Been working like a beast, start of term and all that, hence the quietness…
But, I have to mention the sport! Been watching some of the egg chasing from France, Samoa South Africa could have had an 18 certificate. Some great aggression!
But, Football. Lovely. The latest set of qualifiers had mixed fortunes for the home nations. Ingerland seemed to do enough against Russia, who although looked pretty at times had no cutting edge up front and defended like the local under 9s… Norn Iron have had their bubble burst. Much in the same way as Wales post Sparkey, post Sanchez they just don’t seem to have it anymore. The other Ireland have found their level, just below the top, should make for a good game in Cardiff.
Scotland, well. Wow. Great stuff, backs to the wall, nick a goal. All 3 home nations that won, seemed to have done so playing basic stuff. Ingerland – long ball to the big man, pick up 2nd ball, score. Scotland, shut up shop, nick something on a break or from a set piece. Wales… keep it tight, use the fast boy up front. It worked!
Slovakia 2 Wales 5. Fantastic. Amazing. We don’t seem to be able to put out our full strength team, but this may prove a blessing, we had team players out rather than talented individuals. We had a very young and inexperienced team out which hopefully will progress, together. If we can try and get 7 more points from our last 4 games then we could be a decent seeding for the 2010 qualifiers. That would give us a chance. If we stay a low seeding, then no matter how well we have done, there will be better teams ahead of us.
The captain seems to have settled down and taken on the role of talisman. He seems to be playing better without any of our other big stars, perhaps loving the limelight?
Some of the fans of Ingerland appear to be so fickle. Months ago they were calling for McLaren’s head, now he is the hero. For a nation with such a large league with so many players, they cannot seem to see beyond about 13, playing semi-fit players rather than give new players a chance. How is anyone going to progress without the opportunity? Toshack on the other hand has thrown whoever he can into the fire. Yes, they may have been very well toasted, but down the track the experience will hopefully benefit the team. Brother Phil, part of the famous five of Under 21s diehards is raving about the future. The 16 and 17 year olds that are coming through as part of the Under 21s are amazing. Lets hope they can keep it together and not lose the plot with big money from a big club…
