Sunday 2 Jul 2006
Out on pens again
The World Cup - Don't you just hate it!
Thats it then. Another World Cup campaign over and, another massive disappointment.
No doubt the jealous Jocks would have been partying north of the border but, for England fans up and down the country it was sadly the same old story.
Did we really stand a chance at all though, given that good ole FIFA had chosen an Argentinian referee to officiate the game?
Has FIFA got its head so far in the sand it doesnt know the history between the two nations? Or was he deployed simply because FIFA know only too well?
I suspect the latter. Some of the decisions during the match with Portugal were woeful to put it mildly.
We were all excited about the fact that Wayne Rooney had got 90 minutes under his belt against Ecuador and now was his chance to burst onto the WC 2006 scene.
He was dismissed by the Argentinian but why? Alright it may have been a yellow card but not red.
England competed well with ten men and, it was almost an inevitability that the game would end with the nerve-racking penalty shoot out.
And what happened there, with Jamie Carraghers spot kick?
Nicely nestled in the Portuguese net, the Argentinian official ordered Carragher to take it again. Why?
Of course, with nerves taking over, Carragher failed to find the net a second time.
We cant of course put the blame entirely on the official, with Frank Lampard and Steve Gerrard of all people both having their spot kicks saved.
So instead of glory in Berlin on July 9, we are left with that usual numb feeling once again.
If only we could turn the clock back. If only we could get penalties right for a change. If only FIFA had given us anyone else but an Argentinian referee. If only.
Ah well, another four years to wait. Steve McLarens chance now to succeed. Bye bye Sven. You did a reasonable job but ultimately failed like your predecessors.
Not a bad record though. In three major tournaments he lost just one qualifying match against Northern Ireland and, in the three finals, got us to the quarter final each time.
Going out to Brazil by that freak Ronaldinho goal. And crashing out to Portugal twice, both on penalties.
During the latest campaign England conceded just two goals against the Swedes, recorded four clean sheets in their five matches and never lost a match technically.
So well done Sven. Good effort but sadly not good enough.
May as well watch a bit of Wimbledon now before the domestic pre-season friendlies commence.
The World Cup dont you just hate it!
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