World Cups - Page 5

GME · #**101** (**permalink**) 18-10-2007, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Im gutted about England FC. Steve McClaren should never have been employed, we didnt loose the group to russia last night, it was results like 0-0 with israel and the Croatia goalkeeping error by robinson. All just a joke. Its been building up. Think Jose Mourinho should be employed he know's english football, can handle the media, and has managed several of the players in the past.

I think a home 0 - 0 draw v Macedonia started it all off

I also think Becks saved McLaren's job on his return earlier in the year, when he didn't deserve it and every credit to Becks after the way McLaren publically stripped him of the captaincy and his place. Absolutely, gutted we may miss out on a major tournament. It's just great to follow our national side during the summer months every couple of years. It's back to the Graham Taylor days

September · #**102** (**permalink**) 19-10-2007, 01:36 AM

If you look at the England qualifying situation positively, Isreal held Russia to a tie on Russia's 'soil' earlier in the group, so there's still a chance. Also if Macedonia can beat Croatia (slim hope I know, but not impossible) and we romp on them (also, slim hope) we can nip them on goal difference. All is not lost yet...

However, I am going to berate McLaren as well as the officials on Wednesday. I feel he took a huge step forward in the two previous games and selected a team that was just that - a TEAM. A partnership up front that between them could hold up the ball, and inject some pace and finishing. What we had v. Russia was the old reliable 'stick our two biggest names up front and hope for the best' strategy. I feel Crouchy would have played a better role in a game where it was vital to take a point at least. Rooney is somewhat of a liability, genious though he is. He is all over the pitch, which is great to show his workmanship and determination, but not so great when a solid formation is required. Owen's best will never be brought out in a partnership with Rooney. Not to mention his temperement is still far from ideal (he often can't resist a quick tug or push).

I believed at the time, and still do, that big Sam (Allardyce) was the man for the job. His Bolton team were one of the success stories of English football, and he is currently in the process of revitalising Newcastle. His sides have great team spirit and are always tough to beat, and tactically sound. I would still rather have Sven than McLaren - aside from some irrational selection choices, he was a much better manager and I hate the way he was hounded out of the job. His record spoke for itself.

Finally, the officials on Wednesday. If a referee and a linesman between them can't spot where a foul is committed, they have no part officiating at all. Not that I'll blame our situation on them - we deserve to be where we are.

Quick note to wish the England egg chasers all the luck in the world on Saturday, the France game was a real nervy one to watch and I'll be watching with twisted stomach this time too.

Come on England!

Stewy · #**103** (**permalink**) 19-10-2007, 05:59 PM

Anyone watching the rugby tomorrow then?

I will be but I think that SA will take it to be honest.

jdurbo · #**104** (**permalink**) 20-10-2007, 03:39 PM

Will have it on ,but dont know if i fancy our chances with this one

But then again you never know

jen xxx

Stewy · #**105** (**permalink**) 20-10-2007, 03:59 PM

I'm looking forward to it and I'm Scottish! What's that all about?

Got plenty of cans in the fridge and some salted snacks!

Paul mabbott · #**106** (**permalink**) 20-10-2007, 05:01 PM

Liverpool beat Everton; which amounts to a world cup if you live in the right places!

gez · #**107** (**permalink**) 20-10-2007, 05:59 PM

Yep im of to toon soon to watch England on the big screen
win or lose it will be a great game & the last chance to see some of our boys in action.. so fingers crossed.. Gez

Stewy · #**108** (**permalink**) 20-10-2007, 11:01 PM

Unlucky.

jdurbo · #**109** (**permalink**) 20-10-2007, 11:04 PM

Stewy now say it without smiling

Thought we played quite well..Did not think we would even get to the final so i surpose its a bonus

jen xxx

Stewy · #**110** (**permalink**) 20-10-2007, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdurbo

Stewy now say it without smiling

Thought we played quite well..Did not think we would even get to the final so i surpose its a bonus

jen xxx

Hand on heart I wanted them to win Jen (Something must be wrong here!)

I thought they played very well but it just wasn't to be I reckon.

jdurbo · #**111** (**permalink**) 20-10-2007, 11:18 PM

Ok i believe you! I did not fancy their chances!!
Never mind always another time!!

jen xxx

Stewy · #**112** (**permalink**) 20-10-2007, 11:27 PM

I'll make some cheese on toast and everything will seem better.

(Scotland would of creamed them of course.)

jdurbo · #**113** (**permalink**) 20-10-2007, 11:53 PM

Oo i could just eat cheese on toast!! Can i have a cuppa tea,one sugar please!

jen xxx

Stewy · #**114** (**permalink**) 21-10-2007, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdurbo

Oo i could just eat cheese on toast!! Can i have a cuppa tea,one sugar please!

jen xxx

Nope, you can have half a cider and that's it, aswell as some cheese on toast.

jdurbo · #**115** (**permalink**) 21-10-2007, 12:06 AM

But i dont like cider

Just the cheese on toast then!!!

jen xxx

Stewy · #**116** (**permalink**) 21-10-2007, 12:16 AM

I'll get the tea pot ready hun.

One sugar yeah?

Wolfhill · #**117** (**permalink**) 21-10-2007, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewy

I'm gutted! Can't see us beating Italy to qualify now..................

I'm still optimistic, anything can happen at Hampden as we've seen throughout the campaign

Stewy · #**118** (**permalink**) 21-10-2007, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfhill

I'm still optimistic, anything can happen at Hampden as we've seen throughout the campaign

Keep the faith, keep the faith..............!

Billy Wobble Dagger · #**119** (**permalink**) 21-10-2007, 07:36 AM

It was a great game and its been a fantastic world cup. We let them have two stupid penaltys, and thats what lost us the game, oh yeah and the ref, crossing!!!! I don't think so.

Oh well come on Lewis

BWD

Paul mabbott · #**120** (**permalink**) 21-10-2007, 10:04 AM

Have England managers ever 'got it right'? McLaren's not my favourite (if they had to change manager I would have gone for a relative youngster like Stewart Pearce ... but Eriksson was the best manager they've ever had so why change him?

) but I don't think he had a lot of choice last week - injuries stopped him picking the best side with one exception.
The Russian goals came from two unforced errors - Rooney being over-enthusiastic and Robinson .....

I remember the days when if you listed the world's top ten goalkeepers, six of them would have been British - what has gone wrong?

Perhaps it will be a good thing to select a new manager without the hysteria surrounding the last one and give them time to build up a completely new team?

Quote:

Originally Posted by September

...............
However, I am going to berate McLaren as well as the officials on Wednesday. I feel he took a huge step forward in the two previous games and selected a team that was just that - a TEAM. A partnership up front that between them could hold up the ball, and inject some pace and finishing. What we had v. Russia was the old reliable 'stick our two biggest names up front and hope for the best' strategy. I feel Crouchy would have played a better role in a game where it was vital to take a point at least. Rooney is somewhat of a liability, genious though he is. He is all over the pitch, which is great to show his workmanship and determination, but not so great when a solid formation is required. Owen's best will never be brought out in a partnership with Rooney. Not to mention his temperement is still far from ideal (he often can't resist a quick tug or push).

I believed at the time, and still do, that big Sam (Allardyce) was the man for the job. His Bolton team were one of the success stories of English football, and he is currently in the process of revitalising Newcastle. His sides have great team spirit and are always tough to beat, and tactically sound. I would still rather have Sven than McLaren - aside from some irrational selection choices, he was a much better manager and I hate the way he was hounded out of the job. His record spoke for itself.

Paul mabbott · #**121** (**permalink**) 21-10-2007, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewy

I'm gutted! Can't see us beating Italy to qualify now..................

I don't know. They were serious rubbish against Estonia but a lot of absences. Scotland is a funny team - not great but can pull off miracles when they're up against the wall. If at full strength a team that can beat France twice shouldn't have problems with Italy!

Paul mabbott · #**122** (**permalink**) 23-10-2007, 07:28 PM

Okay so now all that other flim-flam is over we can get back to serious business - European cups (which, seriously, are more or less world cups ...) Who to do well? I suspect Liverpool will do something despite their stuttering form in the League but I'd like to see the young Arsenal side do well - they are the most entertaining side at the moment .... unless, of course, you go north of the border ... could this be Scotland's year? Rangers for Europe?

Paul mabbott · #**123** (**permalink**) 23-10-2007, 08:40 PM

Typically, two (perhaps three) good matches on the TV tonight - can only watch one. There'll be another two games tomorrow and I'll not be able to watch either! Why can't the authorities arrange things so that we have a real choice.

Paul mabbott · #**124** (**permalink**) 23-10-2007, 09:39 PM

But what a good game - shan't bother about missing anything tomorrow!

Okay 7-0 is impressive anyway but it was the way they achieved it ... near perfect ... will they be so impressive against the bigger clubs? Slavija were no rubbish.

Man u did well but haven't seen the Rangers score yet ....

It reminds you why football is the world's sport - far more exciting than even the best of other sports.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

Typically, two (perhaps three) good matches on the TV tonight - can only watch one. There'll be another two games tomorrow and I'll not be able to watch either! Why can't the authorities arrange things so that we have a real choice.

Paul mabbott · #**125** (**permalink**) 24-10-2007, 07:17 PM

Though I can't see it ... any thoughts on tonights games? All look a lot tougher than last nights .... ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

But what a good game - shan't bother about missing anything tomorrow!

..............It reminds you why football is the world's sport - far more exciting than even the best of other sports.