Duffbert's Random Musings

1 - Wayne Rooney is considered to be one of the best young talents in Soccer. About a year ago he was selected by fellow professionals as the "Young player of the year". He's pretty quick, energetic and can score with either foot. Losing him really hurt England's chances.

2 - Because without Rooney, they stunk horribly. With him they only stunck to a mediocre degree!

3 - They sure were missing some magic (could it have been Michael Owens?) but at times England seemed to have it "together". It is hard to play a man down but I give them credit for holding on for 60 plus minutes to force the penalty kicks.

4 - But balance that against the need to allow his foot to heal properly, to ensure he doesn't do permanent damage to it and prevent his playing his best in the future. He is still plenty young enough to be in the next World Cup - but it seems it is not about playing the long game at the moment.

It is interesting to see the arguments between his international team and his club about him playing in this World Cup. His club was extremely anti his playing in this one for precisely the reason stated above, but his international team just wanted his ability, but proably more important to them was his figure-headness.

(didn't make any difference anyway Oh England in a World Cup match on penalties and they lost - no shit sherlock, can't remember the last time they won on penalties.)

5 - I hate penalty kicks!!! They should keep playing until someone scores, drops from exhaustion or gives up!!! Yeah England has had no luck with penalty kicks and I think have lost something like 6 of 7 matches when going to them.