? Only England could press the self-destruct button quite like this. (At least the French revolution was a proper one!)

When John Terry uttered the words “sod it, if it upsets him, it has to be said or we are going home on Wednesday,” my initial reaction was one of optimism and pride. It didn’t take long for my reaction to change, as the more I pondered Terry’s comments, the more I began to ask myself, why has Terry not showed similar commitment and passion on the pitch? I then tried to guess what Fabio’s reaction to such public criticism was going to be, after all he has prided himself on discipline since taking charge - as Terry knows only too well. Truth is, Fabio works in mysterious ways and not for a moment did even the most experienced England commentators expect the reaction from Capello we got.

John Terry has always seen himself as the shining light and the centre of attention both at Chelsea and England. Clearly the former Huddersfield Town apprentice believes he is in an elite class of central defenders, yet when we revise recent history we note a decidedly shaky end to a turbulent season, the loss of the England captaincy because of a betrayal to a teammate and inability to keep his trousers on, married to two opening World Cup performances for England where his only meaningful contribution has been to give endless free kicks away. What is more, we now learn that, ‘JT’ as he is affectionately known as, was more concerned with asking Mr Capello if him and his ‘mates’ could have a beer after the game. Why wasn’t Terry more interested in watching highlights of his miserable performance? Why wasn’t he more interested in talking with Steven Gerrard about what is going wrong on the field.

Capello summed Terry and his clan up pretty forthright; they are bottle jobs. Don’t mind making a few noises in front of a camera but when you have to pluck up the courage to march into the manager’s office and question him directly, England players come up short. You wonder why there is no pride and passion from these players on the pitch? At least Gazza smashed a lamp when told he wasn’t going to the World Cup in 1998, at least Beckham stood up to Sven if he thought it needed to be said. John Terry and his clan are more content with having a bitch behind people’s backs over an ice-cold pint after a thoroughly miserable day at work. Talk about Big Brother nation!

What is truly miserable is this notion that the England players are bored. What a terrible life they lead. They want to blame everyone but themselves. Now, as I have previously conceded, no one is exempt from criticism, Capello and Pearce included, but the ridiculous press coverage that suggests the two-hour policy is wrong, and the players are bored, and Capello needs to lighten up is laughable. Does anyone else care if Capello is JT’s friend? No? Me neither. The England players are a disgrace, and John Terry deserves to be sent home from the World Cup for dividing a camp. And for what? A beer? A personal feud with Capello? He has single headedly ruined the atmosphere inside the England camp and is deserving of the hate mail that will inevitable find its way to his many addresses.

It would appear that Capello finds the press and the arrogance of certain England players laughable. Just because Emile Heskey failed to find the net in the opening game against the USA and the side were dyer against Algeria, the England players suddenly need to know the line up 24 hours before a game! What a load of old s**te. For too long the England players have been wrapped in cotton wool and the press have hounded manager after manger when instead they should have hounded player after player. I mean, is it really Fabio's fault that Lampard cannot pass a ball 5 yards? Or that Heskey has the turning circle of a cruise ship? Or that Terry cannot jump up for a header without climbing all over the opposition?

Maybe that’s why Terry chose to air his concerns through the media, hoping they would bail the England team out. I mean seriously, what are the press and players expecting here, Fabio to order a Jacuzzi and have it shipped in and installed midway through a tournament? Perhaps a tenth snooker table or dart board fitted? OR the players could train, and work harder. A lot of them don’t look fit enough to most. Maybe practice a set piece of 10? I mean we have hardly looked threatening thus far from our 4 corners have we? Failing to beat the first man with three of them. I understand Capello is in charge of training schedules but would it hurt a few players to take it upon themselves to do a little more or will minimal effort suffice once more from the overpaid and passion lot, otherwise known as England?

The worry is we are forcing Capello away. If we do go out tomorrow night, would it not be better I we treated it as a momentous moment in English football? The same group of players that failed to qualify for the European Championships in 2008, then going out in the group stage of the 2010 World Cup? Surely we can’t sit here and blame it squarely on the manager? Is it not time we made the big decisions and got rid of the egos and arrogance of Terry, Lampard, James and Cole, even if it means blooding youngsters? They can’t do any worse then our current group of galacticos led by the biggest idiot of the lot, JOHN TERRY. I have said it for three months, in Fabio we trust. Let's just hope Fabio trusts England enough to endure a little heartache for a little longer...


Gavin Callaghan

Liability Lampard

If England do fail to beat Slovenia on Wednesday afternoon in Port Elizabeth then perhaps the only possible positive to take will be the imminent international retirement of Frank Lampard. The Chelsea midfielder has been at the heart of the debate over club form and country form year after year since he took over from Paul Scholes in the England midfield. For many, Lampard is World Class and should always be one of the first names on the team sheet. For others, and I include myself, Lampard is amongst the most overrated players to ever earn so many caps.

Last Friday’s game saw the former West Ham player pick up his 80th cap for his nation. In that time, Lampard has scored 20 goals, 9 coming from the penalty spot. He has only ever scored twice in a major international tournament and has largely been anonymous in the first two games of England’s 2010 World Cup campaign. Now from the start, it should be made clear that I am not blaming England’s hapless performances solely on Lampard, but I do think he carries more blame then most.

I have always been of the opinion that Lampard is a good player but never a World Class player. Didier Drogba and Michael Essien are, and they allow Lampard to do, frankly, whatever he wants when he plays for Chelsea. I mean, rack your brains. When did Lampard last make a tackle? Or hit a stirring 30-yard pass? Or get rough and ready with an opposition midfielder the way Paul Scholes used to? The only images we ever see during a game of Lampard is of him, gormlessly sticking his tongue out and looking, essentially, petrified of what the press boys in the stands are saying about him being found out for the average player he is. When in the last 5 years would you have bet your mortgage on Lampard firing England to success the way Gascoigne and Beckham once did? You see, if your going to make the bold claims that Lampard is World Class then you need to make these comparisons. The fundamental difference between the big, actual world-class midfielders, and Frank, is that they have bottle. I said it in a blog after Chelsea’s elimination from the Champions League when Lampard faced two world class midfielders in Cambiasso (who didn’t even get picked for Argentina) and Sneijder; Lampard got found out. The trouble for the 64million watching right now is, he is getting found out by the likes of Landon Donavon and Portsmouth’s Yebda.

Isn’t the truth simple; Lampard is rubbish at international level? There is not one team in the top 10 teams who would replace any of their central midfielders for him. He hasn’t consistently performed for England in 6 years. He is the reason that Steven Gerrard cannot play in his more favored position. We often hear the argument that world class sides, and I mean truly world class sides, have to leave out key players and play less glamorous players so that they play as a team and not individuals. It is why Molito cannot get a game for Argentina despite being the best striker in European club football this season. It is why Fabregas cannot get a game for Spain yet Xavi Alonso, despite being in his thirties is preferred. It is why Danni Alves sits on the bench for Brazil. So why can’t England drop Lampard to play Joe Cole on the left and Gerrard through the middle off Rooney? Surely that makes more sense?

You see the nation is divided so one can only imagine what the dressing room must be like. There is only a small minority of fans who want Heskey and Lampard, and they base their opinion on a qualifying campaign that saw England take on Kazakhstan and the likes. World Cups bring different pressures. The concensus amongst those that see the pint glass as half full is that Heskey has been England’s shining light in a way that Japan’s Honda has been for them. This is the most ridiculous argument I have ever heard. Heskey has don’t nothing World Class really has he? He bundles his way around the pitch but there is no real class or precision to him? Its more luck then legendary. Take your rose tinted glasses off for a moment and ask yourself whether opposition defenders really are scared of big bad Emile? His step over and cross in the Algeria game summed him up. Lots of heart but zero talent. Pro-Heskians are reducing England to nothing more than a long ball, boring, skill and talent deprieved formation. I hoped for a little more if I am honest.

And the most frustrating part is that England have the players there to unlock these teams and change our fortunes. Joe Cole is without doubt a skillful player who would do well against teams like Algeria and Slovenia. Whatsmore, Cole has energy and passion in abundance. Peter Crouch came into the World Cup the 3rd most internationally in-form striker in the competition. Then again, should we really be surprised that he has only featured for a combined total of 16 minutes when England's second top goalscorer over the last 5 seasons (Darren Bent) is watching from his Gateshead apartment? Crouch and Cole could prove to be the unlikely heroes for England that Geoff Hurst and Peter Beardsley have been for the Three Lions in the past.

England need to change desperately. You can love him or hate him but one of the reasons Glen Hoddle was the best England manager in a long while, was because he was not afraid to drop the big names. David Beckham and Teddy Sheringham will testify to that. Will Fabio be brave enough to do the same? Form would suggest he is. He took on John Terry, the untouchable man himself. Will he now follow suit with a fellow Kings Road menace and do away with lack lustre Frank Lampard. It really is difficult to see what England would lack if Lampard was dropped isn’t it? He has offered barely anything in the last five years and if he is only on the pitch to take a penalty for England, I would ask many of you to question whether or not Frank, under pressure, would deliver?

And yet despite all this much-deserved negativity, you sense Capello will come good. It is why he is in the elite group of managers he is in. The England players will be meeting with the management team in Rustenburg tonight to try and save England’s World Cup hopes for another 4 years. Let’s just hope Fabio listens, learns and loses liability Lampard.


Gavin Callaghan

Three Lions? More like Kittens!

England's poor start to their World Cup finals campaign continued yesterday in Cape Town as they could only manage a dismal 0-0 draw with the mighty Algeria meaning Wednesday's game against Slovenia is now a monumental, and hopefully more entertaining, spectacle.

The game against Algeria, who suffered a goalkeeping error of their own during their opening game against Slovenia as Robert Koren's shot was thrown into his own net by Faouzi Chaouchi, was deemed as England's real start to the 2010 World Cup after a stuttering performance against the Americans resulted in a stalemate. However if this was the game the 3 Lions were supposed to show their quality, nobody told the players as Fabio Capello's men produced an uninspiring performance leaving the English players leaving the field to a chorus of boos, as the paying public were clearly unimpressed.

Something that has been evident in England's tournament so far is their inability to retain possession of the football as they allow themselves to be out passed by so called inferior nations, and that was no different yesterday as Algeria's Hassan Yebda dictated most of the early play. England's inability to keep the ball is difficult to explain. Perhaps the ITV optimists will try to sugar coat it by blaming the ball, or even the altitude, but in reality England's players who were undoubtedly nervous opted for the easy way out too often as time after time the ball was lazily hoofed in the direction of Emile Heskey. In addition to this ball playing midfielders like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard just didn't turn up by constantly mis-placing passes that they make so comfortably for their clubs.

The poor use of the ball explains why England failed to create any clear cut chances, with goalkeeper M'Bholi, who was filling in for the injured Chaouchi, was only called into action by speculative long range efforts from Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. On the rare occasions England found themselves in decent positions, poor decision making cost England as Lennon and more notably Gerrard frequently chose the wrong ball.

In truth England did not pose any real threat, whilst their energetic opponents were causing distress in David James' penalty area with well delivered set pieces. Capello waited too long to try and force things to happen as it wasn't until the 63rd minute when Shaun Wright-Phillips was introduced, however the Manchester City man didn't make too much difference, which is something that will surely anger Joe Cole who is yet to play a single minute at this summer's World Cup. When Capello removed Heskey, and consequently the temptation to go long, Jermain Defoe did look lively and caused problems by running in behind which raises the question why didn't the Tottenham front man start in Cape Town?

Another player who perhaps will have the right to feel aggrieved could be Manchester City's Adam Johnson who was harshly omitted from the 23 man squad in favour of Wright Phillips who has been playing second fiddle to the former Middlesbrough man since he signed in January. England were crying out for natural width on the left hand side as Skipper Steven Gerrard was constantly drifting inside, neutralising the chance of effective counter attacking.

Credit must be handed to the Algerians, who arrived with a game plan and executed it brilliantly as they frequently frustrated England and forced them into basic errors and on another night they may well have nicked all three points.

The frustration they caused was evident at the final whistle when the estimated crowd of 65,000 erupted with a chorus of booing from those supporting England, something that angered Wayne Rooney who rather sarcastically said when leaving the pitch "Nice to see your own fans booing you, that's what loyal support is" Maybe you need reminding of something Wayne. An estimated 28'000 fans have made the extremely expensive trip to South Africa, by doing so they are showing their loyalty and passion, which makes them entitled to react in any manner they want. If only the passion and pride those fans have shown could be reflected by you on the pitch, as arguably Rooney was the worst player on the pitch yesterday as he failed to control pass after pass and in so doing, wasted rare moments possession.

Yesterday's game had been earmarked by most as a sure thing but in truth a draw in many ways flattered England as they were outfought and outplayed by their opponents. The objective for Wednesday is simple: win or go home early. Can England's "lions" turn it around and beat Slovenia? There are very few signs in their opening games to suggest they can. We shall see.

Paul Seed

Au Revoir Les Blues?

France 0-2 Mexico

Well as quickly as they arrived, it looks as if the French will be packing their bags and jetting out of South Africa after a dismal World Cup finals campaign that will leave the Irish livid as surely Geovanni Trappatoni's men would have, at the very least, shown some heart and pride.

With rumours that there were high profile players arguing with manager Raymond Domenech meant no explanations were needed as the French never looked united throughout their seemingly rather short tournament. Their problems began as early as qualification as they needed a helping hand from Arsenal legend Thierry Henry to overcome a spirited Irish side in the play-offs. What was more confusing was the announcement that Bourdeaux manager Laurent Blanc will take over as National team coach.The appointment itself was not surprising, however the timing was most peculiar. After all how is announcing the appointment of a new manager going to allow the current coach, Domenech, to maintain the respect of the players. Evidently it didn't.

However it was on the eve of their first World Cup finals game, against Diego Forlan's Uruguay, when rumours of dressing room discontent first surfaced. According to reports Chelsea winger Florent Malouda had to be physically restrained after a heated argument with Domenech, which explained why Malouda found himself on the bench in that opening game. It was clear during that game that the French lacked any self belief or confidence, which surely is down to the manager to instil.

Domenech who is France's longest serving manager, having been at the Nation's helm for 6 years, is widely disliked in France which is perhaps due to his baffling team selections which included the omission of Arsenal's Samir Nasri which is apparently due to the fact the Arsenal midfielder is a scorpio, a star sign which the 58 year old manager does not trust, which would suggest that Domenech is even poorer than our very own "Wolly with a Brolly"

During their first game Les Blues didn't show up. They looked void of ideas, and creative players like Frank Ribery who has shone for Bayern Munich, looked utterly clueless and lost with no sense of direction of urgency. If it weren't for the negative tactics of the Uruguayans, the French may well have been beaten in their very first game. Whilst many sides have turned up in South Africa with the intention of not losing, the French turned up with no intentions what-so-ever. They were lazy and lacked any energy which even so called lesser nations like New Zealand have exemplified.

However it was against the Mexicans, a side who were swept aside by England last month and only just managed to salvage a draw against hosts South Africa in the opening game, where the French looked the poorest. The Mexicans looked comfortable all night as even early in the game, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was forced to come darting off his line after a lack of communication between William Gallas and Eric Abidal. At half time it was expected that the French would come out and attack, but it was the Mexicans who took the initiative by playing attractive attacking football and taking the game to the French.

They kept the ball so easily and left the French chasing well organised shadows. Javier Aguirre used the perfect tactics to defeat the French. They allowed Domenech's side to keep possession in harmless areas and then when gaining the ball, they broke with pace and in numbers. The first Mexican goal was a perfect example of the French's lack of harmony and communication as Abidal played new Manchester United signing Javier Hernandez onside, who cooley rounded Lloris and passed into an empty net. In reality there was a sense of inevitability about the goal and the French players didn't look to surprised as they watched Hernandez and the rest of the Mexican's jubilant celebrations. The second goal was just as poor from a France point of view, as the substitute Barrera swept passed a number of players, including a lackadaisical Patrice Evra, and won a penalty after a cumbersome challenge from Abidal. 37 year old Veteran Blanco, who showed more energy throughout his 15 minute cameo than the entire French side portrayed, swept the penalty into the back of the net, which virtually assured the French's exit.

Even the French substitutes looked uninterested as they moved away from the dug-out leaving Domenech isolated, which in reality is a position that Domenech has grown used to over the last couple of years.

If the French are to miraculously qualify, they will need to overcome a South Africa side who will undoubtedly arrive with great desire as they will want to win their last game for the thousands of fans who have embraced the World Cup. Even if Les Blues overcome Bafana Bafana they will have to hope that Uruguay and Mexico do not play out a draw as that would guarantee the French's exit, and I think many of us can envisage a dull 0-0 draw between Uruguay and Mexico, but realistically the French have no-one else to blame but themselves.

There will be nobody happier tonight, apart from the Mexicans, than the whole of Ireland who thoroughly believe there side would have brought more to the World Cup, and after the French's lazy, arrogant and simply disinterested displays who can argue with them.

Paul Seed

Greece v Nigeria - LIVE

Argentina top Group B and are practically through to the next round. South Korea put up a good fight and will be right in the mix for the second spot. Greece and Nigeria lost their opening games and desperately need a win. Nigeria definitely have more quality than the Greeks, but may find it hard to break Greece down. Greece were awful against South Korea and showed very little attacking wise. Both teams need to go for it, however I suspect the Greeks will defend in numbers and hope to get a goal on the counter. Not pleasing on eye, but a tactic that has served the Greeks well over the years.

Prediction: Greece 1-0 Nigeria. Greece to frustrate Nigeria and grab a goal from a set piece and then park the bus

Watch the game live in high quality flash at - http://www.flashsportstreams.com/forum/


Ant Myers

So far, so good

Well, we've now seen every team in action and I have to say I really can't pick a clear favourite yet. Germany were excellent the other night, destroying the Socceroos made compelling viewing. They may have a young side, but with experienced players like Miroslav Klose and Lucas Podolksi they have a perfect blend of youth and experience. Argentina also impressed, their attack is frightening, when you can afford to leave Diego Milito on the bench, that speaks volumes. It remains to be seen whether their defence matches their attack, I think South Korea could test them today.

Portugal didn't surprise me at all, an aging side with a few good individuals. I think they will fail to advance further. Ivory Coast will improve, this team has a real chance of success. Well organised, athletic and serious pace are attributes the Ivorians showed. Brazil were patient against North Korea and deserved their opening win. They will be strong contenders.

Spain suffered a shock defeat against a resurgent Switzerland side and will now have to work hard to advance. Chile are a real threat and will give Spain a run for their money. People will say you can never write off Italy, but I just can't see them going far in this tournament. They obviously have a wealth of experience, however their distinct lack of pace is clear for all to see.

I think France will exit early, not because of their squad, it's the coach that will let them down. Cameroon were very dissappointing, they were bereft of creativity against an average Japan side. I really enjoyed watching South Korea, they displayed a great work ethic and created a lot of chances against the drab Greeks. I predicted Uruguay to surprise some people and they showed tonight that they mean business.

Ant Myers

Well that put the cat among the pigeons!

Boring, dier, defensive, slow paced, lacking flair and a goal drought, that was until Gelson Fernandes and his Swiss counterparts made their presence known in South Africa with a stunning result. Yesterday I spent most of the preview talking up Spain and I have to be honest I was fairly certain they would beat Switzerland and comfortably. Today I am eating humble pie and a group that was looking like a foregone conclusion has become intriguing. What I had not accounted for was just how disciplined the Swiss players were and what a tactical mastermind Ottmar Hitzfeld really is. He set up Switzerland with a plan and they followed it to a tee.

This plan was born in the Nou Camp on the 28th April when Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan beat Barcelona with one of the best defensive displays in recent memory. Switzerland allowed Spain to have the ball for most of the game, but Spain only had the ball in areas that could not seriously hurt the Swiss. For all of Spain's triangles and neat passing they lacked a cutting edge and were one dimensional until Jesus Navvas was introduced. In the first half Spain continued to go down the left flank seeking out David Silva, this became all too predicable and without the physical presence of Llorente or Torres Silva's crosses were too easy to defend.

Switzerland's goal came with a huge slice of luck but did back up a popular opinion with Spain. Iker Casillas is not the player that he used to be. Why Casillas came rushing out with his feet rather than his hands is beyond me and i'm sure Gerrard Pique is none too pleased either.

Switzerland's discipline was truly admirable and although it may not have been a performance full of flair or attacking intent it was gripping and produced the best game of the tournament so far.

The early kick off was also an improvement on what had gone before. It was so refreshing to see a team go out to win and win in style. I was hugely impressed with what Chile produced in a great display of attacking vision. Bielsa's side used the width of the pitch and got behind the Hondurian defence with ease and it was this approach that led to the only goal of the game. Alexis Sanchez did not disappoint although he needs to pass more often as his flicks came to nothing too often. The real star of the show for me was the playmaker number 14 Fernandez. Fernandez ran the game for Chile driving them forward and playing with vision that another famous old number 14 would have been proud of. Chile were refreshing to watch and will be dangerous and could be dark horses for the latter stages.

Finally I have to give the last word to one Diego Forlan who was unstoppable against the hosts South Africa. Forlan produced the performance of the tournament so far, a great first goal (no problem with the ball there!) a calmly taken penalty and one of the passes of the game to set up a third goal. Uruguay brutally exposed the limitations of South Africa and showed that unfortunately the first game was a one off performance. South Africa will be the first host nation to not get out of the group stage and the tournament will be poorer for it. That is not to take away from a Uruguayan performance that was full of guile, grit and South American flair.

The World Cup is only going to get better from here in, trust me. Thank you Chile and Switzerland for giving us the impetus that this tournament needed. Forlan has had a brilliant day but for me the star of the show today was Ottmar Hitzfeld and his Mourinho like defence. Catenaccio!

Laurie O'Brien

Spain v Switzerland - LIVE

Much fancied Spain begin their World Cup today against a decent Switzerland side. We've just witnessed Chile beat Honduras convincingly and it's Chile who lead Group H. Switzerland will make it tough for the Spaniards and will be well organised. Spain have a wealth of talent, the whole squad is blessed with immense talent. The depth they have is envied by the world. Switzerland will hope to keep it tight and will try to catch Spain on the break.



Watch the game live in high quality flash at - http://www.flashsportstreams.com/forum/

Are You Not Entertained?

“Are you not entertained?” The words of Maximus Decimus Meridius as he finishes entertaining the crowd as a gladiator, note the key word ‘entertaining’. Having watched my fair share of games in the opening stages of the 2010 World Cup I’d have to say that, no I am not entertained.

Just like the gladiators, footballers are there essentially for our entertainment – they just happen to get paid a ridiculous amount of money for doing so. On the other hand, if I suffered from insomnia I would love the World Cup and no doubt doctors everywhere are prescribing a good dose of World Cup football for their patients to help them get some sleep.

Unfortunately for me I don’t have such problems; I can understand teams not wanting to lose their opening games, but have they ever thought of trying to win them? I know it is a crazy suggestion, winning a football game instead of an easy draw.

Fair play to Korea Republic who went out with the intention of beating Greece and they did so quite comfortably, they may not end up lifting the cup but at least they’re entertaining the World.

Some sides actually look as though the concept of football is new to them. Poor control, poor passing and general poor play has been a theme to the World Cup so far. Teams try to play it safe too much; look back through any past World Cup footage and you’ll find outrageous goals or at least attempts for the spectacular but that isn’t the case anymore.

The World Cup has shown how predictable football has become, in some cases at least. Pass it all along the back four, and then let the midfield do the same and if there’s nothing on pass it back to the defence. Obviously teams don’t want to throw away their possession but why not be creative and try an audacious ball or even a 30 yard shot which looks like it has no chance but somehow manages to deceive the ‘keeper and end up in the back of the net.

There is still a long way to go in the World Cup and a lot of football to be played. Hopefully most teams pick it up a level for the second games where pressure begins to build and wins become imperative, though if they perform negatively with less pressure then I suppose they wouldn’t play attacking football when it gets important.

I hope that by this time next week I look like an idiot for suggesting the World Cup is less than entertaining, though if things carry on as they are I could be right.

Carl Leighton

Previewing Group H

Five days into the world cup and boy do we need some entertainment. The world cup has got off to a slow start some games taking place at a pedestrian pace. Many teams have failed to hit the ground running, Holland, England, France and to an extent Argentina have not yet found top gear whilst only Germany have played attractive football, even the mighty Brazil struggled against North Korea. But tomorrow sees the Spanish at last take to the pitch, the last of the teams to start their world cup campaign.

This Spanish side is truly exceptional blessed with world class talent across the pitch in nearly all positions. Torres, Villa, Iniesta, Xavi, Fabregas would all walk into any side in the world, Spain are blessed with a multitude of riches. A team like this comes around once in generation, Brazil in 1970 and 1982, France in 98, Argentina in 1986 and England in 66. We all know the ability that the Spanish possess and now they have achieved what other talented sides have failed to do and win a major tournament. Euro 2008 was a turning point for Spanish football and that is why they are strong favourites this summer.

Before I start getting carried away and just eulogise about Spain and ramble on about how if only England had a player who could pass like Xavi or a striker that could finish like Villa, its important that I look at the other teams in the group. Switzerland are first up for Spain tomorrow and will certainly not be an easy opponent for the European Champions. Switzerland have tournament pedigree with fourteen of their squad having twenty or more caps. Hakan Yakin and Alexander Frei have been to major tournaments and will certainly be a threat to any defence. The only was that I can see Switzerland causing an upset is if Inler and Barnetta can get in amongst the Spanish midfield and stifle their rhythm. If they can do this which is no mean feat then they could perhaps cause Spain problems. Switzerland have Ottmar Hitzfeld at the helm and they will need all of his tactical nous to pull it off.

The earlier game sees an exciting Chile side take on rank outsiders Honduras. Honduras have players which will be familiar to English fans, Palacios, Figueroa and Thomas all play for premier league clubs and Palacios in particular is an excellent player. Hopefully Honduras will be able to select David Suazo who is still technically an Inter Milan player. He has pace is strong and is an accomplished finisher, Honduras will rely on him to provide a spark that could grab them a result. Honduras scrapped into the world cup through the USA scoring a 94th minute equaliser against Costa Rica. Just being in South Africa is a great success for the country.

Chile on the other hand have higher aspirations for this tournament and could cause a few upsets. Their coach Marcelo Bielsa has crafted a side that can cause damage shown by only finishing a point behind Brazil in Qualifying. They scored an impressive 32 goals in qualification with Humberto Suazo coming out as the top scorer beating the likes of Kaka and Messi, definitely one to watch for. Whilst coming out as top scorers they also leaked the most goals and their defensive record will need to improve in South Africa if they are to make an impact. Alexis Sanchez has made it onto a lot of people's one to watch list and is certainly an emerging talent one that I am looking forward to seeing tomorrow.

This is an intriguing group, I fully expect Spain to finish top and put in some good performances along the way. I also can see Chile progressing as runners up, they have the skill and pace to frighten the Swiss defence and this will see them through. Personally I am hoping that this group will provide a much needed injection of flair to a world cup that has so far fired blanks.

Lastly a word on England. I would want to echo the words of Gavin in terms of the media's over reaction to England's performance against America. In this first round of games some of the performances have been nothing sort of turgid. Portugal Ivory Coast being a real low point where neither side showed much desire to take a risk and try to win the game. England tried to win the game having 18 shots on goal, we were a goal threat throughout. There are problems that need to be ironed for sure but this performance is the start of the tournament and not the end. There is still a long way to go.

But for tomorrow lets hope Spain and Chile provide the entertainment we have all been waiting for...

Laurie O'Brien

England Versus The Press

Over the weekend the inevitable headlines appeared which condemned Robert Green to the history books as a yet another England World Cup calamity. Like many young, aspiring broadcasters, I listen closely to the carefully depicted scripts of TV and Radio presenters as they conjure up an image of doom and gloom around the England camp following a 1-1 draw with a side who less than 12 months ago beat Spain 4-3. It amazes me that we hear Gary Lineker suggest that Italy’s draw with Paraguay is indicative of the Italians in the World Cup because they are, “traditional slow starters, but they will be alright,’ whilst Clive Tydlesy suggests at the end of England’s game that they are ‘rooted at first base.’ The sheer hypocrisy still baffles me an it has led me to change my stanceon many of the England players.

For the next 3 days be prepared for a barrage of press headlines that will speculate as to whether or not Robert Green will line up in goal against Algeria. His one mistake in an England shirt means that he should now be sidelined in favour of David James, a man who has become famous for been erratic and notoriously cost worthy to England. So-called experts and pundits such as Martin Keown, this week on 5LIVE were suggesting that Green should be axed because of his error. Keown lost all credibility for me when in commentary he later went on and said he had never intentionally kicked anyone. Ruud Van Nistelrooy might beg to differ. Truth is Keown has never played for England. He wasn’t good enough. He can pretend to understand the pressures on the England players all he likes but the fact of the matter is he couldn’t.

For many England fans, Joe Hart should be given his chance between the sticks. The trouble is, as we saw on Saturday, playing for England comes with different pressures. Rob Green will forever be remembered as the player who made the most almighty cock-up against America. Everywhere he goes for the rest of his life that is what people will remind him off. Chris Waddle is the same. Waddle’s Italia 90 penalty miss has defined him ever since. Gareth Southgate’s Euro 96 penalty miss, David Beckhams’s red card in 1998 led to a huge amount of death threats, the likes of which lesser men would have caved under. David Seamen and the Ronaldinho goal in World Cup 2002. David James in Euro 2004 with his calamity mistake versus the French. Frank Lampard’s penalty miss and Wayne Rooney’s red card in World Cup 2006. Given the lasting impact such incidents have had on the careers of such players, would you blame them for being pensive when they play for England?

Doesn’t such thought provoke a justification for why England players never transfer club form onto the international stage? You see Frank Lampard was non-existent in England’s opening game, and like many I have argued that Lampard has been non-existent in most games for England over the last 5 years. Because at Chelsea Frank is allowed to bomb forward and score goals for fun with the world best central defensive midfielder sitting behind him. The problem for England is that said player happens to be called Essien and he happens to be Ghanaian.


The truth is Frank Lampard isn’t going to bomb forward when he plays alongside Steven Gerrard in midfield because he knows that if he leaves a gap in behind and the opposition score, the entire press core sitting in the stand with their pens in hand, fingers on the keyboard, microphones at their lips are ready with one fell swoop to destroy their careers. If Lampard and Gerrard don’t work, do you think Fabio will drop his captain? Of course not. Lampard would have to go, so Frank will never play his normal, game for England.

Look even further into the England side and you will see that on Saturday many didn’t perform as we expect. Now Ashley Cole is the best left back in the world. And that pains me to say because I dislike him, a lot. Yet Ashley Cole 4 times gave the ball away needlessly. Wayne Rooney barely touched the ball. Do you really think that this was because Watford’s finest marked him out of the game? Or was it perhaps because the pressure that he was under was too much for him?

Don’t get me wrong, the sight of St George’s crosses plastered to every car window, garage door and bedroom wall is a truly majestic and fills me with a sense of patriotic pride like no other event in the calendar year. The problem is how quickly, and more potently, how cruelly, our footballers efforts go from hero to zero. Rob Green simply does not deserve the press he has received. Yes he made an effort, but given the headlines and attention, do you not think that this will be a plague on his conscience ahead of future England games he is selected? How will he manage to rid the mistake from his mind? Perhaps more worryingly, how will Joe Hart and David James be feeling, stepping into Green’s shoes knowing they cannot make a mistake. It is simply the wrong message and if Fabio does drop Green it is to the detriment of England. Wouldn’t it be nice if England stick with Green and he goes on to make a penalty-shootout winning save versus the Germans in the semi-finals? Destiny or what? Wouldn’t that be a nice U-turn and stuff it to the journalists who instead have to write of a zero to hero story instead?

I feel sorry for Green because he is a class-act. A top-drawer keeper. But for every good save he makes, he will always be THAT goalkeeper. Unless. Unless England do what they have never done before and that is keep faith with him. You see, getting rid of Green is symptomatic of England’s failure in recent years. As my Dad said to me last night, “when you watch England reports, when you watch England play, when you listen to pundits talk of England, does it not all just smack of desperation?”

How true this is. Green makes an error that sees England draw instead of win. So what? He made a world class save n the second half to keep England in the game because there was sure as hell no chance of Wayne Rooney or Emile Heskey scoring was there? Lampard doesn’t do much for England so suddenly the Lampard-Gerrard partnership doesn’t work. Heskey misses two chances so suddenly Fabio got it wrong and should have brought Bent (an argument I agree with incidently!). Lennon’s crossing was frankly rubbish, so perhaps Fabio should have kept faith with Theo. It is a vicious cycle which goes on and on and on but with zero reward. Instead we have to read the papers and listen to the views of ex-players and managers who failed with England in the past tell the world why they got it wrong and Fabio continues to. The bottom line is England should pick a team and bloody well stick to it. A few variations here and there but if Capello seriously doesn’t know what his best formation is by now he doesn’t deserve his wage. I think he does however. And I don’t think he believes in this desparado routine that looms over the England squad like a giant shadow.

England will never win the World Cup based on talent. We are not good enough and we don’t have World Class players. Aaron Lennon, Theo Walcott, Joe Cole, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Matthew Upson, Ledley King and Frank Lampard are nothing more than average. Emile Heskey is worse. So if we are to win the World Cup we need to rid ourselves of this ridiculous notion in the press that we should be winning every game comfortably. Why can we not win every game 1-0 and play rubbish? I will take that. If only the English press lay off our players and allowed them to go about their England business then perhaps, maybe just maybe they would express themselves on the pitch.

It is the underlying theme of English football and it goes well beyond the 11 players selected and the 90minutes on the pitch. It is the ideology to which England, and only England appear to subscribe to and which has reared its ugly head once more, already at the 2010 World Cup. I am of course talking about simple self-destruction. Greens error was just that. An error. Embarrassing and costly. But was it life threatening? Tournament threatening? Was it even incomprehendable? No. It was a mistake. I have said it before; if England are to win the World Cup they will need divine intervention. We are simply not good enough to turn up to a tournament and win it of our own accord. The sooner the press realize this and starve off their insistent negativity toward England and the men in which we have bestowed the hopes and dreams of a nation, the better.


Gavin Callaghan

New Zealand v Slovakia - LIVE

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Day 4

Day 4. No, not in the Big Brother house! Thankfully the FIFA World Cup in South Africa is overshadowing the mindless drivel that is Chanel 4’s hit reality show, which is finally dying a painful death. Today it was the turn of two favourites, Italy and the Netherlands who had the difficult job of following Germany’s dismantling of Australia last night.

The Germans arrived with, not only typical German ruthlessness and efficiency but with flair, something not usually associated with a side that has never failed to reach the quarter final mark in their last 7 major tournaments. Their performance made the world sit up and take notice, and the next move belonged to the Dutch.

DOUBLE DUTCH

Holland began their World Cup finals campaign with an underwhelming and stuttering performance but more importantly they got the 3 points they desired, against a Denmark side that lacked ruthlessness and failed to take their chances resulting in a 2-0 win for Holland.

The first 45 minutes began with the Dutch unable to press home their superior quality despite having one or two half chances from Rafael Van Der Vaart. The Dutch’s lack of attacking urgency gave Denmark great belief and they soon started to cause the Dutch one or two problems, with Dennis Rommedahl in particular causing an aging Geovani Van Bronkhurt difficulty with his pace. Arsenal’s Nicklas Bendtner missed the best chance of the half, as he failed to direct a Rommedahl cross whilst unmarked in the Penalty area. In what was a mundane first half, one talking point was the over ambitious free kick taking from both sides. As Wesley Sniedjer struck an effort wide from around 35 yards, whilst Simon Kjaer tried his best to out do him, by striking a 40 yard effort into the wall.

The second half started in blistering fashion with a goal after just 50 seconds. A Robin Van Persie cross was headed towards his own goal by Simon Poulsen, only for the ball to deflect of Daniel Agger and past Tomas Sorenson. I had hoped this would galvanise the Danish into life, but with the withdrawal of Nicklas Bendtner, the Dutch made their superiority count. The introduction of Elerjo Elia added much needed pace to Holland’s front line and after he saw his shot tipped onto the post, Dirk Kuyt was in the right place to tap the ball home. It wasn’t a spectacular game by any means but the Dutch got the win they needed in Soccer City and can look forward to their next game.

JUBILANT JAPAN

Japan managed to overcome Cameroon by a goal to nil in Bloemfontein to secure their first ever World Cup win outside of their own country, but the game cannot be described as a classic, in fact it was the complete opposite as both teams failed to keep possession for long enough to create any meaningful chances.

The first five minutes set the tone for the game with sloppy errors evident all over the pitch, and as Mark Lawrenson took delight in frequently pointing out, it was possibly the poorest game of the tournament so far. It took until almost the end of the half for the first shot on goal, with Eyong Enoh forcing Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima into a save. However just a minute later the undeniably dull game was sparked into life as Honda managed to latch onto a cross that evaded all of Cameroon’s back four. Honda controlled calmly and drove the ball home.

Cameroon, who had chosen to play Captain Samuel Eto’o on the right flank, never looked like getting back into the game and only threatened to steal a point when M’bia struck the much criticised World Cup ball viciously against the cross bar. It was a shot that was not in keeping with the quality of the match and had it gone in, it would have been a contender for Goal of the Tournament. In truth a draw would not have been a fair result as the Japanese were livelier throughout and thoroughly deserved their win.

ITALY STIFLED BY DOGGED PARAGUAY

The reigning Champions Italy kicked off their campaign against a strong Paraguay outfit. As is so often the case in the opening group games in World Cup finals, the match was tentative with both sides sizing each other up. Paraguay were as usual well organised and disciplined and they weren’t afraid to get a foot in, with new Sunderland signing Christian Riveros letting Riccardo Montolivo know he was there with a strong challenge, that should have been met with, at the very least, a yellow card.

Both sides struggled to create chances and it looked like the game was going to be goalless as the half time whistle loomed. However with 5 minutes to go until the interval a delicious dead ball from Aureliano Torres was powerfully headed past Gianluigi Buffon by Antolin Alcaraz and into the Italian net. At half time, with the Paraguayans holding a 1-0 lead, it looked like the first upset of the 2010 World Cup was on the cards.

The Italians could only get better in the second half, and they did as there ball retention improved with Daniele De Rossi having a bigger influence on the game. Meanwhile Simone Pepe was causing problems for both Paraguay full backs by constantly swapping flanks. It was a Pepe-De Rossi combination that led to the Italian’s equaliser, although there was a large helping hand from Goalkeeper Villar who got caught in no man’s land allowing De Rossi to poke into an empty net.

The Italians were unable to create another clear cut chance as Paraguay defended vigilantly, meaning manager Marcelo Lippi was forced to settle for a 1-1 draw and the subsequent point, which in reality was just about right.

So as another day of World Cup football passes, it appears to be the Germans who are leading the way but the Dutch and the Italians have stated their claims.

Paul Seed

Italy V Paraquay - LIVE

Reigning champions Italy begin their defence against a strong Paraguay side in Cape Town tonight.

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Holland V Denmark - LIVE

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Day 3 round-up

Algeria 0-1 Slovenia

In the first game of the day, Slovenia beat Algeria 1-0 and now top group C. It was a truly dreadful game, both teams' negativity contributed to an utter borefest. With England and USA drawing last night, it was a great opportunity for either side to lead the the group. It took until the 59th minute for some action, when Algeria's Abdelkader Ghezzal decided to deliberately control the ball with his hand and subsequently receiving a second yellow card.

Slovenia still looked reluctant to attack and the game was heading for a bore draw. However, the deadlock was broken when Slovenia captain, Robert Koren's placed shot somehow squirmed into the Algeria net. Goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi failed to deal with what should have been an easy save. Chaouchi tried to catch the ball, instead of pushing it away.


Serbia 0-1 Ghana


Ghana beat Serbia 0-1 in the second game of the day. Ghana started stronger and didn't allow the Serbs any time on the ball. Neither team had any clear cut chances in the first half and deservedly went in even. On the 74th minute, Serbia's Aleksandar Lukovic was shown a second yellow card and thus, handing the impetus to Ghana. Serbia's Krasic had a good chance to score, but his effort was straight at the keeper. In the 85th minute Ghana were awarded a penalty when Zdravko Kuzmanovic stupidly handballed in the area. Gyan stepped up and confidently converted the spot kick. So, Ghana claim the first African win on African soil.

Germany 4-0 Australia


Germany mauled the Socceroos earlier this evening in Durban. The Germans came flying out of the traps and scored after just 8 minutes from a goal by Lucas Podolski. Thomas Mueller's superb cut back found Podolski, who then drilled the ball in. Germany didn't stop there, fast and slick football opened up the Australian defence time after time. Right back Philipp Lahm was fantastic all night and he supplied the second goal, by crossing for Miroslav Klose, who headed home. Everton's Tim Cahill was shown a straight red card, after the referee deemed his tackle on Bastian Schweinsteiger to be dangerous, a little harsh.

Germany continued to pile on the misery for the Aussies, striker, Mueller showed us, forwards can assist and score goals(unlike a certain England striker). Mueller showed great composure by alluding the defender and then firing past Mark Schwarzer. Substistute Cacau came on for his 1st cap and after 2 minutes, he had his 1st goal and Germany's 4th. Youngster Messut Oezil was introduced to the world and he thoroughly impressed. Everything went through him and he carved the Australians open far too often for their liking. Germany, so far, look the strongest team, however it's very early days in this competition.


Ant Myers

Group E

Teams:
Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon

Group E is a very interesting group which isn’t an easy one to predict. The Netherlands are obviously the favourites to progress from the group and most likely win it, though second spot is wide open.

The Dutch have a wealth of talent available to them which doesn’t consist of only attacking players. Obviously, the likes of Robin Van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben are fantastic footballers who will probably share most of the glory. The defensive players will have just as big a part to play in any success the Dutch get, which can sometimes go unnoticed.

Gio Van Bronckhorst and Mark Van Bommel will provide a vast amount of experience for the team; while younger players such as John Heitinga and Nigel De Jong will compliment that experience with tough tackling and vigour.

The Danes also have a good defensive set up, though whether ‘keeper Thomas Sorensen is fit enough to start the campaign is yet to be seen. Per Kroldrup, Lars Jacobsen and Daniel Agger are the rocks at the back for Denmark.

Denmark had a very impressive qualifying period, losing only once in ten games and topping their group which also featured Sweden and Portugal. Daniel Jensen, Christian Poulsen and Nicklas Bendtner are just some of the players to look out for in the Denmark squad.

Japan will prove tough opposition for the other three teams and could cause an upset or two along the way. The Japanese don’t have the same amount of quality available to them as Holland and Denmark, but they do have a good work ethic and some quality through former Celtic man Shunsuke Nakamura and Russian based midfielder Keisuke Honda.

The majority of the Japan squad play in the J League which means there won’t be too many household names on show, though the unknown can be a positive for the Samurai Blue.

In total contrast to the Japanese, the Cameroon squad is filled with players based all over Europe. Cameroon have a vast amount of experience and quality in their squad. Rigobert Song seems to have been playing forever whereas his cousin Alexandre Song is still very young, yet he is one of the best players in the squad.

Cameroon also have Samuel Eto’o, Stephane Mbia and Jean Makoun to show that they have quality throughout the squad and enough of it to be challenging for that top spot.

Prediction

A really tight group which is hard to call and despite their improving team I can’t see Japan having enough to make it out of the group. With the Netherlands looking the strongest it will come down to Cameroon and Denmark for second spot, with Cameroon having just enough to see them through to the next stage.

Carl Leighton

Emile Heskey- The Timeless Debate.

After Fabio Capello announced his final 23 man squad for England's march against the world there was general bemusement around the land as to why Emile Heskey, a man who has scored a mere 7 goals in 59 England appearances, was picked to go to South Africa.

As has been widely reported, two goalkeepers, Rene Higuita, Columbia's shot stopper who was famed for his Scorpian Kick which shocked England in a friendly game in 1995, and Jose Luis Chilavert of Paraguay who during his playing days struck the back of the net 8 times for his national side, scored more goals at International level than Heskey. These statistics have provided humour and anger in equal measure, mainly amongst Sunderland fans who couldn't believe why their number 11 Darren Bent, who struck 24 times in the Premiership last year, was left out. One black cats fan even took it upon himself to post the stats on Bent's official Twitter page, not that it would have provided much relief for the striker.

However Heskey showed yesterday in Rustenburg, during England's World Cup opener against the United States of America, just why he is in the team. He was arguably England's best performer as he battled relentlessly with the man mountain Oguchi Onyewu, winning almost every header and every 50-50 against the AC Milan man, all the while winning free kicks in valuable positions; free kicks which predictably Frank Lampard wasted. Emile Heskey, a man who netted just 5 times for Aston Villa last season, turned up and battled for his country in a match when all of England's "superstars" stood effectively frozen in Rustenburg as Robert Green threw in an equaliser for the states, which in doing so meant Green achieved an impressive feat: producing an error even worse than former England internationals David Seaman, Paul Robinson and Scott Carson.

Heskey's assets of creating goals and helping the side were evident in just the fourth minute of the match as he held up the ball before playing a clever reverse pass sending Captain Steven Gerrard in on goal. Gerrard who graciously ran into the space Heskey had created for him to fire England into the lead. Whilst Heskey did the job he is in the team to do, and did the job well, those around him let him down. Wayne Rooney, who many have tipped to boss the tournament, failed to anticipate any of Heskey's flick ons whilst failing to utilise the space Heskey created for him which raises eyebrows as the Manchester United man has gone on record saying he loves playing with Heskey, but on his performance yesterday it seems he wants Heskey to spoon feed him.

Before I get lambasted with comments of Heskey's goalscoring record, I remind you that I am a firm believer in the fact that strikers should score goals and Heskey's impotence in front of goal was exemplified in the second half when Lennon played the big Villa front man through on goal. With only Tim Howard to beat, Heskey will have had half the nation out of their seats waiting to explode in a fit of delight. However this dream did not become a reality, as Heskey brilliantly highlighted the reasons why he is constantly criticised, by firing the ball straight at Everton's Tim Howard despite having the whole goal to aim at. It was a chance that, in reality England's fans, manager, players, and perhaps even Heskey himself, knew would never find the net. Even as he ran towards the American goal he never looked confident which perhaps explains why fails to consistently find the net.

Heskey's contribution to the national side is huge and undeniable, his assist for Gerrard yesterday alone highlights that, however his presence on the pitch in an England shirt in many ways has an adverse effect on the team. The sheer volume of long balls pumped towards Big Emile were too numerous to count, as Ledley King, John Terry and Jamie Carragher constantly used Heskey as a get out option time and time again. However by choosing to play more direct, the quality of players like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard become neutralised as they spend their time watching the ball fly over their heads. Perhaps if England are to finally realise their potential at a major tournament, they need to adapt by sacrificing Heskey and playing a 4-5-1.

Whether Fabio Capello will adapt his usual 4-4-2 system during a major tournament remains to be seen, but what is unquestionable is the effect of Emile Heskey on a team. His qualities are open for everyone to see, he battles and fights and does the dirty stuff, stuff that is apparently beyond the strike partners Heskey has played with. If only he could score goals.

Paul Seed

Off & Running

So England have announced their candidacy to win the World Cup with a 1-1 draw against a side insistent on referring to the beautiful game as Soccer. The press are packing their bags and going home “they’ve seen it all before, they just know, they’re so sure.” Fabio Capello’s England were due to win their opening encounter and their failure to make good on such expectation has seen their credentials rubbished.


Trouble is, England have drawn their opening games in their most successful tournaments. 1966 England drew with Uruguay, 1990 England drew with the Republic of Ireland and in 1996 European Championships they drew with Switzerland 0-0. So if we are to learn from history then let’s be honest and assume that things are not so bad.

The tendency with the English is to be negative. As a nation we are duly pompous and conservative with a small ‘c.’ Robert Green will come under intense scrutiny from an ever negative press tomorrow morning for a mistake that gifted Clint Dempsey an equalizer for the States. It is the nature of his position that his one and only mistake is punished. Ledley King twice allowed America’s Onyewu a free header from crosses but his mistake went unpunished. John Terry twice allowed Jozy Altidore a free header in the box that went unpunished. And perhaps most fatally of all, Emile Heskey missed two glorious chances to score for England yet his mistakes have been papered over by Green’s blunder.

The enquiry will begin as to what went wrong for England. Was Green’s mistake really to blame for a failure to hit the ground running or does Fabio’s decision to replace Milner with Wright-Phillips instead of Joe Cole, offer more acuter justification? Should Darren Bent have been in the side to score a brace rather than sitting in his Durham flat watching 4,000 miles away? You may think I am labouring the point about Heskey a little too much, but for all his good play against Watford’s Jay Demerit, this was the scenario we all fearer wasn’t it? Heskey one-on-one in the World Cup finals but fluffing the shot. I say it again, given the season Darren Bent just had; do you not think he would have put that ball in the back of the net? And for those of you that argue bringing Heskey is not for him to score, I ask you to justify that? Are you seriously content to sit idly by as Heskey continues to get chance after chance for England but fails to score every time? Or would you prefer to accommodate two strikers both of whom can score to ensure victory? The choice is yours but by now, my feelings on Heskey are plain. Yes he held the ball up well and spread it nicely, but he was also caught offside needlessly 5 times, breaking up our flow and he missed two sitters.

What will come as the biggest disappointment was the performance of Wayne Rooney. I felt extremely sorry for the Manchester United striker tonight who was repeatedly fouled. Demerit and Onyewu could have quite easily been sent off for persistant fouling on the England front man, but given Rooney’s reputation, he failed to receive the proper protection from the card-happy match official.

When the inquests are finished, it is Fabio who must answer for his crimes. The truth is however; I am not overly concerned there is much to be wary of. The USA offered little threat. Of course, in a World Cup game you would expect them to force one or two chances but England were never in danger of losing the game to a lacklustre North American side. I previously wrote of England’s ability to prepare for their habitual injury and rushes of blood. Well now they have also had their habitual goalkeeping howler. The difference this time however, is that the mistakes, injuries and wrong-decisions, have all come in the opening 90minutes of games – a far better scenario then in the Quarterfinals of the semi-finals.

I say it once again, in Fabio we trust, and in South Africa 2010, dare to dream!


Gavin Callaghan

Germany v Australia Preview

With all the injuries Germany have suffered in the build up to this tournament now is the time for Germany to show how they are going to cope. Will the likes of Mesut Oezil or Bastian Schweinsteiger take on Ballacks role and be the focal point of the team. Or without there inspirational leader will the team be directionless. Australia is a good test for Germany they are a good team but not exceptional and this match will be a good barometer of Germany’s chances of success in the tournament.

Australia’s chances of progressing to the next round will not rest on this match. However they will still want to win. If they can take Germany’s scalp it will be a massive confidence boost. In Tim Cahill they have a quality player who is very dangerous in the air from set pieces, which may be the Socceroos best chance of scoring.

Prediction Germany 2-1 Australia

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Chris Guest

“Four, Four, F*****g, Two.”

So this is it. 4 years in the waiting. Only two a decade, the first on the African continent. The showcase event of the world’s most poetic language. The beautiful games’ most coveted award. It is quite simply the World Cup Finals 2010.

As the buzz of excitement sweeps across England and the rest of the world, Steven Gerrard and his teammates are preparing to enter the most crucial battle of their professional lives.

Take a look around at the St George’s Flags on cars, in windows, strapped to garage doors and hanging proudly from homemade flagpoles in peoples gardens right the way through to the England flag flying high over Downing Street despite this incumbent residents lack of any footballing knowledge. Drive past the local beer gardens in your area and delight at the sight of red and white England tops, men and women of all ages and sizes sporting the world-famous three lions on their shirt.

Forget having to wait years, months, fortnights, weeks or days, we are now just hours away from England’s entrance onto the biggest stage of all. So with the talking about to stop and the action ready to commence, the final decisions of Fabio Capello and his backroom staff will be looked at with even acuter intensity. Mike Bassett, England Manager was a superb piece of cinematography and highlighted one of the age-old traditions in English football; the Three Lions will always play “Four, Four, F*****g, Two.” Yet if we are to break with the other seemingly English tradition of losing in the Quarter-final stages, then perhaps England will have to abandon the tactic, and opt for the more European style of football commonly deployed in the Barclays Premier League this season of 4-3-3.

Now for anyone who frequents themselves with my articles, or as they were referred to this week as “useless drivel,” then you will be aware that not everyone in England agrees with me that England need to change their ways. Of course, for the Heskey lovers amongst us 4-4-2 is the worst possible scenario because the already useless striker would be even more useless as he would be totally surplus to requirements. Why can’t England change it up and play the likes of Spain, Argentina, and Brazil at their own game.

The tournament in South Africa is only 2 games old, but already we have witnessed the 1998 winners and 2006 finalists France, who were dyer, in truth. If England can raise their game, try something different and be brave, maybe 2010 can see Fabio Capello return to the land of hope and glory covered in stardom.

Gavin Callaghan

South Korea v Greece - LIVE

Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay

Time: 12.30pm


South Korea take on Greece tomorrow in the first game of the day. Argentina are by far the best team in the group B and should sail through in 1st place. So, South Korea and Greece will be vying for second place, along with Nigeria. The game will probably be tight and cagey, as both teams aren't the most adventurous.

Prediction: South Korea 1-0 Greece


Watch the game live in high quality flash at - http://www.flashsportstreams.com/forum/

Ant Myers

Group F

Group F contains the holding Champions Italy, and interestingly they have appeared in more World Cup Finals than the other three Group F sides combined.

Those other three teams are Slovakia, New Zealand and Paraguay, and it is the Paraguayans who are deemed as the side to pose most of a threat to Italy, having qualified from the South American qualification group ahead of World Cup front runners Argentina.

The Italians have a World Cup headache to contend with before they kick off their campaign against Paraguay on Monday. With Andrea Pirlo injured with a calf strain, manager Marcelo Lippi will be seeking a replacement for a player who is integral in the Italian system. However the Azzurri are expected to have too much for their group opponents and qualification to the knock out rounds should be assured for the nation who have played more World Cup football than any other.

Their first opponents Paraguay have prepared thoroughly, and recently comfortably disposed of Greece with a 2-1 victory. Lucas Barrios has hit the ground running since his first appearance for the Paraguayans. The Argentina born striker has scored 3 times in as many games since taking Paraguayan citizenship in order to play in South Africa and his form will give manager Gerardo Martino great belief leading into their campaign.

Slovakia are outsiders in the group, and incidentally they are playing in their first World Cup finals since they became Slovakia, as previously they had been Czechoslovakia, who had qualified eight times. They topped their qualifying group, ahead of Slovenia and the Czech Republic. They have some quality players, including Liverpool centre back Martin Skrtel and captain Marek Hamsik. Napoli's creative midfielder has been linked with a big money move to the Premiership in recent weeks. Don't rule the Slovaks out who have a real chance of qualifying for the knock out rounds should other sides slip up.

New Zealand, who interestingly are the opposite to the Country's famous rugby side in the way that they play in all white, are appearing in only their second World Cup finals but Ryan Nelsen and company are not expected to have a substantial effect on the group, with the All Whites expected to finish bottom of Group F.

Fixtures

14th June

Italy VS Paraguay (Cape Town) Prediction: 2-1

15th June

New Zealand VS Slovakia (Rustenburg) Prediction: 0-1

20th June

Slovakia VS Paraguay (Manguang/Bloemfontein) Prediction: 1-2

Italy VS New Zealand (Nelspruit) Prediction: 2-0

24th June

Slovakia VS Italy (Johannesburg) Prediction: 1-1

Paraguay VS New Zealand (Polokwane) Prediction: 2-1

Paul Seed

One to Watch: Yoann Gourcuff

Many young, French footballers have been prematurely hyped as the next Zidane over the last decade. Among them, Yoann Gourcuff is probably the one with the greatest chance of living up to the title. The supertalent moved from Rennes to Milan at a young age, where he failed to make a big impression. After two years of mostly subsititute appearances, he was loaned back to France and Bordeaux for the 08/09 season. No one expected him to take off the way he did, not in the least Milan who had offered the French club a buy-out clause of €15M. Gourcuff produced 13 goals and 14 assists from an offensive role in the center of midfield in his first season at Bordeaux, which earned him the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award. He quickly established himself for the French national team, and became a favourite of Domenech's.

Gourcuff's main attributes are his incredible touch on the ball and his vision and range of passing. Coupled with an ability to score goals, it's easy to see the similarities with Zidane. Also being a tireless worker, Bordeaux didn't have to think hard when they opted to meet Milan's buy-out clause. Gourcuff was hyped as the next big thing in French football ahead of the 09/10 season, but this time he had a harder time living up to the high expectations. He started off well, as Bordeaux looked dead set for a second consective title, topping the Ligue 1 table comfortably as the first half of the season progressed. Even more impressive were Gourcuff's and Bordeaux's performance in the Champions League, where they won their group ahead of Bayern and Juventus. But as Bordeaux hit a wall and sunk like a stone during the second half, finishing 6th, incredibly 14 points behind Marseille, and were knocked out in the quarter final of the Champions League to French rivals Lyon, Gourcuff went missing with the rest of his team. He also ceased to stand out in a French national team that struggled to qualify for the World Cup.

Whether Gourcuff can find his form again is critical to France's chances of doing well in South Africa, or even just advancing from their competitive group. Domenech put alot of faith in him when he excluded Nasri from the French squad, leaving Gourcuff as their only central playmaker. But even if he fails to perform at this World Cup, under Domenech's dubious guidance, we shouldn't dismiss the young midfielder, as he has all the attributes to become a main player in world football in the future.



G. Lindström

South Africa 1 - 1 Mexico - match facts

Group A South Africa 1 - 1 Mexico

Tshabalala (55) Marquez (79)

Shots on-target 3 3

Shots off-target 6 8

Corners 4 5

Offsides 4 6

Yellow Cards 2 2

Red Cards 0 0

Possession 35% 65%

All Square in Opening Game

Bafana Bafana drew their first game 1-1 with Mexico today. The host nation sent their fans into raptures when Siphiwe Tshabalala's ferocious strike arrowed in to the top corner on 55 minutes. It was a goal worthy to win any World Cup match. Mexico were superb in the first half and deserved to be leading at half time. They started the second half slowly and lacked the fluidity they had in the first half.

After conceding they respond well, the introductions of the experienced Cuahtemoc Blanco and the lively Andres Guardado, sparked more creativity. In the 79th minute it was Guardado's cross that found Rafael Marquez who stuck the ball past Khune in goal. The vuvuzelas were distinctly silenced when the Mexicans equalised. It was a great curtain raiser, colour and pride streamed through Soccer City, a great day for Africa and the world.

Star man: Giovani Dos Santos. His direct running and pace caused South Africa problems all game.



Ant Myers

Argentina v Nigeria Preview

With the players that Argentina have at their disposal you’d be forgiven for expecting this to be a comfortable win for them. However, after a very poor qualifying campaign which saw them leave it until the last game to seal their place in South Africa, the Argentineans aren’t looking as powerful as they once were.

Having used 107 players during the qualifying campaign, yes that’s right 107, Argentina are more like individuals than a team which may work against them in the World Cup. Though in fairness to Argentina, what a fantastic group of individuals they have; Messi, Tevez, Higuain, Aguero – all good attacking players.

Nigeria also have some quality in the attacking positions through Martins, Yakubu and the crafty Kanu. Both sides will be going for the win in the opening game of Group B which will hopefully give us a nice open game with plenty of goals, though don’t be surprised to see a nervy display lacking in excitement.

Although Nigeria have a strong squad I feel Argentina will have too much skill and ability for the Nigerians to handle.

Watch the game live in high quality flash at - http://www.flashsportstreams.com/forum/


Carl Leighton

Group C

Teams:
England
USA
Algeria
Slovenia

The good thing about Group C is that it is quite an open group. Don’t be fooled by the average man on the street or the English media, England aren’t as strong as they are made out to be. There’s no getting away from the fact that England have a good side, no team can go through qualification suffering only one defeat if they don’t have some class about them.

The squad, as always, has no real surprises to it – though how Joe Cole managed to get a seat on the plane after so little playing time is quite incredible.

After a great deal of progress the Americans now have a side which, if they aren’t taken seriously, could quite easily cause an upset or two through their campaign.

With plenty of household names in their squad such as; Tim Howard of Everton, Fulham’s Clint Dempsey and AC Milan’s Oguchi Onyewu – who has recently announced he will play next season for free - the US boast experience and flare in their squad.

The Algerian squad also features some well known names in European football; Karim Ziani of Wolfsburg, Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra and one of their star players, Nadir Belhadj are all players to be on the lookout for.

Algeria are another side which may look like an easy opponent to some but they certainly won’t be; they are strong at the back and through Ziani and Mourad Mehni, have a spark going forward. Though of course this is the World Cup, there won’t be any games which can be described as being ‘easy’.

Slovenia are the fourth and final team in Group C and are the underdogs of the group. West Brom’s Robert Koren will provide attacking flare in a side which scored 18 times on the road to qualification, conceding only four which is an impressive return and shows they are strong at the back.
Although Slovenia did well in qualifying, the group may just be a little bit too tough for them to get out of.

Final Standings Prediction
It’s as you were for this group I feel, with England leading the group. The US and Algeria will battle fiercely for second spot, though I think the United States will have enough to clinch second place.

Carl Leighton

Group B -Predictions and Preview

1^st Argentina

2^nd Nigeria

3^rd Greece

4^th South Korea

Although some people might say this group is not very interesting it has the possibility of being one of the most interesting. It has a team which should easily walk the group (but might not) followed by 3 other teams who are closely matched and any of them could achieve second place.

First-Argentina, a lot of people see Messi, Tevez, Aguero, Higuain and think Argentina will have no problems. The problem they have is these are all forwards and Argentina are not so strong at the other end of the pitch. In Maradonna they have one of the greatest players ever but hes not as great manager. He has used over 100 players during a less than stellar qualifying campaign. With the talent he has its very questionable if he has the tactical awareness and man management to maximize his team’s potential. I think they will still top the group but would not be surprised if they have at least 1 match where things do not go there way.

Second - Nigeria are playing in there home continent which should spur them on. However it could also provide a huge amount of pressure to perform which the Super Eagles could flourish or flounder under. They came 3^rd in the African cup of nations whereas Ivory Coast who are much more fancied in this tournament could only reach the quarter finals. They are a very physical, quick and fit team who on there day could be trouble for anyone. They have a real chance of achieving second place; it will depend on how they handle the pressure and if they keep there discipline.

Third - Greece play only one way, they get a massive blue and white double decker bus and park it directly in front of their goal then counter attack.at times it can be very boring to watch but it can also be very effective. They proved this by winning EURO 2004. When they do concede and have to change their style of play to chase the game they can struggle. The Greeks could frustrate an Argentinean side who might find it difficult to score which could then lead to a loss of discipline and a shock result. Greece could lose every game or win every game by 1 goal, though more than likely losing more than they win. They shocked us in 2004 they could shock us all again.

Fourth – South Korea, gone are the glory days of Guss Hiddink and a tournament on home soil. They have Park Ji-Sung, who is so popular that in famous shaving adverts which include Tiger Woods, Roger Federer and Thierry Henry, Henry is replaced by Park Ji-Sung in South Korea. They have a few other capable players but probably not enough to reach second place but enough to cause the other teams problems. I think if they do reach second it will be more a case of other teams under performing.

Chris Guest