Dear England, will you please stop...

[Cort Haus]

I see from the papers that Bilic said: "There's a bit of arrogance when we see words like 'No player from the Croatia team would play for England' - that is simply not true."

[SmartFart]

Originally posted by Cort Haus
I see from the papers that Bilic said: "There's a bit of arrogance when we see words like 'No player from the Croatia team would play for England' - that is simply not true."

My fellow Kenny...I would like to say...England just couldn't find a decent goalkeeper since...since...since I can't really remember.

I remember Seaman in Cup Winners Cup Final and Athletic Bilbao and Nayim and his goal from 45 yards. I also remember WC 2002 and Ronaldo...etc.

You just couldn't find a decent goalkeeper since Shilton retired...admit it.

[Dauphin]

Originally posted by VetLegion
Now how about England (pop 60 million), how many world cups won? How many third places?

How is that question relevant to what I said?

BTW, the population of England is not 60 million. That would be the UK.

[Dauphin]

Originally posted by Cort Haus


Please tell me you're not being serious.

The only reason trolling is not considered a sport is because Croats would lose all the time.

[Cort Haus]

Originally posted by SmartFart


My fellow Kenny...I would like to say...England just couldn't find a decent goalkeeper since...since...since I can't really remember.

I remember Seaman in Cup Winners Cup Final and Athletic Bilbao and Nayim and his goal from 45 yards. I also remember WC 2002 and Ronaldo...etc.

You just couldn't find a decent goalkeeper since Shilton retired...admit it.

Two mistakes in a long career do not make a bad goalie. Even three, if you count the freak corner-goal that Macedonia scored against England. The Nayim goal certainly hurt like hell (ex-Tottenham), but all players make mistakes - and most make dozens of mistakes in their career, including many that lead to goals being conceded or goals missed. Ronaldinho's goal (not Ronaldo, ISTR) in 2002 was a fluke - he admitted it. Seaman was nearing the end of his career by that point anyway.

Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira both made terrible, historic mistakes in THAT semi-final against Man U in 1999, and Henry fluffed an easy chance to win the Champs League in 2006. They're not bad players because of it. Goalies get it tough, IMO.

Do you remember the save Seaman made against Sheffield Utd at Old Trafford in an FA Cup semi-final a few years back? Incredible - as good as The Gordon Banks Save against Brazil (Pele, I think).

[MikeH]

Some (admittedly debatable) analysis that shows England's group is one of the best for any of the second pot teams.

http://www.counterglow.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=933734#post933734

[Cort Haus]

Counterglow Game of the Year 2007 Voting thread?

WTF is Counterglow?

[SmartFart]

Seaman was one of my favorite Arsenal players of all time with Henry and Bergkamp (at least in last 15 years since I watch them on regular basis). He really had alot of great saves, but I've found myself trembling on every long distance shot which coming towards him. That was his weakness. Jens have same problem. Almunia looking very promising so far, don't you agree?

[Cort Haus]

Eventually Seaman seemed to suffer from the problem of having shorter arms than he used to. I think this was because his reactions slowed down and he struggled to get to the ball in time. Jens' problem is his temperament - he is too easy to wind up and get a bad reaction out of. Almunia isn't as good as Jens, but has yet to do anything which justifies losing his place this year. He qualifies for British citizenship soon - perhaps he'll be the regular England goalie one day.

[MikeH]

Originally posted by Cort Haus
Counterglow Game of the Year 2007 Voting thread?

WTF is Counterglow?

Whoops. I can't seem to link to the post I meant, but the link goes to the thread now at least. Go to the end of the thread.

[Cort Haus]

I see. Interesting.

I have my doubts about the ranking system, though. Don't USA get a oddly high ranking because they constantly play weak CONCAF sides? (Not that they are relevant to that analysis)