Croatia 2 England 1 (after extra-time)
What can one say? Before Croatia equalised, we were supreme and had most of the possession. By the looks of things we were going to win this, then they equalised. Once that happened Croatia went into full swing and it didn’t look like we would be coming back, in fact, they got another goal in extra time to make it 2-1 and it was over, bar the shouting.
Personally, once they equalised, I thought it was all over. They inserted themselves and we struggled. Croatia then showed their experience and we really didn’t have any comebacks.
A brilliant goal from Trippier after 5 minutes and we were ecstatic, all we needed was another one to seal their fate. But it wasn’t to be.
The press and pundits were kind – compared to other England defeats – but a loss is a loss and nobody really remembers also-runs. Can England build on what they’ve achieved at this World Cup? I hope so, but that will depend on Southgate and what he can do with what he has got. I do believe we have the talent, but that isn’t enough. You need the right guider to guide the team in the right direction. For the time being, we can be proud, but proud without success or trophies becomes a distant memory and when people look at the records books “proud” is omitted and only victories are highlighted. But they can be proud that they are amongst a rare group of players that have managed to get to the semi-finals of a World Cup; 1966, 1990 and 2018. I am sure that those players, like past semi-finalists, will be recounting their glories/ stories for years to come.
In this World Cup, we had a lot of luck on our side. The big guns were quickly eliminated and that left lesser teams to take control and be given their moment in the sunlight. With England and Belgium now ejected that leaves only France and Croatia to contest the Final. As for England, at least we return home to a hero’s welcome. But a word of warning. As months turn into years the press and public won’t be so kind. Our media can be pretty ruthless when it comes to failures. When Southgate’s warriors entered the World Cup everybody's expectations were incredibly low. That is why he got away with it. Now the clock is ticking.
Players now return to their clubs and start to prepare for their league seasons’. In the case of Tottenham; we have a new stadium with new hopes and new challenges ahead of us.
What more can one write that hasn’t already been written? One door closes and another one opens. England has two years to wait for their next competition, but for us, club football fans, we only have to wait weeks to be titillated.
COME ON YOU SPURS!!!!!!
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