The most significant ninety minutes in English football’s recent history on Wednesday was followed by the bitter pill of a late American goal that means in their last 16 game tomorrow, England will meet Germany in the World Cup. Again.
The ecstasy and relief at the final whistle of the Slovenia game was marred by the frustration, a few minutes after, of the late American goal which ensured they qualified as group winners. Worse still, England now play tomorrow afternoon, whereas the US will line up prime time tonight. The only positive is that England will have longer between the Slovenia match, and the German showdown, to recover.
All things considered, I am in hindsight quite satisfied with how England progressed from the group stage. 1-1 against the US in the first game was no disaster, even if a goal after four minutes had raised hopes of an opening game demolition. There was however, an unshakeable nagging of disappointment after that encounter, and I am sure every England fan felt sure we would make Algeria pay for the initial setback.
The match against the Algerians though, was quite simply the worst footballing display I have ever witnessed at a World Cup. The writing was on the wall from the moment Frank Lampard’s misplaced pass in the opening few seconds landed at Algerian feet. This set the tone for the rest of the game, as we endured a display of woeful passing, lacklustre shooting, and such a lack of invention and cohesion as I have never before witnessed.
As painful as it was however, this match provided the necessary kick in the nether regions that the team evidently needed. The barrage of criticism was, for once, totally justified, and the players and Fabio Capello knew they were on the verge of an embarrassing failure in a tournament many believed we could go far in.
The transformation in the Slovenia game almost represented reincarnation. Although, as always with England, there were a few heart-in-mouth moments, the spirit and desire was evident for all to see; a joyous refreshment following the impotent display against Algeria.
I firmly believe we will beat the Germans. They are not like the German teams of old, who literally had no weaknesses. Granted, Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski could cause us problems, but I believe their inspirational captain Philip Lahm, although experienced, is vulnerable to pace.
England have also shown progression, starting slowly, shakily even, but finishing the group in a way that suggests things are just starting to come together. Germany however, like Argentina four years ago, started explosively, only to have their confidence jarred by Serbia’s resilience. Their 1-0 victory over Ghana was not particularly convincing either, and I think England will be marginal favourites when the two meet tomorrow afternoon in Bloemfontein.
I expect Wayne Rooney to explode into form in the knockout stages. He is like an angry bear just emerging from hibernation. He was still a little lethargic against the Slovenians, but his roar is just around the corner. Rooney to score both in a 2-1 England win.
By Mike Dicker
TweetLike this article? Please like The Football Blog on Facebook:
its time we have players who want to play for england for free not for moneythats why we will never win the world cup because all they think about is money not the pride of the shirt .that was the worst team i have ever seen in a england shirt .players over paid think about all the fans who went and paid because they love there country not like the players .time for a new team who want to wear the shirt for pride not money. the fa need to do something fast .england against germany sunday 27th june 2010 4-1 the team should be stripped and rebuilt .