I guess we’ll have to continue to agree to disagree then, rb. But I’ll bet you the sponsorship of a bb-ref page that if Ecuador play England or Sweden in the last 16, they’ll lose.

For tonight’s big game, I think it’ll likely be a draw.

Supposedly Ecuador was resting half its squad for this game, so maybe nothing is decided yet !!
I won’t be surprised if sweden wins, I rather hope sweden wins. then we can have england v germany and the brit media going crazy
why do you thing T&T is gonna draw their match, Alous? :-)

Godot - 20 June 2006 06:24 PM

then we can have england v germany

I’d love to see England reach the finals by beating first Germany, then Argentina, then Italy or France, and face Brazil in the final. And beat them, too. The trouble is the psychological damage of not beating Sweden, again, may militate against that kind of run.

But I’m sick and tired of listening to craven England fans and commentators praying for an easy run to the final. I’ve heard the same sorry chorus every major sporting competition. If you’re afraid of any team, you’ve got no business thinking you can win a World Cup.

I don’t like that Sven still hasn’t figured out his best side or formation, but I hope Hargreaves silences the haters tonight.

Yeah, fp, but is the players that count. Do they fear other sides? I guess we’ll find out.

Owen down, good start England.

Walewander Is Just Like Watching Brazil - 20 June 2006 06:59 PM

Yeah, fp, but is the players that count.

Players like it when they hear lots of fans cheering them on. Listening to a bunch of losers moping about having to play Germany in the Round of 16 doesn’t help morale.

Dear Frank Lampard,

Happy birthday! A birthday is time to take stock and expand your horizons. Why not pass up shooting once a week? You might like what happens.

Best wishes,

England

Wow, owen down in the first few minutes, and the bbc site says it looked serious. What a massive failure.

Did you see it, rb? It looked horrible.

Trinidad and Tobago give up an own goal.

This game resembles a Premiership fixture in style. None of that Latin histrionics or intricate passing here. Paraguay have a goal.

Nah, some of us have to work. Just following the game on the bbc text trail.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4853282.stm

Cole Goal! 1-0 England.

Well, I’m supposed to be doing work.
The Guardian’s text coverage is funnier.
England look pretty good.

OH MY GOD.

Phenomenal goal.

Iffy offsides call saves T&T from a 2-0 hole.

They should get Shaka Hislop back in there and Calvin Jack the hell out of net.

wow Cole has been awesome!
though the goal was a bit of a gift from the keeper

like this midfield, though would be even more pleased with 4-4-1-1 with Gerrard playing as the inside striker and Beckham on the right

Owen may have injured a cruciate ligament according to the talking heads.

and may I add, I love these traveller’s insurance ads

Hargreaves has been great, freeing up the other 3 midfielders.
Cole’s goal - well, the keeper was off his line, but what a shot. Great vision, audacious finish.

Lampard should sit when Gerrard returns, but it won’t happen.

1-1!!

against the run of play!! game on boys

If you can’t keep the ball out with that many in the area…

Sweden equalize.

SAME MOVE!
and this time they hit the bar

England look very flat-footed on the set pieces all of a sudden.

HOW DID HE MISS THAT?

there were 3 open swedes in the area