England draw 2 - 2 with Macedonia at "St. Mary's Stadium, Southampton, and were always trailing. The first goal conceded was direct from a corner and Seaman appeared motionless as the ball went in over him. At the half time analysis, the "Brazil" World Cup goal was shown as a comparison. Talk already of his last England game with no more internationals scheduled for 4 months. Campbell then made a "sloppy defensive clearance" not long after and the grateful attacker placed it past Seaman. (not HIS fault). Ashley Cole was the only one of the "Arsenal Trio" on display tonight who played with any credance, in an overall dismal England performance.
on the other hand, Henry and Wiltord scored for France. At least some gunners preformed well for their national team. [R]
Im surprised that Seamo continues to go out in as many internationals as he does. Bergkamp quit the international game at 32? to prolong a club career. I know hes a GK and it makes a difference but it appears to me hes holding on to long.
"DS1" has been quoted as saying "As long as I am playing football, then I consider myself playing for Arsenal and England. I will retire from international football when I retire from football". He may well want to stick with that if HE has a say in it. It may well be the factor that someone else will decide his future for him. At international level that is. It's such a pity that last night's incident has followed so close to the incident with Brazil. That's the problem with being a goalkeeper. A striker misses a chance, you may not lose or he gets other chances. A goalkeeper fouls up and it's usually a goal against. He is more under the spotlight than outfield players in such situations.
I always figured that the reason 'spunky' was always selected as the England keeper was that he had broad enough shoulder to carry the constant underacheivement of the forward England players. I also think that he needs to be viewed with an eye to the dearth of a qualified replacements. Let's face it against Macedonia at St. Marys England should have been rolling in goals and although I didn't see the Macedonian strike, and maybe it really was a huge error, isn't it expected that a keeper screw up occasionally, even one as respected as Seaman. Why oh why does the English media feel the need to constantly question his ability. If people need to criticize there are others in the England squad who deserve far more blame, like that thug Alan Smith for instance!
"MOG"; I couldn't agree more, but unfortunately that is the British press for you. It's just the way they are. They build you up, and then knock you down. It applies in all walks of life; Princess Diana, the Spice Girls, even Beckham after World Cup '98. Seaman is still ahead of the rest. It's been years since there has been a "crop" of good goalies all at one time. As you say, he has been loyal, hard working, no problem "off the pitch". Then SMITH gets his first "run out" and gets sent off. A leopard (or thug) doesn't change its spots! I have the feeling now that this will be his last season anywhere. He really looked "shaky" last night after the goal, and he is never really like that. I think he took it hard.
I must have seen the goal about fifty times by now and it doesn't look any better with repeated viewings. The fact is that a keeper should never be beaten direct from a corner. A couple of seasons ago, I thought Seaman was gone, but then he went and turned in two very good campaigns. His weaknesses are beginning to show more and more as age advances, his footwork especially has been lacking lately, both last nights goal and Farrelly's for Bolton could have been stopped if he had moved a bit faster. And Bernarbia hit the post for City from way out on the right too, so it could have been even worse. With four months until the next international, I wouldn't be surprised to see Paul Robinson in goal if he has a good run between now and then. Unfotunately, I think this may be the end of the international road for Seaman.
Looks like England will have to start looking into whether Keller or Friedel have any English ancestry ;-)
Sorry, Jeff, but at this stage in their careers both Keller and Friedel are better than Seaman. And Taylor. And Shaaban. And Richard Wright. If you're moving here in four years you've got to learn to love American goalies. As a group, they're among the best in the world.
"DWINK" Maybe in ice hockey!!!!!! (LOL). What else will you be wanting me to do in 4 years time? "Drive on the right"???!!!!!
Re: Re: "Seaman & Campbell 'under par' as England draw" Taylor's not better than Seaman. Wright never convinced when he got the chance last year. I haven't seen Shabba play yet, so I can't comment. I expect Seaman to be Arsenal's number 1 for the rest of this season, but Wenger must be worried beyond that unless Shabba is really that good.
Hah! Jeff, now you're all turned around. The great hockey goalies all come from Quebec. And as far as which side of the road to drive on, whatever you do won't seem too much out of place in Florida. The average resident there would probably view Peter Hill-Wood as a "whippersnapper."
For the record, I didn't make myself clear. I meant that Keller and Friedel are better than Seaman and the others I mentioned, not that the others are better than Seaman.