Saturday
The BBC commentators were as doom-laden as usual for our one nil victory over Paraguay. But it was a useful victory and Lineker needs to listen to what Sven actually says.
But, watching the Italian Job afterwards with my friend and a bottle of Maltese Red, one could see how times had changed. In 2008, the coach transporting the gold to Geneva would have been decked out in white and red.
And I know the Mini chase scene would not work with this pattern...
And I know the Mini chase scene would not work with this pattern...
Posted by Mr Bridger at June 10, 2006 06:28 PM
The BBC commentators are simply awful. There was not one mention of the fact that Paraguay are a really good team. They have defeated both Brazil and Argentina in the last months and would have rated themselves against England.
The boys looked knackered at half time, little wonder, it would have been about 37 degrees on the pitch. They dominated the first half and looked good. The second half was not as good, but I cant remember Robinson being bothered once. Additionally, the ref was woeful and Paraguay got their fair share of luck from him.
I agree Sven's decision to take Owen off was at face value bizarre. However, he is the most successful coach in English soccer history - he has lost what - 6 games ? - and should be trusted.
Posted by Ted at June 10, 2006 07:37 PM
The BBC commentators are simply awful, except for Shearer who actually is fair.There was not one mention of the fact that Paraguay are a really good team. They have defeated both Brazil and Argentina in the last months and would have rated themselves against England.
The boys looked knackered at half time, little wonder, it would have been about 37 degrees on the pitch. They dominated the first half and looked good. The second half was not as good, but I cant remember Robinson being bothered once. Additionally, the ref was woeful and Paraguay got their fair share of luck from him.
I agree Sven's decision to take Owen off was at face value bizarre. However, he is the most successful coach in English soccer history - he has lost what - 6 games ? - and should be trusted.
Posted by Ted at June 10, 2006 07:39 PM
The BBC commentators are simply awful, except for Shearer who actually is fair.There was not one mention of the fact that Paraguay are a really good team. They have defeated both Brazil and Argentina in the last months and would have rated themselves against England.
The boys looked knackered at half time, little wonder, it would have been about 37 degrees on the pitch. They dominated the first half and looked good. The second half was not as good, but I cant remember Robinson being bothered once. Additionally, the ref was woeful and Paraguay got their fair share of luck from him.
I agree Sven's decision to take Owen off was at face value bizarre. However, he is the most successful coach in English soccer history - he has lost what - 6 games ? - and should be trusted.
Posted by Ted at June 10, 2006 07:39 PM
Ted Said "The boys looked knackered at half time, little wonder, it would have been about 37 degrees on the pitch" - if it had been just 5 Deg. above freezing I think it would have suited our boys just fine.
Posted by Rob at June 10, 2006 10:15 PM
Ted Said "The boys looked knackered at half time, little wonder, it would have been about 37 degrees on the pitch" - if it had been just 5 Deg. above freezing I think it would have suited our boys just fine.
Posted by Rob at June 10, 2006 10:16 PM
Now I know why somebody on another thread called Samizdata an "echo chamber".
Posted by Midwesterner at June 11, 2006 02:41 AM
Midwesterner,
Nah, they are just stuttering.
You wouldn't want to draw attention to someones disability now, would you?
Posted by Chris Harper at June 11, 2006 02:59 AM
I can't take commentators any more.
It's annoying enough for England games, but the ones I really can't take are when Brazil are playing. It's the sycophantic "aaaahhh!" moans of pleasure when one of them passes the ball, the patronising comments about Samba barefoot beach football, the endless going on and on and on about Pele and the 1970 team, and the way that skills, attacks and even goals by their opposing team are completely ignored - Turkey made them look ordinary twice last time round.
Beautiful game, schmootiful game. Just switch the sound off, or watch it in a noisy pub.
Posted by Pete at June 11, 2006 12:22 PM
Agree about the flag. All this rediscovering Englishness is bollockss of course. We have reverted to the red cross of St George because its a bugger trying to paint a Union Jack on your face when you are pissed.
Posted by Ian Thorpe at June 11, 2006 05:00 PM
Well we Welsh manage a Dragon
in a similar state. so why not the English?
Not artistic see!
We will all be cheering them on in the Principality.
Unlike the ingrate Scots.
But let's not mess about. I'm starting my usual sweepstake ( big prizes big money!) as to who will be the jerk who misses the penalty that takes us out of the semi-final.
Any punters out there?
Posted by RAB at June 12, 2006 01:58 AM
