Soccer Goals Safari

The first game of the day was Germany v Serbia which produced yet another shock result, after Germany had such a fantastic start to the tournament. In this one they lost 1-0 courtesy of a volleyed goal from Jovanovic. The Germans lost Klose in the first half after being sent off for two bookable offences, in a match liberally sprinkled with yellow cards by the Spanish referee – 8 in all plus the sending off. Although the then 10-man Germany had plenty of chances, including a missed penalty, they were unable to capitalise, and the final result throws Group D wide open.

To see a storming game and a fistful of goals, the next match saw the USA face Slovenia, and by half time it was looking like Slovenia had booked their ticket into the second round, leading the Americans by two goals to nil. In a thrilling comeback, after a couple of half time substitutions, the USA levelled the scores in the 82nd minute after cracking strikes from Landon Donavon and Michael Bradley. The Americans were, quite reasonably, incandescent with rage just minutes before the close of play after having a decisive third goal disallowed for a minor (and possibly non-existent) infraction. I have a feeling they were robbed blind by the ref in that game, although at that point in time, a draw certainly seemed to be the best result for England, who were expected to put their first disappointing show behind them with a top-drawer performance against Algeria.

However, the England vs Algeria game was not only a disappointing 0-0 draw. It was also quite possibly the most boring 90 minutes of football I have ever witnessed, with both keepers suspending hammocks from their goalposts and having a snooze, while nothing of note happened elsewhere on the pitch. Neither keeper was significantly tested in a match that was played entirely at one speed, and with no sense of urgency.

So Group C is another wide open group with Slovenia on 4 points, England and the USA on 2 points each and Algeria on 1 point. Basically all four teams must turn up to their final games hungry for a win; Slovenia can probably get away with a draw against England – which would see England making the trip home – but it is essentially do or die now.

Everybody and his dog has their own take on what needs to happen with England to improve things, but for me, it looks like Rooney is still carrying an injury; he is marked and neutralised often by two opposing players, and this can be an advantage for England if Rooney drags these two players away from the action and leaves a hole for Gerrard or Lampard to make space and shoot. Maybe it is time to see Joe Cole have a run out in the final game, to inject some much needed pace into the game, and also some variations of pace. If they carry on playing in a pedestrian way, that’s the end of that chapter though – game over. If I was a betting man, I’d like to think England will come good and scrape an untidy win against Slovenia on Wednesday. I’d also reckon on the USA beating Algeria based on their last gutsy performance.

So England and USA through to round 2 – maybe I’ll end up glad I’m not a betting man! To find out, tune in on Wednesday.