Blundering goalkeepers to the fore
Source: Agencies |
June 18, 2010, Friday
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Print Edition
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FOR all the attention on Wayne Rooney and his bid to break his England goal scoring drought, the focus on today's World Cup match against Algeria will almost certainly be on the goalkeepers.
If a draw against the United States was barely acceptable, only a win over Algeria will do for an England squad that is expected to progress from Group C. But the Algerians know about upsets, otherwise they would not be at the World Cup.
Both teams suffered from dire goalkeeping errors in their opening matches. Slovenia took the lead in the group through a 1-0 win because of Algeria's Fawzi Chaouchi's costly mistake. That, though, was a minor glitch compared with the fumble from Robert Green, which allowed the US to equalize and cost England a victory in the 1-1 draw.
It even called into question the coaching acumen of Fabio Capello, who had been lauded as England's genius tactician during preparations for South Africa until that draw. Green's horrendous blunder led news bulletins in Britain and was the subject of endless criticism, putting his starting spot at risk despite initial support from within the team.
It also overshadowed a mediocre opening game by Rooney, who was considered until recently as second only to Lionel Messi among the forwards expected to star in South Africa.
"For us to do well, I need to play better than I did," Rooney said. Despite an impressive season for Manchester United, Rooney has not scored for England since a World Cup qualifying win over Croatia last September.
"The main focus is to win the next game, however you do it. After that you can worry about how you play. The main thing on Friday at all costs is to win the game. Against Algeria, we cannot not be at our best and win the game. The further it goes, when you are playing against better teams, then you need to be at your best to win. Friday, we just have to win."
England might not even face Algeria's blundering goalkeeper. Chaouchi hurt his left knee in training on Tuesday, and may save coach Rabah Saadane from having to make a choice about replacing him.
Capello has three fit 'keepers to select from, though none instills high confidence among the England fans.
Green's pride is already hurt. But will Capello go for veteran David James, who has earned his nickname "Calamity" James for good reason?
England's only goal so far in South Africa came from midfielder Steven Gerrard and Capello is considering his options to provide more offensive thrust. But not even the rashest of coaches would consider pulling Rooney off the starting lineup, but his strike partner Emile Heskey is coming under increasing pressure. Beyond England's borders he is not considered World Cup caliber and Capello has hinted he is considering starting with Jermain Defoe.
One selection certainty for England is the return of midfielder Gareth Barry from a six-week injury layoff.
Algeria may by No. 30 in the world rankings, 22 spots behind England, and coming to its first World Cup in two decades, yet the Desert Foxes have already proven their strength by rising sharply from No. 103 over the last two years.
If a draw against the United States was barely acceptable, only a win over Algeria will do for an England squad that is expected to progress from Group C. But the Algerians know about upsets, otherwise they would not be at the World Cup.
Both teams suffered from dire goalkeeping errors in their opening matches. Slovenia took the lead in the group through a 1-0 win because of Algeria's Fawzi Chaouchi's costly mistake. That, though, was a minor glitch compared with the fumble from Robert Green, which allowed the US to equalize and cost England a victory in the 1-1 draw.
It even called into question the coaching acumen of Fabio Capello, who had been lauded as England's genius tactician during preparations for South Africa until that draw. Green's horrendous blunder led news bulletins in Britain and was the subject of endless criticism, putting his starting spot at risk despite initial support from within the team.
It also overshadowed a mediocre opening game by Rooney, who was considered until recently as second only to Lionel Messi among the forwards expected to star in South Africa.
"For us to do well, I need to play better than I did," Rooney said. Despite an impressive season for Manchester United, Rooney has not scored for England since a World Cup qualifying win over Croatia last September.
"The main focus is to win the next game, however you do it. After that you can worry about how you play. The main thing on Friday at all costs is to win the game. Against Algeria, we cannot not be at our best and win the game. The further it goes, when you are playing against better teams, then you need to be at your best to win. Friday, we just have to win."
England might not even face Algeria's blundering goalkeeper. Chaouchi hurt his left knee in training on Tuesday, and may save coach Rabah Saadane from having to make a choice about replacing him.
Capello has three fit 'keepers to select from, though none instills high confidence among the England fans.
Green's pride is already hurt. But will Capello go for veteran David James, who has earned his nickname "Calamity" James for good reason?
England's only goal so far in South Africa came from midfielder Steven Gerrard and Capello is considering his options to provide more offensive thrust. But not even the rashest of coaches would consider pulling Rooney off the starting lineup, but his strike partner Emile Heskey is coming under increasing pressure. Beyond England's borders he is not considered World Cup caliber and Capello has hinted he is considering starting with Jermain Defoe.
One selection certainty for England is the return of midfielder Gareth Barry from a six-week injury layoff.
Algeria may by No. 30 in the world rankings, 22 spots behind England, and coming to its first World Cup in two decades, yet the Desert Foxes have already proven their strength by rising sharply from No. 103 over the last two years.
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