I did say England would have no chance against Germany if they played like they did against Algeria. As it turned out they did and were duly tonked. I don't think the second goal would have changed anything either. I understand the temptation to blame what was after all one of the worst refereeing decisions of all time rather than face up to the ( Read more... )

Well, congrats to England, the US, Ghana and Germany and commiserations to Slovenia, Algeria, Serbia and Australia. Some good football today all round. England looked like the team they frankly should have been from the start, the 1-0 win over Slovenia maybe not massive but definitely convincing given the strength of the Slovenian defence ( Read more... )

... before we can no longer consider them upsets? Italy have joined England, France*, Germany and Spain in the list of European giants who've been embarrassed by less-regarded opposition this World Cup, with today's 1-1 draw against New Zealand. Who, having never scored a point in the World Cup finals before this year, now have two to their name. ( Read more... )

No, I'm not talking about a badfic this time. I'm talking about England vs. Algeria. What in the name of fuck was going on there? They still can get out of the group if they beat Slovenia on Wednesday, but if they play like they did tonight (and Slovenia play like they did against the US - I thought they'd actually win at one point) they'd be lucky ( Read more... )