At the 2006 World Cup Germany
threw off the chains of decades of highly effective but mind-numbing play to become
one of the most entertaining teams in the tournament. Today they reverted to old habits and
produced an uninspiring but all the same, winning performance.
Apart from both coaches
being sent to the stands the only memorable moment of the first forty-five
minutes was a miss by Gomez of Kanuesque proportions. Klose fed him a pass that
put him in front of an open goal and no more than four yards out.
Gomez contrived
to sand wedge the ball up in the air and as it spun towards the goal an
Austrian defender recovered and headed clear unchallenged. Surely the miss of
the tournament.
It is no secret that Gomez is struggling badly but it is to the point that it is cruel and unusual punishment to keep him on the field. Lowe apparently likes a more physical forward up front with Klose and that has been one of the reasons to pull Podolski deeper into midfield.
However, the Podolski move has compounded the problem because the Bayern Munich player has fitted in nicely in midfield while also scoring goals. Sticking with Gomez in the next round would be a vote of confidence bordering on the foolhardy.
Fritz and Frings (sounds like a Vegas lounge act) both had nightmare games and were constantly battling to control passes and to find team mates. Any coordinated threat from
Germany in the first half came with Lahm and Podolski linking down the left
side. And it was through a surging run from Lahm that Germany took the lead just into the second half.
Ivanschitz
sliced down the little full back as he threatened to break into the penalty and
set up a free kick 30 yards out. The ball was touched to Ballack who thumped a
shot passed Macho and was still rising as it hit the back of the Austrian net. It
was the one moment of pure class throughout the entire ninety minutes.
As the game went on a lack
of telling passes in the last third of the field allowed both defences to remain
comfortably in control through weight of numbers. Although Austria continued to
push forward they just did not the conviction or skill to both manufacture and
take a chance that might have changed the flow of the game. Germany had a
number of chances on the counter but they often looked dazed and confused and
nothing came of the numerous opportunities.
Germany win ugly and move
on: Austria finishes above Poland but go out albeit having exceeded the low expectations.
Croatia 1-0 Poland
Ivan Klasnic scored what
must surely be the most personally emotional goal to maintain Croatia’s 100%
record. Klasnic who underwent kidney transplants in the last two years and still
fought his way back into the national team scored the only goal. Given that he
has also been released by his club Werder Bremen in Germany the goal will not
have gone unnoticed by teams looking for a proven striker.
Portugal vs. Germany on
Thursday; Croatia vs. Turkey on Friday.
Comment of the Day “The Austro-Swiss flop is the first in what may be a sequence of poor performances by host nations in European and world tournaments. World Cup 2010 hosts South Africa have slipped down the rankings in African football over the past few years and suffered another embarrassing defeat, away to Sierra Leone, in an African Nations Cup qualifier yesterday.
Even if they get a helpful draw in two years' time they may struggle to advance. In 2012, the European championship will be jointly staged by Ukraine, who have qualified for only one major tournament since gaining independence, and Poland who have disappointed at Euro 2008 just as they did at the last two World Cups.” – When Saturday Comes.
Prediction Update We have eleven posters with a 100% record (8 points from a possible 8) at the completion of Group A.
Matthew 21110, Anti-Madridista, Sleeper000, Sangria, Soundersfan, SMuAnNuNy, Genuisatwork, TBoone, Willisman, realmadrista123, and Milanfan21 all nailed the exact finishing positions.
However, we already know that no one will have a 100% record once group play is complete.
But given that the winners of Group B, C and D are already decided I can tell you that we have three posters who got all four group winners spot on. LHJS, Soundersfan and frenchies.
Looks as if Soundersfan is the one to beat. I’ll try to update at the conclusion of each group.
Tiebreaker In Canada TSN and Rogers Sportsnet are sharing the coverage of Euro 2008. It is just as well that they haven't had to pay each viewer a dollar every time they have gotten the tiebreaker rule wrong over the last five days.
The latest faux pas just before the start of Group A play yesterday when we were informed (paraphrased) that if the Czechs won big and Portugal lost big then the Czechs could finish top of Group A on goal difference.
CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying Yesterday’s later games brought another couple of surprise results. Trinidad and Tobago lost 2-1 at home to Bermuda while Haiti was held scoreless at home by Netherlands Antilles. The ####mp;T score potentially impacts the next round of games for the USA as the qualification format moves to three groups of four.
Canada opposition in the next stage is a mere formality. Honduras has already qualified while Mexico has a 2-0 lead to take home against Belize. Jamaica won 7-0 against the Bahamas and will surely move on. After this weekend’s results the idea that the next stage of qualifying might be prove to the biggest hurdle for Canada to clear has only been reinforced.
The results and the format to the next stage can be found by clicking on the link.
You can find the draw information by federation tucked away near the bottom right hand corner of the page . As I mentioned at the end of the show last night it is seems curious that UEFA seeding is based on the FIFA rankings from November 2007.
Concacaf however, has opted to use May 2007 which is prior to this past summer’s Gold Cup. Anyone smell a rat? (Africa is using July 2007).
Country (May-Nov) Mexico 1-1 USA 2-2 Costa Rica 3-7 Honduras 4-3 Panama 5-5* Trinidad & Tobago 6-10 Jamaica 7-12 Cuba 8-8 Haiti 9-5* Guatemala 10-13 Canada 11-4 Guyana 12-11 St Vincent & Gren. 13-9
* tied for 5th. (Should the tie breaker not have been the respective penalty kick shoot out records?)
I’ve never put any credence into the FIFA World rankings but if there are to be used for seeding purposes surely then the most current version should be used.
Nicky Campbell delves into the vaults for the story of Joe Baker. One of the comments mentions that Joe’s brother Gerry played for the USA. Something I thought the writer would have mentioned. Joe Baker was a legend at Hibs and scored 42 goals in the 1959/60 season.
The Stevens’ Inquiry looks to moving to the arrest and charges stage.
And to this weekend’s football.
Gillette Stadium is host to a triple header on Saturday with two Gold Cup quarter finals (Canada vs. Guatemala and USA vs. Panama) and New England Revolution vs. Columbus Crew in MLS.
Traditionally Canada has found goals difficult to come by but are scoring on a regular basis at the moment. In Guatemala they face a country that they have only ever lost to twice in their history – 11 games in all. However, on both occasions the losses were costly. In World Cup 2006 qualifying Canada lost 2-0 at home in the first game of the semi final round robin group stage. Canada did pull off a notable 1-0 win in the return fixture but the opening game loss was devastating.
Back in 1988 Guatemala inflicted on Canada their worst ever win!! Sound strange then let me explain. The two countries were drawn against each other in an early stage of qualifying with the winners moving on to the group stage. Two years earlier Canada had made it to the World Cup Finals in Mexico and was favourite to beat Guatemala.
Guatemala won 1-0 at home and the return was at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, British Columbia. My recollection is that the game was at least partially played in a downpour and Guatemala led 2-0 at half time. Although Canada came back (Ian Bridge and now soon to be national team coach Dale Mitchell with 2) and won 3-2 they went out on the away goals rule.
You may remember that Mexico was suspended for the 1990 World Cup for using ineligible players in age group competitions and the USA – courtesy of Paul Caligiuri’s goal against Trinidad and Tobago – went to Italy representing CONCACAF together with Costa Rica. In those days I think it is fair to say that Canada got the better of the US more times than not. The defeat to Guatemala and with it, a possible chance to return to the World Cup Finals, coincided with the second season of the fledgling Canadian Soccer League.
Given that a number of the national team players played in the CSL a successful World Cup qualifying campaign might have been enough to provide the new league with some traction. As it was the league died a lingering death and was deceased before the 1994 World Cup was held in the United States. In my opinion the loss to Guatemala was a pivotal moment in Canadian soccer history and one that I would suggest it has yet to fully recover from.
The USA picked up the pace against El Salvador and has now scored seven goals in three matches. The goals have come from six different players with DaMarcus Beasley notching a double on Tuesday. Despite some reports to the contrary there is no indication that Rangers have in fact signed the American winger from PSV Eindhoven. In the second quarter final the 2005 Gold Cup Final will be repeated with Panama providing the opposition. Panama continues to grow in stature and should provide the USA with a stiff challenge.
After last weekend’s sensational finishes in La Liga it is probably unrealistic to think that there could be a repeat. However, with the title to be decided, UEFA Cup spots still in doubt and four teams trying to avoid the last two relegation spots you can bet that there is going to be drama somewhere.
The Spanish League has opted to split the final round of La Liga matches on Sunday into two batches. Generally the first group of games at 9:00 EST will decide the drop spots. (Celta Vigo v Getafe, Racing Santander v Real Betis, Valencia v Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao v Levante and Espanyol v Deportivo Coruna).
Four hours later the matches to decide the champion club and UEFA Cup qualification will kick-off. (Gimnastic v Barcelona, Osasuna v Atletico Madrid, Sevilla v Villarreal, Real Madrid v Real Mallorca and Recreativo Huelva v Real Zaragoza).
It is extremely likely that the tie breaker rule will need to be used to decide final placements. So here for your ready reference is the rule. 1. Most points obtained in the games between the teams in question 2. Goal difference in the games between the teams in question 3. Goals scored in the games between the teams in question 4. Goal difference in all league games.
There are another three criteria but given the standings it the first four should suffice. At the top of the table there appears to be the following permutations. Real Madrid wins the league if they at least match the results of Barcelona and Sevilla. Real Madrid would also take the title if they drew as did Barcelona and Seville won. All three teams would finish on 74 points but Madrid would win based on a mini-league table.
Barcelona can win the league if they can produce a better result than Real Madrid even it was only a draw. In that situation Sevilla could win and tie with Barcelona on points but still lose on the head to head rule. The only way for Sevilla to win the league is for both Barcelona and Real Madrid to lose and Sevilla to win or for Real Madrid to draw, Barcelona to lose and Sevilla to win. That would leave Sevilla and Real Madrid tied at the first three levels but Sevilla would win on a better league goal difference.
Sevilla has the least chance of winning and they have to play a rampant Villarreal side that has won their last seven league games and now sit in fifth spot. However, Sevilla has a cracking record against Villarreal and have only lost twice in the last 13 head-to-head meetings.
Barcelona is at already relegated Gimnastic and would seem to be a banker bet to win. That leaves Real Madrid in the poll position. Unless you have been asleep under a rock it will be the final game in Madrid colours (if white is a colour) for David Beckham. The same goes for Roberto Carlos. A final game win would be a remarkable triumph for a Madrid side that for most of the season played quite poorly.
However, it would also mark an incredible season for Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Van Nistelrooy has scored in seven consecutive matches equaling a club record set by Hugo Sanchez. He has scored 25 league goals and is one behind the current Golden Shoe leader Francesco Totti who has completed the Serie A season.
Should Madrid stumble on the final day of the season it will not be the first time in recent memory. In 1992 and 1993 Real Madrid lost their final game of the season at Tenerife and allowed Barcelona to take the title.
At the wrong end of the table four teams are fighting to escape the two remaining relegation spots. Real Sociedad (34 points), Celta Vigo (36), Athletic Bilbao (37) and Real Betis (37) are involved in a fight to the end. There are so many possible permutations it drives you nuts trying to come up with them – I know I have tried. Suffice to say that Real Sociedad (away to Valencia) is in the most difficult position, followed by Celta Vigo (home to Getafe) and Athletic Bilbao (home to Levante). Bilbao has never been relegated but they are cutting it mighty close this season.
Real Betis is in the best position and cannot be relegated as long as they at least match Athletic Bilbao’s result. In most of the possible tie situations Real Betis holds an advantage although they would lose out if they finished equal with Real Sociedad alone. In the event of a four way tie then the mini-table would be Real Betis (10), Real Sociedad (9), Celta Vigo (8) and Athletic Bilbao (5). Celta and Athletic would be relegated.
realmadridcffan - 1. Do you know how the aggregate away rule to decide two legged ties started and what do you think of it? I kind of like it because it rewards good road play and punishes sloppy home play.
2. What did you think of the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup draw? Do you see any surprises coming up for this edition of the 2007 Gold Cup?
3. What do you think has been the key to Manchester United's excellent form this year? Manchester United has actually been quite a surprise this year in the EPL, considering not that many people where picking them to be leading the premiership at this time.
Bobby – 1. In 1967/68 the away goals rule was used to decide first round ties only in the European Cup. The away goals rule was brought into full use for the 1968/69 European Cup and from there it was extended to other tournaments. Real Madrid were the first team that season to go out of the competition because of the rule – they lost to Rapid Vienna. Before that replays had been used and then a coin toss was brought in. The coin toss remained an option for a number of seasons when the away goals rule was not a factor. In one famous game Celtic and Benfica exchanged 3-0 results and Celtic won the coin toss twice – the first to decide who got to call and the second the actual deciding toss. Celtic went on the European Cup Final that season but lost to Feyenoord in extra time.
2. I like the fact that guest teams are no longer involved. If you are going to have a regional tournament then that is what it should be. Having said that I still dream that the day will come when we will be able to enjoy a full blown Copa America with CONCACAF and COMNEBOL teams involved – however, I am not holding my breath on that one. With three teams qualifying from two of the groups it reduces the chances of a surprise. A couple of countries I will be watching for. ####mp;T – can they build on their WC showing or will they go into decline ala Jamaica post 98 given that the team is quite old. The other is Panama. They’ve turned out a couple of good age group sides in the last few years and they did push the USA all the way two years ago.
3. A number of factors have combined to make it a great season for United. The four I would pick out would be the reemergence of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes – absolutely outstanding performances - and Ronaldo becoming a world class player. The other the drive and single mindedness of Alex Ferguson.
Henry14 - 1. What happens if Watford lose in the FA final or win it and then relegated, will they play in Europe
2. ESPN pundits seem to feel Eto'o will move where do you see him going and why?
3. What are Wenger's chances of getting N'Zogbia from Newcastle
4. What do you think were Arsenal's problems and what do you think can be the solution so that they are (up with?) United and Chelsea next season.
Bobby – 1. Either way they will compete in the UEFA Cup as long as the team they lose to – if they lose – have already qualified for either the Champions League or UEFA Cup.
2. I don’t think Eto’o will move. Take into consideration that the manager will likely leave and the new boss isn't going to want to dump Eto'o - in my opinion.
3. Arsenal have been linked with N’Zogbia for a while but I thought I read that he signed a new contract with Newcastle. Of course, that doesn’t mean he can’t or won’t move but it would certainly cast some doubt over a possibile transfer.
4. Arsenal are not experiencing anything that a bit more experience will not fix. I said at the start of the season that this was a transition year. Third or fourth place in the Premiership will make a relatively successful season.
Buffytvs - Re the last but one comment on Woodgate: when we did our picks before the EPL season started, I called Middlesbrough for the drop. That was before the tfr window closed, and they brought in Woodgate, who has made am enormous difference. Without him, I think they would be in deep trouble. So... this coming year, can we make the deadline for the picks AFTER the tfr window?
Bobby – I will consider a change in timing for next season’s picks. I looked up everyone’s picks and only two of 70 picked Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool as a 1-2-3 finish – no one is sitting with 1-4 right let alone 1-5. As far as relegation is concerned 6 from 70 have picked two of the three teams presently occupying the bottom three slots. No one picked all three. Interestingly only two people picked WHU to finish in the bottom three and nobody picked them as the season’s potentially biggest disappointment.
Venti Vidi Vici - Whatever happened to all the Man Utd fans/shareholders who so fiercely opposed the Glazier takeover, and I think even established a new non-league MU team?? Has the club's recent performances on and off the field temporarily shut them up, or have they given up and apologized?
Bobby – The team is growing and prospering. Here is their website. Time will tell whether they are right or wrong but from my vantage point I still cannot see how the Glazer family is going to be able to have the club service the debt level without affecting the on field product. And before someone jumps in with the Arsenal example it is something very different. United is the equivalent of consumption debt – non productive debt – while Arsenal is investment debt where an asset has been purchased that increases revenue.
Verbal 97 - Anyway, do you think that the replays for Man United and Chelsea hurt their chances in the quarterfinal matches against Roma and Valencia? It certainly isn't ideal. Also, can Man United cope without Larsson with Saha and Solksjaer injured?
Bobby – I think the replays are more likely to hurt England (game against Israel on March 24 in Euro qualifiers) than Chelsea and Manchester United. It will however be interesting to see the teams that United and Chelsea put out against Bolton and Sheffield United this weekend. United have got goals from 15 different players in the Premiership this year so I think they can overcome the problem until Saha returns at the end of this month – supposedly.
Gunner 44 - Do you think it will be smart of Barcelona to sell Eto'o, I mean the guy has been amazing for them and he has one bad season and now they want to sell him? For me this is the problem with football nowadays too many rushed decisions are been made, even Ferguson mentioned this in an article I read a couple of weeks ago that managers and players need to be given time to build themselves before they are sacked.
Bobby – I would be very surprised if Barcelona decides to sell Eto’o. I would agree that fans patience seems to be getting less and less. It seems to me that years ago supporters understood that it took time for a player to adapt to a new team. Now a player has to be an instant success even though they may be experiencing a new culture and having to learn a new language. It took Drogba two seasons to show his real stuff . How many Chelsea fans are willing to admit that they wrote him off as a bad investment during the first 18 months or so.
Gongatore - Last week you thought that if it was down to Barca selling Ronaldinho or Eto'o, you thought they would not get rid of Eto'o. That is kind of interesting. Do you think R is burned out from last season or do you really think he is losing steps and defenders read him better? Also what do you think of Roma's chances against Manu in the CL? Wouldn't it be nice to see a different side win? Let's face it Roma plays a terrific style of ball.
Bobby – If it was down to Ronaldinho or Eto’o I would sell Ronaldinho. That doesn’t mean that he is burnt out or finished just that I think Eto’o would be more difficult to replace. Ronaldinho is just about to turn 27 and he will be a great player for some years to come. Roma worry me in that they have terrific players who have largely underperformed in Europe for years - I wonder if they might be the CL surprise team this year.
Henry14 - My list of the best strikers in the world when fit are 1 Eto’o 2 Klose 3 Henry 4 Drogba 5 lmbrahimovich My top 5 defenders are 1 Cannavaro 2 Nesta 3 Chivhu 4 Calvhahlio 5 Gallas What is your list of five best strikers and defenders?
Bobby – Strikers when fit 1. Eto’o, 2. Drogba 3. Henry 4. Villa 5. Klose.
HatrickVieira - Considering the injuries at Arsenal, do you think a tactical O'Neil and an inspired Carew can silence the Gunners? Additionally, how 'bout posting your predictions for weekly EPL fixtures, I am sure we would all enjoy a comparison and don't mind your "overanalyzation".. regardless of what Jeremy thinks!
Bobby – I would be picking a draw for Aston Villa and Arsenal. With Villa’s record this season it is hardly a outrageous pick. As for ongoing predictions I explained before that I don’t want it to become a prediction blog. However, the weekend preview blog last Friday seemed to fairly well received so I will try to post something every Friday – and maybe make a prediction now again for big games and/or possible surprises – so everyone has a chance to post pre and post game thoughts.
Bigdave disaster - You didn’t talk about the Celtic Milan game on the show and I was wondering what your thoughts were? (and not just if you think it was a penalty on Naka because your sane and you would have to think so, still bitter I thought we stole it from a better side with grit hard work and a bit of luck and a goal post or two)
Bobby – A brave show from Celtic but in the end just not up to the standard needed to get the better of Milan. It looked like a penalty to me and here was also the Maldini handball. But by all accounts Milan were clearly the better side.
You find out very quickly that there is no group quite as quick as the David Beckham Fan Club to react to any slight to their hero. Some months ago, when I wrote that Beckham would be unlikely to make the 2008 European Championship let alone the next World Cup I received some “enlightened feedback.”
The more “sensible” comments ranged from “Beckham would still be the same player in four years time” to “he would have a new role in the centre of the England midfield as a defensive midfield player.” The other comments – you don’t want to know.
However, earlier today Steve McClaren effectively ended Beckham’s England career at age 31 and after 94 caps, by omitting him from the squad to play Greece in a friendly. By acting now McClaren has made an astute decision. McClaren knows that he would have had to make this decision sooner rather than later and by opting for sooner he has sent a message that he is not Sven II.
The call to drop Beckham during the World Cup was, in my opinion, undeserved given that he was essentially the major difference in three games between a win and a draw – Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, Ecuador. The clamour to replace him with Aaron Lennon appeared to be more of a knee-jerk reaction to a couple of impressive substitute appearances by Lennon. After all coming off the bench and playing well against tiring sides is a different challenge than starting a game.
Perhaps Beckham became the lightning rod for criticism that should have been placed at Sven-Goran Eriksson’s door given his bizarre squad selection. However, the feelings engendered by Beckham with English fans have always been a bit fickle – no not fickle, extreme.
The highs – the winning free kick against Greece to take England to the 2002 World Cup and the penalty he dispatched to beat Argentina at the tournament. The lows – the petulant flick that earned him a red card against Argentina in 1998 and, as some would have it, his performance this past summer.
At the core of England’s fluctuating and seemingly inconsistent views on Beckham is his endless self-promotion and seeking of headlines. Even his tearful announcement at the World Cup that he would be stepping down as England captain was not his announcement to make. The captain is appointed by the manager and no player should think that he has the privilege to resign the position any more than he does to appoint himself captain.
With his international career now at an end, Beckham can now concentrate on his club football with Real Madrid. However, at the moment he is about to enter the last year of his contract at the Bernabeu and the self assured announcements from the end of last year of a contract extension are ringing rather hollow. How long before the MLS seriously beckons Beckham?
McClaren’s first squad is as follows. Goalkeeper - Robinson (Tottenham), Kirkland (Liverpool), Foster (Man Utd); Defenders - Bridge (Chelsea), Brown (Man Utd), Carragher (Liverpool), A Cole (Arsenal), Dawson (Tottenham), Ferdinand (Man Utd), G Neville (Man Utd), P Neville (Everton), Terry (capt, Chelsea), Young (Charlton); Midfield - Downing (Middlesbrough), Gerrard (Liverpool), Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Jenas (Tottenham), Lampard (Chelsea), Lennon (Tottenham), Richardson (Man Utd), Wright-Phillips (Chelsea); Strikers - Ashton (West Ham), Bent (Charlton), Crouch (Liverpool), Defoe (Tottenham).
However, as the smoke clears on the Beckham decision we can surely expect to hear praise for the recall of Philip Neville can’t we?
You can see if ####mp;T is stil losing with 15 minutes left Sweden throwing a lot more players forward.
It looks as if Sweden understand how important it is to win this game - it doesn't look the same for England.
Rooney has faded after a bright start - testiment to his lack of game fitness. It's up to Steven Gerrard to do the jon now that he has replaced Rooney.
Over in the other game ####mp;T is losing 1-0 at half time on an own goal. It looks like it might be bad news for LA Galaxy fans as Cornell Glen has been carried off with an ankle injury. It might be a break.
You wonder if Sven's told Joe Cole to keep running the Swedish right side till he drops and the n bring on Stewart Downing.
Right against the run of play Sweden equalizes on a very simple in-swinger to the near post. Allback flicks it home after Beckham and Crouch are caught flat footed.
Sweden make an attcaking substitution with Wilhelmsson on.
Another corner and almost another goal. Replica corner except from the right side and Larsson's deflected header is heading in until Robinson pulls off a magnificent save.
England is on the ropes - another corner and Mellberg should have at least hit the target.
Gabriele Marcotti takes a look at Jose Pekerman, Coach of Argentina, and the play of Javier Mascherano. Mascherano shone at the 2004 Copa America and it looks as if he has only improved.
Michael Grant looks at England's progress so far and includes a comment from former England star Trevor Steven on ####mp;T's Chris Birchall outplaying Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
A piece on Guus Hiddink and his Australian charges.
Allback has certainly had his share of chances but he seems to be snakebitten.
One od Freddie Ljunberg's strengths is arriving in penalty box late. He does it again and finishes off a well constructed move with a header.
Whistle goes and ####mp;T has now suffered twice from late goals today.
Paraguay is out. ####mp;T hopes have been hit hard but still have a chance. Sweden is favourite to join England and with a win they could lead the group.
On the other hand Sweden could qualify while only scoring 1 goal. From what I can discover that scenario has only happened once before when two teams have qualified from group play.
Can anyone guess what country and when?
Did I mention Sweden hasn't lost to England since 1968? I should make sure I e mail Nick W on that one.
I just lost another blog. Ten minutes left and England is pushing but ####mp;T is holding firm.
Crouch gets the goal. A deep ball to the back post and Crouch towers above Brent Sancho and scores from about six yards. Should Hislop have come for the cross? I'm not sure.
Relief more than celebration abounds.
Gerrard seals it with a rasping drive from 20 yards.
Stern John scores but he is offside.
The scoreline is England 2-0 Trinidad and Tobago but that does not tell the story.
England was woeful, ####mp;T can leave the game with heads held high.
Beckham wastes a free kick. England needs a get out a jail card here.
Looks as if Sven has taken a page from the Jurgen Klinsmann play book.
Yesterday it was feed Odonkor - today get the ball to Aaron Lennon.
Ashley Cole is beginning to get involved as well. Trinidad & Tobago is keeping their composure. Comfortable on the ball and making sure they are clearing their lines.
Chris Birchall has been immense today for ####mp;T.
Are we 45 minutes away from a sensational draw.....or will ####mp;T recover to win?
I'm sure that all the old doubts about England are beginning to float to the surface of even the commited England fans.
Rooney and Lennon are up and warming up.
This England performance is so lifeless someone should call a priest.
Crouch has taken the robot dance to heart has decided to incorporate it into his play. He's having a stinker and it's not limited to him.
Free kick to England and a yellow card for Cyd Gray. Best chance for England as Owen gets free from the resulting free kick and fails to hit the target.
Rooney is on -please feel free to comment SAF - and so is Lennon. Owen and Carragher are off.
At the moment they are flopping worse than an 80-year-old who has forgotten to renew his Viagra prescription.
If it wasn't for John Terry goal line clearance ####mp;T would be leading.
England's game plan seems to be the stretch the ####mp;T defense and although it has created a few chances the English finishing as so far been - ####.
90 seconds into the game and we have not seen Wayne Rooney come as sub yet!!!
Only joking.
The first 10 minutes have been very cagey -looks to me as if England are going to try and stretch ####mp;T rather than pressing up on them.
First clear chance - long ball down the left to Cole and Crouch has his shot deflected to the corner. That's the third ball that England have played deep towards the corners.
Theobald is caught tugging on Steve Gerrard - sorry tugging on Gerrard's jersey - free kick comes to nothing. Same with the next free kick.
First quarter gone and ####mp;T is happy sitting and waiting for England
Paraguay's captain Carlos Gamarra put through his own goal with the game just underway and it turned out to be the only goal England needed.
English fans who expected a win and an entertaining performance. (Historical note - when England won the World Cup in 1966 Alf Ramsay was absolutely slaughtered for England's performance in the their first game a 0-0 draw with Uruguay).
Anyone Swedish and in particular Lars Lagerback the Swedish coach. Lagerback makes Sven look like a maverick.
It was a good day for....
English fans who were happy just to win and to start the World Cup on the right foot.
All of Trinidad and Tobago who pulled off a stunning draw against Sweden despite playing almost all of the second half with 10 men after left back Avery John collected a second yellow card.
Leo Beenhakker the ####mp;T coach who reacted to John sending off by pulling off an attacking player (Collin Samuel) and replacing him with Cornell Glen, another attacker. Glen then proceeded to rattle the crossbar and almost win the game.
Juan Roman Riquelme who set up both Argentine goals in their win over the Ivory Coast.
And the most overstated fact of the day...
Trinidad and Tobago is the smallest country ever to reach the World Cup.
I am the soccer analyst for the Fox Soccer Report and appear twice a week - every Monday and Friday at 10:00 EST. I have also been a regular contributor to the Fox Soccer Channel website since the summer of 2004. Over the last twenty years I have contributed to various radio and television programs throughout North America as well writing about the game for newspapers, magazines and websites.
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