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!
Well, it was a bit fun watching the French twist in the wind yesterday, wasn't it. But that's enough upsets for a day or so, please. We want normal service resumed today as the US take on Slovenia and England meet Algeria. Join me this morning for the silky smooth Germans as an appetizer.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 6:44 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!
706 Comments:
I'll be here as much as I can
All the websites say "James to start"
Don't like it
Well, hopefully the only thing he does is receive back passes from Terry all day
Off to work
Morning, Dave! Good to have for a bit. I can't believe that Fabio is going to throw Rob Green under the bus. Wait until the fall for that.
First up is the all-German Group D fixture between Germany and Serbia. Here's what Group D looks like now:
1. Germany - Played 1 GD (4) 3 pts
2. Ghana - Played 1 GD (1) 3 pts
3. Serbia - Played 1 GD (-1) 0 pts
4. Australia - Played 1 GD (-4) 0 pts
Here are the teams for this morning's match:
Germany: Neuer, Lahm, Friedrich, Mertesacker, Badstuber, Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Muller, Ozil, Podolski, Klose
Serbia: Stojkovic, Ivanovic, Subotic, Vidic, Kolarov, Krasic, Ninkovic, Kuzmanovic, Stankovic, Jovanovic, Zigic
Here are the players in yellow card trouble:
Germany - Mesut Ozil
Serbia - Kuzmanovic, Zigic
A great story coming out of the Spanish camp today. We've heard some excellent excuses already during this World Cup, especially from France's Patrice Evra. However, Spanish keeper Casillas has outdone them all by blaming his rather tasty girlfriend for his performance against the Swiss. It seems that she is a sports reporter who was doing some touchline work during the match and even had the temerity to approach Casillas after the match to ask him how he was able to cock up the Swiss attack that led to the only goal of the match. Brilliant!
Another great narrative today involves German striker Miroslav Klose. Here is the all-time World Cup Goalscoring chart right now:
1. Ronaldo - 15 goals (19 matches)
2. Gerd Muller - 14 goals (13 matches)
3. Just Fontaine - 13 goals (6 matches)
4. Pele - 12 goals (14 matches)
5. Miroslav Klose - 11 goals (15 matches)
That is, one goal today brings Klose level with Pele - wow!
Teams on the pitch for the anthems now in Durban.
The weather looks gorgeous but no doubt fake Scot Derek Rae and his commentary partner this morning Robbie Mustoe will be bitching about the cold. By the by, it's Ian Darke and John Harkes on the US game and Martin Tyler and Ally McCoist on the England game today. Lovely jubbly!
The Germans are, of course, unchanged today. Three changes for the Serbs. Lukovic of course is suspended after the red card the other day.
Good morning Blue Devil and UWS.
The Germans get us underway this morning. They were certainly the team that most caught the eye in the first round of matches, but everyone is wondering if they can turn on the style when not playing the Aussies.
Morning, MUR! How was the last day at school? Feeling good about things this morning?
I am curious as well. This game is an excellent test for the Germans.
The Serbs out of the traps quickly with an early shot from Kuzmanovic, who's got the assignment of marking Mesut Ozil today.
Nice run there from Khedira and Ozil found him well. That volley was always going to be a difficult skill, especially with the Jabulani.
Yes. I feel relieved. I am looking forward to the matches as the U.S. and England are in action today.
After watching this tournament, I am starting to wonder if Jabulani is a French word.
After the first minute or two of Serbian pressure, the Germans seem to have clicked into their rhythm. Knocking the ball about comfortably now.
The Germans are doing all the early attacking.
No kidding - any comment about the France v. Mexico?
Oh - the first real chance for the Germans. Podolski with a well struck volley. Could easily have gone in. Of course the conspiracy theory is that the Germans (along with MLS) had early access to the Jabulani in the Bundesliga.
The Germans with a great move and Podolski volleys just wide. He did not have any problems keeping the ball down.
Ivanovic is brought down by Klose. Striker's challenge there.
If this is true then should the Germans be among the favorites to win this tournament.
The commentators are mentioning that Manuel Neuer may have a problem with the sun in his eyes. What ever happened to the traditional goalkeeper's cap? Don't see anyone wearing those anymore.
Podolski tries a give and go there but runs straight into a truck called Vidic.
I really enjoyed watching Mexico vs France. surely the French must be out. It is really an uphill battle for them at this point.
Krasic did well to find Ninkovic but he got the volley all wrong.
Ninkovic balloons his shot over with his weaker foot.
Klose with another clumsy challenge and he's picked up a yellow card. That was silly. No need to tempt a suspension.
Klose is booked. Robbie Mustoe believes it is for two consecutive challenges.
Krasic is brought down by Badstuber and the Serbs have a good free kick opportunity. Krasic looks to be the Serbs best attacking outlet so far.
Jovanovic, who will be at Liverpool next season, chips it up but the big men at the backpost can't get to it.
Jovanovic takes the free kick and it just eludes Vidic.
The Serbs when they were still connected to Montenegro were really turned over by Argentina 6-0 in 2006. This Serb side look to be much better organized and less likely to be turned over. I still think that they were robbed on the penalty vs. Ghana the other day, but I won't pick another fight with UWS over it today.
After early pressure by the Germans,the Serbs are starting to get back into this match. This will be a much stiffer test for the Germans.
Chelski's Ivanovic goes into the book now for going through the back of Podolski. Robbie Mustoe isn't happy with it.
Ivanovic is booked for a supposed foul. I agree with Robbie Mustoe . That was harsh. Kolanov is booked. That was a more clumsy challenge. This ref is really picky.
The Germans earn a corner.
Germany have a corner then....
Ozil hits the first man and it's out again.
Blimey - it's another yellow card. And this time it's Sami Khedira. We could easily see some reds at this rate.
Now Khediera is booked as the Serbs attempt to counter. Corner to Serbia.
Krazic with the corner and new Birmingham signing Zigic heads well over.
The Serbs still very resolute in defense. They had one of the best defensive records in UEFA qualifying.
Zigic nearly in there but nice work from Mertesacker.
Robbie Mustoe is right - Thomas Muller, who I thought was MOTM against the Aussies - has been effectively nullified so far.
Jovanovic breaks with a great run,but Zigic is tackled well in the penalty area.This is a much different game. Where are you Muller, Ozil and Khedeira? Well done Serbia. Raddy Antic has done his homework.
Nice turn from Khedira in midfield but he couldn't pick out Klose. Now Muller wriggles free but his cross is far too long.
Absolutely - Antic is a wily campaigner. He's got the tactics down here.
That was better by Ozil as he battles and passes wide to the right. Muller crosses as if the Germans have not been practicing with the Jabulani.
Schweinsteiger tries to feed Klose but it's cut out by Vidic once again. Klose is feeding on scraps today. He finally does get it and finishes the chance but the striker was just offside. Linesman did well to spot it.
Klose is flagged offside after a great German move. He seemed to be about a foot offside.
Half an hour in then. A very different match for the Germans today. No silky, flowing football against the Serbs.
Phillip Lahm is booked for a foul on Krazic just outside the penalty area.
Krasic is tripped up by the skipper Philip Lahm. Fifth booking of the half.
Kolorov hits the free kick. Decent effort but it's just a bit wide right of the goal.
Kolanov curls the free kick around and just wide of the target. That was a decent free kick.
Klose receives it in the box and tries to turn but Vidic takes over. Excellent play from the ManYoo man.
Vidic tackles Klose in the penalty area.
Oh - Klose nodded back across the area but no one was following up. That is the danger with only playing one target man up front.
The Germans attack, but are foiled twice.
You have to be happy with the way that your ManYoo new boy Hernandez took his goal yesterday, offside or not.
Bloody hell - Klose's been sent off!!!!!
Second yellow card - nothing more than a striker's challenge. I agree with Robbie and Derek. The ref is really card happy.
Klose is sent off for a second bookable offense by the card happy ref. I will be surprised if he gets to officiate any other games in this tournament. Advantage Serbia.
The problem for the ref is that he set a precedent for himself early on by showing a lot of cards and now he's tempted to follow through on that. I expect more reds to come.
GOAL! Liverpool new boy Jovanovic scores after a knock-down from Krasic.
1-0 Serbs!
Sorry it was Krasic with the cross and Zigic who knocked it down well at the back post.
GOAL 1-0 Serbia who take advantage of the red card. Kolonov blazes past Bastuber and Zigic heads down to Jovanovic.
Fortunately Jovanovic wasn't booked for over-celebration.
Wow! Well, that goal has really turned over the cart in Group D. If the rugged Serbs can hold on here, you could have three sides on 3 points. Advantage Ghana?
The Germans lost heir second match in Euro 2008, but still made it to the final. Will we see a repeat?
Muller wins a corner now....
Stojkovic punches out. Germany have no identifiable striker now with Klose off.
Stojkovic punches the German corner clear. The Germans regroup and Ozil's through ball runs to Stojkovic.
I expect that Jurgi Low will stick with this set-up until half-time but that we'll see another out and out attacking player thrown on at half time, perhaps Cacau?
I wonder if Cacao will be introduced at halftime.
Bloody hell, ref! I thought he was going to book Schweinsteiger for bumping into the keeper.
Great minds think alike.
Great run from Muller into the box. Earns a corner.
OH - Kheria hits the bar with a rocket! And then Muller tries an overhead that's cleared off the line!
And that's half-time! 1-0 Serbia.
The referee will be the main talking point, but that's a shame. It's been a really fascinating match so far.
Muller win a corner after dribbling past several Serbian players. Lahm wins another corner.Nearly 1-1 as Stojkovic fails to punch clear and Khedeira hits the bar and Muller's overhead kick is cleared off the line. It is now halftime and 1-0 to Serbia.
WOW
ESPN are back late from the commercials as the second half starts up. This is certainly not the narrative we expected here but the Germans are the comeback kings of world footer. Let's see if this young side is like the Mannschafts of old.
Of course the implications for the Round of 16 of this game are huge. Lots of different permutations in both groups. On this showing, England want no part of this Serbian side.
No changes at half-time. Ozil is left up top alone for Germany. I think that's a risk.
I did predict that Serbia would win the group. There is still 45 minutes of football to play. Any substitutions?
Lots of early possession for the Germans in this half as with the first half but the Serbs are keeping their shape.
Yes - you were the lone person to see the Serbs topping the group. A bold prediction. No changes at half-time for either side.
Friedrich romps forward and nearly gets on to a Phillip Lahm cross.
It might take a bit of unpredictable total football to break down this Serbian defense. They're set up Premiership style with a 4-4-2.
The Pig Climber races through but Vidic tackles well. Furious passage of German play there.
Are Serbia sitting back?
They have numbers
Schweinsteiger with a great run, but Vidic and two other Serbs combine to tackle. Schweinsteiger's routine shot from just outside the area on the next possession.
Lahm is living on borrowed time here with the Spanish ref. Could easily have been a second yellow in this ref's eyes.
I meant to say was fumbled by Stojkovic.
I agree. Low was really concerned.
The German fans are incensed that they didn't pick up a yellow on the edge of the box.
Another yellow card...this time for Simitic.
Lovely ball through from Ozil to Podolski and it deserved a goal. A fraction wide.
Krasic with a run down the right ,but his scross is cleared. Subotic is now in the book. Podolski shoots just wide after a nice through ball by Ozil.
Ozil and Podolski combine again as Podolski shoots into the side netting. The Germans are playing well with ten men. Penalty Germany and Vidic is booked for handball.
WHat did I miss.... a penalty save!!!
Germany have a penalty!!!!!!
It's almost a carbon copy of the penalty that they gave up against Ghana! Vidic this time.
Podolski to take....he misses!!!!!!!
First time that a German has missed a penalty since 1976! WOW!
I can't believe it. Stojkovic saves Podolski's weak penalty. The Germans never miss penalties.
LONG MAY GERMAN MISSES CONTINUE!
Unbelievable. I've seen everything now. The last time that I witnessed a German player missing a penalty, I was 12!
Good save but it was a weak penalty.
Is this a momentum changer? I thought Serbia were living on borrowed time.
Vidic picked up a yellow card there at the penalty for what was interpreted as a deliberate handball. UWS would no doubt agree. I don't.
Seven yellows and a red so far from the Spanish ref. You'd think it had been a dirty match!
This match is making me even more nervous. I want normal service resumed today with the presumed favorites winning across the board. The Serbs are upsetting the universe.
I agree with the ref on the penalty decision, but he has had a stinker with every other decision.
Another wonderful ball from Ozil. What vision! Podolski wasn't able to make enough of that chance.
I won't argue with you about it, MUR.
Podolski with a great run, but finds a Serbian player as the Serbs outnumbered the Germans five to one in the penalty area.
Oh - Krasic did so well and Jovanovic nearly had a brace. Hit the post!
just to let you know,
I am wearing a shirt that happens to have the word England written on it... it is not a shirt!!
Off the post!!!
Nearly 2-0 as Krazic dribbles through the German defense and Jovanovic hits the post. He was flagged offside.
I'm wearing my lucky US jersey now. Will switch it for the lucky England jersey later this afternoon.
Muller with fancy foot work,but he is marked by three Serbs. His shot is deflected,but Stojkovic prevents the corner.
Jurgi Low has seen enough. It's the hour mark and he's going to make two changes - Cacau and Marko Marin. Shame - it's Ozil and Muller off.
The Serbs withdraw Ninkovic. Kacar on.
I think that's a mistake to take off the two most creative players for Germany. I've had have taken off Schweinsteiger and Badstuber.
Kacar is on for Ninkovic. And Germany make a substitution as Marin is on for Ozil. Cacao is on for Muller. Is Low putting his players on notice by saying I know who is not playing well?
Mertesacker dives in and somehow the ref decides not to book him.
Mertesacker tackles from behind, but is not booked. Where is the consistency?
Muller was quieter today but I still think Ozil showed a lot of quality today. The Germans should easily be level if not 2-1 up. They haven't played badly like the French and Spanish did earlier.
Now it's Schweinsteiger into the book. The eighth booking. Robbie Mustoe is incensed.
I agree with you Blue Devil. Why do you take off your two most creative players when you are losing. Schweinsteiger is booked for foul.
Off the bar!
Krasic crosses and Zigic heads off the top of the bar. I think he should have scored as he was in the six yard box.
Zigic nearly in there. And now Kolorov is caught offside.
Another change for the Serbs. They're packing the midfield now.
Kolonov crosses out of play. Petrovic is on for Kuzmanovic.
Are you proctoring the Regent's exam right now, Dave?
Bastuber fouls The dangerous Krazic. Bastuber has looked really poor.
Krasic feeds Petrovic who knocks his header well wide.
Petrovic balloons the free kick well over.
SuperMario coming on for Badstuber. Low rolling the dice now.
Super Mario is on for Badstuber. They must have heard me.
The Germans earn a corner.
Marin does well jinking inside and produces a bobbled save out of the keeper. Corner.....
Evades everyone.
Nope, I proctor the regents exam from 11:50 until no later than 2:50
I have my radio ready to listen to the game if I am still in the testing room
The corner from Marin is really poor.
Last change for the Serbs. The goalscorer Jovanovic making his way off. Could have had a brace today.
Lazovic on....
Jovanovic, the goal scorer, is replaced by Lazovic.
I agree with Robbie Mustoe - Krasic is my MOTM too. He's been really dangerous.
Kracar volleys over as Zigic flicks down a cross.
Derek is wrong about the date of that Uli Hoeness miss. It was in the final of Euro 76 against Czechoslovakia. I remember it as if it were yesterday. My family was on holiday on the Adriatic Coast of Italy. We watched the match in the basement of the hotel with a load of footie fans of different nationalities. A really excellent match that went to pens after swinging back and forth.
Cacao is fouled by Kracar. Vidic heads the cross out for a corner.
Super Mario has not touched the ball. I stated that he would not get any change out of Vidic.
Unusual game for the Germans!!
Get over it
I'm looking at the stats again from that match. Czechoslovakis scored two early goals in the 8th and 25th minutes. Germany then clawed their way back in and Holzenbein finally scored the equalizer with a header from a corner in the 89th minute! After extra time, the pens went 5-3 Czechs with the crucial miss from Hoeness. What memories!
I heard that the match was a classic. One of the all time great matches. I understand that the Czech keeper was in top form for that match.
Five minutes to play now. Can the Germans find a way back in?
How did he miss that through pass!
The Serbs were through, but the final pass lacked accuracy.
Yeah - the keeper was immense.
I disagree with Robbie Mustoe. Vidic has been a titan in this match.
The Germans getting sloppy now with Friedrich giving away the ball. A very un-German like performance today.
ABSOLUTELY HOPELESS!!
Four on two and they pass it like that!!
Kracar runs down the right, but the cross eludes everyone.
Any memories of 1976, UWS?
Not enough quality for you?
Ridiculous! You can't blame the ball for that attack!
Lahm wins the ball back and lofts a high cross over. Stojkovic holds well.
What memories of '76
Stojkovic gathers the cross from Lahm. That was too easy. Three minutes remaining.
Everything changes in Group D after the first round
Let's hope it is the same in Group C
Well, this is not what I wanted at all out of this match. I wanted a simple, professional win. Now Group D is a mess going into the last set of matches.
Podolski overruns the ball. Suoer Maio where are you? You do not have a single touch.
What - you want Slovenia on top, UWS? No thanks. I want a simple win for the US today and a rout for England with a hat-trick from your boy Rooney.
Germany had a couple of chances there!
Ref calls a foul.... could have gone either way or neither
Time wasting time!
Stankovic is down with cramp now. I've seen that a lot in this tournament, along with groin strains and hamstring pulls. Surely, that's just a matter of not stretching enough before the match.
I agree... how about Germany not making it at all
They don't scare me anyway!
I agree with you Blue Devil. I would like the same in Group D. I would have no complaints.However, if England top Group D they may face Germany in the next round.
Derek Rae thinks it's all over....
Derek Rae thinks its all over... it is now!!
Germanay have lost!!!!
Come on US!
Come on England!
It is now! Serbia with a shock win there. I don't think the Germans were that bad. They should easily have drawn if not won that match. Good tactical performance by the Serbs.
1-0!
That's it . Serbia 1 Germany 0 If Ghana defeat the Aussies then they Group C will be up for grabs.
What happens if the Aussies win!!
All three teams will be on 3 points!
Right - next up - the US vs. Slovenia. And the team news is in:
USA: Howard, Steve Cherundolo, DeMerit, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Donovan, Torres, Bradley, Dempsey, Altidore, Findley
So, Torres in for the injured Ricardo Clark. Otherwise, unchanged.
I may miss the very end of the match because of the damn regents
Just saw the Vidic handball... was it a natural movement???
You silly billy
Slovenia: Handanovic, Brecko, Suler, Cesar, Jokic, Birsa, Koren, Radosavljevic, Kirm, Ljubijankic, Novakovic
One change there up top - Ljubijankic in for Dedic.
Absolutely, UWS. I wouldn't have given the penalty. He was merely jumping naturally with his arms up to propel himself. Arm did not move toward ball. I thought you man Vidic was very unlucky there. He didn't put a foot wrong today.
Players in yellow card peril:
USA - Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, Robbie Findley.
Slovenia - Rodosavjevic, Komac.
C'mon you, Yanks!
I agree with Big Red's assessment. The US side is just better than Slovenia. He thinks 2-0; I'll take 1-0.
Absolutely! Welcome WHR - how are you, mate?
Bob, you have the penalty all wrong! No way that was a natural position! Vidic thought there was a German on his shoulder and he was hoping to put him off the header.
I hope you're kidding!!
Good shot of a bar... US fans and an England fan ready for the matches
So, UWS, are you defending the Spanish referee? I'll bet that he's considered one the worst refs that we've seen and won't get another match, as MUR said earlier.
At least WHR has some sense
I am sure our resident centerback is kidding!
Was it hand to ball or ball to hand? - that's the only determining factor according to the FIFA rules. I looked it up online the other day after the Serbs were robbed in the first match.
That said, if I were Antic, I'd say to my players, "KEEP YOUR BLOODY ARMS DOWN IN THE BOX!" The refs are clearly interpreting the rule wrong in this tournament.
Didn't see the match enough to complain about the ref but the sending off was harsh.
The penalty was stonewall
Good morning WHR. That was fabulous shot of a bar in Chicago. I am predicting a 1-0 victory for the U.S. against the dull Slovenians.
You lot sound like the Republican who was defending BP yesterday in Congress. I expect retractions from all of you forthwith.
Morning, Bob. I've started my vacation a day early. Will be on for the US match, but off to a bar for the England match. Surprise Calamity James is going in the goal. Can't go back to Green after that switch.
I'd rather not see that Rob Green howler again for the rest of my life. I do, however, enjoy the look on Beckham's face. Classic!
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