Tags
Afternoon, all. It’s been an exciting few days since I last blogged. In all honesty, I don’t really have the time to write a large one today so I’ll just give quick updates on how the groups have gone since I last blogged, plus a quick look ahead to tonight’s game and thoughts on England’s dismal World Cup.
Group C
In the group that people least care about, Colombia’s 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast put the South Americans into the knockouts, whilst Ivory Coast still have a good chance of qualifying, although just to be safe they’ll need to beat Greece in the final match. Japan and Greece’s drab 0-0 draw just about sums up that neither team really deserves to get out of the group. I fancy the Africans to beat Greece and don’t expect Japan to beat Colombia.
Group D
The big talking point is that Costa Rica beat Italy to gain automatic progression from the group, most likely in 1st place thanks to their goal difference, even if they do somehow lose to England, who were eliminated after their 2-1 loss to The Republic of Luis Suarez Uruguay and Costa Rica’s victory. Italy and Uruguay are poised for a mouth-watering encounter in which both really need to go for the win to progress (although a draw will suit Italy due to their superior goal difference). More on England shortly.
Group E
France smashed Switzerland 5-2 in a match that really made you wonder how on earth the Swiss are currently ranked 6th in the world rankings, while Honduras’ 2-1 loss to Ecaudor means they are practically out. I still think the Swiss will progress from the group, as they should be able to beat Honduras.
Group F
The United Nation of Lionel Messi Argentina are through after Lionel Messi’s stunning injury time strike sunk Iran, who played well enough to at least deserve a draw. Iran can still progress if they beat already-out Bosnia and Nigeria lose to Argentina, but it’s a difficult scenario. Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Bosnia was well-earned, although Bosnia will feel hard-done by as Edin Dzeko’s early goal was incorrectly ruled out for offside.
Group G
Germany and Ghana played out a thrilling 2-2 draw, after which Germany will still fancy their chances of getting through whilst Ghana also retain a faint glimmer of hope, although are unlikely to gain the required points (and possibly goal difference) to progress. USA and Christiano Ronaldo Land Portugal clash tonight in a match which will go a long way to deciding what will happen in the group. If the USA can mark Ronaldo out of the game I fancy them to at least gain a point.
Group H
In a group that is still wide open, Belgium and Russia clash tonight in what will probably be Belgium’s most difficult match of the group stage. Russia should probably have beaten South Korea, but they were too cautious and concerned with not losing rather than winning for too long in the match. South Korea will play Algeria in what will probably be a pretty dull game given that both are tidy enough defensively but don’t offer enough going forward, although I do think that a victory for either will complicate Russia’s chances of going through.
Phoenix’s Predictions:
USA 1-0 Portugal
Belgium 1-1 Russia
South Korea 0-0 Algeria
Thoughts on England
Naturally, living in the UK, most of the media focus is on England’s early exit. Frankly, despite a good showing against Italy, I’m not surprised. Here’s why, and what I think England really need to do if they’re going to be successful in the Euro 2016 (assuming they qualify…and if you’re thinking they’re pretty much guaranteed to do so then remember the Euro 2008):
Too many Liverpool players in the squad: I get that Liverpool are currently the Premier League’s media darlings, but at the end of the day just about every Englishman who plays for the club was called up after the Reds’ first good season in years. What too many people have overlooked is that without Luis Suarez, Liverpool wouldn’t have ended up anywhere near the top four. Daniel Sturridge scored lots of goals, so I get that, and Raheem Sterling is an excellent prospect who has had a very good World Cup. But Jordan Henderson? Glenn Johnson? Steven Gerrard? No, no, and definitely no.
Some players need to call it a day: Steven Gerrard, first and foremost, should retire after this World Cup. Gerrard was a great midfielder in his prime, but he’s past his prime and no longer has the legs to play in his favoured position. The talk about converting him into the ‘English Pirlo’ is an utter joke. Andrea Pirlo is an excellent footballer and a remarkably intelligent reader and orchestrator of the game. The thought of Steven Gerrard trying to emulate him is an hilarious embarrassment waiting to happen. Glenn Johnson is another. Despite his prowess going forward, he’s just a poor defender in general and is only in the squad because there’s not really anyone else there. Phil Jagielka is a good player but not quite at the level to cut it on the big stage, and Leighton Baines is unlikely to start another major tournament. Danny Welbeck wouldn’t even be on standby if he didn’t play for Manchester United.
Focus on the younger players: Jack Wilshere not starting either match was an utter farce, and I feel sorry for him, being overlooked in favour of the down-and-out Steven Gerrard and the average likes of Jordan Henderson. This tournament was a fantastic opportunity to give Wilshere some big tournament experience, but it’s almost been counter-productive. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s injury was unfortunate and I really think that Roy Hodgson would have started him instead of Welbeck if fit. Luke Shaw and Ross Barkley are exciting prospects who need to play more in the next two years, and it doesn’t stop with them. Give them the chance they deserve.
Keep up the positive approach: One thing you can say in England’s favour at this World Cup is that for once they were a decent team to watch, being much more positive going forward than their overly cautious and boring approach as seen in previous recent tournaments. Keep it up and build on it. It will only do them good.
Right then, that’s that for today. More tomorrow (hopefully). Until then