by Brad Lockston
The game was the deciding factor to see if England catch the plane home or they go into the last sixteen and
enjoy the rest of their African trip.
Firstly, most players would agree that it helps to know what position they are playing a day before rather two hours before a match. In this game England had some idea where they were going to play as leaked through various sources. Capello, nevertheless has an accomplished career in Europe and has shown his worth a manager.
So the game between England and Slovenia took place in the Nelson Mandela Base Stadium. There was much singing and anticipation before the game. Much pain for England supporters as they were expecting better quality football from the team.
David James, the England goal keeper enters the game with 51 caps was not totally challenged by his opponents. James was on target for all attempts from Slovenia.
With England wearing unfamiliar all red strip, the observed passing was better, the variation in play was seen as improved. The first shot on target was seen by Frank Lampard in the 13th minute at 35 yards. In the 23rd minute we started to see the tempo of Premier League performance football by England. Slovenia nevertheless, also displayed passion in their football which kept their opposition on their toes throughout the game.
It was however, in the 23rd minute as mentioned that Jermain Defoe received one of his first touches of the game. This ball came from James Milner as he makes his way down the right to put in a cross for Defoe. Defoe gets in front of his opposition to get the ball behind the net giving England a 1.0 lead. It must be said that Milner put in good number of crosses for his team mates as his role is to feed strikers in the box so the ball get put into the back of the net.
One yellow card was shown in the match which was received by Glen Johnson for a debatable tackle.
There was good signs from Rooney as he set-up attempted goals as well as missed chances. There is however, suspected rumours of a twisted ankle by Wayne Rooney. Subsequently, Rooney was substituted by Joe Cole in the 71st minute. Rooney has played seven England games without a goal but there is still opportunity in the upcoming game on Sunday. This will be against the winners of group D: Ghana or Germany.
In the last minutes of the game there were tight margins with England holding on with the grit of their teeth. Slovenia, with a country population of just two million (the smallest in the tournament) needed 1 point to survive. Time was up however, as the German Referee blew the whistle after 3 minutes added time. The final score England 1. Slovenia 0.
It was a relaxed carefree performance from England. Lampard was comfortable playing and remaining on the left of the field. Slovenia did not give up and played with passion and dignity. Slovenia will go out of the tournament with Algeria since USA beat them with a late of 1-0 in their game.
Capello stated at the end that he has got his team back and that this is the team he recognised during the training sessions.
Jermain Defoe ends the pain for England and next it is the knock-out stages to come. It’s the England fever…
Visit href=”http://www.worldcup2010capetown.com/”>England beat Slovenia world Cup 2010 today for further informaion.