If I was them I would not be happy at all with this win. They need to play like everybody knows they can. Crouch was completely ineffective, come to think of it there was little to no offense at all. The midfielders, touted as the best line in the world, played mediocre. If it wasnt for the Defense the 3 lions would have lost by 2. They need to get Rooney in; the way he fights and plays and not to mention he just knows how to score, they will really need him to get past Sweden.

They'll be fine w/ a healthy Owen and Rooney.

Or maybe they are as overrated as a lot of people say. I know crouch is a big target, but he was diving. I wanted to see the robot, not a 6-7 giant flopping.

Tall Crouch was out of possition for most of the game and also showed a considerable amount of immaturity. Probably frustrated by the Paraguaian theatrics.

I woke up for the first half but missed the second half because I fell asleep. Did Paraguay create chances in the second because they surely didn't in the first?

The British media is even admitting that the ref was harsh towards Paraguay.

--------------------------------------------------
"The rest of the world will be rooting for the U.S. to fall flat on its face. Tell your soccer-hating friends that if they couldn't care less about how the U.S. does in these games, they are right in line with the French."

Page 2 writer Michael Davies

quote:

---

and also showed a considerable amount of immaturity

---

I agree. I thought they were targeting him, but he exacerbated the situation by always whining, with his arms up, etc. Way too much mouthing.

Crouch didnt adjust his play when the ref started calling him alot. Also, I did note a bit of favoritism toward the Paraguayans from the ref.

3 points.

And with Sweden tying T&T...

3 points.

quote:

---

The British media is even admitting that the ref was harsh towards Paraguay.

---

quote:

---

Also, I did note a bit of favoritism toward the Paraguayans from the ref.

---

So which is it. Were the refs favoring Paraguay or England?

As Balboa said today, Crouch was checking to the defence to get balls and trying to turn and play them into Owen over top, who was making through runs. It clearly didn't work. It should have been the opposite, with Owen, who obviously has more skill, and who I would assume is much quicker, checking to and Crouch getting in behind.
Just what I would have done, but Rooney playing wouldn't have been a bad thing.

I definitely do not agree with the above statement that Crouch should have been the one trying to make runs off Owen. Crouch is the target striker and Owen is the speedy one. You want your speedy striker making through runs behind the defence. Crouch isn't fast enough to make those runs. Also, he got hosed on a few calls when he was fighting for position and that made him a lot less effective.

Three points is three points, but not scoring on your own is extremely disappointing for a soccer rich nation as England.

It is better to remain silent and presumed ignorant, than open your mouth and remove all doubt, Abe Lincoln.

Consider it a solid win for England, since '98, Paraguay has had one of the best defenses in the world and they have advanced into the knockout round the last 2 World Cups. This wasn't Jamaica that the English were playing, this was a very good team.

With that said, England is going to have trouble this WC if Rooney does not come back at even 80%. Owen is a shell of his former self and since I started writing has lost another step. His handling was never stellar so once the pace goes he is average.

England has to have Rooney. Joe Cole was really the only bright spot for that side on Saturday although Lampard had some good strikes.