Well...it was not that long ago that England fans and
players alike, were up in arms about Frank
Lampard’s goal-that-never-was against Germany at the World Cup, two years ago in South Africa. Last night however, it was England who were on the end of a shocking decision to disallow Ukraine what would have been a much deserved equaliser. The ball clearly crossed the line and yet even with the pointless extra official, the goal was not given and England survived, even though the player was technically offside when the ball was played through to him. I think all England fans will say that it goes some way to making amends for previous wrong decisions that have gone against England. I suppose you have to ask the rhetorical question, if the goal had been given, could Ukraine have gone on to win the game? It's difficult to say really as England themselves could have scored again and we could go round in circles talking about 'what could have happened'.
For me, the game highlighted again that if you are expecting England to dominate, play great free flowing football and entertain, you will be sorely disappointed. They simply have decided to opt for the hard to
beat approach and are just looking to win games. To be fair to Roy Hodgson and the team, winning games at this level is what matters, so Hodgson is trying to make the team tough to break down and effective at winning games. As Greece have shown this tournament and in the past when they won the Euros, you don’t have to be the best side to win. So, England advance with Rooney and will be a match for anyone as they are dangerous from set plays, will look to frustrate the opposition and nick a goal at the other end. England do not have the players to play the football the fans want but this is not the be all and end all, as it just matters who wins. I also believe that when a draw is all a team needs, you can get caught not knowing how to approach the game for fear of losing whilst also knowing a draw will suffice.
England will now face Italy in the quarter finals and with Balotelli and Rooney set to face each other, it looks like this could really be a fixture with some added spice. I fancy England to edge through 2-1.
In the other game France were stunned by the already eliminated Swedes. A team with nothing to play for can prove to be dangerous opposition and this was the case with Sweden. Lead by their inspirational captain Zlatan, they condemned France to a quarter final with holders Spain.
France really did not show up as Clichy was often exposed. Indeed it was Clichy who went missing for the second goal when Larsson lashed home a clinical finish, to finally give the Swedish fans something to cheer at this tournament.
But the real talking point was the goal of the tournament so far by Zlatan. What a goal. It was an amazing volley from just inside the box and he truly is an incredible player. When he is in the mood he can be unplayable, leaving us all wondering why he doesn't get himself into that mind
frame more often. However, he has certainly
matured into his captaincy and seemed to take great pride in leading his team to
victory last night.
France will have to be at their absolute best to beat
Spain, but I just feel that Spain will only get stronger and the best time to
play them has already passed.
Till next time...
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