By Myles Palmer
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Rio Ferdinand 0 Nigeria 0
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Much as I expected.
Perfect breakfast game : a complete yawn.
First half, a yawn till Scholes has a 25-yard rocket tipped into post after 40. Good save but we don’t get a corner.
Second half, a yawn.
Rio is superb, Ashley Cole is our best forward.
It’s what I feared: the Nigerians are quick and skilful athletes, so trying to beat them in races and jumps is very hard work.
The only way to defeat that level of athleticism is by superior rhythmic teamwork and slick inter-passing. Not our metier!
It was far too humid for England. They didn’t seem to have enough energy and that had to be down to the conditions.
After 20 minutes it looked like a 0-0, so I lost interest.
Why didn’t BBC2 show the Sweden-Argentina game?
I would have switched over to that.
HIGHLIGHTS suggsted that was a far better spectacle with shots, crosses,chances, three missed headers by Sorin, Ortega won a penalty but Magnus Hedman saved his spot-kick.
Crespo knocked in the rebound after encroaching as Ortega dummied the penalty.
ANDERS SVENSSON had put Sweden ahead with a terrific swerving free-kick past the wall.
Sweden will play Senegal in an afternoon game.
Overall?What an anti-climax! I wasn’t expecting much, but it was still disappointing.
10.15 am?
Think I will get shaved and dressed and go to the gym for a swim and maybe come back for Spain v South Africa.
With France and Argentina going out, maybe Real Madrid will win the World Cup.
June 12th 2002.