Pre-game Match 37: Slovenia vs England, June 23

Slovenia should win this 1:0, since England will already have 6 points and play with B squad
In my defense, I'll write to Santa very sweet letter for Xmas, telling him i was a good boy this year.

 

England are going to be playing with their 2nd-string squad against Slovenia by then, but I think England will still come out on top with the victory against Slovenia to give them an easy 9 points through 3 games for them to top the group because England I think they want to win all their group matches to send a message to the other teams in the tournament that England is here to stay.

So I see England winning this match 3-0

 

Finishing first and avoiding Germany in the 2nd round will be a factor in squad selection. Assuming of course that Germany finishes at the top of their group.

 

I guess a lot depends on if winning the group IS 100% secure.
The way i see it 2nd place in that group has to go through Germany.. Argentina.. Spain.. Brazil to take it down. I would really fancy us (England) to send the Germans home, so it would almost be worth it lol but that run in would be a huge ask for any team.
If the group is in the bag wrap Rooney in cotton wool!

 

Can England score?

 

You must have been a Saint since saying this.

 

Heh, all those predictions off now, the standings are completely different than anyone expected.

My bet would be Slovenia goes bunker with counterattacks in this game, thus with a score of 0:0 passing the group as second if USA wins against Algeria, going first if Algeria draws or wins over the USA.

If we happen to score from a counterattack and take the lead, we might as well win the group. If England beats us, we still proceed if there's a draw between USA and Algeria (seeing Algeria's organized defense and not so solid attack, that is even likely to happen, although they will probably try to go for a win with 4 points), and if Algeria wins, we still proceed from the group if they don't win with 2 more goals than England beats us.

Odds are quite ok for us, I just hope England's attack won't come alive right against us. If it does, I hope the US doesn't win over Algeria, or Algeria doesn't win with a great difference ...

 

After watching England today, especially the way they seemed to quit toward the end, I give Slovenia a good chance to win this one outright. Algeria couldn't finish or even create good chances in spite of all that nice possession. Slovenia's killer counter attack is as advertised.

It's crazy, but if that happens, the US only needs a draw to advance. Considering how few ideas Algeria seemed to have in the attacking third, I like our chances. I never though that I would say this, but the US has a more effective attack than England right now. They at least know where everybody is and what they are supposed to do (attacking, not defense).

 

Oh, and since Dempsey broke Pečnik's ankle in 94', looks like we'll have to do without him ...

 

Did you watch the USA England game?

England had double the chances.

 

In the first half they had some good chances, but after 20 minutes in the second half, they rolled over like dogs. And chances only matter if you finish them. The US has 5x the chances of Slovenia and game away with a draw.

The proof is in the pudding...USA - 3 goals. England - 1. Universally, Slovenia are known as the better defensive team than Algeria. Say what you want about the US defense. You'll have no argument from me.

 

Woot.

 

Check WHEN that was posted first .

 

well, he might be right about england playing their 2nd team, but not for the reasons he'd hoped for!
i'm not sure how this game will go at all. on current form slovenia should take 3 points, but if england finally hit their stride slovenia could find it very difficult.
i'd almost predict a 1-1 draw, with england losing their composure desperately trying to grab a goal in the last 15 minutes, with the usa beating algeria 1-0 (algeria really are very average), taking slovenia and the usa through on 5 points each.

 

England also played poorly in 1986. They lost to Poprtugal and drew Morocco. But suddenly, they woke up against Poland on the last match. Poland was topping the table at that given point.

 

this is what scares me the most....im not sure what to expect form the game...but i trust our guys and hope for the best...Tie is possible!!!!

 

dont forget that england drew its first two games in 90
and barely edged egypt in the third game
they made it to semis that year

 

I think England is going to wake up big time against Slovenia.

Unfortunately, I think it will be enough to keep the US in 2nd.

 

On current form Slovenia should get a draw. They were also terrible against Algeria and should have lost to the team England mostly dominated, the USA.

Slovenia are not really in any better form other then one excellent half against the USA.

 

Good luck to Slovenia. How will Slovenia line up without Pecnik? Hopefully, the US and Slovenians will go through.

 

England have no choice but to win this match. We can do it, but if we don't then England needs to wake up and realize that the golden age is yet to come.

 

Who is suspended for Slovenia against England? I seem to remember them getting a bunch of cards against both the US and Algeria.

BTW my Slovenian brothers, I'm pulling for you!!! Tie England, we'll beat Algeria, and merrily proceed to the second round!

EDIT: Nevermind, I checked the box scores. No one on Slovenia has accumulated two yellows.

 

let this be true as US and SLO shown best game in its group so far

 

Heck yeah. What a game. Much respect to the Slovenian team, they are excellent.

I worry about how you guys will handle Heskey and Lennon. But if they can be neutralized, I think you'll be in good shape.