England did the job (2006)

The World Cup began two days ago after an opening ceremony that this disliker of all things pomp and glitter-like could actually tolerate. Seeing World Cup winners from the not too far and distant past participating in the parade made it earthy and less showbiz-like. English champions of 1966. Your presence knocked any showbiz glitz into touch.  But better was Traditional German Dancing. 

Germany began well, even without the maestro Ballack unlike the Poles, who were shocked by the Ecuadorians. Not entirely unexpected because Ecuador defeated Brazil a few years back. And they possess the imagination and verve seemingly found with ease in South American teams.

England? Despite hyperbole in the English press about England's chances of winning the trophy, I was uneasy before seeing them play Paraguay. Paraguay had taken the scalp of Argentina in the qualifying round. But Beckham et al actually won, though the performance seemed sluggish and uninspired. Owen went off injured, and Crouch was repeatedly (and unfairly) penalised by the Mexican referee. Supposedly John Motson attacked this ref, but I'm unsure, listeniong to Japanese commentary as I did. They, too, appeared to sympathise with Crouch. And we won. 

Winning the first match is, of course, the main priority. Sweden drew against Trinidadians, so we merely need to overcome Yorke, Shaka Hislop and all to go through to the next round - where we will probably face Germany. Let us hope that Wayne Rooney recovery is as reported. 

Even a half-fit Wayne would strengthen the side. 

Before closing, I must add that I can't help but feel sympathy for the Paraguayans. Their keeper, Getty, played admirably. His injury, after conceding an own goal, made England's victory less than convincing. The game was a gift. 

World Cup began two days ago after an opening ceremony that this disliker of all things pomp and glitter-like could actually tolerate. Seeing World Cup winners from the not too far and distant past, participating in the parade, made it earthy and less showbiz-like. English champions of 1966. Your presence knocked any showbiz glitz into touch. 

But better was Traditional German Dancing. Their began well, even without the maestro, Ballack, unlike the Poles, who were hocked by the Ecuadorians. Not entirely unexpected as Ecuador defeated Brazil a few years back. And Ecuador possessed the imagination and verve seemingly found with ease in South America.

And what about England? Despite hyperbole in the English press about England's chances of winning the trophy, I was uneasy before seeing them play Paraguay. Paraguay had taken the scalp of Argentina in the qualifying round. But Beckham et al actually won, though the performance seemed sluggish and uninspired. Owen went off injured, and Crouch was repeatedly (and unfairly) penalised by the Mexican referee. Supposedly John Motson attacked this ref, but I'm unsure, listening to Japanese commentary as I did. They too appeared to sympathise with Crouch. And we won. 

Winning the first match is, of course, the main priority. Sweden drew against Trinidadians, so we merely need to overcome Yorke, Shaka Hislop and all to go through to the next round - where we will probably face Germany. Let us hope that Wayne Rooney recovery is as reported. 

Even a half-fit Wayne would strengthen the side. 

Before closing, I must add that I can't help but feel sympathy for the Paraguayans. Their keeper, Getty, played admirably. His injury, after conceding an own goal, made England's victory less than convincing. The game was gifted to us. 

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