Toothless England fail to Chew Dry Algerian Couscous

Yes, I said to everyone that this was going to be a horrible match, but I expected it to be a lot rougher.

0-0, an Algeria playing the trademark excellent defence that has gotten them this far, and an England relying on over-overpaid egos refusing to gel as a team and create respectable offensive opportunities.

Is it Capello's Catenaccio? 

The England team lacks clear tempo change. The total 5 minutes they managed to accelerate last game they looked dangerous. Otherwise, the brilliant England in qualifiaction is a shadow of itself, playing Italian style maybe, which consists of feigning uselessnes for first two matches of a World Cup before turning on the style after near-death-group escape? Sounds Italian enough, a bit more diving and emotions and England can do well in that department.....

Is it lack of defecation?


England Constipated? Too much pudding and bitter?

It's been nearly a decade of this... in retrospect the best England team was under Sven Goran Eriksson. Overpaid? Unmotivated because they can drive off in their Ferrari's to their expensive Villas and trophy wives? What is the matter with England? Certainly its psychological, as both the US and Algeria caused them excessive problems

Is it the ball?

No.

In the words of Lars Lagerback, "yes the ball is lighter and faster, but both teams are using it so never mind"... the English team is looking neither lighter nor faster, so no.


Is it Algeria and the US?

Yes and no. As I said a million times, the MEDIUM teams are getting very good. Algeria plays a particular brand of defensive football that has been bringing them success for two years, and it is build on players from the English, Scottish, German and French league who know how to defend. Their three best players, Belhadj, Yebda and Bougherra al play in the British isles, and are stars with their teams.

The Americans are a very combative, competitive team. They thrive as underdogs, and when they feel victims of some or other conspiracy, much like Algeria (not today but normally).

If the US has had trouble with these two, then watch out for a gelled, organized and nothing-to-lose Slovenia!

Is it the Media Pressure? 

Yes! The hype and negativity of the English press is certainly ruining the team atmosphere. The criticism of Heskey for instance is in his head when he is trying to use that one opportunity on goal that the uncreative English midfield is providing him with. The English problem is not with defence, which comes from konwledge of the game and tactics, but offence which comes from self-esteem and a positive initiative-seeking atmosphere.