The unofficial World Cup Thread,

[Louis VI the Fat]

Meh, unless you're born in Brazil, Italy or Germany, you are not ensured you will your team win it sooner or later. Even in medium powers, you probably just get to see it once in your lifetime. Spain has never been world champion. A world cup is very much a closed shop.

It's not true that there is one winner and 31 disappointed countries. That's too negative. With some luck, your team playes a few good games and then goes out against somebody whio's simply stronger. That is a good tournament. Plus you get to watch all the other teams, share in the excitement, pick some favourites.

It's all exciting, who cares if you win or not, or go out after three games or not. As long as you're not too rubbish, you'll live.

[naut]

It's not true that there is one winner and 31 disappointed countries. That's too negative. With some luck, your team playes a few good games and then goes out against somebody whio's simply stronger. That is a good tournament. Plus you get to watch all the other teams, share in the excitement, pick some favourites.

It's all exciting, who cares if you win or not, or go out after three games or not. As long as you're not too rubbish, you'll live.

[Beefy187]

Japan vs England test match friendly

1-2

Bad day for England. They suffered a early goal against and the two goals they managed to take was own goal.
I still love you England

And pretty good effort by Japan. Just do what you did tonight and you might make it through

[tibilicus]

Today's friendly is another reason to be concerned in my book. Considering the calibre of some of our defenders it really is inexcusable that in today's game and in the various qualifiers leading up to the world cup our defence has been simply embarrassing. Players failing to mark their man and a lack of basic coordination is just the tip of it.

Personally I don't think we have the players or the form to go that far. If we make the semi-finals I'll consider it a good tournament. After all, this team isn't as good as the one from 2002 or even 2006. Our strike force is basically Rooney and lets not kid ourselves; whilst Crouch is arguably a good performer in the international game, he isn't exactly a Messi is he? After all, you only need to look at his league form to see this.

The fact Charragher has been brought out of retirement (considering his and Liverpool's form this season) and Capelo even wanted to bring Scholes back, who was always awful for England, it seems to be were not even capable of filling a squad full of players worth their ridiculous premiership pay checks for the World Cup.

Then again, maybe I'm just a pessimist..