England 1-1 USA

[lupestripe]

The main disappointment from the match was that I didn't back the 1-1 scoreline, despite professing to everyone that that was what I thought the scoreline would be. Much annoyance, I could have made a bit of cash.

I thought England played the best I have seen for a while - there was a determination and passion about the side which has been lacking in recent encounters. However, what Emile Heskey is doing on the pitch at all is beyond me. Steven Gerrard led by example and the goal was a beautiful move that was executed well.

The USA offered little really and were gifted their goal by the hapless Robert Green. Still, all in all, a positive result I think, which will still ensure England finish top of the group. I don't see the USA beating Algeria and Slovenia as comprehensively as England so I am reasonably happy with our first game. And, after all, England have a tradition of starting their campaigns at major tournaments with poor results.

Comments

[harlequeen.livejournal.com]

Whereas I thought Heskey was one of the best players on the pitch. He still can't score for toffee.. or anyone. But he kept the ball alive and passed it around really well. And made the pass to Gerard from which we scored.

[lupestripe.livejournal.com]

I thought he was quite dreadful but we'll see how he develops as the tournament progresses. I have never really rated him but obviously Capello does. He was involved, I'll give him that.

[alexf0x.livejournal.com]

At least we agree that Heskey is a rubbish player, the man always seems to screw the pooch whenever he gets close to the goal. I wouldn't mind if he was a new player, but this is something like his third world cup now, and he hasn't got any better since.

I felt some relief when Peter Crouch replaced him on pitch in the last 10mins.

[harlequeen.livejournal.com]

Ok, I decided to look what other people thought of Heskey's perfomance, first hit..
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/06/12/1973346/world-cup-2010-player-ratings-england-1-1-usa
He's the best rated England player.
Second hit.
http://www.espnstar.com/football/world-cup/news/detail/item453357/England-vs-USA-Player-Ratings/
Equal second best after Gerard.

[alexf0x.livejournal.com]

If he's the second best rated, then it's not exactly filling me with confidence, particularly after last night.

[lupestripe.livejournal.com]

I thought the performance last night was good - Heskey wasn't amongst the good performers though.