How to beat Croatia...
So, I was gladly proved wrong. Israel beat Russia and our qualification hopes hang on a draw or victory at Wembley tomorrow. The BBC website is doing this How to Beat Croatia thing, so thought I'd chip in with my own thoughts.
1. Please, I beg you McLaren, don't play Crouch as the lone striker. It doesn't work.
2. Please, I beg you Robinson/Carson, don't spill shots at Eduardo's feet, he will lap up those loose balls and have them in the net.
3. Appeal to Slaven Bilic's Anglophilia by reminding him how good it was to play for West Ham. Or steal his cigarettes, as he seems to like chugging on them on the touchline.
4. If all else fails, pick me. I would like nothing more than to chase Niko Krancjar and Vedran Corluka around for 90 minutes. I have no left foot, but that makes me about the same as the rest of the team.
5. Remember that we will be hopelessly lost next summer with no team to support. No going home early from work for early kick offs, or desktop goal alerts, or the office sweepstake where I shall no doubt end up with Switzerland again! It wouldn't be the same.
After all the build-up , I really hope it won't be a bore draw.
1. Please, I beg you McLaren, don't play Crouch as the lone striker. It doesn't work.
2. Please, I beg you Robinson/Carson, don't spill shots at Eduardo's feet, he will lap up those loose balls and have them in the net.
3. Appeal to Slaven Bilic's Anglophilia by reminding him how good it was to play for West Ham. Or steal his cigarettes, as he seems to like chugging on them on the touchline.
4. If all else fails, pick me. I would like nothing more than to chase Niko Krancjar and Vedran Corluka around for 90 minutes. I have no left foot, but that makes me about the same as the rest of the team.
5. Remember that we will be hopelessly lost next summer with no team to support. No going home early from work for early kick offs, or desktop goal alerts, or the office sweepstake where I shall no doubt end up with Switzerland again! It wouldn't be the same.
After all the build-up , I really hope it won't be a bore draw.