England 4 Croatia 2
England 4 Croatia 2
Commentary by J.Chiam
Move aside, Zidane, here comes Rooney. On the 21st of June Portuguese local time, a star is born, and his name is called Wayne Rooney. The future of England now lays in the hands of this youngster. Because of this, the people of England can now start to believe that their country, starved of football honors since the days of Bobby Charlton, might just be able to bring back the glory days of the past.
The starting line-up of England is untouched, while the Croats fielded a line-up that says “ To arms!” Since the last game, Eriksson decided to test once again the 4-4-2 formation, basically an exact copy of the team that beat Switzerland. Comparing to their previous game, England started rather slowly, taking their time to slowly oil their legs, or maybe perhaps enjoying the view out there on the pitch. Croats tried to get possession, but from their playing, one would think it is them who is needing a draw instead of a win. Both teams played sloppily from the start, injecting thoughts to the spectators that perhaps fatigue has started to drain the players. Wonder-boy-goal machine Rooney perhaps surprised some at the first quarter of the game too, playing with hesitation and perhaps “ slumber”, unlike his go-for-it challenge attitude for every ball. One might start to ponder that too much publicity is making him too big for his boots.
Then came the 7th minute, just when England was happily thinking of what’s for dinner later on, Croatia drew first blood from a set piece. “Ding!” there goes their bell, now the English started the crank up their gear. It’s amazing and mind-scratching that some people need extra kicks in the ass to get them moving. England started to attack. Chances after chances came, probably the first shot on target came from now-awaken Wayney. The English had much of the possession, it was obvious that the midfield battle was won by the presence of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. Croatia tried counter attacking, but often found it hard to reach the goal mouth, with the English stamping their mark in that territory. English tactics are quite evident, long balls were flying in everywhere as if the Germans were dropping bombs over London during WWII.
However, the equalizer came still. A few passes, the Croat’s defence was in shambles, it took genius header from Rooney, who spotted Scholes unmarked at one end, one flick, one goal from Scholes, and now he can now sleep peacefully after ending a three-year goal drought for England. Just before half time, Rooney struck again. From 25 yards out of the goal, Rooney unleashed a powerful drive, beating Croat’s third division league keeper Butina. By half time, the scoreline: Rooney 2 Croatia 1
2nd half started, it was Rooney again. This time after being sent clear from the counter attack by Owen, Rooney was one-on-one, every stood up in anticipation, Rooney coolly take a glance to the right of the goal, and by this fooling the keeper, struck the ball to his left instead. Again, Rooney 3 Croatia 1. The rest of the match can be watched from replays. Frank scoring a fine goal, while England went to sleep a while to allow the Croats to retrieve a little pride with one more goal.
It is quite amazing how the match went. Towards the end the Croats actually had 5 strikers on the pitch, 3 midfielders and 2 defenders. Usually it’s the other way round. With their back horribly exposed to the likes of Owen and Rooney, it is a wonder that the English have not scored more goals. With only the word “attack” on their mind, probably Croatia coach Otto Baric thought that they might as well give it their all with nothing to lose. How his plan backfired. English dominated the midfield, as its their most powerful strength now. Some manager once said “ Whoever who wins the midfield, controls the game.” Quite true for last night’s match. Croats where clearly outplayed, even their most potent striker, Monaco’s Prso were held off strongly by England’s dark defence Sol Campbell.
Owen played a good game considering the poor performances for the past few games. Probably its because of poor defending by Croats. England will procede into their toughest opponent since France, host Portugal. Neither side’s defence has been impressive, so a open, attacking play with plenty of goals could be well expected.
As England celebrated their march into the quarterfinals, one name is praised and cheered, one name is whispered in all the dark lanes of London, one name that has made other teams raise their eye brows. Move aside Zizou, here comes Wayne Rooney.
Commentary by J.Chiam
Move aside, Zidane, here comes Rooney. On the 21st of June Portuguese local time, a star is born, and his name is called Wayne Rooney. The future of England now lays in the hands of this youngster. Because of this, the people of England can now start to believe that their country, starved of football honors since the days of Bobby Charlton, might just be able to bring back the glory days of the past.
The starting line-up of England is untouched, while the Croats fielded a line-up that says “ To arms!” Since the last game, Eriksson decided to test once again the 4-4-2 formation, basically an exact copy of the team that beat Switzerland. Comparing to their previous game, England started rather slowly, taking their time to slowly oil their legs, or maybe perhaps enjoying the view out there on the pitch. Croats tried to get possession, but from their playing, one would think it is them who is needing a draw instead of a win. Both teams played sloppily from the start, injecting thoughts to the spectators that perhaps fatigue has started to drain the players. Wonder-boy-goal machine Rooney perhaps surprised some at the first quarter of the game too, playing with hesitation and perhaps “ slumber”, unlike his go-for-it challenge attitude for every ball. One might start to ponder that too much publicity is making him too big for his boots.
Then came the 7th minute, just when England was happily thinking of what’s for dinner later on, Croatia drew first blood from a set piece. “Ding!” there goes their bell, now the English started the crank up their gear. It’s amazing and mind-scratching that some people need extra kicks in the ass to get them moving. England started to attack. Chances after chances came, probably the first shot on target came from now-awaken Wayney. The English had much of the possession, it was obvious that the midfield battle was won by the presence of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. Croatia tried counter attacking, but often found it hard to reach the goal mouth, with the English stamping their mark in that territory. English tactics are quite evident, long balls were flying in everywhere as if the Germans were dropping bombs over London during WWII.
However, the equalizer came still. A few passes, the Croat’s defence was in shambles, it took genius header from Rooney, who spotted Scholes unmarked at one end, one flick, one goal from Scholes, and now he can now sleep peacefully after ending a three-year goal drought for England. Just before half time, Rooney struck again. From 25 yards out of the goal, Rooney unleashed a powerful drive, beating Croat’s third division league keeper Butina. By half time, the scoreline: Rooney 2 Croatia 1
2nd half started, it was Rooney again. This time after being sent clear from the counter attack by Owen, Rooney was one-on-one, every stood up in anticipation, Rooney coolly take a glance to the right of the goal, and by this fooling the keeper, struck the ball to his left instead. Again, Rooney 3 Croatia 1. The rest of the match can be watched from replays. Frank scoring a fine goal, while England went to sleep a while to allow the Croats to retrieve a little pride with one more goal.
It is quite amazing how the match went. Towards the end the Croats actually had 5 strikers on the pitch, 3 midfielders and 2 defenders. Usually it’s the other way round. With their back horribly exposed to the likes of Owen and Rooney, it is a wonder that the English have not scored more goals. With only the word “attack” on their mind, probably Croatia coach Otto Baric thought that they might as well give it their all with nothing to lose. How his plan backfired. English dominated the midfield, as its their most powerful strength now. Some manager once said “ Whoever who wins the midfield, controls the game.” Quite true for last night’s match. Croats where clearly outplayed, even their most potent striker, Monaco’s Prso were held off strongly by England’s dark defence Sol Campbell.
Owen played a good game considering the poor performances for the past few games. Probably its because of poor defending by Croats. England will procede into their toughest opponent since France, host Portugal. Neither side’s defence has been impressive, so a open, attacking play with plenty of goals could be well expected.
As England celebrated their march into the quarterfinals, one name is praised and cheered, one name is whispered in all the dark lanes of London, one name that has made other teams raise their eye brows. Move aside Zizou, here comes Wayne Rooney.
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