page revision date : 22nd June 2010
England’s chances are
really over-hyped!
The World Cup is just about to start in South Africa at the time of writing this little piece (8th June) and already I am beginning to wonder if I am the only one who is already fed up of the hype over what is going on with regard to England’s chances.
The papers are awash with sagas about poor old Rio’s injury, Gareth Barry’s recovery and on television we can enjoy listening to Fabio Capello in his broken English, explaining what he thinks is going to happen.
The World Cup used to be a festival of football, to be relished every four years where we marvelled at the skills of Booby Moore, Garincha and Pele, the tackling of Nobby Stiles and the Italian back four of the time, the work rate of Alan Ball and the goal-scoring exploits of Sir Geoff Hurst and Eusabio. Remember Gordon Banks’ save to deny Pele?
Celebrity is all in England
Now it seems more about celebrity and I actually saw in one paper a rating for ALL of the wives and girlfriends of the English players – two pages in the sports’ section where there was not even a mention of a football!
And I’ll say it now, before the razzmatazz really begins in earnest – I THINK ENGLAND WILL DO WELL TO REACH THE QUARTER-FINALS – AND HAVE NO CHANCE OF WINNING THE JULES RIMET TROPHY!
I’ll take your tenner!
I checked with my old pal the local bookmaker and today England are standing at 6/1 in the table, behind Spain (4/1), Brazil (9/2), and Argentina (5/1), followed by the Netherlands (10/1), Germany (14/1), Italy (14/1), France (18/1) and Portugal (25/1) – so if there is anyone out there who would like to risk a crisp £10 note on England I’ll outbid Betfred and offer generous odds of 7/1!
I look at the England side and like the look of Gerrard, Lampard and Wayne Rooney but the rest are not quite up to the standard of the other top sides, as England proved in recent performances against Mexico and Japan. The other countries in with a chance ooze class, pace, power and are very street-wise.
Class acts in other countries
Favourites Spain, for example, have Iniesta, Torres, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Abeloa, David Villa, Fabregas, Pique and Mata, whilst Brazil can boast of Maicon, Juan and Lucio at the back, plus Kaka, Kleberson and Julio Baptista in midfield, and with Ribinho, Nilmar and Fabiano up front – what skills!
Lionel Messi, Veron and Melito lead Argentina whilst the Netherlands, who I think are a good bet, have quality in Van Bronkhorst, Sneidger, Van Persie and Kuyt. The list is endless because Germany will play Frederick Boateng, Schweinsteiger, Muller, Kroos, Klose and Podolski and Italy will look to Buffon in goal, Maggio, Cannivara, Bochetti, De Rossi, Pepe, and Di Natale. All have very strong squads and make England look a little on the ordinary side!
Easy first stage draw
I expect England to ease through the first stage of the competition against USA, Algeria and Slovenia, in what looks the easiest group of all. England are 1/3 to do that whilst the Americans are 4/1 and Algeria are 600/1. But then the fireworks could begin!
If you want a sporting bet then both North Korea and New Zealand will get you odds of 2,000/1 and Honduras 1,000 – and I’ll match those odds if you like – but first off I’m ready to take your tenners on England – because I think Brazil or Holland will win!
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