England vs Nigeria

What's that you were saying about the end justifying the means? After the glorious passion and excitement of that tremendous battle against Argentina, this tepid draw against Nigeria was a bit like a cold rice pudding after the Lord Mayor's Banquet. Now I'm not going to be one of those Jeremiahs who treat this as being a disaster. After all, not 18 months ago, following our awful defeat at home in the first group game against the Germans, even a place in the finals looked to be light years away. But that was before Sven and deliverance. Now England have emerged (relatively) unscathed from the Group of Death to rank fourth favourites among the ...  Read the complete review

After their heroics against Argentina, the England team needed just a draw against already eliminated Nigeria to be sure of going through (and even defeat could have been ok, depending on the result of Sweden-Argentina). The Nigerians made five changes, fielding a lot of youngsters (particularly 19 year old Vincent Enyeama in goal) and leaving out the likes of Kanu, West and Babayaro. England stuck with the team that started against Argentina, except for Sinclair replacing the still injured Hargreaves on the left. From the start it was clear the game would be far from a walkover. England began patiently, perhaps never taking risks by going all-out for a win, and ...  Read the complete review

We've done it!!!!!!!!!!!!! We made it through the 'Group of Death' and now play Denmark on Saturday in the last 16. But the game against Nigeria had more than it's fair share of worrying moments. Maybe they did have their bags packed ready for the flight home, but the 'Super Eagles' certainly ruffled England's feathers in the opening half hour. Time after time, our defence was carved open by astute passing from JJ Okocha and some nice runs along the right from Udeze. Two good point plank saves by Seaman and some immensely classy defending by Rio Ferdinand kept England from going behind. It seemed to take an age for ...  Read the complete review

Nigeria already had their bags packed but England couldn't afford to be complacent. England started the game cautiously until they sensed that Nigeria were looking dangerous, then David Beckham's long passes signaled a change of approach and the 10,000 English fans upped the volume to match it. On England's second corner, Vincent Enyeama fumbled the ball and felt a sense of relief when he wasn't punished. The Nigerian goalkeeper made up for his mistake and gained a little confidence when he beat Michael Owen to England's next through ball. Nigeria's first corner came after quarter of an hour and David Beckham was at the ...  Read the complete review

England must not get too caught up in the fever of beating the Argentineans even though it was a great achievement. England should focus on the game in hand against Nigeria in Osaka on Wednesday, Nigeria are a very capable even though this is not show in their previous games against Sweden where they lost two one with both of Sweden?s goals coming from their star man so far Henrik Larsson, Celtics main man, with Nigeria?s goal coming from Julius Aghahowa who plays for Shakhtar Donetsk up front, he is a hopeful starter for Nigeria. Their second game was against Argentina where they were beaten one nil by a Gabriel Batistuta goal in the 63 minute. Nigeria have ...  Read the complete review