England Should Eye Double Figure Victory over San Marino!
It is almost impossible to preview the upcoming World Cup qualifier between England and San Marino this week without reminding ourselves of that San Marino goal that inflicted a final ignominy on Graham Taylor when he was the England manager that ended England’s hopes of qualifying for the 1994 World Cup.
The goal in question was scored by Davide Gualtieri and came just 8.3 seconds into the match after full back, Stuart Pearce, under hit his back pass to David Seaman and Gualtieri was on ... Continue Reading →
England Up To Fourth In FIFA World Rankings…WTF?!
England have risen to fourth in the latest FIFA World Rankings with Brazil falling out of the top ten for the first time since 1993.
Eyelids were raised as FIFA announced the latest World Rankings with Roy Hodgson’s England side (surprisingly) moving up to fourth.
Back-to-back European champions Spain remain number one, while beaten finalists Italy – who dominated before knocking England out on penalties – rise up six places to sixth.
Brazil meanwhile fell to eleventh in the table ... Continue Reading →
Should More English Players go Abroad?
The English Premiership is truly global league. Their are, in fact, 62 different nationalities represented within a mere 50,000 sq Miles. But in the other 5,730,000 sq Miles, only 35 English players, not including Scotland, are playing abroad.
The questions is; But why? Why are so many English footballers put off by the prospect of adding the experience of more technical leagues in Spain and Italy? Spanish, French and Italian players have always jumped at the chance of playing in the more phisical ... Continue Reading →
It Is Good David Beckham Was Left Out Of Olympics Team GB
David Beckham was said to be sobbing over not being picked for the Great Britain Olympic football team. In The Stands’ Rolly Pelovangu has little sympathy.
Beckham will not be featuring for Team GB come the summer. Instead the three over-23 spots have gone to Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards respectively. One word…good.
Yes, ‘Golden Balls’ is an icon and an ambassador for British football, but let’s face it, David Beckham is past it. He is a complete shadow of the ... Continue Reading →
Italy Through England Out – Justice Was Done At Euro 2012
After yet another quarter-final heartbreak In The Stands’ Rolly Pelovangu celebrates the fact that footballing justice was done as Italy progressed at the expense of England.
You can’t always get what you want in life. That is a common fact and even with all the grafting and passionate fervor inimical to achieving success, it cannot and will not be the overriding guarantee to winning a major tournament.
The significance of it all? Look no further than England’s elimination at the ... Continue Reading →
VIDEO: Andrea Pirlo Penalty Italy vs England
Andrea Pirlo executed a masterful Antonin Panenka-style penalty kick during Italy’s 4-2 quarter-final shootout victory over England at Euro 2012.
The Juventus ace was the focal point of the Italian team and produced a masterful performance at the heart of the Azzurri midfield as Cesare Prandelli’s men dominated a very limited England side.
And to cap off a wonderful display over 120 minutes, the midfield maestro cooly chipped in his penalty kick as jaws everywhere dropped in awe. It ... Continue Reading →
Cesare Prandelli: ‘Italy Deserved To Beat England’
Italy boss Cesare Prandelli believes his side were worthy winners in their Euro 2012 quarter-final clash
Italy progressed to the semi-finals of Euro 2012 after a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over an overly defensive England side.
Having seen his team dominate possession and create more of the best chances, Azzurri boss Cesare Prandelli expressed his relief at navigating their way out of a tough group, past England and now into the last four with a blockbuster clash with Germany on the horizon.
“We ... Continue Reading →
Marko Devic Disallowed Goal England vs Ukraine
Ukraine were left seething after Marko Devic’s goal was incorrectly ruled out with television replays clearing showing that the ball crossed the line.
With England leading by Wayne Rooney’s solitary goal, Marko Devic managed to nip past the England defence before getting off his shot which looped beyond Hart before being hacked away by John Terry.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xrncd0
The problem was that television replays showed that the ball had clearly crossed the line and a statuesque ... Continue Reading →
In The Stands: Never Forget – No.3 Paul Gascoigne
In The Stands’ weekly feature – Never Forget – delves into the archives to pay homage to the stars who have transcended the ‘beautiful game’ over the past 15 years. In our third instalment we look at the legendary English midfield maestro Paul Gascoigne.
Everyone knows ‘Gazza’; that’s Paul John Gascoigne the now retired English football legend who had spells with Newcastle United, Rangers and Italian giants Lazio to name but a few clubs.
Gazza was blessed with ... Continue Reading →
Patrice Evra: ‘England Play Like Chelsea vs Barcelona’
Patrice Evra has slammed England’s Chelsea-like defensive tactics during their opening Euro 2012 Group D clash in Donetsk.
England held out for a 1-1 draw with group favourites France although Les Bleus full-back Patrice Evra was far from impressed with the tactics employed by Roy Hodgson’s men.
“We are frustrated because I think we played much better. At times it was like there were 15 bodies in front of us. It was really difficult to find space,” he told reporters after ... Continue Reading →
Video: ‘Ferme Ta Gueule’ Samir Nasri Tells The French Press
Samir Nasri lashed home the equaliser during France and England’s 1-1 Group D draw on Monday before demanding that somebody ‘ferme ta gueule’ – French for ‘shut your mouth. But who was he saying it to?
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xrgwhl
‘Ferme ta gueule! Vous la, ferme ta gueule!’ he shouted upon lashing in France’s equaliser in the 38th minute.
The question was who was the outspoken Manchester City midfielder saying it to? Maybe it was aimed at ... Continue Reading →
5 Heartbreaking Moments for England at European Championships
There have been a number of heartbreaking moments for England players and fans alike over the years. Here are 5 from European Championships:
Euro 2004: Zidane Twice in Stoppage Time
Frank Lampard had headed England into a first half lead. A lead that Sven-Göran Eriksson’s side mainained going into stoppage time. Fabien Barthez saved a David Beckham penalty in the second half to keep France in the game. In the 91st minute, Zinedine Zidane curled home a free kick. Perhaps a draw against the ... Continue Reading →
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