England through to World Cup knockout round! Slovenia 0-1 England.
Posted on June 23rd, 2010 | 83 Comments |
The final score was 1-0 to England with Jermaine Defoe (as pictured) being the goal hero on this occasion. He popped up in the penalty area to slot home a James Milner cross on 23 minutes to send the England fans into raptures. But the result only formed part of the story as the England team knew they needed to not only win the game, but to also put on a performance to appease the critics who have been queueing up to take a swipe at England since the tournament started. The England players gave that much sought after performance, and although the scoreline may not reflect the way game played out, the winning margin could and probably should have been greater than just the one goal.
It was arguably the best tournament performance I have seen from an England team for some years, and it must give the English fans a bit of hope, and perhaps ppint towards the possibilty that they are starting to gel as a team and get into top form just in time for the knockout rounds.
What was on show today was a Premier League performance, with the pace that is usually common place every weekend making an appearance on the international stage. Some of the build-up play was impressive, as was some of the defensive play on offer as England flung bodies in front of everything.
Wayne Rooney impressed and was unlucky not to end his recent international goalscoring drought when he found himself on the end of Frank Lampard’s lobbed through ball, only to see his smart trap and shot finger-tipped onto the post by the Slovenian ‘keeper. James Milner played well on the wing for England, although I am personally still not convinced by him on the international stage. At the other end, numerous blocks were made as England staunchly defended their goal, with Matthew Upson particularly impressive alongside John Terry.
So the performance that was being called for finally arrived, and now all English eyes will focus on tonight’s matches as they wait to see who tops Group D, and ultimately who they will play on Sunday afternoon. At this point I would also like to congratulate the USA who topped our group and will be looking to see who finishes as runner-up in Group D, and who they will match up against on Saturday evening.
The group where England’s next opposition will come from is still a very open affair, and all four teams involved are still in with a chance of qualifying. Currently it is Ghana who top the group with Germany in second place, Serbia in third, and Australia in fourth. Ghana face Germany this evening whilst Serbia take on Australia, with both matches to be played at the same time (19:30pm BST).
Well done England, and congratulations to the USA. May the next time the two teams meet be in the World Cup final!
rooney impressed, haddaway man.
He’s lame, heads in the shed, injured, whatever!
They played alright in parts, but they’re gonna have to play a hell of a lot better to go anywhere in this WC.