The game that took place between Italy and England at the contraversial location on the edge of the Amazon was an odd affair.
It began with a tempo not far removed from that adopted by Germany and Austria in Spain 1982. Both teams back then realised that the goal scored early by the Germans would end up a suitable result for both to proceed and send an exciting Algeria team home. They proceeded to pass the ball between themselves at walking pace (read more here).
I’m not suggesting corruption here, merely that the slow, slow, quick, quick, slow approach particularly early on in this match was more to do with the hot and humid conditions. Face facts, this was a game between two European sides and their first in the competition being held in Brazil. Perhaps acclimatisation was the key.
Regardless of the tempo, this was an exciting England performance even though it ended as a 2-1 defeat. As early as the fourth minute the exciting Liverpool youngster Raheem Sterling showed what he could do with a long range effort that had most England fans leaving their seats.
The starting line up was more around getting at the Italians but it was not without it’s floors. While the much maligned Welbeck put in an excellent shift until being replaced by the expectant Barkley, the quick pace of Sterling having a go at the dogged Italian defence and Sturridge causing them no end of problems, there was a lot of hope for England fans.
To supplement the youthful exhuberance there was the experience of Rooney and Gerrard which I have to say, the assist for the goal from the Manchester United striker was the only highlight for the two of them. Arguably, Henderson making way in the second half should have really been the expense of what seem to be a lacklustre Gerrard.
England expects. It is always the case but the build up to this World Cup had been lower key than in previous competitions that I can remember. The inclusion of several young talents mixed with a blend of experience was interesting but it was a tough group draw so maybe that had something to do with the pesimism.
Two group games left to play and a loss under our belts, it’s an odd scenario where the majority of sensible fans consider that we have a chance of finishing as runners-up. Having seen a poor Suarez-less Uruguay lose to Costa Rica and the latter perhaps having the result of their lives already, if England play like they did against Italy there is no reason not to expect two wins and a place in the second round.
There were questions marks over the back line. Both Jagielka and Cahill kept Balotelli quiet throughout, his goal apart of course. Hart was competent enough not to be at fault for either goal. Full back was the problem position. Not so much Glenn Johnson, although he did run with the ball too often only to suddenley stop and put his foot on it with a lost look on his face.
Surprisingly Leighton Baines looked very much out of sorts and uncomfortable. You cannot put the blame solely down to him. Throughout the game he had two Italians attacking his flank and was left open far too often. Maybe the Italians saw him as a weak link or more to the point, Rooney playing out of position ahead of him.
All in all though, England had enough chances to win the game. One really should have brought the game level – yes, I’m looking at you Wayne Rooney. Consistency is the key as we have seen at Palace this season. A regular line up of players starting games reaps its rewards and its for this reason I suggest England starts with the same line up against Uruguay.
The Uruguayans are a team struggling for form having only just qualified for these finals, courtesy of a play off against Jordan. If Brazil needed to qualify, the liklihood is that they wouldn’t even be here. They are missing star man Luis Suarez and you have to think he is nowhere near fitness otherwise he would have made an appearance against Costa Rica.
So my message to the nation is don’t be too dismayed by the opening loss. There is still an awful lot to play for and having got the more difficult game in the group out of the way, the pressure is now on to perform. And perform they will. I’m certain of it.
COME ON ENGLAND!
