..and so it begins. Watch as the redtops go totally over the top, expect HUN in every other headline and plenty of other war like references. Can we beat them? Of course, but please practice those darn penaties.
Maybe this post from the USA thread is better here as the basis for a headline: France capitulated, the USA turned up late and England was left to fight the Germans.
That's good, but I would argue England turned up late this time around. If England had stuck it to USA on June 12, there really wouldn't be much drama for you all...
it's all falling into place now. first germany, then argentina, then brazil then italy or holland. Easy.
This world cup has turned out like world war 2! The French have surrendered early, the USA arrive last min and we are left to fight the f*****g Germans! Typical!
look 6 posts before your in this thread - oh - and in the USA thread. Same gag but without the swearing.
Beckenbauer just adds fuel to the fire Franz Beckenbauer believes England made a stupid mistake by failing to avoid a second-round match against Germany at the World Cup in South Africa. The two sides will meet in Bloemfontein on Sunday after England failed to win Group C despite beating Slovenia 1-0. "Stupidly, the English have slipped up a little by finishing second in their group," said German great Beckenbauer. "The English look a little tired... they are burnt out. We respect them but we certainly don't fear them." England's win over Slovenia made certain of their place in the knockout stages of the competiion, but they were denied a meeting with Ghana on Saturday when a late winner by the United States against Algeria put them on top of the group table. Beckenbauer attacked England's style of play earlier in the tournament, saying they had "gone backwards into the bad old days of kick and rush", but admitted they looked better in their final group match. "England's first two appearances at the World Cup were paltry, but they improved against Slovenia," Beckenbauer, who won the tournament as a player and a coach, told German newspaper Bild. "What makes them dangerous is that their key players Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and John Terry sense that this could be the last chance in their career to win a World Cup. And after all, England have been waiting since 1966 for a title. "After they failed to qualify for Euro 2008, England hit rock bottom. Fabio Capello appears to have brought discipline to the troops, [he] has brought in a new structure." Beckenbauer said "a game like this [England v Germany] should be a semi-final, not a last-16 game". However, he believes the German players are fresher than England's, a situation he put down to the rigours of Premier League football. "The Premier League players have got to play far more games than their Bundesliga colleagues, including two national cup competitions," Beckenbauer added. "Therefore, when it comes to a World Cup or a European Championships, they are burnt out. Our players, on the other hand, seem to be in a physically better condition." -http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8757944.stm
No, but its a bit stupid to say before a World Cup knock-out match. Our guys will only take positive energy out of this.
Alright, we'll see who is laughing come 5 o'clock sunday evening. One thing's for sure, based on what i've seen in Germany's last two group games, there is plenty to exploit. Admittedly Oezil scored a quality goal, but Ghana had their chances to take something from that game last night. In the first match, I think it was more a case of 10-man Australia making them look good. Capello's footballing style is suited to face the better teams. Based on what i've seen this tournament, it will be a good match, and whoever plays better on the day deserves to win. I just think he will look pretty foolish if come Sunday night, we are the ones who have a Quarter Final against Argentina to look forward to - 2 cheap shots in a week - maybe just focus on the Germans?
and last time he berated England, they responded with diddlysquat other than a ****** generic newspiece.
i think the key difference is give the germans half a chance and they will take it...england are forever wasteful
Heskey wasn't in the side to get goals though, he was a cart horse. Rooney was wasteful, Defoe grabbed one, but you watch England forever wondering where the goal will come from, whereas Germany have several serious threats in there side both from midfield and upfront.
I know all this - just being optimistic about our chances. I actually think Heskey was pretty handy in the first game - and even in the Algeria match, probably the only player who seemed to be giving it his all. As for Rooney bein wasteful, he would have grabbed one or two himself yesterday if it wern't for Handanovic in goal. Definately starting to get back to his usual self - so lets hope he has a chance to make ammends on Sunday and beyond.
