We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
I'm settling in for a day of World Cup warm-ups, starting with an intriguing one right now between Cameroon and Slovakia and capped off by the U.S. in their last warm-up before June 11 against Turkey at 2 pm. Join me for all the usual LOB banter.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 8:03 AM
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
218 Comments:
Bloody hell - I've only just got a link up through:
http://www.jouje.net/ch1.htm
And Slovakia are already 1-0 and looking pretty handy.
Cameroon's backfour looking rather shaky. If Denmark are watching, they'll be taking some close notes on how to bumrush this outfit.
Oh dear - Martin Skrtel played the ball straight to Webo and the striker hit one straight at the keeper. Cameroon's first decent chance.
Kopunek with Slovakia's opening goal, btw.
Cameroon definitely coming back into this game after that early set-back.
It's noticeable that Alex Song plays a more attacking role for the Lions than he does for the Gunners, often linking up with the strikers.
Nasty two-footed challenge there from Webo.
Slovakia broke quickly there through Stock but his cross was straight at the keeper. That could have been a second.
One minute of stoppage time in the first half to come.
One last opportunity for Slovakia to swing a free kick in now after Song handballs....
Decent cross in from Kozak but it comes to nothing.
And that's half time then. Slovakia seemed for most of the half to be willing to allow Cameroon to come onto them and to break quickly. Cameroon's reliance on Eto'o as shown in his absence.
I'm looking at the highlights from the Holland v. Mexico friendly that Gooner referenced in the Netherlands preview thread. Two well taken goals by RVP and then the Dutch sat back and invited Mexico onto them in the second half. It could easily have ended up a 2-2 draw, but 2-1 in the end.
So all set for the second half. One or two slight changes to the sides. First choice Slovakian striker Sestak has come on.
Oh - Sestak with almost an immediate impact there. Lovely late run into the box and then slammed against the underside of the bar Geoff Hurst style. The ball was definitely over the line and I think Sestak was onside too. Slovakia robbed there. Should be 2-0.
Cameroon still unchanged up front with the teenager Abu Bakr alongside Webo. You'd like to see Eto'o at some stage, unless he's got a knock.
Sestak goes down under a heavy challenge from Alex Song. His thigh is already heavily strapped up. Out comes the magic spray.
A bit of niggle creeping into the game now. That was an elbow off the ball there on Hamzik. I think it was Alex Song. Naughty boy.
Fifteen minutes left for Cameroon to pull back an equalizer now. They've looked pretty toothless up front.
Decent move there down the right for Cameroon but it comes to nothing in the end. Story of the match.
Geremi has a chance to swing over a free kick wide right.
Oh - after a scramble in the box, Enoh Eyong has bundled it over the line. The keeper is hurt in the process. Sloppy goal there.
1-1!
Inside ten minutes now.
And the Lions fans are loving it now.
Slovakia have brought on a reserve keeper for the last five minutes.
And Cameroon have thrown in my Youngster to Watch - Joel Matip, a teenage forward at Shalke.
Can Cameroon nick a winner in stoppage time?
Full-time: Well, that was all very interesting. These friendlies are never definitive answers to the questions fans are asking. However, I still fancy both sides to advance in second spot from their groups but not to exactly set the World Cup on fire this summer.
I'm off to the shower now and will return to follow the L1 playoff final between Millwall and Swindon.
I'm back and the same link that I was on earlier
http://www.jouje.net/ch1.htm
has morphed straight into the match at Wembley. Lovely jubbly!
0-0 so far about 20 minutes in...
Of course I'm adopting an ABM (Anyone But Millwall) stance today. Hate them. But doesn't everyone?
Millwall have it in the net! It looks like an own goal! No - it's been ruled offside, somehow. The gods are watching. Phew!
Half an hour gone then. Tremendous noise and atmosphere at Wembley today with both sets of fans well represented. Good day out for everyone.
GOAL! There's no doubt about that one. Paul Robinson with a nick on from a free kick for the Millwall lead.
1-0 Lions!
Coming up on the end of the first half now. In truth, Millwall have bossed this match so far. Swindon have a good deal of work to do to get back into this match. Half time rattle of the teacups required?
Swindon's main threat Billy Paynter hasn't had a sniff yet.
Half-time: Millwall are forty five minutes from the Championship then. I can remember Sir Trev once commenting that for the sake of public safety in East London, Millwall and his beloved Hammers should never play. Well, unfortunately, they might be one more division closer to having to play twice a season, unfortunately. Come on Swindon!
Second half underway now. Come on, Swindon!
Swindon giving it a real go here and have won their first corner of the game.
An hour gone and Swindon still pressing. No luck so far, though.
Oh dear - Charlie Austin was left clean through by a poor ball from goalscorer Paul Robinson and he completed fluffed it. Well wide.
Fifteen minutes left to play - come on, Swindon!
Interesting scoreline coming through now - New Zealand 1 Serbia 0.
Would love England to draw the Serbs in Round of 16.
Apparently Billy Paynter is odds on to join Leeds as a replacement for Jermaine Beckford. That's good news for us - he's been one of the top scorers in L1 this season and a real thorn in our side before now. Nice on, Simon! We already picked up Peter Schmeichel's son Kasper who had a cameo for Citeh a couple of years back under Sven.
Inside the last ten minutes now. It unfortunately looks like the Lions are headed for the Championship. I do not like that.
Millwall fans now singing their anthemic - "No one likes us" song.
A soft shout for a penalty for Swindon there but nothing doing. Probably right.
Oh - Ward goes for goal but his curler goes wide.
Swindon fans looking dejected and pensive now. They know it's not to be their day today.
Norway have taken a 1-0 lead against Montenegro. Not sure why either side is playing today. They have no interest in the June events.
Well into stoppage time now. One more chance for Swindon. Austin goes close. Corner to Swindon.
This will have to be it - even the keeper is forward now.
It's all over and Millwall are into the Championship. Not the result I wanted.
Brilliant - the stream has gone straight into the Spain/Saudi match. I'm loving it!
Fifteen minutes now and I'm having a spot of lunch.
For those who saw this as mere shooting practice for Spain, it's a surprising 0-0 scoreline so far.
GOAL! Bloody hell - the Saudis have now taken the lead! A corner over and Casillas flapped at it miserably and it was stuck in nicely with a towering header by the unfortunately named Osama.
Sloppy start from Spain then. How do they respond? Of course, this match doesn't mean much but it won't be much of a morale booster to be given a game by a side that didn't even qualify out of the weak Asian qualifying group that allowed the likes of North Korea and Japan through.
Now Busquets has gone down after an elbow in the nose. This is not going to plan for the Spanish.
Good morning Bob. I will join you for the USA vs Turkey game. I wanted Swindon to win. Too bad. I don't know if we should read too much into these friendly results. I see New Zealand is defeating Serbia and Spain is losing at home to Saudi Arabia. Would that really happen in the World Cup? I think some teams are relaxing.
GOAL! Oh - that was rather smooth. Nice cross in from Iniesta and Villa finished easily with a header.
1-1!
Thanks for the link. The reception is excellent. I spoke too soon as Spain scored.
The short free kick by Spain was a waste. Xavi is among the best at set pieces . I'm sure he would curled a wicked cross in a similar situation in a World Cup match.
Half-time then - 1-1. A surprising scoreline so far but I expect Spain to purr in the second half.
Sorry, MUR - I didn't see you come on there. Welcome. I was just chatting on the phone with Gooner who's on sick aunt duty today.
Nice strike from Xavi Alonso for 2-1.
I'll look forward to the pleasure of your company during the US match this afternoon. I'm hoping for a morale boosting performance against the Turks.
An hour gone now and Spain seem to be coasting it now.
Del Bosque is rotating some of the players who are just coming back from injury. The latest is Xavi.
GOAL! Wow - just when I thought Spain had this one wrapped up, the Saudis have pegged them back again.
2-2!
The ESPN coverage of US v. Turkey has started.
Big Red is hoping to see the true starting XI for the US against Turkey. Apparently he hopes to have Altidore up front alongside Edson Buddle. That's not how I would run out against the U.S. I'd just have Jozy up front and try to keep the score down.
And according to Harkesy, it is a "full dress rehearsal" for the U.S. today with a side close to the one that will run out against England. And it's a 4-5-1 with Jozy up top alone. That's how I see it. The exception is Goodson in for the injured Gooch, who will hope to make it back to full fitness for June 12. But no reason to risk him today.
15 minutes left and the plucky Saudis are pushing for a winner.
Lexi now full of praise for Clarence Goodson. I thought he was good in the air but not so safe on the floor.
Dangerous free kick for Spain with Xavi Alonso behind it.
Inside the last ten minutes now.
Here's the US team for this afternoon's match:
Howard, Spector, DeMerit, Goodson, Bocanegra, Clark, Bradley, Feilhaber, Dempsey, Donovan, Altidore,
You know - that's a smart move from Bradley and probably pretty close to my side for June 12. If Gooch is crocked, Goodson is probably the guy to go with. I'd have Holden in rather than Feilhaber on the left side of midfield. Otherwise - that's the side.
And if I were looking at that line-up from an English perspective, I'd be even more determined to run out someone speedy like Lennon or Theo to run at Boca. With two holding mids, the way to break down that side is to go with width.
A last minute goal for Spain from a corner. I didn't see who got the final touch. It might even have been an o.g.
3-2 Spain. It's gone to Llorente.
And that's full time. Spain made heavy work of that tune-up match but in the end won out narrowly.
Some very heartening results coming through today. England's likely Round of 16 opponents have been beaten 1-0 by New Zealand, for example.
An odd remark from Lexi hinting at Donovan's having been "in therapy" in the run up to this year's World Cup.
Looks like a good crowd in Philly. I would imagine that this is a double-header package with a Freedom game. Lovely stadium.
The teams are out on the pitch now for the anthems.
Hello Blue Devil. I just arrived home from Melanie's piano practice. Perfect timing. I hope your aunt feels better.
The U.S. kick off then. And a sprightly start to the match straight away.
Welcome back, MUR!
Hamid Altintop took a knock there as Dempsey burst through to shoot wide.
The U.S. really having a go at the Turks from the off.
Thank you. Did Bob Bradley make a lot of changes to the starting lineup?
Oh - that didn't look convincing at that first Turkish attack. Feilhaber floated a ball across the area and it drifted to a Turk who crossed in and Howard was struggling to tip it away.
Yes - they were saying that this is the one that is probably closest to what we'll see on June 12. That is a 4-5-1 with Jozy up top alone. The only possible changes for that game might be Holden rather than Feilhaber and Gooch (if fit) rather than Goodson. Otherwise, this is the side.
British-based Turk Kazim Richards bursting through there.
Oh - how did Tuncay not score there. They cut through the US defense easily and Tuncay shot wide.
Just wide. That should have been 1-0 Turkey. No wonder why Tony Pulis wants to unload Tuncay.
That's not good - Jozy easily knocked off the ball there. He's going to have to hold the ball up if he's going to play up front alone.
Agreed. Turkey and the Czech Republic are similar to Slovenia in style and tactics.
Oh - Altintop just wide there with a side-footed effort after nice interplay with Tuncay. I'm surprised at how much space Turkey are getting in midfield given that we're playing two defensive mids.
Just wide by Altintop. Tim Howard justified in his outrage at the U.S. defending.
Sure - it's obvious that the game plan for the US is to weather the first match without too much damage both physically and mentally and pick up three easy points against Algeria in the last match (they were swept aside 3-0 by Ireland yesterday, so that's doable) so the second match with Slovenia is the crucial one.
Agreed - good leadership from Timmy.
A horrible finish by Clint Dempsey, but better from the U.S.
Oh - that wasn't good. Spector completely missed out on the through ball there. Could have easily been a worse outcome there. Turkey should be a couple of goals to the good tbf.
Jozy looks frustrated already. Not good signs from the big man so far. He's got to shake off the poor season with Hull and get on with it.
Well over by Turan as the Turks literally walked through the U.S. The Turks could have been 3-0 up,but for shocking finishing.That might explain why they did not qualify for this World Cup.
Poor approach play there. Boca had free reign on the left side but played a ball behind Dempsey who put it out of play. Not clicking yet.
I agree. Players have had poor seasons at club level, but have shone at World Cup tournaments.
I was surprised that (but happy) that they didn't get out of that group. Of course Spain were going to emerge at the top but I thought they'd make it to the playoffs.
Feilhaber was lucky there. He'd lost control and the Turks were off to the races but the ref blew up for a foul.
Dempsey jumped too early there for the cross. Otherwise he might have been able to knock it back across the area.
Better possession now through patient build up but too many balls from Bradley are behind the player.
That was a bit better. Nice ball from Bradley to Jozy and Jozy found Dempsey at the D well. Just lost control. Better.
Still 0-0 as we have a break in the action. A Turkish player down with a cramp on a humid day.
DeMerit is looking better today. Very solid and a good outlet forward.
Dempsey is pulled down and now we've got a set piece chance.
Turkish palyers upset as Landy is fouled in an off the ball incident.Corner to the U.S.
Feilhaber with a shot well wide after the free kick.
Nice - an hour build-up on ABC for the big England v. US match.
Well wide by Feilhaber. I wonder if the U.S. is improving or that the Turks are not accustomed to playing in heat and humidity.
Good run by Spector but he might have dished it off earlier. Now Turkey exploit the space he left behind and...
GOAL! 0-1 Turkey!
Goal. 1-0 as Turkey score on the break and are given far too much room in midfield. Great finish by Turan and poor defending by Spector.
There was a big clash between Howard, Spector and the Turkish goalscorer there. The Turk is still down. Timmy not best pleased by that turn of events.
Poor timing as the U.S. were having their best spell of the match. Clinical by the Turks though.
Germany 0-1 up in Hungary through a Lukas Podolski penalty.
Jozy needs to do better as he being easily bundled off the ball by smaller Turkish players.
Oh dear - how did Bradley not knock that header in. He seemed to miss it entirely from the corner.
Corner U.S. cleared after a scramble in the penalty area.The U.S. is still on the attack.
True - the key to playing up front alone (the best tactic to play against England) is to use your strength to hold up the ball so that you can play others in. He hasn't shown the strength to do that yet.
Feilhaber seems to have switched sides. Is Dempsey now running down the left?
Well...we do have the option of six substitutes. Any idea who you'd like to see in the second half, MUR?
We might need to go 4-4-2. That has always been my favorite formation. Jozy will need help as I cannot think of another player in the squad who can play Jozy's role.
Donovan looks shagged out already for some reason. Is it that hot in Philly today?
I would like to see Stuart Holden. I have always been impressed with him and believe that he could do a decent job in a European league. He deserves a chance.
We should play 4-4-2 against Slovenia and especially against Algeria. Against England, though, I think we need the cover of five midfielders to try to bottle things up.
Agreed - Feilhaber hasn't helped his cause today. I'd like to see Holden in for him and see him really run down the left at the right back.
Turkey in again but a bad finish. Or was it a pass to an invisible teammate?
Oh - a little deflection and Howard was struggling there. It could have gone anywhere.
Clark pulls a Turk back and could have gone into the book in a real match.
Not sure. I am really frustrated by the ease in which Turkey is getting past the U.S.midfield and defense. Tuncay's shot landed on the roof of the net. Turkey is putting in a solid if not spectacular performance. They look more like the team on the way to South Africa.
Oh - best moment of the match for the US. A dazzling run from Jozy but the final ball was just ahead of Dempsey.
Almost 1-1 as Jozy dribbles past a Turkish defender and his pass is just in front of Dempsey.
I agree - it is alarming given that we've got five mids and four defenders that there is so much space for the Turks to run into at times. I don't quite get it.
We need to see more of this from Jozy.
Turan again finds space wide but shoots straight at Timmy.
Turan straight at Howard. Too easy again from Turkey. The highlight of this half is that we are only 1-0 behind.
Half-time: What can you say? It's not the morale booster we wanted...yet. Lots of concerns about how easily Turkey cut through the flanks. I'm hoping for much better in the second half.
Halftime. If Bob Bradley is a decent coach then he should give the players a good old fashioned rollicking. I have to run an errand . I will be back in a few minutes.
Hey Guys
Half time and the Turkey has murdered us! It must be payback for all those Thanksgivings!!! Boom boom!
Worst players on the pitch
Donavan and Dempsey
Off to take the dog for a walk
Get used to it Bob... we'll be sending you out while you're here!
Teams back out for the second half. It looks like all change for Bradley, tossing in Cherundolo, Gooch, Robbie Findley and Torres.
Hey Dave! I'm looking forward to the trip and some walkies with Shadow. I need the exercise.
I agree with your summary. We've been awful!
Bradley with an early chance set up by Landy, well blocked.
So now it's Findley up front with Jozy. Dempsey may drop back a bit into a true midfield role. I haven't seen yet who went off for the US. Donovan is still on, so presumably Feilhaber is off. Cherundolo probably on for Spector, who didn't impress.
Torres is presumably a more attacking midfield option for Clark, who's just coming back to full fitness.
Finally, it's a straight swap - Gooch for Goodson. Gooch and DeMerit would be my first choice central pairing if both are fit.
Free kick now floated in by Landy. Poor ball in and Turkey are off to the races. Findley did well to track back!
Better energy level from the US now. Findley has made a marked difference. He could easily play his way into the starting team for Slovenia.
Two corners in quick succession for the US now. Decent punch out by the keeper.
Findley showing some confidence there with a curling shot from distance. Good signs there.
First yellow card of the day for Topal.
Nice turn from Landy and cut back for Dempsey. Not quite there. Samir cut it out.
GOAL! Jozy levels it with a brilliant goal. It was coming, in truth. Nice little chipped ball over the top by Findley to Landy who slid it across for Jozy to tap in. He needed it.
1-1!
I am back. Fantastic news!! Turkey attempting to regain the lead with several blocked shots and then shooting just wide.
I see that the Gooch is on as well as former Toon reject Emre.
I see Jose Torres of Pachuca. He should be good enough to make the starting lineup in case one of the current starters does not improve.
A close call as the ref blows the whistle for offside after a promising Turkish attack.
A spectacular run by Landy who shoots just wide as he dribbles past three defenders.
I'm back after a brief chat with the Gooner. This is much better. I think Findley has made the difference.
Torres reminds me of a very young Joe Cole in that he does some really neat flashy stuff but usually in his own half. I want to see some nice turns and sliderule passes from him at the top of the D.
Altintop is gassed and Senturk, who I can remember scoring some good goals at Euro 2008, is on.
I think he is good enough to start. I agree with the substitutions. I am curious to see how Jozy and Edson Buddle work as a striking partnership.
Timmy is out again, veins bulging out of his head at the way the wall disintegrated at that free kick.
Bornstein on now for Boca. Good shift for him today. Cherundolo assumes the captaincy.
GOAL! Dempsey bursts through and scores! Nice finish there.
2-1!
GOAL!!! 2-1 USA. Fantastic finish from Dempsey. The move began as a throw in and a great pass from Landy.
Donovan with two great assists now. He deserves a goal.
Tuncay trying to break American hearts there. No deal.
Not sure what that celebration between Torres and Dempsey was all about.
I am Surprised that Guus Hiddinck is managing Turkey. His standing as a manager has declined since he failed to get Russia to qualify for the World Cup.
Cherundolo blocks a shot well.
I agree - I thought he might get snapped up by a top club. I rate him highly.
The ball rolls across the area dangerously. US in danger of stepping off the gas and letting Turkey back in.
Another dangerous attack, well saved by Timmy.
A Turkish attacker nutmegs Bornstein then passes across the face of the goal. Another reprieve for the U.S.
Where would you play Torres if he starts the match? And who would he replace from the team that started today.
Holden now on for Jozy. It's great to see him on the score sheet again today.
Jozy coming off. I am not sure who replaced him. He had a poor first half, but a scored a crucial goal in the second half. I saw the goal. It was a great team goal.
Inside the last ten minutes now. This game has flown by for me.
Stuart Holden replaced Jozy.
Free kick straight at Timmy who tipped over.
I think I would have Torres replace Feilhaber and play his position. A great save from Howard off a dangerous free kick.
Wow - 55K packed into an NFL stadium. That's great to see. What a change from the dark ages of the 80s.
Oh - Dempsey nearly got a brace. Bradley with a nice knock back.
That could have been 3-1.
Hungary 0 Germany 3 in the 89th minute.
Yeah - even SuperMario got on the scoresheet today.
Torres tries one near post but just shaves it.
Cherundlo is having a better game at right back than Spector. A free kick to the U.S. The cross lands in the side netting.
Another corner for the US as the regular time approaches its end.
Super Mario has had difficulty adjusting to international footie.
I agree - Jonathan is my first choice but I have to admit that he had a poor match and Steve has been solid.
Great tackle there from Bornstein.
Dempsey is offside. That is a great attendance. Great support for the U.S. A sign of how far we have come.
Great move on the side line by Findley. He's definitely staked a claim on the first team for at least the Slovenia and Algeria matches.
Turkey have been conceding too many free kicks. Guus Hiddinck will need to work on their discipline.
It is - the Gooner mentioned that there were organized buses of Screaming Eagles/DC United fans going up to Philly today. That's impressive.
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