English team landed on the German soil after some robust performances in the friendly matches. The present team was considered one of the better one to leave English shores in years and the expectations from them are also meteoric. The first match begin with lots of expectations in Frankfurt and for the first 20 minutes English team seemed like a unit drilled to go far in the tournament. With Rooney on the bench, Owen and Couch started as strikers with Gerrard, Lampard , Joe Cole and Bechkam in the midfield. Will the match against Ecuador be the last England match in Germany 2006 Most commentators and experts say that this English team has a realistic chance of lifting the trophy come 9th July. But honestly in the heart of their heart they know that with each passing match the team is unearthing new discrepancies for opponents to exploit. England vs Paraguay The match showed us how lack of ideas this present side is, plus it only have a tank for 20 minutes. For first 20 minutes they looked lively and creating chances after that they seem to have danger coming from a team which is not even willing to attack. The heat factor was blamed after the match for subdued performance. England vs Trinidad & Tobago The match will be remembered for Englands inability to score for 83 minutes against a team which is no better than a second division side. Thanks to Terry brilliance, to my mind the best save by a defender in the world cup England able to remain at par. England vs Sweden For first 35 minutes they disguised as the team possessed, not letting Larsson and Lujenberg a snip of a chance to score. Controlling the ball in middle of park and creating lively opening through industrious Joe Cole and Owen Hargreaves. After half time it seemed that they are there just to fill the numbers leaving their soul behind in dressing room. Sweden tormented from all angles, scaring on corners with regularity and hitting crossbar with ease. Suddenly the much touted backline was under immense pressure and no where to go. An escaped draw was hailed by Eriksson for toping the group. In three matches we have witnessed failure of forward line to score, inability of midfield to create and finally frailties in back line. It may seem unlikely but loosing to Ecuador and going back home is a real possibility for England. The team came with 3 and half forwards and now left with 2 forwards, wish I could have the same picnic as Walcott is having. Ecuador is sound in the middle of the park with a diamond formation. They are good at breaking moves and allow very little space through the middle. Their physical approach will test the fitness of Cole and Bechkam in hot afternoon. The success formula for Ecuador till now has been the wide players who created space in middle and send perfect crosses for their forwards. Even in this regard England will suffer if Gary Neville doesnt get fit by Sunday as Carragher at present is struggling for pace. Additionally Ecuador is a good aerial team so expect the worse from them. Heed my advice start practicing penalties as that is the only way England can extend their stay in Germany 2006. If England get through they may finish the formality of playing Portugal or Holland. Disclaimer This prediction may not hold good if things start happening in Waynes World. Those tree trunk size legs are the only one capable of creating magic in land of Wagner. |
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