Lakenheath Old Boys

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!

Tuesday, July 02, 2019

WWC Semi-final! USA v. England!

It's a day of divided loyalties today in the Women's World Cup, with the world champions USA taking on the old colonial enemy England in the semi-final. Ordinarily I'd be for England - as I did when England played the US in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. However, I don't know this England team and have no affinity for them. So, I'll be donning a tri-cornered hat and dumping some tea into Lake Erie for Megan Rapinoe and co. Go on, you Yanks!

91 Comments:

Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Afternoon, chaps! England have made a habit of getting to the semi-finals of major championships lately. In the last ten years, they’ve made it to the last four at Euro 2009, the 2015 World Cup in Canada, Euro 2017 and now France ‘19.

Only problem is, the USA’s record is on another level entirely. They’ve never failed to reach at least the semi-final stage at any World Cup. Since the tournament’s inception in 1991, they’ve won four of seven semis, going on to win the trophy on a record three occasions. And it’s not just history on their side. The USA haven’t quite managed to find top gear in this tournament to date, yet they’ve put out the holders, beat the impressive Swedes, and won one of their matches by 13 goals.

1:50 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The news out of Lyon this afternoon: England keeper Karen Bardsley is out of the match with a hammy. Carly Telford takes her place.

Even bigger news - Megan Rapinoe, the talisman for the US team, is out of the line-up! Must be a knock.

2:00 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Good Afternoon, Bob. Thanks for posting the thread. Based on your comments it's advantage England. They have plenty of firepower up front with top scorer, Ellen White and Jill Scott a huge threat to the U.S. defense. Rapinoe is a much bigger loss than Bardsley. Also, will Crystal Dunn be able to handle the attacking threat of Lucy Bronze, currently rated the best right back in the world? Christen Press starts in place of Rapinoe. The one England weakness might be center back , Millie Brihgt. whom I've seen cough up the ball a few times in key positions this tournament. Your thoughts?

2:16 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The Little Neviller has issued the follow pre-match statement:

"Tonight’s not a massive game. Sunday’s a massive game, tonight’s just another step on our journey to where we want to go, and that’s the final.”

Wow!

2:43 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Rapinoe hasn’t taken part in any pre-match warm-ups. Instead she’s been watching her team-mates being put through their paces from the sidelines.

Reminds me of Ronaldo at France 1998.

2:53 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Hello, Bob. Interesting statement from the Wee Neviller.

2:58 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Another question is why Alex Morgan has been in such poor form

2:59 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I'm sure the Wee Neviller will be targeting Crystal Dunn , who will have to face the double threat of Lucy Bronze and the speedy Nikita Parris.

3:00 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

They're off from Lyon. ROAR!

3:00 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Stokes tackles Tobin Heath off nice long ball for a U.S. corner

3:04 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

OH!!! Superb close range save by Carly Telford from Rose Lavelle after she nut megged Millie Bright then a close range effort was well blocked. Great start by the U.S.

3:05 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Now the U.S. have a free kick about thirty yards out

3:05 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Free kick from Christen Press was intended for Alex Morgan , but too high

3:06 PM  
Blogger gooner71 said...

Hi, do you reckon that Gareth Southgate's mum dresses the little Neviller?

3:07 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

A dropped cross by Telford, but England get away with it and now have their first sustained spell of possession.

3:07 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Good afternoon, Steve. A humorous , but accurate observation. Probably a helicopter mum.

3:08 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

GOAL !!!CHRISTEN PRESS HEADS THE U.S. INTO THE LEAD.

3:10 PM  
Blogger gooner71 said...

Great header from Press. 1 Nil the Yanks!

3:10 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

cREDIT TO rOSE lAVELLE , WHO LET THE LONG DIAGONAL PASS RUN IDE RIGHT TO o'hARA AND HER SUPERB CROSS WAS HEADED IN BY pRESS, WHO HAD A FREE HEADER IN THE SIX YARD BOX.

3:12 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

OH! Just over by rose Lavelle from just outside the box after great passing by O'Hara and Tobin Heath.

3:16 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

GOAL !!!! ENGLAND TIE IT UP AGAINST THE RUN OFF PLAY! A SUPERB PASS INTO THE BOX BY MEAD ON THE LEFT WAS PUT AWAY WITH A FIRST TIME SHOT BY ELLEN WHITE. GREAT FINISH AND 1-1

3:20 PM  
Blogger gooner71 said...

Bad breakdown between our center backs for the English goal. Shame.

3:20 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

She's now the leading scorer this Wc with half a dozen goals.

3:20 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Agreed, Steve. Nice long diagonal from Kiera Walsj down the left to Mead, who put in that great pass for Ellen White. First real attack of the match for England

3:23 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

OH!!! Superb save by Carly Telford off a long range rocket from Rose Lavelle. Actually shot from the D

3:25 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Alex Morgan down for the U.S. and the Wee Neviller none too pleased as he's giving an SAF style lecture to Nikita Parris.

3:26 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Nice solo run by Lucy Bronze and a great pass into the box to Mead, who slips as she was about to shoot.

3:28 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Hiya, chaps! I've just gotten back from setting up my afternoon class and it's 1-1!

3:28 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Sliced clearance by Sauerbrun for a corner that was nearly an OG

3:29 PM  
Blogger gooner71 said...

Hiya Bob, hammer and tongs in this one.

3:29 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Good afternoon, Bob. Great to enjoy the pleasure of your company. It's been a great match

3:29 PM  
Blogger gooner71 said...

Wahey! Morgan gets her first goal since the Korean massacre, right?

3:31 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

GOAL !!!! ALEX MORGAN HEADS THE U.S. INTO A 2-1 LEAD

3:31 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

i THINK SO, sTEVE. gREAT HEADER OFF A GREAT CROSS FROM hORAN

3:32 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Superb save by Naer from a long range effort from Kiera Wlash that was headed to the upper 90

3:33 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Long range effort from Julie Ertz a few yards over.

3:35 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Wahay! Alex needed that one. She scored five in the opener but then a four match drought.

3:36 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The U.S. have never lost when Alex Morgan has scored. Will that run continue?

3:36 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Alex Morgan and Ellen White tied for the Golden Boot with half a dozen goals each this tournament/.

3:37 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Millie Bright booked for an elbow to Alex Morgan. Could have been sent off for that

3:40 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Long free kick from Dahlgren headed wide by Lindsay Horan

3:41 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Jill Scott down for England and the Wee Neviller shouting for a card.

3:42 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Millie Bright blocks a pass from Press for a U.S. corner.

3:43 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The corner from Lavelle headed away at the near post.

3:43 PM  
Blogger gooner71 said...

Dahlgren should take all those long free kicks.

3:44 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Crystal Dunn tackles Lucy Bronze for an England corner.

3:45 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Jill Scott heads wide from the corner. A minute of stoppage time.

3:45 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Agreed. Steve to take the set pieces aiming for the head of Bob.

3:46 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

It's halftime with the U.S. leading 2-1.

3:46 PM  
Blogger gooner71 said...

It does make a lovely THWACK! sound when he connects.

3:56 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The second half is underway from Lyon

4:02 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Lindsay Horan could have been booked for the elbow on Lucy Bronze. Similar to the England booking. She is booked for that

4:03 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Crystal Dunn fouls Parris in Lyon just outside the U.S. box.

4:05 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Free kick from Mead headed by Houghton and a close range effort from Ellen White is gathered by Naer.

4:07 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

England counter off t eh U.S long free kick from Dahlgren. Ends with Jill Scott fouling Lindsey Horan

4:08 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Ertz shoots well over with a shot from the right corner of the box.

4:11 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The Wee Neviller makes the first change as Fran Kirby is on for Mead.

4:14 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

A nightmare moment for England keeper, Telford, who clears to Christen Press, who cuts in , but curls a shot wide.

4:16 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Rose Lavelle is down with what looks an injured hammy. Time for Jill Ellis to make the first U.S. change? The answer is yes as Mewis is on for Lavelle.

4:21 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Rachel Daly fouls O'Hara just outside the England box.

4:22 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Tobin Heath puts a curling free kick into the box, but it's easily gathered by Telford.

4:23 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

GOAL !!!! DESMOND IN LYON AS ELLEN WHITE HAS A DOUBLE OFF A THROUGH BALL FROM JILL SCOTT.

4:24 PM  
Blogger gooner71 said...

I thought she was offside. Huge let off.

4:25 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

It's being checked by VAR And disallowed for offside. Still 2-1 to the U.S.

4:26 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Moore on for Walsh, leaving the Wee Neviller with one remaining substitution.

4:27 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Play stops as Tobin Heath is down off a challenge from Stokes.

4:32 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Play resumes.

4:33 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Surely that was a foul on Horan. How was that not a foul. Now England attack and a pass from Stokes is intended for Ellen White. Goes down, looking for a penalty, missed the ball.

4:36 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Carly Lloyd on for Tobin Heath.

4:36 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Play stops as VAR is reviewing the penalty decision. Shouldn't be one. The ref is going to take a look.

4:37 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

BLOODY HELL ! ENGLAND HAVE A PENALTY. WHY? Didn't see a trip by Sauerbrun on Ellen White. Sauerbrun booked.

4:39 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

WOW !!! Naer saves a poor penalty by England skipper, Steph Houghton. Justice served.

4:40 PM  
Blogger gooner71 said...

Justice. Weak referee succombs to pressure to give the pen, and Naeher saves the really shit penalty England win.

4:40 PM  
Blogger gooner71 said...

I want to see the US control the ball. It's evident that England will throw everyone forward so all this playing in our box is stupid.

4:42 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Nasty foul by Bright, who has already been booked . She's off for a second yellow. England down to ten.

4:43 PM  
Blogger gooner71 said...

Red for a pretty bad foul. Again, very weak from the ref. Should have had the red card out straight away.

4:43 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Krieger on for O'Hara on the final roll of the dice for Jill Ellis.

4:44 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Definitely so. A horrible challenge.

4:44 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Doubt this ref will be in charge for the final.

4:45 PM  
Blogger gooner71 said...

6 minutes extra you think?

4:45 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Final roll of the dice from the Wee Neviller as Georgia Stanway is on for Rachel Daly.

4:45 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Sounds about right but knowing this ref it will be ten.

4:46 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Lucky seven minutes of stoppage time. Just a minute off, Steve.

4:47 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Sorry. Un Lucky Seven

4:47 PM  
Blogger gooner71 said...

No, this ref has failed the audition too. VAR has made the refs passengers with whistles.

4:48 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Nice analogy, Steve. Agreed 100%.

4:50 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

As things stand, the U.S. will be back in Lyon for the final on Sunday while England will play in Nice on Saturday. Isn't that nice?

4:52 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

England the first team to miss three penalties in a WC tournament. Now know what the Wee Neviller needs to work on.

4:53 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Stokes fouls Carly Lloyd on the U.S. counter and that's it as the U.S. win 2-1 and will play in the final in the sane stadium on Sunday.

4:54 PM  
Blogger gooner71 said...

Magic. The women march on to the final. I'll be really interested in just what the eff' is wrong with Rapinoe and why she wasn't considered for a late sub. We've likely lost Lavelle with a hammy today, so two from our first XI would be bad. Cheerio, Al-Prez.

4:57 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Cheers, Steve. Great chatting with you and a great result.

5:02 PM  

Post a Comment

<< Home