England Out

Where to start, where to start? Stating the obvious, England are out. Sadly for England the Party in South Africa is all over. Let us take a look at England's early exit and the end to the so called "Golden Age" of English football.

The team that never was, still lead figuratively by David Beckham. Missing his last chance to perform on the World Cup stage, he was unfortunately reduced to official player coach liaison as well as being given the role "team motivator" on the bench. Dashing as he looked in the Marks and Spencer outfit, he may very well have looked alot better in the familiar number 7. Could have, should have, would have, I know I know, the rantings of a Super Fan gone melancholic and slightly mad perhaps.

Unfortunately these dreams are all we England Fans can afford the day after the disaster in Bloemfontein, South Africa. A calamitous affair in the defensive end, even Beckham could have hardly contributed there. Then again we cannot forget about what was lacking at the back? Rio Ferdinand, there is no question that Rio could have done a much better job. This dream was not to come true, the belief once felt has officially taken a battering.

My absolute favorite player Wayne Rooney, was simply a shadow of the young man we have all come to know and love. I feel for the honestly feel for the guy and feel that the English Press has done a great disservice to the English Team by placing so much pressure on Rooney. Rooney is still and always be my number one Football Hero!

Football is a team sport, a key factor most outside observers fail to understand. While it is true that Rooney is the man who is supposed to put that final touch on the ball, smashing it into the back of the net as we all know how very devastatingly well he can do this. The question at the end of the day remains, What happened before the ball reached Wayne Rooney, was he the only player on the field? If not then let's start analyzing the game a little more fairly. Without the use of a scapegoat.


Football is 95% build up and structure, the other 5 % is finishing off your opportunities. England was fairly decent from the possession standpoint, it is in the final third that the touches were lacking, that's not to put it on Rooney, quite to contrary.

Service was poor during the entire tournament, aside from a spell of midfield possession through Gerrard and Ashley Cole who were clearly the most inventive and dangerous players for England during the entire tournament, there was little to keep hopes afloat. Little quality in the final pass.

There was just never really a point in time where England were actually sending in shots at an urgent pace. Build up and Midfield control yes, final pass, and final shot a resounding NO!

When passes actually got through it was nearly as though Rooney was surprised to be getting a ball. In short, there was no consistency or rhythm to England's game. The defending was absolutely below par, in fact during all of the Goals that Germany scored, I can say with conviction that a few Pub sides I've played against could defend better than that.

As for disallowed goal, I'll keep it short and simple. I do believe there should be video replays used in football, and especially the World Cup. I believed it before todays game and I am even more convinced now that this should be the case. It could have, should have, would have changed the entire game without a doubt. Going into the dressing room at 2-2 after being down 2-0 would have definitely set up an incredible second half.

In my humble personal opinion, England would have then went on to winning the game with momentum in their favor. I would say that though being an England Super Fan and all.

As for the positives at this tournament from an English perspective there were No Penalties, No Red Cards which equals No "officially designated" Scapegoat.
Another excellent thing for England Fans is that they chose to leave behind the violence of Cups past for a more friendly and festive family atmosphered travelling Army of St.Georges. Dressed in inventive clothing, displaying great passion and belief in their team, this time it was the England Fans who could leave with their heads held relatively high, as they represented England in a much better way than we've seen before. Hats off to the Travelling England Fans, probably the most positive aspect of all the England Campaign.

I will be continuing to cover the World Cup from a Montreal Perspective, with videos and articles on great Footy Venues in Montreal for the rest of the World Cup. I hope you have all enjoyed my coverage so far and that you will continue to keep reading and watching my posts. Thanks to all the Footy Talk MTL fans, friends and family, it was fun while it lasted.

Until next time England... ENGERLAAAND ENGERLAAAND ENGERLAAAND!!!!

TheFA.com - Stuart Pearce exclusive

TheFA.com - Stuart Pearce exclusive

TheFA.com - James Milner exclusive

TheFA.com - James Milner exclusive

TheFA.com - David James press conference

TheFA.com - David James press conference

Bring on the Germans

England breathes a collective sigh of relief after finally collecting its first win of the 2010 World Cup. The hardcore critics are still spouting the same noise about how crap England are currently. This includes former German footballing legend Franz Beckenbauer, who claims that England look tired, `burnt out` were the exact words used. After such desperate statements one has to wonder if the German actually took the time out of his busy schedule to watch the game. Despite the narrow margin of 1 nil, England obviously dominated and controlled the game in the manner it knows best.

In any case, after watching the game for a second time last night I was completely relieved of my pre-Germany anxiety. England obviously stepped up their game in all areas of the field. What I appreciated most from England`s play was their hustle and pressing, both elements were lacking in the previous two group stage games. There were also some line up changes and even some formation adjustments to speak of. Milner replaced Lennon on the right, adding some pressure and simple control to the England right side. He delivered many great balls from the right side all night including the assist to Jermaine Dafoe.

Dafoe started the game up front with Wayne Rooney, replacing the lack luster Emile Heskey who has failed to impress so far. The moves made by Coach Capello proved most effective as it was Jermaine Dafoe who put England ahead on the score sheet, giving them the advantage midway through the first half. More important for England was restoring the teams confidence and lifting them up to the level that we have all come to know and expect.

The way England played was exactly what England fans have become used to in the English Premier League. Urgency, Pressing, Hustle, Drive, Courage and Belief were all restored to the levels required to win a tournament such as the World Cup. There is of course a very solid German team that England will go up against, and some are saying it would be better if we played another side so early in the tournament, building up towards a big team like Germany. To that I say, it`s the World Cup, not a pub league if you want to be Champion of the WORLD you must play and beat the best its as simple as that.

With England playing a more dynamic attacking game, I am forced back again into camp optimism and I am most definitely looking forward to a classic game vs. the Germans. This is what the World Cup is all about, Germany vs. England can it get any better?

See you England Fans at Kellys' Pub on Sunday, until then check out the video embedded above of the drunken singing highlights from Kellys' Pub.

England Pre-Game Update courtesy of ITN

Montreal Gazette Interviews Footy Talk MTL, A.K.A Deniz Oliver Celik The England Super Fan

Some Images from Kellys` Pub, England vs. Algeria

Winning is the Only Option

We are now only hours away from England's final group stage game against Slovenia. Unfortunately for England this game could also be the final game England plays during this entire World Cup. Up until now its been a frustrating and uphill battle to say the least. A stagnant midfield has suddenly created a goal drought, a major oddity for the team who scored the most goals of any team during the World Cup qualifiers.

The World Cup has seen a variety of strange events, cards, goals and wrong decisions that seem to have left a lot of the fans disappointed so far. I must say however, that after the first and second rounds have passed with shocking results spread all over the place, it has actually created for us a slightly more dramatic set up for the final round of games.

Earlier today France lost to the World Cup host South Africa, bowing out of the tournament without a single victory, and a team in disarray. The whole France affair had England fans counting there blessings. Until early this week when rumors of internal problems at camp England filled the headlines.

John Terry was rumored to have been quite upset at Fabio Capellos` refusal to allow a space for Joe Cole to play during any of the games so far at the World Cup. Lampard swiftly intervened to state that discussion was and has always been encouraged by all at Camp England. This includes both Fabio Capello who`s open door policy has been embraced and welcomed by all England players. All rumors of England in fighting slowly faded into the background.

The lads seem keen on winning, and as Capello has said himself, it is not a case of the English team not having the talent. It is a `psychological`thing. The pressure is certainly building with each game gone without a victory. The thing is at this point, pressure or not, there is only one option. There is only one choice, and that is to win, and win convincingly.

Football is a game of momentum and chemistry, a delicate balance must always be maintained through awareness and communication. Without which no team can succeed. It`s a little like life, holding lessons for us all.

I wish you all an excellent final group stage match, I believe we can do it, now it is up to the players to believe. I will leave you with a clip from the England vs. Algeria game, as filmed at Kellys`s Pub in Pointe Claire.

See all you England fans tomorrow bright and early!!

Wayne Rooney Press Conference for England

Click on Link Below for Rooney Press Conference for England. Link to the English FA website video section.

TheFA.com - Video

Timing is Everything

The first round of the FIFA World Cup 2010 has come and gone in the blink of an eye, what excitement, what passion, what a noise?? The games that have been played so far leave much to be desired, as the football seemed much rather like a timid game of "I'll attack if you attack, until then I'll just stand here and defend." Honestly that's what they were saying to each other, I've read their lips, you have to read the lips because hearing them is impossible over those vuvuzuelas!!

With none of the teams barring Germany really going out for a worthy goal filled extravaganza some neutral footballing fans, along with some offensive minded fans are beginning to grow weary. Not to worry however, the second round of matches begin this afternoon. This second round we will begin to see some more offensive minded action, as teams that are all tied up in their group will need to pull off a victory in order to keep their tournament hopes alive. With desperation and desire seeping in, the football promises to pick up, I guarantee!!

Of course for the patient, dedicated and knowledgeable footballing fans who have grown up watching this tournament and thus understand alot more about how the team strategy comes together, we understand that this is a strategic tournament.

This tournament is "THE TOURNAMENT" bar none in football. Players work their entire lives dreaming of the moment where they may represent their country in front of the entire planet, displaying their passion for the beautiful game in the only way they know how, by playing the sport that they know and love. All the players and coaches alike are also aware at how very rare this opportunity is, as the World Cup comes once every 4 years like the Olympics. Timing is everything as you can imagine, players have a limited career due to the human biological constraints.

A player peaks in performance generally in the mid to late twenties, after that its bye bye national team hello retirement. 5 years of peak performance for the average player, and perhaps 10 years of peak performance for an excellent legendary player. The timing issue once again becomes a factor in a teams calculation and selection of players. Keep in mind that a player like Ronaldinho for Brazil didn't even make the Brazilian squad selection, one can begin to draw a clearer picture of exactly how precise and at the same time delicate the process of winning a World Cup can get.

The team that holds, focuses and peaks at the right time will win. This is what separates the champions from the average team. Each and every team deserves to be there, that is certain. The qualification rounds just to qualify to enter into this tournament is a two year process which takes hard work, dedication and alot of talent. Coaching talent, player talent, physical strength and mental strength. Heck, I even read the other day that England will have their psychologist have a talk with the goaltender before making a decision on whether he is mentally fit to start another match. After that blunder of a goal vs. the United States who can blame them, at the risk of sounding arrogant, I honestly could have saved that shot.

What I see developing in the next round is more intense play, focused on grabbing the points needed to advance. The time is now or never, with many of the "Big Teams" drawing and being accused of a lack luster start, rest assured that the second round will be a more competitive affair, and third round of matches even more so. Once the "Big Teams" face elimination the game most obviously picks up to the level we are used to seeing at World Cups played before. As I mentioned timing is everything, by the way, the TIME IS NOW. With that in mind it's 2:45, 15 minutes into round two, South Africa is pressing Uruguay, now if they could just keep some of those shots down we'll see a goal in a minute.

Happy World Cup Everyone, some more videos and photos are on the way, stay posted!!

Highlights of FOOTY TALK MTL World Cup 2010 So Far

Looking Forward

Well, it's been a few days since the 1 all draw against USA and I've taken the time to watch the game for a second time to try and take a sober glance of what actually went down against the Yanks. If I were to take the British papers and wholeheartedly embrace their typical rhetoric post England game one, I may in fact no longer be able to call myself an England Super Fan and thus I'll take a more moderate approach.

I've spoken with several neutral football fans, and the overall opinion was that they expected a little more out of England, but that England hardly played a horrific game, barring the calamitous goal that was afforded to the Americans by the Goalkeeper Green. Needless to say it was not the game England was hoping for, but as Fabio pronounced before the game, "It's important not to lose the first game." The Italian motto of not losing placed before winning has actually given the Italians a couple of World Cups. Often criticized for their defensive play, the Italian national team knows how to pull off the victories and ties it needs, when it needs it. That being said, I'll put my faith in Mr. Capello our trusty Italian coach.

There were some things that scared us true England fans to the core however, and that was the early desperation, or what looked like desperation to pin point Crouchy's head. Although a sound tactic and sometimes necessary option, it was only months ago when Mr. Capello was talking about the change in England. No longer looking to the long ball, he said, much rather playing the passing game. Controlling the pitch English style eh?

What happened to the memories of a brilliant qualification round? Ok, I know I am beginning to sound a little like a Guardian blogger here, but hey, where is the Manchester United, or Chelsea style attack and pressure? Some of you may be thinking yeah there was, that indomitable character shinning through during the last 10 minutes. I heard a few comments to the effect that "we need to play like we did in the last 10, that was brilliant!! " I agree wholeheartedly, only trouble is, is that football is a 90 + minute game. Point being obvious, its time for the whole team to play as if they have the energy and motivation of Wayne Rooney.

Despite not having the most brilliant of games, the Wazza (as he is often referred to by his team mates, in reference to Gazza, Paul Gascoigne, and their similar stature and style of play), still put his heart into the match as he does every game. The same cannot be said for all the England players, and it is this main issue that needs to change to move forward, changing the psychology of English football forever.

The determination and belief that Capello and Rooney show needs to be drilled into the others, hopefully Beckham may also help bring some of that victorious spirit back into the minds of the English Squad, for it is well needed. On paper, we all know what England is a power house who's time has still not come, on the field however we are looking like a mediocre squad. It is high time that the England players begin to feel the strength of their team, for the quality is there. What it comes down to is belief.

We, the Fans of England still believe, do you lads? Let's hold our heads high face the future with belief in our hearts and stand firm in delivery of the goods, the only trophy worth singing about...

The WORLD CUP. Come on England, we still believe, its your turn now!!

Some Images from England vs. USA (more pics and video on the way)

England This Is It!!

We are only hours away from the game kick off between England vs. USA and I cannot contain myself. Despite catching some sort of a head cold, I am exploding with anticipation and energy, all revved up for tomorrow's big game. The other two games also promise to be quite entertaining. They certainly cannot be as dry as the France, Uruguay 0-0 draw.

I do have to give it to the South African's though, what a game of courage and heart. The South Africans Host crowd gave that extra boost with their relentless buzzing. With huge smiles on their faces denoting tremendous pride, they urged their team to a higher level, it was really nice to see.

Greece vs. the Korean Republic promises to be an interesting affair, stoic Greek defence vs. an agile and quick Korean counter attack. Argentina vs. Nigeria promises to be an exciting affair filled with fast paced football, crisp passing and intricate foot work. No doubt the sensational Lionel Messi will be front and center tomorrow, providing stellar passes and most likely a goal or two. Needless to say, the morning of the England game will be of full football appetizers up for consumption.

I will catch these two games at home, saving myself on Saturday for the England game. As mentioned in previous posts, I will be watching the game at Kelly's Pub in Pointe-Claire. I hope to see some of you there. I will be taking videos and photos of the scene, so get ready for some entertaining images, that is, after the hangover of course... I'm English, Beer goes with the game, it's an England Super Fan rule... I swear;)

I'm off to bed now with dreams of England winning the World Cup in my head, this is it England, Carpe Diem!!

Twas The Night Before the World Cup

Twas the night before the World Cup, when all through the house, not word was whispered without the name of Wayne Rooney leaving their mouth.

The Flag of St.George was hung in the garden with plenty of care, The referees learning English swear words is the current rumor... Oh what a scare!

The children were all nestled all snug in their beds, visions of England winning the World Cup all filling their heads.

When out on the lawn came a terrific clatter, it was a loud Yank screaming useless taunts, sort of like anti-matter.

Away from the window came an awful flash, Capello tore open the shutters screamed at the paparazzi "Hey what is this Trash!!??"

With the light of the moon shining down on their chest, Gerrard, Lampard, Rooney, Terry and of course all the rest, are aching to show the world that England are Best.

It's been ages and ages since England have won, and now that this tourney has nearly begun, it is the Time for our Hero Wayne Rooney to Shine. Now let's have fun watching USA, Italy, Germany, France, Brazil and the Argies have a Whine...

COME ON ENGLAND

Joe Cole Press Conference

Click on the link below for the latest England Press Conference with Joe Cole taking questions from the Press.

Confident, relaxed and determined seems to be the overall mood at the England Camp. Anxious to get it started, the team is most obviously chomping at the bit for team USA. COME ON ENGLAND!!

TheFA.com - Video

click above link for video

England Training

The lads in good spirits, anxious for Saturday no doubt.

TheFA.com - Video

England is Ready!!

Despite the loss of England Captain Rio Ferdinand, England seems to be settling in quite well in South Africa. The mood written on the faces of England players seems to be relaxed yet focused. The cool presence of a coach like Fabio Capello may be seeping into this England squad in a manner that has not been seen in recent England history.

The squad is more or less quite similar to Englands' last World Cup squad, which was lead by the rather boorish and un-enigmatic Swedish Coach, Sven Goran Ericsson. The difference this time around can be found in a fine balance between experience and youth. The core of the team are experienced players who can always be relied on to tap into their past Champions League and English Premier League experience. If the experience fails, there are a number of players that are there with their youthful exuberance and speed. Lennon replaces the ever so familiar David Beckham on the right wing, adding pace and creativity, opening up the middle for the likes of Gerrard and Rooney. At the back despite lacking Ferdinand, stands John Terry, Ashley Cole, and Jaime Carragher, all have the experience and know how to hold out the worlds best.

Having Capello at the helm of Team England seems to have settled alot of peoples nerves. A team has been built within his own strategic mind, which allows for tactics to be switched up and victories to be allotted. After all he was once terminated at Real Madrid by Del Bosque after Real Madrid won the Championship. Reason, the football was not exciting enough for Real Madrid. Meaning, this guy Capello, knows how to win, and he doesn't care how he does it, just so long as he collects another trophy by the end of the campaign.

With England just completing their final preparation match against the Platinum Stars and winning handily 3-0, Rooney being on the score sheet, all seems well at Camp England. So we wait anxiously, hearts pumping, hopes beaming and belief beginning to take over. It's coming home, we sing in our heads and hearts... Footballs' coming home!!

England Base Camp

England Arrive in South Africa

Ultra Ambiance

This past Sunday I had the great pleasure of attending my first Montreal Impact game at the Saputo Stadium in the infamous Ultras Section 114. It was not the first time I've attended a Montreal Impact game, however it was the first time I have attended a game at the relatively new Saputo Stadium. It was also the first time I've watched a game with the Ultras Montreal in Section 114.

Prior to the game I was able to grab a couple of Pints with the Ultras Montreal at Bar 99 located at 4240 Hochelaga, just a few blocks away from the Saputo Stadium. I was not quite sure what to expect really. I mean, in Europe the Ultras are known to be quiet hardcore and tough on outsiders, in this city however the story was quite different.

Montreal only has one professional Football/Soccer team to support so I suppose the rivalries are not quite as fanatical as they are in Europe, or South America for that matter. I was greeted by a Portuguese lad who instantly began filling me in on some of the Ultras Montreal history.

The Ultras are a mixed bunch, there are no racial or language barriers to speak of. Although the majority of the Ultras spoke French to one another, there was no hostility to, nor were there any comments made about Anglo-phones, or any other race or language group for that matter.

Diverse and inclusive is a good way to describe the Montreal Ultras, they welcomed me to their group as if I'd known them for years. I decided I would reciprocate their warm welcome by purchasing a ULTRAS MONTREAL T-shirt. There were other items up for sale as well such ULTRAS scarfs and hats. I asked whether the Impact had approached them to market these clothing items, the answer I received was that they wanted to remain independent and in control of their clothing line, which sounded rather logical, business savvy and true to the ULTRAS culture. After knocking back a couple of cold ones we began to make our way to the Saputo Stadium.

Once we arrived we found out that there was a sellout crowd on hand for the game against the Carolina Rail Hawks. It was the first sellout crowd of the season! This forced us to look for tickets outside the official venue as Section 114 had been sold out. A word to the wise, show up early and grab your tickets as soon as the ticket counter opens to avoid paying double the 10$ entry fee to scrupulous scalpers. One scalper even tried to charge me 30$ for 10$ seats, meanwhile what looked to me like an 11 year old young boy came up to me and offered me the same Section 114 for 20$ a piece, needless to say I snatched them up while I could.

Tickets in hand, my lovely wife and I made our way to Section 114. Meandering through a Sea of Blue and White on the way to our seats I noticed how truly diverse the crowd was. Families, young children, teenagers, and dedicated hard core fans all mixed together to bring forth an incredible ambiance, one that any Montrealer would be proud to see. After all lets not forget that only a few years ago an Impact game would only draw a couple thousand supporters. With the MLS contract being signed, and the Impact entering the MLS in 2012, the enthusiasm seems to have picked up a few levels.

Once we arrived in Section 114 the show began. A cheer leader known as a "Capo", emerged at the front of the Section, elevated by a couple of steps, no doubt provided by the Football club itself, megaphone in hand he began to lead the crowd into a boisterous chant. Flags waving above my head, one of the Ultras handed me a Blue Flag. I began to wave it in unison with the other flag wavers, I was now officially a Montreal Ultra!!

The songs that were being sung mostly originated from France with some words changed around placing Impact and Montreal prominently throughout the chants. I suddenly felt home, I've always loved the ambiance surrounding Football, and had lacked it growing up in Montreal, now however things had changed, I had become an Impact ULTRA!!

Watching the game I noticed that the quality level of the Impact players had also picked up. Similar to the quality of some of the smaller European leagues, the Impact are no longer the B-squad they were once considered. I am also certain that once the Impact reach the MLS some money will be spent to bring in some star quality players, which will of course only improve the ambiance and quality of play.

Despite the quality of play the Impact went on to lose the game, and in all honesty, while in Section 114 singing ones heart out one hardly has time to watch the game. I know I know it sounds funny, I go to a game to show my support yet I don't really take in much of the game. Well thats just it, when STANDING in Section 114 your duty is to provide the support and encouragement that boosts the Impact above the opposing team. Section 114 is truly the 12th Man on the Pitch so to speak, and even though the Impact lost 2-0, I have to say that SECTION 114 was a blast and I will definitely be going back again, and SOON!!

Without further delay let me share Section 114, home of the ULTRAS MONTREAL, with all of you. Enjoy, I sure did!!

A big thanks to the ULTRAS MONTREAL you can check them out at www.ultrasmontreal.com

England's 23-man squad for the World Cup finals

Just a little squad update, England Coach Fabio Capello has named England's 23 man squad. Nothing really surprising save for Theo Walcott being sent home, despite him making the squad last time, and at a much younger less productive age. I was actually a little surprised they didn't bring him in for his youth, speed and enthusiasm to make runs forward. However I am quite aware that he has yet to hone in his skills to the level of his team mates.

Carrick has come out of national team retirement, to the dismay of some, to the comfort of others. He is after all a very English type player, safe, makes the easiest (thus most smart) pass instead of trying to look like a fancy pants and go through three or four players alone. It is a team sport after all, and England plays best when they are moving the ball around in a lateral manner, much like how Manchester United play on a regular basis.

Having the speed of Lennon on the right side, along with the creativity of Gerrard, Rooney and perhaps a starting 11 spot for Joe Cole, may bring some of that experience back, yet this time I believe composure and confidence has been instilled on them by the Fabulous Capello.

I'll be updating the blog again soon, some great videos and some photos of my Sunday with the Montreal Impact Ultra's in Section 114 at the Saputo Stadium, it was a blast. Until then, let me leave you with the final 23 ENGLAND Squad for the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Stay posted for some real crazy videos!!

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), David James (Portsmouth), Robert Green (West Ham).

Defenders: Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Ledley King (Tottenham), John Terry (Chelsea), Matthew Upson (West Ham), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa).

Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), James Milner (Aston Villa), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City).

Forwards: Peter Crouch (Tottenham), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United).