The BBC seem to be labouring under the misapprehension that Columbia's scorer Armero is a West Ham player. He's not. He was only on loan to them last season for the second half of the campaign and played more games in Italy than he did in England.
I always thought Dos was a good #10, but you have to build your team around him. He'll wander around, hog the ball and create goals. The question was, was he good enough to rate the starring role at Spurs? The answer Harry had was no, and I'm not sure I disagree, especially considering his party-friendly lifestyle. But it illustrates a big problem Spurs have had in deciding whether to stick or twist with potential stars. A lot of players just might have flourished given a central role and some patience. I think the choice of Ericksen was a good one, though.
Two goals in three minutes for Costa Rica to put them 2-1 ahead against Uruguay. The decision to leave out Suarez, might prove costly for Uruguay.
"The decision to leave out Suarez, might prove costly for Uruguay." If he is not 100% , tis too big a risk, Costa Rica are playing like Colombia. Nothing spectacular, just application of what IMHO are the basic skills expected of a pro. Big pressure if you lose the opening game. The ante has been well and truly upped for England if Costa Rica win.
2/4 defending semi finalists lose their first game. Concacaf beating up on SA and Africa. The Ticos were unlucky to go behind, and missed an open header to draw even early on. Not to imply I saw this coming. CR outplayed Uruguay by some distance. They were better at both ends of the field.
Nothing changes about Uruguay, does it? Were thugs..still are thugs! One red card, should have been more.
Hart; Johnson, Jagielka, Cahill, Baines, Gerrard, Henderson, Welbeck, Sterling, Rooney; Sturridge. Good enough to do the job against Italy ??
Gerrard has a habit of falling over against teams that play in blue. Not to be confused with his habit of falling over in the opposition penalty area.
Dutch Referee Bjorn Kuipers tonight, he did the Champions League final two weeks ago. Should be some decent refereeing for the first time this WC. With emphasis on 'should'.
So far a very even match with Danny Wellbeck standing out as full of enthusiasm and a desire for the ball. I don't know how the Italian scored through so many English legs but the equalizer was perfect. Well crossed Rooney but just get us a goal. Balotelli concerns me a bit and Johnson looks solid. good match. Come on England.
I want a video of Hodgson's reaction to Rooney's miss. as if to illustrate: how could any asshole be so stupid as to pick a wedge of Edam cheese on toothpicks (my beautiful wife's contribution) who hasn't scored in nine games over two world cups? Gerrard was informative as well: I can't believe all the work we did taking a nice vacation in Miami didn't get us anything.
Rooney was almost invisible, nearly everything went down the right. I think the result was just about right. England looked bright but not quite there yet. Pirlo's free kick at the end- just very casually hit on to the bar as if he meant it, Hart nowhere.