Germany Versus England; June 27th , 2010

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Germany Versus England; 

Mangaung/Bloemfontein - Free State Stadium 

June 27^th , 2010

A great first half and a flop show in the second – only this can be said about the match. First half was brilliant attacking play by both teams, creating magnificent chances and scoring too. Klose scored a strikers goal, keeping off defender, controlling the ball while not losing the momentum and the shooting it past the goal keeper. It was the goal of the match. Second goal by Pudolski was equally good, but that goal was a mistake by James. He should have stopped it at this level. As usual Steven Gerard led the attack, and set up a brilliant cross to Upson for England, and brought down the goal difference to unity. Attack by England, and a brilliant 'goal' by Lampard, a ball which hit the top bar and went inside, only to come out to the hands of Never. England denied the goal(a la Geoff Hurst goal in '66) and no one protested. FIFA should be ashamed of this. England should have been given a fighting chance(was there one?). 

Half time whistle, and team was greeted by a tattooed 'legend', who is one of the person whom I don't like, mildly put. What the team decided at half time is anybody's guess – to attack blindly against a brilliantly counter attacking (remember blitzkrieg, anyone?) German team. They paid the price for such a tactical blunder, Mueller scored twice against a zero defense. As usual Lampard hit the post. This guy is not understanding that it is not a dart board, you have to put the ball inside the net. Though I liked the precision in that shot, after another free kick Lampard started complaining about the wall, or something, while Ze Germans went for a counter attack and Mueller coolly put one inside. Within a space of ten minutes, another goal, same guy, same mistake, albeit a missed free kick to woe upon. It is 4-1 and any one can second guess the outcome. 

Rooney was pathetic. Where is the brilliance he shows in EPL? I hate to say that a Red carded Rooney is better than a goalless one. Capello did some mistakes in substitution. Joe Cole should have been brought earlier, and Shawn Wright-Phillips. There was serious pace missing in the left flank for England. This golden generation of English team should have played better. I feel sorry for Gerard, who was in tears after the match. Is it the ego which does not allow the English team to be motivated by him? I did hope this team of opposing talents in leagues(even Spain and Italy fares better than English) would forge something for their nation. Well, still it is only leagues that the 'fans' can say to support the so called greatness of players and 'toughness' of the format. In the end of 90 plus 4 minutes of play, a better team won the game.

On lighter note, it was good to see girls, and really beautiful ones too, wearing Black, Red and Gold and The Cross of St. George on faces side by side, cheering even when they know one of their teams will go down, while other will be rejoicing. It was the best sight of the match, far better than any of the goals ;)

Germany 4(Klose, Pudolski, Mueller[2]) – England 1(Upson)

England V/s U.S.A; Royal Bafokeng Stadium, June 12, 2010

Image by Wha'ppen via Flickr

The second match of second day between inter continental rivals England and USA finished with scoreline as expected, and goals – unexpected. First half started with a great goal by Steven Gerard, running in to a through pass from Heskey. A goal which left US one down, but as seen in all other areas, US never fail to try. They try for goal even with weakest of shots, one of which found a way past a green keeper. A shame of a goal, for all eyes to see this would be a sore sight. A routine stop, by any international keeper, was fumbled and put inside the goal post by Green. Dempsey did it good to shoot it straight. And the expressions on faces of English, well, a great sight to watch. David Beckham had the look of millennium. A match not worth mentioning even, but watched it only because of Steven Gerard. USA was a better team all the way, I loved the way Cherundelo and Donovan controlled the ball, and game. The English defense under Terry was mediocre, Lampard was unimaginative and Rooney subdued. I do not worry about Rooney, he is a match winner, the Nike ad shows perfectly the mind of Rooney. And as my good friend said, England sucks as a team(reason for his bias being Argentina... and mine, they don't play with passion). The second half substitution was better. I think Carragher should have been in starting eleven. Capello does everything correct, but what can he do if the players under him does not do what is asked, even the simplest of tasks, like collecting with both arms and body behind the ball. Lennon was running all over the right wing with a feeble ending, and in the end switched wings with same effect. Heskey is better, fitter and maybe a winner for Capello. Even though he should have scored with that right foot, only to wonder whether he thought that Howard was like Green? The US team has lots better to offer. Bradley, Jr is a good player. Onyewu is one of those players who might be a revelation in this world cup. And they fight really well. I love the American spirit.