Zorya Luhansk 0-2 Manchester United
We’re through. So, job done. This Europa League group campaign has confirmed my contempt for the early stages of this competition, but after finishing second in our pool to Fenerbahce, we can’t claim that we’re too big a club for UEFA’s second competition.
In a way it was fitting that such a weird group stage – two of our best performances of the season at home to Fener and Feyenoord, two of the worst away to those teams – ended in such a dull game. Honestly, it was like a pre-season game out there. Mind, it wasn’t helped by the rock hard surface, with temperatures of at times -7 degrees contributing to the poor play. The crowd in Odessa could be forgiven for falling asleep. A classic, it wasn’t.
The supporters were in good spirits though, because quite frankly it didn’t matter that the game was total crap. The fact that Zorya, a tiny club who were languishing in the third tier of Ukrainian football as recently as 2003, were hosting United was a huge moment for the club. It was done to death by the commentators but it needs repeating: This ‘home’ fixture was being played 600 miles from the city of Luhansk, with Eastern Ukraine still deep in conflict. So for the club exiled in sleepy Zaporizhia (the stadium there is not up to UEFA’s standards) a game against Pogba, Ibrahimovic and Rooney was a landmark, a real moment of triumph.
Spending time on matters such as this avoids mentioning the football, which was dreadful. Mourinho played the ‘A’ team (although Carrick, Valencia and Darmian were left at home) but the 1st half passed by with us having the ball and doing nothing with it. Romero made a decent save at some point, shortly before a flare landed near him. Thankfully, the deadlock was broken soon after the break with a superb individual goal from Mkhitaryan, his first in a red shirt. A delicious nutmeg, calm finish. Zorya were pretty poor so there was never a chance of an equaliser, and it was duly wrapped up when Pogba played in Zlatan who finished simply. That made it 7 goals in 6 games in all competitions for the big Swede. At 35. Jeez he’s brilliant. Eric Bailly made his comeback and looked good, late clash of heads notwithstanding. Fosu Mensah had a decent cameo. And that’s it. Onto Spurs, when I’ll actually be there….
Friday, 9 December 2016
Monday, 8 August 2016
Community Shield - Manchester United 2-1 Leicester
Manchester United 2 (Lingard 32, Ibrahimovic 83) Leicester 1
(Vardy 52)
So, Jose Mourinho and Manchester United. Has a good ring to
it, doesn’t it?It’s always in my opinion a good thing to be in the Community Shield, (forever dubbed the traditional curtain-raiser for reasons yet to be discovered) acting as a friendly of the highest possible intensity against one of the best teams in the division. In these post Ferguson times, being in it meant something else – we had won a trophy! Cheers LVG.
Of course, the opponents being Leicester brought into sharp focus how we had underperformed recently, exactly why we were starting 2016/17 with a new boss. Jose Mourinho, no less. But the miracle of Leicester is still a wonderful story, and it would be intriguing to see how we would perform against a side who we drew twice with last year in incident packed games (The Vardy record, and then Fellaini and Huth’s bans).
So back at Wembley, over 80,000 fans, time for United to
show their teeth…. Sort of. It was a pretty poor game, and the opening
exchanges were reminiscent of the early 2000’s Shields when it was quite
evident that Fergie didn’t care. But the opening goal was superb, a brilliant
mazy run past 3 players from Jesse Lingard, scoring his second amazing goal at
Wembley for United in as many appearances. Lingard celebrated with an awful ‘dance’
but no matter. A great goal from a player deemed to be under pressure in the
new regime against the champions? Quality.
 |
| Even worse celebration than the dab. Fix up Jesse |
Lots of subs were made by both teams as the game –played in stifling heat for early August in the capital- seemed to be meandering towards a penalty shoot-out. The game had largely passed Zlatan Ibrahimovic by, the giant Swede not looking 100% match fit and his delicate touches and flicks not being read by his teammates. But as the press sharpened their knives, the man came good with a genuine world class moment. Valencia, probably United’s biggest threat all afternoon, beat his man and floated a cross to the far post, and Zlatan powered a header into the net, out jumping Morgan in the process. Magic. Leicester had probably lost about 9 headers or some shit in the entire season just gone, and here was Ibrahimovic showing what a world class striker can do. Brilliant.
There was still time for Mourinho to anger everyone when taking off Mata in the last minute after bringing him on before, under the flimsy argument that his new signing Henrik Mkhi-whatever could provide better defense from the expected barrage of long balls into the area in the dying seconds. I mean, he’s an inch or two taller but delicate no.10’s don’t tend to be the best at seeing out games. To be honest I don't care if Jose was just being a knob to Mata or just making it all about him, we won, and had a trophy (of sorts) and that’s what counts.
United (4-2-3-1) De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Blind, Shaw (Rojo
69); Carrick (Herrera 61), Fellaini; Lingard (Mata 63 [Mkhi 89]), Rooney
(Schneiderlin 88), Martial (Rashford 70); Ibrahimovic.
 |
| Love a trophy lift |
 |
| The boy Rash holding the Shield |
Thursday, 23 April 2015
Wednesday 22 April, Notts v Yorkshire.
Wednesday 22 April, Notts v Yorkshire.
Despite being a keen fan of cricket, I'd never before been to a county game. Living as I do now, down the road from Trent Bridge, it would be a missed opportunity to not go and see Nottinghamshire. With their next home county championship game not till May 17th (deep into my exam time) it was an easy enough decision to see the 4th day of this match. Some background- This was the second championship fixture for Notts, after a draw at Middlesex in the season opener last week. There was considerable anger from Yorkshire at England taking many of their key players on their tour of the West Indies, which left them feeling robbed after four of them only carried the drinks. (Rashid, Lyth, Plunkett, Bairstow; Gary Ballance and Joe Root, however, played the Test match.) On the first day of the match on Sunday 19th, Alex Hales hit a double ton, James Taylor scored 59, Hales got out on the 2nd morning for 236, leaving Notts with a total of 428. Yorkshire then batted well- Alex Lees 100, Pujara 57. On the third day Jack Leaning scored a maiden first class century (116) as they got 441, a lead of 13. Notts ended the third day 74/3, Taylor batting with nightwatchman Gidman.
Former England bowler Tim Bresnan opened proceedings with Jack Brooks. Bresnan was kept on for a long spell, kept runs down and was very accurate. During this spell, you caught a little glimpse as to why he was a regular member of the squad in England's very successful period under Strauss and Andy Flower. Brooks at the other end, however, was erratic. Yorks skipper Andrew Gale took him off and first change Steven Patterson was quicker and got the first wicket of the day when Gidman edged to slip for 13. He had looked uncertain from the start. Patel came to the crease and it was great watching two of the funniest physical players in English cricket bat together, and bat well. Taylor, of the short stature (5"4) and Patel, someone who could be described as on the heavier side. Both have England Test caps, while Patel's time has probably been and gone, Taylor is someone who I think has been very unlucky in the years following his debut in 2012.
His championship form has been thoroughly excellent since then but often inferior players technique wise have been given a Test top six spot ahead of him, like Jonny Bairstow, and England have grown into a habit of putting all-rounders in the top six fairly recently. While both Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali have big parts to play in the future, given our batting woes in the Ashes whitewash and the less than wonderful performances in the 2014 summer, I hope it won't be long before Taylor gets an extended run in the team.
But I digress, back to the match. Taylor's defence was great and he can scored all round the wicket, and looked in superb touch, hitting a great straight drive for 4 off a rare poor delivery from Bresnan. Patel, known for his powerful hitting, also looked good. Both made decent progress as the Yorkshire attack was pretty blunt when Bresnan wasn't bowling. Gale looked to William Rhodes, a part time bowler, but he got plenty of bounce off the pitch and was sending it down fast. I thought he was the pick of the bowlers all day, out performing those with far more impressive records. He bowled short of a length regularly and Taylor gave his wicket away after all his hard work with a hook to fine leg for 35. A little bit of part time spin from Jack Leaning to give the pace battery a rest led to the shot of the morning from Patel, a beautiful cover drive. The young medium fast bowler Matthew Fisher, just 17, ended the session with some very average deliveries to the new batsman Riki Wessels.
Lunch came and went and I obviously need to work on my cricket journalism as I missed the first couple of overs but thankfully just missed one run and not a huge shift in the match. Meanwhile, Brooks and Patterson opened, but the story was all about Patel, who really upped the pace, reaching his 50 off 75 balls with 7 4s. It featured a wonderful cut off Patterson for a boundary. Wessels, not to be outdone, then late cut Bresnan for 4 twice in four balls meaning that Bresnan was very expensive in his first few overs after lunch, and with the run rate going up, it was still possible a declaration could be taken and Notts could try and see if Yorkshire could be bowled out going for a win. However, this attacking style led to wickets, with a run out shout when Patel went for a quick single to mid on very unlucky not to be given, and then after Rhodes was brought back, he once more made the breakthrough. The first ball of his spell was smacked through cover point for 4 from Patel, but from very next ball the one-time England man was caught behind driving for a brilliant 76 off 114 balls, with 11 4s. A much needed wicket, to just about keep the game alive for Yorkshire.
Gale shuffled his bowling around again to try and unsettle the new batsman at the crease, Notts captain Chris Read. He was very defensive and uncertain at the start, edging just over first slip for four. At the other end, Wessels slog swept Leaning for a maximum over long on and was going extremely well, having no trouble against the spinner, but then stupidly went for a huge shot to a decent ball and edged behind to leave him 43 off 71 and again the game was given a chance. The score at this point was 245-7, if Yorkshire could clean up they would fancy their chances.
Unfortunately, it wasn't to be. The South African Vernon Philander then came out, a proper international star. He almost got out first ball, though, but his edge fell short of first slip after a very good arm ball from Leaning. Yorks then took the new ball in an attempt to get the last 3 wickets quickly, but it just handed the initiative to Notts, with the new cherry flying off the bat to the boundary a heck of a lot. Brooks and Bresnan bowled the first 5 overs of it economically, then off the 86th over Bresnan went for 12, thanks to three consecutive boundaries off Read. I thought Read should've declared at that point with a 257 lead and 35 overs left to try and engineer a result but he didnt and the run making continued. Leaning then took over but went for 9. the runs were flowing, just fu*king declare please... Gale looked to Lees for even more part time spin, as tea arrived.
With the game drifting away thanks to Read and Philanders' commendable batsmanship, I began to think of possible reasons for not declaring- perhaps that a team with a batting line up like Yorkshire were never going to be bowled out in 30odd overs, or more likely, because Read thought a ton was for the taking. It certainly seemed that way, as he got his 50 off 80 balls, before really opening up, lifting a straight drive for a 6, then a pull for four off Leaning who I was amazed was still bowling. The pitch was clearly conducive to spin but he proved throughout his 14 overs on the day he's nowhere near good enough. Of course, it could be argued Gale realised it was a lost cause and was saving his top bowlers... it seemed so and Read and Philander were happy with that. Read reverse swept him for four, much to the amusement of the crowd. We had the bizarre sight of Yorkshire putting five men on the boundary despite the opposition being seven down. Soon enough the 100 partnership came up for the 8th wicket off 147 balls, and the very next ball after the announcement Philander hit poor old Leaning into the Radcliffe Road End to move onto 37. The fast bowler had shared a lot of the strike in the late overs, meaning that when the two teams shook hands for a draw Read was left on 83 not out. Notts closed on 354/7, and it was a draw.
At the start of the day any cricket fan could have predicted that outcome, but nonetheless it was a thoroughly enjoyable day as a spectator. I didn't come away with any great feelings about either team, but rather the game itself. There is something idyllic about English county cricket in the early summer, it's a different world completely to the screaming celebrity endorsed razzmatazz of the IPL, for instance. And yet, the little things that make county cricket wonderful were all in evidence- the presence of the members, always turning up in rain or shine, the lovely murmur round the ground after another great strike by their skipper Read, and the odd hilarious comment, like the one from the elderly man sitting behind me who remarked that the England Test team was full of "Back-door bandits" and "toff wankers". The Ashes it ain't, but county championship cricket definitely still has a place.
Despite being a keen fan of cricket, I'd never before been to a county game. Living as I do now, down the road from Trent Bridge, it would be a missed opportunity to not go and see Nottinghamshire. With their next home county championship game not till May 17th (deep into my exam time) it was an easy enough decision to see the 4th day of this match. Some background- This was the second championship fixture for Notts, after a draw at Middlesex in the season opener last week. There was considerable anger from Yorkshire at England taking many of their key players on their tour of the West Indies, which left them feeling robbed after four of them only carried the drinks. (Rashid, Lyth, Plunkett, Bairstow; Gary Ballance and Joe Root, however, played the Test match.) On the first day of the match on Sunday 19th, Alex Hales hit a double ton, James Taylor scored 59, Hales got out on the 2nd morning for 236, leaving Notts with a total of 428. Yorkshire then batted well- Alex Lees 100, Pujara 57. On the third day Jack Leaning scored a maiden first class century (116) as they got 441, a lead of 13. Notts ended the third day 74/3, Taylor batting with nightwatchman Gidman.
Former England bowler Tim Bresnan opened proceedings with Jack Brooks. Bresnan was kept on for a long spell, kept runs down and was very accurate. During this spell, you caught a little glimpse as to why he was a regular member of the squad in England's very successful period under Strauss and Andy Flower. Brooks at the other end, however, was erratic. Yorks skipper Andrew Gale took him off and first change Steven Patterson was quicker and got the first wicket of the day when Gidman edged to slip for 13. He had looked uncertain from the start. Patel came to the crease and it was great watching two of the funniest physical players in English cricket bat together, and bat well. Taylor, of the short stature (5"4) and Patel, someone who could be described as on the heavier side. Both have England Test caps, while Patel's time has probably been and gone, Taylor is someone who I think has been very unlucky in the years following his debut in 2012.
His championship form has been thoroughly excellent since then but often inferior players technique wise have been given a Test top six spot ahead of him, like Jonny Bairstow, and England have grown into a habit of putting all-rounders in the top six fairly recently. While both Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali have big parts to play in the future, given our batting woes in the Ashes whitewash and the less than wonderful performances in the 2014 summer, I hope it won't be long before Taylor gets an extended run in the team.
But I digress, back to the match. Taylor's defence was great and he can scored all round the wicket, and looked in superb touch, hitting a great straight drive for 4 off a rare poor delivery from Bresnan. Patel, known for his powerful hitting, also looked good. Both made decent progress as the Yorkshire attack was pretty blunt when Bresnan wasn't bowling. Gale looked to William Rhodes, a part time bowler, but he got plenty of bounce off the pitch and was sending it down fast. I thought he was the pick of the bowlers all day, out performing those with far more impressive records. He bowled short of a length regularly and Taylor gave his wicket away after all his hard work with a hook to fine leg for 35. A little bit of part time spin from Jack Leaning to give the pace battery a rest led to the shot of the morning from Patel, a beautiful cover drive. The young medium fast bowler Matthew Fisher, just 17, ended the session with some very average deliveries to the new batsman Riki Wessels.
Lunch came and went and I obviously need to work on my cricket journalism as I missed the first couple of overs but thankfully just missed one run and not a huge shift in the match. Meanwhile, Brooks and Patterson opened, but the story was all about Patel, who really upped the pace, reaching his 50 off 75 balls with 7 4s. It featured a wonderful cut off Patterson for a boundary. Wessels, not to be outdone, then late cut Bresnan for 4 twice in four balls meaning that Bresnan was very expensive in his first few overs after lunch, and with the run rate going up, it was still possible a declaration could be taken and Notts could try and see if Yorkshire could be bowled out going for a win. However, this attacking style led to wickets, with a run out shout when Patel went for a quick single to mid on very unlucky not to be given, and then after Rhodes was brought back, he once more made the breakthrough. The first ball of his spell was smacked through cover point for 4 from Patel, but from very next ball the one-time England man was caught behind driving for a brilliant 76 off 114 balls, with 11 4s. A much needed wicket, to just about keep the game alive for Yorkshire.
Gale shuffled his bowling around again to try and unsettle the new batsman at the crease, Notts captain Chris Read. He was very defensive and uncertain at the start, edging just over first slip for four. At the other end, Wessels slog swept Leaning for a maximum over long on and was going extremely well, having no trouble against the spinner, but then stupidly went for a huge shot to a decent ball and edged behind to leave him 43 off 71 and again the game was given a chance. The score at this point was 245-7, if Yorkshire could clean up they would fancy their chances.
Unfortunately, it wasn't to be. The South African Vernon Philander then came out, a proper international star. He almost got out first ball, though, but his edge fell short of first slip after a very good arm ball from Leaning. Yorks then took the new ball in an attempt to get the last 3 wickets quickly, but it just handed the initiative to Notts, with the new cherry flying off the bat to the boundary a heck of a lot. Brooks and Bresnan bowled the first 5 overs of it economically, then off the 86th over Bresnan went for 12, thanks to three consecutive boundaries off Read. I thought Read should've declared at that point with a 257 lead and 35 overs left to try and engineer a result but he didnt and the run making continued. Leaning then took over but went for 9. the runs were flowing, just fu*king declare please... Gale looked to Lees for even more part time spin, as tea arrived.
With the game drifting away thanks to Read and Philanders' commendable batsmanship, I began to think of possible reasons for not declaring- perhaps that a team with a batting line up like Yorkshire were never going to be bowled out in 30odd overs, or more likely, because Read thought a ton was for the taking. It certainly seemed that way, as he got his 50 off 80 balls, before really opening up, lifting a straight drive for a 6, then a pull for four off Leaning who I was amazed was still bowling. The pitch was clearly conducive to spin but he proved throughout his 14 overs on the day he's nowhere near good enough. Of course, it could be argued Gale realised it was a lost cause and was saving his top bowlers... it seemed so and Read and Philander were happy with that. Read reverse swept him for four, much to the amusement of the crowd. We had the bizarre sight of Yorkshire putting five men on the boundary despite the opposition being seven down. Soon enough the 100 partnership came up for the 8th wicket off 147 balls, and the very next ball after the announcement Philander hit poor old Leaning into the Radcliffe Road End to move onto 37. The fast bowler had shared a lot of the strike in the late overs, meaning that when the two teams shook hands for a draw Read was left on 83 not out. Notts closed on 354/7, and it was a draw.
At the start of the day any cricket fan could have predicted that outcome, but nonetheless it was a thoroughly enjoyable day as a spectator. I didn't come away with any great feelings about either team, but rather the game itself. There is something idyllic about English county cricket in the early summer, it's a different world completely to the screaming celebrity endorsed razzmatazz of the IPL, for instance. And yet, the little things that make county cricket wonderful were all in evidence- the presence of the members, always turning up in rain or shine, the lovely murmur round the ground after another great strike by their skipper Read, and the odd hilarious comment, like the one from the elderly man sitting behind me who remarked that the England Test team was full of "Back-door bandits" and "toff wankers". The Ashes it ain't, but county championship cricket definitely still has a place.
Sunday, 15 June 2014
World Cup 2014 day two - Cameroon 0-1 Mexico
Day two is normally the first 'proper' day of the tournament, where the marathon, three games a day, group stages get underway. For a football obsessive like myself, even the most boring and low quality of world cup games must command all my attention. But I, and the rest of the world, were fortunate enough to be thrown up a treat as all three games were a great watch and one produced a truly shocking result that sent shockwaves throughout Brazil. But I chose the low-key game to write about, mainly from the viewpoint of the Cameroon side, because i'm contrarian.
Group A
Cameroon 0-1 Mexico
Certainly not one of the 'must see' games, but this match between two of the less fancied ties was an intriguing battle and the Mexicans will now feel very confident of qualifying ahead of the crunch game against Croatia. The game was played at a frantic pace throughout, but unfortunately the officials came to the fore again with a couple of dreadful errors. Giovani Dos Santos had the ball in the net twice (a superb left footed volley after a equally great cross from Herrera, and a header from a corner) but both were ruled out for offside. Even without the linesman's intervention, Mexico should have been ahead early on as Moreno and then Marquez both missed clear cut chances from set pieces. I was looking at this game from the African's point of view and the lack of marking and general disorganisation was alarming, there seemed to be no joined-up thinking.
But it wasn't all Mexico in the first period as Cameroon showed guts by winning the ball in midfield and using their wingers well to attack the Central Americans. The legendary Samuel Eto'o, captaining Cameroon and once again shouldering the goalscoring burden, missed a glorious chance after Assou-Ekotto skipped past two men, and then just before half time Eto'o headed over under little pressure after superb work from Mbia on the right. The missed chances meant the vultures in the Tv studio, on twitter, and no doubt the media in Cameroon circled round the former Barca and Inter man. I felt a bit sorry for Eto'o. Unlike so many African stars, he had never shirked the challenge of getting his nation through qualifying, had never given up, despite playing generally with team-mates a world away from what he was used to in his illustrious club career. And here he was in his fourth World Cup at 33, past his peak, still needed to spark his team in his international swansong. So you can forgive the odd inaccurate shot. Alas, he was double marked for most of the game, and in the second half barely had a kick.
The rain in Natal was helping the Mexicans get their passing game going, and the second half was completely dominated by them, with Hector Herrera in particular taking charge of the midfield, being a powerful physical presence. Cameroon's defence was under constant siege as lone striker Oribe Peralta hit straight at the 'keeper when one-on-one. A free kick from Assou-Ekotto floated wide after a deflection but that was all Cameroon could muster as Mexico increased the pressure, their 5-3-2 formation working perfectly. I was frustrated that Cameroon, after benefiting from large slices of luck regarding the officials, seemed wedded to one style, unwilling to change a set up that was clearly not helping them get control of the game. The momentum was heavy, and soon enough Mexico got their reward.
After a lovely move Dos Santos was played in by Herrera and despite his shot being saved by ex-Liverpool 'keeper Itandje, poacher supreme Peralta was on hand to sweep in and continue a remarkable recent scoring record, at the same time completely justifying his selection over Javier Hernandez. The Man Utd striker did come on late on, but when given a chance spooned his effort over from six yards. By that time, Cameroon were spent, and their last chance- a flick header from substitute Webo- was acrobatically saved by Ochoa as Mexico held on for a win, leaving Cameroon staring down yet another group stage elimination. The crowd, overwhelmingly Mexican, let out a huge cheer as the final whistle was blown, and the linesman must've been hugely relieved his two early errors didn't cost El Tri.
Player ratings:
Cameroon (4-3-3)
Itandje Did ok, made some decent saves, but a poor presence at set pieces. 6/10
Djeugoue (Nounkeu 45) Given the run around by Layun, no surprise he was replaced. 4/10
N'Koulou Horribly caught out of position for the goal, and lost Dos Santos too many times. 5/10
Chedjou Powerful in the air and decent on the ball, but lost his marker occasionally. 6/10
Assou-Ekotto Constantly wanted the ball, drove forward, passed well, fired crosses in, and showed character. 7/10
Song (Webo 79) Cameroon's other star didn't turn up. Kept things simple when his team needed his extra quality to unlock a strong Mexico team. Wasn't exactly poor, but didn't take responsibility. 6/10
Mbia Kept possession well, and was the one Cameroonian midfielder willing to join Eto'o and try and attack Mexico. Was fouled twice in key positions, and showed fight and energy all game. 7/10
Enoh The holding midfielder tackled well and showed bite. 6/10
Moukandjo Cameroon's outball, the elusive dribbler caused problems in the first half, and was the only player on his team to actually successfully beat a couple of men. 7/10
Eto'o Had two difficult half chances and didn't take them, but worked hard throughout. Just couldn't get the ball, and needed more support. 6/10
Choupo-Moting The elegant Mainz winger looked good early on, then totally disappeared. 5/10
Subs:
Nounkeu Not much of an improvement on Djeugoue. Booked. 5/10
Webo Couldn't make much of an impact, but should've been subbed on earlier as a gamble. 5/10
Mexico (5-3-2)
Ochoa Commanding presence. 7/10
Aguilar Tireless runner off the ball, at right wing-back safe on it. 6/10
Rodríguez Strong centre-half didn't seem to make any big mistakes. 7/10
Márquez The veteran oozed class throughout in the middle of the back three, always keeping an eye on old team-mate Eto'o. Playing his fourth World Cup at 35. 7/10
Moreno finally booked in the second half after some meaty tackles were let go early on. 6/10
Layun Fantastic attacking option on left, always bombing forward and asking questions. 8/10
Herrera (Salcido 90+2) Ran the game in the second half. Mexico's midfield general was so powerful and never seemed to lose a duel, linking up well with second striker Dos Santos 8/10
Vázquez Kept it moving, did little else. 6/10
Guardado (Fabian 69) Plays like a budget Di Maria, his intelligence is best shown by his tactical nous. Always knew when to drift wide to support Layun, or to hold his position. 7/10
G dos Santos Robbed of two goals and seemed to sulk, but showed his quality. 7/10
Peralta (Hernandez 74) Much talked about before the game, delivered with the goal, celebrated with passion. 7/10
Subs:
Fabian Gifted schemer was a little off the pace at first but then pulled off some nice touches. 6/10
Hernandez As a United fan i was gutted he wasn't playing but you couldn't argue with Peralta's goal and performance, especially after Hernandez blew his own big chance. 5/10
Salcido Brought on to waste time. N/A
Group A
Cameroon 0-1 Mexico
Certainly not one of the 'must see' games, but this match between two of the less fancied ties was an intriguing battle and the Mexicans will now feel very confident of qualifying ahead of the crunch game against Croatia. The game was played at a frantic pace throughout, but unfortunately the officials came to the fore again with a couple of dreadful errors. Giovani Dos Santos had the ball in the net twice (a superb left footed volley after a equally great cross from Herrera, and a header from a corner) but both were ruled out for offside. Even without the linesman's intervention, Mexico should have been ahead early on as Moreno and then Marquez both missed clear cut chances from set pieces. I was looking at this game from the African's point of view and the lack of marking and general disorganisation was alarming, there seemed to be no joined-up thinking.
But it wasn't all Mexico in the first period as Cameroon showed guts by winning the ball in midfield and using their wingers well to attack the Central Americans. The legendary Samuel Eto'o, captaining Cameroon and once again shouldering the goalscoring burden, missed a glorious chance after Assou-Ekotto skipped past two men, and then just before half time Eto'o headed over under little pressure after superb work from Mbia on the right. The missed chances meant the vultures in the Tv studio, on twitter, and no doubt the media in Cameroon circled round the former Barca and Inter man. I felt a bit sorry for Eto'o. Unlike so many African stars, he had never shirked the challenge of getting his nation through qualifying, had never given up, despite playing generally with team-mates a world away from what he was used to in his illustrious club career. And here he was in his fourth World Cup at 33, past his peak, still needed to spark his team in his international swansong. So you can forgive the odd inaccurate shot. Alas, he was double marked for most of the game, and in the second half barely had a kick.
The rain in Natal was helping the Mexicans get their passing game going, and the second half was completely dominated by them, with Hector Herrera in particular taking charge of the midfield, being a powerful physical presence. Cameroon's defence was under constant siege as lone striker Oribe Peralta hit straight at the 'keeper when one-on-one. A free kick from Assou-Ekotto floated wide after a deflection but that was all Cameroon could muster as Mexico increased the pressure, their 5-3-2 formation working perfectly. I was frustrated that Cameroon, after benefiting from large slices of luck regarding the officials, seemed wedded to one style, unwilling to change a set up that was clearly not helping them get control of the game. The momentum was heavy, and soon enough Mexico got their reward.
After a lovely move Dos Santos was played in by Herrera and despite his shot being saved by ex-Liverpool 'keeper Itandje, poacher supreme Peralta was on hand to sweep in and continue a remarkable recent scoring record, at the same time completely justifying his selection over Javier Hernandez. The Man Utd striker did come on late on, but when given a chance spooned his effort over from six yards. By that time, Cameroon were spent, and their last chance- a flick header from substitute Webo- was acrobatically saved by Ochoa as Mexico held on for a win, leaving Cameroon staring down yet another group stage elimination. The crowd, overwhelmingly Mexican, let out a huge cheer as the final whistle was blown, and the linesman must've been hugely relieved his two early errors didn't cost El Tri.
Player ratings:
Cameroon (4-3-3)
Itandje Did ok, made some decent saves, but a poor presence at set pieces. 6/10
Djeugoue (Nounkeu 45) Given the run around by Layun, no surprise he was replaced. 4/10
N'Koulou Horribly caught out of position for the goal, and lost Dos Santos too many times. 5/10
Chedjou Powerful in the air and decent on the ball, but lost his marker occasionally. 6/10
Assou-Ekotto Constantly wanted the ball, drove forward, passed well, fired crosses in, and showed character. 7/10
Song (Webo 79) Cameroon's other star didn't turn up. Kept things simple when his team needed his extra quality to unlock a strong Mexico team. Wasn't exactly poor, but didn't take responsibility. 6/10
Mbia Kept possession well, and was the one Cameroonian midfielder willing to join Eto'o and try and attack Mexico. Was fouled twice in key positions, and showed fight and energy all game. 7/10
Enoh The holding midfielder tackled well and showed bite. 6/10
Moukandjo Cameroon's outball, the elusive dribbler caused problems in the first half, and was the only player on his team to actually successfully beat a couple of men. 7/10
Eto'o Had two difficult half chances and didn't take them, but worked hard throughout. Just couldn't get the ball, and needed more support. 6/10
Choupo-Moting The elegant Mainz winger looked good early on, then totally disappeared. 5/10
Subs:
Nounkeu Not much of an improvement on Djeugoue. Booked. 5/10
Webo Couldn't make much of an impact, but should've been subbed on earlier as a gamble. 5/10
Mexico (5-3-2)
Ochoa Commanding presence. 7/10
Aguilar Tireless runner off the ball, at right wing-back safe on it. 6/10
Rodríguez Strong centre-half didn't seem to make any big mistakes. 7/10
Márquez The veteran oozed class throughout in the middle of the back three, always keeping an eye on old team-mate Eto'o. Playing his fourth World Cup at 35. 7/10
Moreno finally booked in the second half after some meaty tackles were let go early on. 6/10
Layun Fantastic attacking option on left, always bombing forward and asking questions. 8/10
Herrera (Salcido 90+2) Ran the game in the second half. Mexico's midfield general was so powerful and never seemed to lose a duel, linking up well with second striker Dos Santos 8/10
Vázquez Kept it moving, did little else. 6/10
Guardado (Fabian 69) Plays like a budget Di Maria, his intelligence is best shown by his tactical nous. Always knew when to drift wide to support Layun, or to hold his position. 7/10
G dos Santos Robbed of two goals and seemed to sulk, but showed his quality. 7/10
Peralta (Hernandez 74) Much talked about before the game, delivered with the goal, celebrated with passion. 7/10
Subs:
Fabian Gifted schemer was a little off the pace at first but then pulled off some nice touches. 6/10
Hernandez As a United fan i was gutted he wasn't playing but you couldn't argue with Peralta's goal and performance, especially after Hernandez blew his own big chance. 5/10
Salcido Brought on to waste time. N/A
Monday, 3 March 2014
A comprehensive review of England's World Cup possibles and probables - Goalkeepers
Lo and behold, the greatest sporting event in the world is almost here. A world cup in Brazil fulfils all sorts of criteria and depressingly it will probably be the last truly enjoyable World Cup for a while. Without resorting to lazy national stereotypes, it is true that the majority of the tournament this summer will have a 'carnival' atmosphere, although the threat of protests, after some truly outstanding incompetence by the Brazilian authorities, will never be too far away. Regardless, I for one am immensely excited for it and so the next question is, how will England do?
Most people would say 'badly' as their answer, and they are perfectly entitled to do so after the draw gave us the very real scenario of not making it out the group. But still the debates rage on as to the 23 men representing us in South America, and Roy Hodgson will be praying no more key players succumb to injury like Theo Walcott did.
Given that the world and its wife has an opinion on who should be on the plane, I thought I would add my thoughts to the most talked about topics. Raheem Sterling or Andros Townsend? Ashley Cole or Luke Shaw? Wayne Rooney or Bobby Zamora? All these questions and more shall be answered, firstly with the keepers.
Goalkeepers
Joe Hart
Background: England's best keeper by a country mile, a supremely confident and agile shot stopper with a real presence between the posts. Communication and speed off the line are just two of the attributes where he ranks among the very best. Collects crosses badly, has average at best distribution and doesn't convince commanding his area at set pieces half of the time, but still our finest keeper since David Seaman.
England Form: It really doesn't matter. Honestly. Hart could chuck the ball in the Man City net 8 times per game for the rest of the season and still make it as first choice. And to be fair to him, he has recovered from his terrible 2012-2013 season to get back to near enough his peak.
Press Perception: One of the best keepers in the world. Occasionally a liability, either way, probably the member of the side who has the most confidence of making the team.
Average Fan Perception: The best we've got. Pretty good, considering.
Twitter Perception: HE DID AN ADVERT FOR HEAD AND SHOULDERS #LOL
Ben Foster
Background: A solid performer for West Brom, his self imposed exile from England duty seemingly ended as soon as his club boss was put in charge of the national team. His injury absence this season is seen as a key reason for the Baggies sub-par performances this season.
England Form: Non-existent. He's almost 31 and yet only has 6 caps to his name. Has only played once for the three lions since 2010- the second half in a friendly against Ireland. Suppose he doesn't have a Rob Green style moment at least.
Press Perception: The second choice, mainly because of Nepotism.
Average Fan Perception: Used to be at United, so half decent. Bit of a dick for 'Retiring'.
Twitter Perception: Doesn't nearly have enough #bantz.
Fraser Forster
Background: A 6ft 7in giant of the Celtic goal famous for some titanic performances in two consecutive seasons in the Champions League. Recently broke a clean sheets record. Remains unproven at the top level week in week out and is not the most agile of keepers. Roy doesn't get to see him that often. His trump card over goalkeepers like Ruddy is that no one really checked his form week in week out.
England Form: Has only made one appearance so far in a 2-0 loss to Chile, too early to judge.
Press Perception: A great young keeper, proven at the highest level, why does he have so few caps?
Average Fan Perception: Plays in League Two for most of the year, then makes great saves from Messi and Iniesta, not quite sure what to think. Needs to play in The Greatest League In The World.
Twitter Perception: OMG look at this Vine of his great save from Neymar!!!!!!! #RESPECT
Jack Butland
Background: Precocious young keeper who leapt into the national consciousness as the third keeper for Euro 2012 after John Ruddy was forced to pull out of the original squad. Made his England debut before his Birmingham one, and his move to Stoke in January 2013 was seen as a good move. But Asmir Begovic surprisingly stayed, meaning Butland has had to be loaned out to get game time. Just turned 21.
England Form: Has played just the once for the Three Lions, the first half in a friendly win over Italy.
Press Perception: The long-term no.1.
Average Fan Perception: If he's that good, shouldn't he be doing better?
Twitter Perception: Why hasn't he signed for myyyy team?!?!
No one else has any chance of making the squad, so barely warrant a mention. Looking at you, John Ruddy.
After writing this, i'm starting to think this would be pretty boring to read. So for the other positions watch this space... or not.
Thanks for reading.
Most people would say 'badly' as their answer, and they are perfectly entitled to do so after the draw gave us the very real scenario of not making it out the group. But still the debates rage on as to the 23 men representing us in South America, and Roy Hodgson will be praying no more key players succumb to injury like Theo Walcott did.
Given that the world and its wife has an opinion on who should be on the plane, I thought I would add my thoughts to the most talked about topics. Raheem Sterling or Andros Townsend? Ashley Cole or Luke Shaw? Wayne Rooney or Bobby Zamora? All these questions and more shall be answered, firstly with the keepers.
Goalkeepers
Joe Hart
Background: England's best keeper by a country mile, a supremely confident and agile shot stopper with a real presence between the posts. Communication and speed off the line are just two of the attributes where he ranks among the very best. Collects crosses badly, has average at best distribution and doesn't convince commanding his area at set pieces half of the time, but still our finest keeper since David Seaman.
England Form: It really doesn't matter. Honestly. Hart could chuck the ball in the Man City net 8 times per game for the rest of the season and still make it as first choice. And to be fair to him, he has recovered from his terrible 2012-2013 season to get back to near enough his peak.
Press Perception: One of the best keepers in the world. Occasionally a liability, either way, probably the member of the side who has the most confidence of making the team.
Average Fan Perception: The best we've got. Pretty good, considering.
Twitter Perception: HE DID AN ADVERT FOR HEAD AND SHOULDERS #LOL
Ben Foster
Background: A solid performer for West Brom, his self imposed exile from England duty seemingly ended as soon as his club boss was put in charge of the national team. His injury absence this season is seen as a key reason for the Baggies sub-par performances this season.
England Form: Non-existent. He's almost 31 and yet only has 6 caps to his name. Has only played once for the three lions since 2010- the second half in a friendly against Ireland. Suppose he doesn't have a Rob Green style moment at least.
Press Perception: The second choice, mainly because of Nepotism.
Average Fan Perception: Used to be at United, so half decent. Bit of a dick for 'Retiring'.
Twitter Perception: Doesn't nearly have enough #bantz.
Fraser Forster
Background: A 6ft 7in giant of the Celtic goal famous for some titanic performances in two consecutive seasons in the Champions League. Recently broke a clean sheets record. Remains unproven at the top level week in week out and is not the most agile of keepers. Roy doesn't get to see him that often. His trump card over goalkeepers like Ruddy is that no one really checked his form week in week out.
England Form: Has only made one appearance so far in a 2-0 loss to Chile, too early to judge.
Press Perception: A great young keeper, proven at the highest level, why does he have so few caps?
Average Fan Perception: Plays in League Two for most of the year, then makes great saves from Messi and Iniesta, not quite sure what to think. Needs to play in The Greatest League In The World.
Twitter Perception: OMG look at this Vine of his great save from Neymar!!!!!!! #RESPECT
Jack Butland
Background: Precocious young keeper who leapt into the national consciousness as the third keeper for Euro 2012 after John Ruddy was forced to pull out of the original squad. Made his England debut before his Birmingham one, and his move to Stoke in January 2013 was seen as a good move. But Asmir Begovic surprisingly stayed, meaning Butland has had to be loaned out to get game time. Just turned 21.
England Form: Has played just the once for the Three Lions, the first half in a friendly win over Italy.
Press Perception: The long-term no.1.
Average Fan Perception: If he's that good, shouldn't he be doing better?
Twitter Perception: Why hasn't he signed for myyyy team?!?!
No one else has any chance of making the squad, so barely warrant a mention. Looking at you, John Ruddy.
After writing this, i'm starting to think this would be pretty boring to read. So for the other positions watch this space... or not.
Thanks for reading.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)