One hour ago in the EarlG household...

[EarlG]

Quarter-finals baby!

[GOPisEvil]

1. Congratulations!

However, using the vaunted "Bruce Arena Lone Striker Strategy" won't get you past Holland or Portugal. How huge would England/Holland be?

[EarlG]

2. Either Holland or Portugal will be huge

It was Portugal that put England out of Euro 2004 in the quarter-finals.

I'm no expert on formations, but the 4-1-4-1 they played today looked particularly ineffective in the first half. They kept playing long balls through to Rooney, bypassing the midfield altogether, and the Ecuador defense could have stopped them all day. It seemed like they needed Crouch up there as a target man. The second half was better though, Rooney certainly saw more of the ball.

My guess is that whatever strategy they use, England will eventually do what they always do... hold on for a draw and then go out on penalties. It never fails. Still, I'll enjoy it while it lasts!

[GOPisEvil]

3. If it's Portugal, their speed will be an issue.

Of course, England won't have Deco to deal with...

[Kipling]

4. Seeing as Portugal are now 4 players down after that bloodbath...

We English may be able to steal a wholly undeserved place in the semis. But Brazil will flatten us unless wild Bavarian wolverines drag away Sven to his doom.

[northzax]

6. I heard a rumour

that Sven is planning on playing a 5-5-0 against Portugal, since the offense is working so well.

[NJ Democrats]

5. I think England is will be going to the Semis

[TahitiNut]

7. So, what're the odds England will beat Portugal?

Their track record against Scolari hasn't been very good this millennium.


I wonder ... is she rooting for England or Portugal? :evilgrin:

[Cush]

8. Rooney just got ejected....Red Card