Curb our enthusiasm
Ronaldo arrived, but England were stuck at the lights. Disappointing today against a stubborn and solid Ghana.
I’ve seen a lot of the games, and have been really enjoying the tournament 13 days in. We’ve seen a record goal count, and all of the stars have come out to play. The England game today was probably the worst I’ve seen.
Other than the ridiculous hydration ad breaks most of the other pre-tournament projected gripes haven’t materialized, although we did have the longest half-time ever in Philadelphia yesterday.
Even the NFL stadiums look good with a real football rolling around on it, and the crowds, the colours and the noise have been everything you’d hope a World Cup to bring.
England this evening did a great job to squash all of that excitement built up after the Croatia game. No surprise there, and Ghana defended superbly. Nathan Jones would’ve loved the organization. Croatia were much more willing to make the game open, but teams are not going to do that.
They say that Tuchel is building this team for the tournament and the serious stuff does not start until Sunday.
However, England simply didn’t have enough width, movement or ideas. The game was badly interrupted for numerous stoppages, even a long one just before the hydration break, so stupid.
Guehi, Konsa, Anderson and Rice spent a lot of the game passing to each other. We lacked spark and I don’t really see what Barcelona does in Gordon. It was better when Saka and Rashford were on.
Konsa was also lucky not to give away a penalty, or we were all lucky VAR didn’t intervene, and Kane fluffed his lines when given the best chance after a quiet game from him.
But while there has been some stunning football from the favourites, some of the lesser but still dangerous nations are putting on a good show, and Croatia will find it tough to beat Ghana.
Panama for us on Saturday, one of many teams eliminated due to the change in the rule to head-to head deciding group places and not goal difference. That hopefully will make them a little bit more zealous, and open.
Very good summary and as i saw it. In a way reminded me of 1966 and our 0 0 draw with Mexico. So chin up and all that.
Good to get that one out of the way without any serious damage other than to our pride.
England were disappointing. Credit to Ghana though. They had one tactic, don’t let England score, and it worked.
I think Rashford is far better on the left than Gordon, and was disappointed that he didn’t start. I think he gives us more options than Gordon. Konsa, sadly being one of our own, is not of international class on his showing in the last two games, and maybe questions the decision of leaving Maguire at home.
In my last post i mentioned it eas similar to 1966 when we drew 0 0 with Mexico, this first match in the group stage. But it was in fact Uruguay. And did the media and pundits have a right old go at Alf Ramsey and the players.
Ghana are no mugs with a very shrewed coach.
So not a very good performance by England per see and a very good defensive one by a very fit and physical team.
A saying comes to.mind “Dont panic Captain Mannering”
P.s. do you know a team that last season stayed in their new league based mainly on good defence but poor attacking play and with strikers in the main unfairly targeted
Cheers