The ref wasn't as bad as the one in the Netherland - Argentina game, he was woeful and shouldn't be allowed to ref a game again. In my eyes the players who might be skilfull play to to get fouls in the their favour and refs let them do it. The referees have to stamp this out as its ruining the game. i don't think Messi's penalty was one or Ronaldo. They were just cheating, and I don't want England to win tournaments by cheating in this way.
Gutted, but not nearly as I was against Italy or Croatia. Great battle between two very good teams, and seeing players like Saka and Foden play so well gives me hope for the future. Up the Morocco for now. Mashallah.
As for me, I honestly can't think of a moment watching England in which I've been so gutted. Obviously so many missed opportunities and disappointments down the years, but that miss was something else. Even the pens against Italy didn't make me feel like this. At least then we had the fact that overall it had been a fantastic tournament and we'd exceeded expectations. Mainly I think it's just how bloody pathetic Kane's miss was. Being outplayed, outscored, even cheated by the ref are all things I've learned to live with. But just f*cking spooning the ball into the stand like that. I can't get my head around it. We can talk tactics and team selelctions all we want, but if our star player can't keep his composure in a moment like that, then I truly think we are destined to never win anything.
I think you underestimate how incredibly difficult it is to maintain composure in circumstances like that, and to do it not once but twice is a bloody big ask. I don’t think there’s anyone to blame really, not even the ref (who was appalling). It is what it is. And it turns out losing to France hurts even more than losing to Germany. We’re all Morocco on Wednesday, right?
I’m just wondering how the French woman is going to react when she sees the Morocco flag in the living room
Oh you're right, and I do appreciate it. Taking a penalty under such circumstances is the epitome of pressure. It is incredibly humbling and humanising seeing the best players in the world unable to do something, which really should be second nature. Eyes-closed sort of stuff. And I don't buy into the whole, 'they get paid x amount of money..." gripe etc, either. I do get it. It's just so, very, very, English what happened. I fooled myself into believing that this squad we are building are different, somewhat 'German' in terms of efficiency and mentality. The last few years have been building up to something special it seemed, and then, just this rug being pulled is incredibly disappointing. It's like, what's the f*cking answer? We've tried everything! Why can't we do it? I want to cry. He just needed to aim it down the middle. That's all they ever need to do!
I can’t criticise Kane for the miss because I have long been an advocate for penalty takers to target the top half of the goal. Even a slightly under hit shot, 6ft off the ground and to the side of the keeper should result in a goal, as the keeper will generally dive beneath the ball height, even if they guess the right direction. We have seen some woeful penalties, in this tournament, that have hit the diving keeper’s body, as much as the keeper saving it with his hands. If that had happened in this case, then I would have been more upset.
Down the middle for me. A couple of feet off the ground. Especially with a one-off penalty (in a shoot-out the keeper might get wise to it!).
Shame we're out but still an entertaining world cup. Not as disappointed as I once was when England used to get knocked out but I guess that's because of some of the players playing; too many egos it seems. And realising how corrupt football has become has made me less interested in it. Anyway, Kane looked nervous about the second penalty. Different atmosphere entirely but it's not the first time he's skied a penalty: He done it against us!
Gutted. Again. Was too young for 66 (just remember) but have been so disappointed ever since. Gutted big time. Again.
Watched the match last night with my lad. His devastation at the result reminded me of my reaction to '86. Now I'm just numb.
Cricket's on a knife edge. May be some solace there tomorrow; or more disappointment, but easier to bear anyway.
I’m trying separate the years of disappointment with the fact that this is a good team, and they went toe to toe with the champions. Tournament football is brutal. I can forgive Kane in that professional or not, that pressure is unimaginable to me I suppose. Really gutting.
Kane's ball has gone into orbit to keep Waddle's 1990 ball company... please log in to view this image
I honestly think that if we do ever manage to get that elusive major trophy win then more will quickly follow it. It is a mentality issue as we certainly do have the required pool of talent.
