So once again the hopes of the nation are dashed. Sven's men are out on penalites once again, and all that's left is the post mortem. It seems that in matches at this level, with a couple of exceptions, teams don't try to win matches, just not lose them. I recently read a piece where the writer was comparing scoring systems, and that in his opinion a goal was more precious than, say, points for a try. The only trouble is that because they are so precious, once a team has one they close shop, and their only concern is on not conceeding. It seems Football is one of the few sports where the players spend as much time going back as forward. Patient build-ups and keeping possession are ok, but don't make exciting viewing. Look at rugby, gridiron, basketball, all the emphasis is on going forward. Another disappointing feature is that although very player would say he gives 110%, it took Rooney's sending off to spark passion and determination in the team. If they'd have played the first 62 minutes like they did the rest of the match, then Portugal wouldn't have stood a chance, though the system of having only one player upfront would still have made things difficult. But, hindsight is a wonderful thing, and now we can only look forward and see what Steve McClaren can do in the European Championships. And hope our most recent World Cup winners can pull themselves out the doldrums and get back on a winning streak.... Plus, there's The Ashes to retain....Sunday, July 02, 2006
The hurt goes on....
So once again the hopes of the nation are dashed. Sven's men are out on penalites once again, and all that's left is the post mortem. It seems that in matches at this level, with a couple of exceptions, teams don't try to win matches, just not lose them. I recently read a piece where the writer was comparing scoring systems, and that in his opinion a goal was more precious than, say, points for a try. The only trouble is that because they are so precious, once a team has one they close shop, and their only concern is on not conceeding. It seems Football is one of the few sports where the players spend as much time going back as forward. Patient build-ups and keeping possession are ok, but don't make exciting viewing. Look at rugby, gridiron, basketball, all the emphasis is on going forward. Another disappointing feature is that although very player would say he gives 110%, it took Rooney's sending off to spark passion and determination in the team. If they'd have played the first 62 minutes like they did the rest of the match, then Portugal wouldn't have stood a chance, though the system of having only one player upfront would still have made things difficult. But, hindsight is a wonderful thing, and now we can only look forward and see what Steve McClaren can do in the European Championships. And hope our most recent World Cup winners can pull themselves out the doldrums and get back on a winning streak.... Plus, there's The Ashes to retain....
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