I think England have a psychological advantage tonight, whether they can capitalise on it is another thing!
When England step out onto the pitch this evening they will know what they need to do. If the USA get a good result against Slovenia, then England really need to dispatch Algeria with confidence. If not, it all goes to the last game. I say this because the English will probably want to avoid the impressive Germans. No point in holding out for a draw in the knockout phase is there?
The US are priced at 2.20 goals against Slovenia with a 0.40 goal advantage. By a coincidence that is the same advantage as a normal match with home advantage, so the market is saying the US are effectively playing at home; well sort of! England are a much more generous 2.70 goals with a 2.00 goal advantage, they should win comfortably, should.
Two mitigating factors in play therefore before England kick off, the US result and how the German's play in the first match of the day. If Capello is worth his salt he will use these two earlier results to really fire up the team. Which ever way these early matches go, I think it's advantage England thanks to the timing.
Advantage England?
Maybe I have misunderstood your post, but if Eng/Fabio really need 2 results, 1 of which has no impact on our group placings to get us fired up for a world cup group match, then God/Allah help us/Fabio.Bet Angel wrote: Two mitigating factors in play therefore before England kick off, the US result and how the German's play in the first match of the day. If Capello is worth his salt he will use these two earlier results to really fire up the team. Which ever way these early matches go, I think it's advantage England thanks to the timing.
"Which ever way these..." - exactly, it doesnt matter. England need to play much better than vs USA, if they do that they will beat Algeria. And repeat, they will beat Slovenia. Start thinking about last 16 when Eng are in the last 16. If Eng are to get to the SF - which is what Fabio at least expects, they are going to have to at least beat a team of similar stature to a Germany, Brazil etc (prob).
I'm not sure England will be looking at playing second as an advantage
They have genuine aspirations to win the tournament & will see Algeria as an opportunity to show they are a force - regardless of Slovenia v USA result, England will be looking for a comfortable win
They have genuine aspirations to win the tournament & will see Algeria as an opportunity to show they are a force - regardless of Slovenia v USA result, England will be looking for a comfortable win
... plus if you are going to win any such tournament, you have to beat some good teams along the way, whether that be in the final or the first knockout round. You should not fear anyone in this tournament, I have not yet seen a single team who appear to be dominant.
And if the reports about the rifts in the England camp are true, I think it's all over for England's World Cup chances (I'll resist following up with 'it is now' if we lose on Wednesday!).
Jeff
Jeff
Bet Angel wrote:I've come to the conclusion that this is England's modus operandi.Ferru123 wrote:I'd hate to see them when they are at a psychological disadvantage!]