New to the game.
by citadelchief on May 22, 2010 12:49 PM BST
8 comments
I won't lie to anyone, I'd always thought soccer was a game for the kids who were scared of getting hurt playing football. I know, I know, it's football to the rest of the world, but I don't think I'll ever get around to calling it that. I'd watch on ESPN every now and then, but never with much interest. That changed in 2007 while I was deployed. We stopped in Australia on our way home and naturally me and my buddies found our way to the bars. There was one that stood out to us because it claimed to be an English Pub. We have a few in the States, and they're always a good time, so we figured that would be our best bet. We walked in the door to find a sea of red. We had heard of "firms" before, but had never realized they existed outside of England. We were a little nervous because we were severely outnumbered and the crowd didn't look to welcoming for outsiders. However this didn't last long as one of the guys in the bar was an Aussie Marine and quickly recognized us as kindred spirits. He called us over and gave us the scoop on what the bar was all about, Manchester United Football. There just happened to be a game on and so we were quickly given a crash course in why Manchester was great and Liverpool (I think) were a bunch of "fuckin cunts".
This past year, I was deployed again. This time I was on shore in Jordan, and we got a chance to get on the field with the Jordanian Marines. This is where I got my true interest in the game. I couldn't remember the last time I was that tired! Now, thanks to ESPN360, I've been able to follow the Premier and Champions Leagues and am getting pretty fired up for the World Cup.
The point of all this, is that despite my recently found interest, I still lack true knowledge of the game. Obviously my allegiances will lie with the American team, but I'll more than likely be pulling for England as well. I'd appreciate any "expert" analysis on either team as well as other teams that could be contenders for the Cup. Team strengths, player analysis, anything would be helpful. Thanks a lot guys.
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Team England Breakdown
Team England should have a fairly good chance to do well in this World Cup. While the team is composed largely of players that competed, (and largely struggled in 2006), the biggest difference is, Capello’s our manager.
Capello is very sound tactically, has the confidence of the team, and has chosen a fairly good team.
It appears England will be playing a 4-4-1-1, with a very solid back-4. Glen Johnson has been good, (that’s all I’ll give a Liverpool player), Ferdinand and Terry is a top-notch pairing as long as Rio’s healthy. Terry seemingly has gotten past his “indiscretions”, and is in fine form. Cole is in great form, and is a top left-back in the world, with plenty of attacking flair.
The forward will be Wayne Rooney, Manchester United’s all-world scoring machine. It’s not that he’s just a a sniper too, but often you’ll see him backtracking to fulfill defensive responsibilities. He’s the talisman of the team, and this team will simply not succeed without a huge campaign by Rooney. That’s not to say he can’t do it, because he brought it all season for Man U. Just behind him, will be Steven Gerrard. Although he had a somewhat sub-par season, he is extremely adept at playing in the second striker position, similar to his position for Liverpool, where he slots behind Fernando Torres.
That leaves 4 midfield players. Lampard is a lock, and had an extremely good season with Chelsea, and Gareth Barry will join him in the middle of the park as long as he’s able to come back from injury. If not, expect James Milner or Michael Carrick to take his place. The two wing positions will likely be filled with Milner, Theo Walcott and Aaron Lennon. Our midfield will be solid, and has fairly top-notch player, expect this to be a strong part of the team.
Our goalie is going to be one of Robert Green, Joe Hart and David James. I’m hoping it’ll be Hart, who had a very good season with Birmingham City, while David James is most likely to be able to steal you a game, but at the same time, most culpable to lose you a game. This is likely the weak-point of the team, since we won’t have a stud like Buffon or Casillas in net.
If we play to the best of our abilities, we should cruise past Algeria, as well as advance past the US. While the US has numerous players playing abroad in England, they will always lack consistency across the pitch, as there will be weaker players for the opponents to take advantage of. Slovenia are very solid defensively, but there isn’t much more to say about them than that.
As for any further progress, it’ll likely depend on who we match up with in the round of 16.
Personally, I see them advancing them all the way to the semi’s as my expectation for that team, and Fabio Capello is the main reason for this. Also, Rooney’s unstoppable form will undoubtedly determine how far we’ll end up going in this tourney.
Thanks for the info.
Great breakdown of England. I’m definitely excited to watch them play.
"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram
by citadelchief on May 23, 2010 1:59 AM BST up reply actions
Im gunna be honest
It will be two up top. Fab has never indicated that it will only be Rooney on his own. Will be either Rooney and Crouch, or Heskey (much to my dissapointment). Gerrard on the left, Lamps and Barry (Carrick or maybe Milner) and One of Lennon, Joe Cole or Walcott. But out of the right winger’s I think the pace of Lennon or Walcott will be favoured.
Look to G Johnson at RB Rio and Terry in the middle with ledley king a great back up and Ash Cole.
Out of the keepers i think it will be James but I wouldn’t be dissapointed with Hart. Or Green, it’s almost a level playing field, however Hart’s inexperience at international level will count against him.
by Sweet science on May 23, 2010 12:03 PM BST up reply actions
What? You’d take Heskey or Crouch or Defoe over Gerrard partnering Rooney? Heskey all but disappeared for the second half of the season, same with Gerrard. I don’t see Crouch as someone who can start for the team, rather Capello will keep him on the bench to be an impact sub.
Rooney is supposed to play up top alone for tomorrow’s friendly against Mexico. I personally see that as a better alternative than forcing him to play with a partner. Rooney did just fine playing 4-3-2-1 or 4-5-1 this season at Man U.
Ledley King’s been a revelation, (not for his skills, but the fact he actually had lots of game time). james scares the hell out of me, I really don’t want him in net.
by Vancouverguy on May 24, 2010 6:44 AM BST up reply actions
It's not what i want
it’s what I think Fab will go 2. Trust me I don’t want Heskey anywhere near the squad. (I personally want him taken outback and sho….. actually nahh)
Fab has never indicated that it will only be Rooney on his own.
I wrote that ^^, then about two hours before I hear that Fab is indeed planning to play Rooney on his own. Thanks Cappello for making me look like a twat. I do indeed agree that 4-5-1 (or indeed4-3-3 whichever way youu see it) will be brilliant for England. Pack the midfield, two wide men giving us width and supporting Rooney when possible.
As for James, yeah he does scare me a little, but Green scares me more in an England shirt. As for Hart, he’s a better keeper than the lot, but has had no experience, (save for 45 against T&T, which is hardley high class) he will be under pressure and for a “rookie” that is not good in a world cup.
by Sweet science on May 24, 2010 1:19 PM BST up reply actions
I have a similar story to how I got into the game.
Where are you stationed now? If you’re at the Citadel, I can point you in the right direction in Charleston.
by nolefansam on May 24, 2010 2:41 AM BST via mobile reply actions
Currently in California
But possibly on my way back to Charleston soon.
"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram
by citadelchief on May 24, 2010 10:56 AM BST up reply actions
Madra Rua in Park Circle.
They open at 6:30AM on Saturday and Sunday morning for all matches. Murphy’s on tap with 100 people for United-Liverpool at 7AM is a good way to start the day.
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