GROUP STAGES
England ‘won’ their first game of the tournament against the mighty Paraguay by the aid of an own goal. After match reaction – we’ll get better it’s not the performance that matters its all about the result.
They were made to wait until the 83rd minute to open the scoring against Trinidad and Tobago (the only team in the world cup that failed to score a goal) After match reaction – we’ll get better its not the performance that matters its all about the result.
They drew against a Sweden team whose world cup adventure was over 12 minutes into their next match. After match reaction – Better from England and as they only needed a draw to top the group they weren’t overly concerned that Sweden got a late goal to equalise cos its all about the result (Yeah Right)
GROUP SUMMARY: - Although England haven’t played a good game yet it was all about getting out of the group in first position. So now they can show off their considerable talents and remind the world once again that it was only 40 years ago that they won the competition.
LAST 16
Versus Ecuador who had qualified second in their group thanks to their efforts in beating the group minnows Costa Rica, disposing of the woeful Poland and getting humped 3-0 to German hosts.
A 60th minute set piece from David Beckham (oh so he was playing) is enough to see them past Ecuador. After match reaction – Not England greatest performance admittedly but it was hot out there you know and after all it’s all about the result.
QUARTER FINALS
Versus Portugal the first real team of note England have faced, so to make it a bit more even Portugal play without 2 of their best players Deco and Costinha.
Let’s get it out the way early; yes England did get Wayne Rooney sent off after 62 minutes no denying. Thereafter however no goals in normal time, no goals in extra time and almost no goals in the penalty shoot out means that England’s dream is over. Big Phil Scolari gets to keep Sven Sony Erikkson, the English press will pretend that England were hard done by and insist that the bookmakers make them favourite for the European championships in 2 years time, even although there are now 4 European teams in the world cup semi finals ahead of them. As I sit here listening to all the hard luck tales and the what might have beens I’ll keep a special ear open for the immortal words it’s all about the result, I wont however, be holding my breath.