For the shocking scoreline between Netherlands and Spain this match too was up there with its unpredictability not for the scoreline but for the attacking play displayed by the two teams. This was expected to be the match that will see two cautious teams considering their past history.
Credit must be given to both the coaches for setting up their teams the way they did. England especially benefited by putting faith in youngsters. Before the start of the game there were calls from all corners asking Hodgson to start Frank Lampard in midfield. But with Gerrard a surety to start being the captain and the better player credit must be given to Hodgson for starting Henderson to partner Gerrard in the middle. With Sterling up front Henderson provides them that energy required in midfield. It was clearly evident from the match how much the team benefited as a whole. The pace of Sterling and Welbeck created trouble for the Italian defense but sadly they could not capitalize it to convert it as goals. It was real end to end stuff and pleasing stuff. It was sad that England could not get something out of the game.
Italy was equally impressive with their attacking display. Perhaps that was the surprise everyone felt during the game. The England equalizer was because of the lack in concentration in Italian defense. Perhaps they missed the experience of their captain in goal. Talking about goalkeeper Sirigu standing in for Buffon did his job well. As expected Pirlo was instrumental for them in midfield. They are now in a good position to go through this group.
England were disappointed with the result but I feel they should stay positive. If England can display the same attacking abilities going forward they can get some good results in the tournament. But the real problem lies elsewhere. With Italy and Costa Rica getting the result they were looking for in the first match it remains to be seen how those to play out when they face each other. The only thing I didn't like was England complain about their result against Italy. They must remember that it was not too long ago when they too have enjoyed days when their opposition created flurry of chances to win but they came out with victors by odd goal. You can't be sorry losers when you are at the receiving end.
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Credit must be given to both the coaches for setting up their teams the way they did. England especially benefited by putting faith in youngsters. Before the start of the game there were calls from all corners asking Hodgson to start Frank Lampard in midfield. But with Gerrard a surety to start being the captain and the better player credit must be given to Hodgson for starting Henderson to partner Gerrard in the middle. With Sterling up front Henderson provides them that energy required in midfield. It was clearly evident from the match how much the team benefited as a whole. The pace of Sterling and Welbeck created trouble for the Italian defense but sadly they could not capitalize it to convert it as goals. It was real end to end stuff and pleasing stuff. It was sad that England could not get something out of the game.
Italy was equally impressive with their attacking display. Perhaps that was the surprise everyone felt during the game. The England equalizer was because of the lack in concentration in Italian defense. Perhaps they missed the experience of their captain in goal. Talking about goalkeeper Sirigu standing in for Buffon did his job well. As expected Pirlo was instrumental for them in midfield. They are now in a good position to go through this group.
England were disappointed with the result but I feel they should stay positive. If England can display the same attacking abilities going forward they can get some good results in the tournament. But the real problem lies elsewhere. With Italy and Costa Rica getting the result they were looking for in the first match it remains to be seen how those to play out when they face each other. The only thing I didn't like was England complain about their result against Italy. They must remember that it was not too long ago when they too have enjoyed days when their opposition created flurry of chances to win but they came out with victors by odd goal. You can't be sorry losers when you are at the receiving end.
Keep Smiling
Playmaker
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