Cue Frank Lampard's delicate chip that was so far behind the line that James Packer's head could have fitted between ball and line with green grass to spare. Still, these things are what define the great game, although FIFA's pigheadedness reigns supreme with Sepp absolving himself of any blame and insisting that the referees know best. Technology used in these instances surley could be immediate, accurate and benefiicial for the game. If Australia II could cross the imaginary line in 1983 then surely the current technology would provide the answer without diluting the flow or human side of the game. Time's up Sepp...
That incident apart, the game was dominated by the Germans, particularly in the tactical battle that had Capello wondering if he had spent time with Pim recently. England had used a 4-2-3-1 that would have helped in nullifying Mezut Ozil. Instead, the 4-4-2 used left gaps between the 2 rows of 4 that allowed Ozil to run riot. In addition, Podolski and Mueller targetted Glen Johnson's right back position to great effect, with coach Loew aware of Johnson's penchant for playing too high. This drew John Terry out of position, Matthew Upson out of position, and there you have goals 2,3 and 4. Why Capello reverted back to the 4-4-2 for the tournament when he had won 8 of 10 qualifiers with the 4-2-3-1 is stupifying. Again it has been proven: the Premier League falls short in providing the grounding for domestic players to succeed in big tournaments. The last English players to succeed at this level were Lineker and Gascoigne, both succesful on the mainland at Barca and Lazio. Don't expect any English players to move though; the money's too good.
A deserved win for a team that should not have progressed past group stage.
GERMANY 4 ENGLAND 1
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Germany now go on to face Argentina, who looked ominous against the Mexicans in a 3-1 win marred by FIFA's continued ineptness when it comes to technology. It is one thing to resist technology that would have clarified the Lampard incident, but quite another to replaying Tevez's first goal, a clear offside. The ensuing melee between the 2 benches looked like some baseball skirmish but without the dust, and FIFA's trite response at the press conference shows just how out of touch they really are. Guus Hiddink's call to Sepp to adaot to technology and use it or resign is a refreshingly frank one, and pure Guus. Hopefully the sheep which echo his calls and force change, even if it is in place for Brazil 2014.
Tevez's second goal was the definition of cracker and will feature highly for goal of the tournament.
Argentina to progress past Germany.
ARGENTINA 3 MEXICO 1
GP
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