 I’ve got to say the shock Ghana pulled off against the Czech Republic really took me by surprise.
It was only the third of my bets to go down so far at this World Cup. The others were Poland losing to Ecuador and Trinidad & Tobago holding Sweden to a draw.
The Black Stars turned in a great all-round performance and Michael Essien looked strong. They are similar to the Ivory Coast but may still struggle to go through because they are in a tough group.
The Czechs struggled without Jan Koller. As we know with England and Wayne Rooney, you can’t lose your big players because you can lose focus. Our players looked like they had when Rooney was ruled out of the opener with Paraguay.
The Czech Republic looked good against the USA but it’s hard to see where their goals will come from, with Milan Baros still struggling with injury. Tomas Rosicky, the Arsenal new boy, was quieter against Ghana but although it’s getting tight for them, I still expect them to go through to the knock-out stage.
USA v Italy was a tremendous game to watch and although it sounds strange, the three red cards probably made the game. I fancied the Italians but in the end I wanted the USA to draw because they battled really well in that second half.
Italy were against nine men for 40 minutes but they didn’t really go for it and kept their defence together when they had a man extra. I thought Marcello Lippi could have been more positive and put the Americans under a bit more pressure.
It’s a big World Cup for America – as it is with Australia – who believe they can dominate in world sport at whatever they take part in. Football is not like that, though, and you need tradition and history because you can’t come from nowhere and win the big prize on offer here in Germany. The USA still have a way to go in my opinion.
Like every other England fan I’m now gearing up for the game against Sweden and I have to say it has been a pleasure to mix with the supporters this time around. In France ’98 I have to admit I did try to keep away from them because of the trouble.
The Germans are enjoying having the English fans here and it’s great to get caught up in the atmosphere. The fans are partying together and enjoying meeting fellow supporters from every other nation. It’s a terrific World Cup and it really is something special to be here. Come on England!
That’s it from me, I’ll have more tomorrow.
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