Scott's detailed notes from yesterday's game:
Ensconced
in the luxurious surroundings of a Farlieonfootie-sponsored skybox, after a
staggering amount of libationary and gastronomical delights were savored at the
somewhat misty tailgate party, the in-town staff members (poor Ed) viewed the
proceedings below with the critical eye to which our loyal readers have become
accustomed. Dodging my head from side to side in order to catch the action
beyond my impossibly large Heineken can (all the craft beer was in the parking
lot), I was witness to 90 minutes of English languidness and Ecuadorian effort
which, ultimately, earned the South Americans a deserved draw against the
sputtering Three Lions. Despite controlling large parts of the game,
including most of the first half, the Brits were unable to triumph.
Milner
at right back (for a while anyway), Rooney wide to the left, Lambert up top and
Gerrard and Sturridge nowhere in sight, English fans will hope that Roy Hodgson
learned what he needed to from the experimental lineup and will adjust
accordingly. The middle defensive pairing of Jones and Smalling could
generously be described as shaky while neither Luke Shaw nor the aforementioned
Milner were able to provide appropriate cover at critical times. Shaw,
especially, seemed lackadaisical when a yellow shirt threatened the box.
Tired? Adjusting to the climate? Let's hope so.
Rooney
and Wilshire were just OK and, while Lampard did ooze calmness on the ball, his
howitzer shots from distance were far more dramatic than they were
effective. Barkley, on the other hand, showed moments of creativity which
largely contrasted the general play of the English. I have a sneaking
suspicion that he will be critical in deciding England’s fate later this month.
Another
bright spot was the new Liverpool boy, Rickie Lambert. What a week he is
having! First signing a contract with your boyhood club at the age of 32
and then scoring an excellent goal for your country. I think he, too,
will have much to offer if given the chance in Brazil.
Finally,
a word about poor Raheem Sterling. Given his chance in the 65th
minute or so, the speedy youngster was working his way into the game and seemed
poised to make an impact with his fearlessness and ability to dribble at real
speed. But then his reckless challenge on Antonio Valencia earned him a
slight choke by the Ecuadorian and an undeserved red card. The message
boards are lit up with the controversy of red vs. yellow and even His
Farlieness has weighed in on the matter. Risking month-end bonus money, I
have to disagree with the Bossman and go on record as saying that I believe it
was a yellow and not a red because his intention was clearly to win the ball,
there were no studs and, while his leg did pop up when he hit the turf, he
clearly got some ball. That said, since there is no suspension for the
red card, it may have been a good thing for the youngster and the rest of the
team as it can serve as a reminder that World Cups are officiated in a very
different manner than the BPL, where such tackles are much more common.
Some
are picking England to escape their group, and I hope they do. But with
opponents like Italy and Uruguay, they are going to have to up their game
significantly.
This is farlieonfootie for June 4.
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