Woeful England thrashed by Germany and Argentina outclass Mexico to reach the quarter finals

Miroslav Klose scored the opening goal for Germany in their match with England.

With places in the quarter-finals at stake, England took on old rivals Germany and Argentina faced Mexico in what promised to be two thrilling encounters.

The day’s action started with England against Germany. Unfortunately England’s poor performances continued and they looked lost and vulnerable as they repeatedly gave the ball away and failed to create many chances. Their scattered defence was easily broken down by a quick and organised German team and Germany’s opening goal came after only 20 minutes when Neuer’s goal kick reached Klose, who easily shrugged off Upson and neatly slotted home. A second goal followed ten minutes later after dreadful defending by England left Podolski completely unmarked and he scored at the far post. Germany’s lead could have been increased to three or four if England keeper James hadn’t made two outstanding saves to keep England in the game. England gave themselves a life-line just before half-time when Upson headed home from Gerrard’s cross to make it 2-1. They looked to have completely turned the game around only moments later when Lampard’s strike hit the crossbar and bounced behind the goal line. However, the referee and linesman ruled it was not a goal and the score remained 2-1, despite furious England protestations.

After a half-time full of replays and talk of video technology, the teams took to the pitch again. England dominated the opening minutes and Lampard again came close to levelling the score with another strike which hit the crossbar. However, England’s good play didn’t last long and they were easily outclassed by an impressive German side. Germany broke numerous times from England set pieces and twice took advantage of shocking defending to increase their lead to 4-1. Muller scored both the goals within three minutes of each other as the England defenders trailed helplessly in his wake. This looked like the end of England’s 2010 World Cup and, despite Cole, Heskey and Wright-Phillips being brought on, the clueless England team struggled to create a come-back. The game finished 4-1 and it was a deserved victory for an impressive German team. The torment didn’t stop there for Capello however as in his post-match interview he was bombarded with questions about resigning. Considering England didn’t qualify for Euro 2008 under McClaren, Capello has done well to take the team to the 2nd round of the World Cup, so calls for his departure may be a little premature. However, England were thoroughly disappointing and dreadful in this campaign and clearly something needs to change.

The evening match determined who Germany would face in the quarter-finals and it was a contest between Argentina and Mexico. Mexico had the first chance when Salcido’s strike hit the crossbar but after that Argentina dominated the game. Tevez opened the scoring after 25 minutes, heading home after Messi chipped the ball to him over the keeper. Tevez was offside but the linesman’s flag stayed down and despite replays on the stadium’s big screens and roars of outrage from players and fans, the goal stood and Argentina lead 1-0. Their lead doubled less than 10 minutes later when Osorio gave away the ball on the edge of his own area and Higuain scored easily past a stranded Perez. Argentina went in 2-0 up at half-time.

The second half saw good play from both teams but then a wonder strike from Tevez after 52 minutes seemed to put the mach beyond Mexico’s reach. His long-range effort hurtled unstoppably into the top corner and gave Argentina a 3-0 lead. Mexico continued to attack and had a couple of good crosses narrowly headed wide and Franco’s attempt was cleared off the line by Heinze. They eventually pulled one back when Hernandez turned away from DeMichelis and buried his shot past Romero. It was too little too late however and Argentina saw out an impressive match, winning 3-1 and setting up a quarter-final clash with Germany.

Add Comment

You must log in to submit a comment.