Monday, 26 June 2006
Rather be watching Mrs Bucket
The World Cup back in London
I normally get more excited about watching old repeats of Keeping Up Appearances on BBC America than watching England games. I really do give total credit to those poor souls who gives up their lives and probably most of their money following the national team around the world. Today was like another visit to the dentist, but thankfully our interest continues, at least until we play someone half decent.
It was very welcoming listening to the BBC team in the studio rip into Eriksson and his tactics time and again. After all of this time, he still hasn't a clue about his best team or system. A certain Darren Bent would have been more suited to the lone striker role, as would Defoe because it's not natural for Rooney but Beckham, who I wouldn't even start, rescued us not for the first time. I thought Carrick was ordinary but less so than Lampard, who looks a different player when he doesn't have the Chelsea midfield around him.
Later: Well if the England game was Keeping Up Appearances then the Holland, Argentina game was an episode from 24! As drama turned into farce and I found myself willing more Portugese players to be sent of in injury time as it became obvious the Dutch couldn't score in a, ahem, brothel.
I have always had a soft spot for the Dutch after their valiant efforts in the 70's but they didn't deserve to score with the awful Kuyt up front, with Van Basten amazingly not turning to Van Nistelrooy from the bench. Therefore fate pairs Scolari against Sven again. To coin a phrase, "we will get better," gawd help us. ¶ 00:25
The World Cup back in London
I normally get more excited about watching old repeats of Keeping Up Appearances on BBC America than watching England games. I really do give total credit to those poor souls who gives up their lives and probably most of their money following the national team around the world. Today was like another visit to the dentist, but thankfully our interest continues, at least until we play someone half decent.
It was very welcoming listening to the BBC team in the studio rip into Eriksson and his tactics time and again. After all of this time, he still hasn't a clue about his best team or system. A certain Darren Bent would have been more suited to the lone striker role, as would Defoe because it's not natural for Rooney but Beckham, who I wouldn't even start, rescued us not for the first time. I thought Carrick was ordinary but less so than Lampard, who looks a different player when he doesn't have the Chelsea midfield around him.
Later: Well if the England game was Keeping Up Appearances then the Holland, Argentina game was an episode from 24! As drama turned into farce and I found myself willing more Portugese players to be sent of in injury time as it became obvious the Dutch couldn't score in a, ahem, brothel.
I have always had a soft spot for the Dutch after their valiant efforts in the 70's but they didn't deserve to score with the awful Kuyt up front, with Van Basten amazingly not turning to Van Nistelrooy from the bench. Therefore fate pairs Scolari against Sven again. To coin a phrase, "we will get better," gawd help us. ¶ 00:25
