England now expects...

It's been a while since I've offered my two-penneth on sports stories here. But at last, Armchair Athlete is back. The name of this blog is especially pertinent at this time. This is where I will spend most of my nights sleep in the coming 6 weeks.

For this is the time of the Ashes. The biggest event in cricket and the most important series England have contested under Andrew Strauss. This is because England now stand a real chance of beating the Australians in their own back yard.

Ashes series in Australia paint a picture of woe for England. Just four wins for England down under post-war and not at all since 1986-7. Last time out we were whitewashed 5-nil. Just as Glenn McGrath predicted.

But, this Australia side are not capable of such a feat again. They do not have the quality of bowling like McGrath, Shane Warne and the like. The confidence has gone. The bravado of Australia teams (and their media for that matter) of old has been replaced by in-fighting, underperforming (one win in their last 8 outings - and that was a dead rubber against Sri Lanka), and from the media, shots across their own bows.

In stark contrast, consider the advance of England. This squad has flourished under Strauss and Andy Flower. They've won the Ashes already, here in England, and the ICC World Twenty20 trophy followed the little urn into the Lord's trophy cabinet. This squad, in Greame Swann, also now have a bowler who is capable of dismissing any batting order in world cricket.

More importantly in context of this series is England's preparations. They arrived in plenty of time before Thursday's first Test at the Gabba. And Australia beware - because England have found their feet quickly since travelling to Oz - and won two out of their three warm up fixtures.

I'm not going to do a McGrath and predict a 5-nil drubbing. But I will be as brave as the former pace-man and make a bold prediction. England are going to win this Ashes series.

Le Tour pavé-d with danger

Well, normal service resumed today at the Tour de France after an opening three stages that saw just about everything. Crashes taking out one of the favourites. Fancied riders hitting the deck or getting punctures at key moments.

Stage 3 was always going to cause accidents. 7 sets of cobbles, pavés, as they are know in French, for the peleton to overcome. Unfortunately for Frank Schleck, it was him to fall foul of the uneven surface. He tumbled out of the race and broke his collarbone in three places, needing surgery and eight bolts put into his shoulder.

Lance Armstrong had said he'd have rather had a team time trial then the cobbles as a method of falling out of contention. And given the severity of Schleck's injury, the race director really should take a long hard look at that route.

Armstrong himself was also a victim of the conditions and suffered a puncture during the 213 kilometre trek from Wanze to Arenberg. He lost time rather than blood. But finishing 2 minutes down on some of his rivals leaves him moving to Plan B even before the race has hit the Alps. Lance tweeted that was just bad luck - I'm not sure Sylvain Chavanel would have been so understanding after losing his yellow jersey to not one but two flat tyres.

Usually Le Tour goes to the rider strong enough to get over the hills and quick enough over a time trial. So far this year, it looks like going to the rider who manages to stay upright the longest.

Rose Blooming in America

A week is a long time in sport. Less than a week ago, my own Armchair Athlete view was that the South American teams were the mostly likely to prevail in the World Cup quarter finals. What do I know, eh?

This week really was seven days of ups and downs for Justin Rose. Having led through 54 holes, Rose was looking good for a second successive victory on the USPGA Tour at the Travellers Championship. He missed out there, but made sure lightning didn't strike twice - winning the AT&T National with a final round of 70.

It's been a remarkable season for Rose thus far. Having taken his first victory for three years by winning the Memorial Tournament, the 29 year old then failed to qualify for the US Open, before continuing his rich vein of form across the pond.

His success this year has been a long time coming for a man who burst onto the scene in such dramatic fashion. Rose finished fourth as an amateur in the Open Championship 12 years ago, promptly went professional and missed 21 cuts in a row. Far from an ideal start to a career.

In tow of his two wins and the slip up at the Travellers Championship, Rose has finished second in the Honda Classic and his now moved up into 16th in the World Rankings. He is playing his way into Colin Montgomerie's Ryder Cup squad, and even if he doesn't accrue enough points, you've got to fancy Monty will pick a player who is in the form of his life.

Rose will be at the Open Championship at St Andrews in 9 days time trying to better that fourth place finish that got things started. The way he's playing at the moment, I wouldn't bet against him coming away from Scotland with a first major title.

Latin Lovin'

So, we're down to the final 8. And four of them are from South America. They have been the only teams to set this World Cup alive so far.

Uruguay have seen off the challenge of a languid France and look the most likely of the Latin American countries to make it through to the semi-finals as they face Ghana.

Diego Maradona's Argentina have been thoroughly impressive. Their front three remain unstoppable, with Gonzalo Higuain surely in pole position to collect the Golden Boot. And their football has been beautiful - Carlos Tevez's first against Mexico might have been offside but there was no doubt about his second and Argentina's third. That was the best strike in this tournament thus far.

Paraguay have been ruthless, sending the 2008 World Champions crashing out of the competition at the group stage. And today holding their nerve to edge past Japan on the dreaded penalty shoot out.

And finally, Brazil, who have been as strong at the back as they are skillful going forward. Dunga's men have struck the perfect balance - and it was summed up perfectly by Robinho's goal against Chile, following a driving run by Ramires. Described, very eloquently on ITV's coverage as "steel and silver".

The question is why have the South American teams profited whilst most of the European sides have faltered?

Some answer must surely lay with the qualification process. England's toughest opponent in the qualifiers was Croatia, and they looked a shadow of the side that ended Steve McClaren's reign at Wembley. South American sides play 18 matches in trying to make it to the finals. And those games are against other serious contenders for the overall title. Top European sides only tend to face each other in friendlies - which normally take place in the middle of the season and none of the players are anywhere close to full tilt.

So, what is the solution? With so many nations taking part in the qualification process in UEFA, the only way forward may be a two tier system where the 'smaller' teams must qualify through a first round before facing those 'larger' nations. This idea doesn't sit easy with some people because they believe the likes of San Marino relish the games against England, Germany etc. But, realistically, are they ever going to beat any of the European powers? No.

Competition breeds success - it's a commonly used adage in sport. And one UEFA may want to consider if they want more accomplishment from European teams in future World Cups.

Falling foul of FIFA

Dismal, dreadful, disappointing. Call it what you will, there is no escaping England's woeful and limp exit from the World Cup at the hands of Germany. But as inexcusable as the performance was, it's not as infuriating as FIFA's refusal to introduce technology in the game.

Frank Lampard's strike before half time crossed the line. That is fact. The millions of us watching on television saw it. The 70,000 inside the Free State Stadium saw it. That includes Daily Mail writer Martin Samuel who said from his "seat 70 yards away from Neuer's goalmouth, without recourse to television replay, it was apparent England had scored".

It probably wouldn't have changed the outcome, but the inconvenient truth for FIFA and especially Sepp Blatter, who was in the stands in Bloemfontein yesterday afternoon, is that this was another example where simple use of technology could eradicate such debate.

Of course, this is a moot point ever since Geoff Hurst's goal in 1966, but there's now been too many high profile examples - ask the Irish - where a speedily available television replay would save the officials and the establishment the embarrassment of getting a decision just so wrong.

I sympathise with those who feel that the use of television replays would get in the way of the pace of the game. But we've already seen, in the use of five on the field officials in Europa League games, that extra eyes help (almost certainly an extra referee would have seen Thierry Henry's handball). Hawkeye Innovations have already tested their method for goal line decisions. Adidas have already been experimenting with a ball with a microchip inside - again to decipher dubious goal calls.

Goal line decisions are not subjective. It's either a goal or not. Assistant referee Mauricio Espinosa can not be blamed for not spotting that Lampard's shot had gone over the line. Ways of assisting our men in black are there, and there would be very few referees who wouldn't appreciate the assistance. So, FIFA, please, take this game out of the 19th century.

Great sport. Or great drama?

Good things come to those who wait goes the tagline of a certain beverage. And never more has this phrase been more apt than to John Isner in his marathon 11 hour match with Nicolas Mahut.

Having played over three days, Isner finally broke Frenchman Mahut at the 69th time of asking to go through into the second round of Wimbledon. It's the longest ever game of tennis, but raises another question. Was it great sport or just great drama?

The fact that both players were able to hold serve so long suggests neither player was strong in receiving - something that become apparent as Isner was thrashed in straight sets in today's second round encounter with Thiemo de Bekker (although tiredness probably played a part!). So, I'd suggest Isner's match with Mahut was great drama, but not great sport.

It certainly captivated the public - all of the around 800 seats on Court No. 18 were taken - with many more packed on the rails overlooking the court. It's grabbed the attention of the media too. The conclusion of the match was aired live on BBC1 yesterday afternoon. I doubt you would have seen it if it was a straight sets victory.

The word 'great' is far too overused in sports media. Any above average performance is labelled as 'great'. Any event that is different from the norm also gets named with the same phrase. There's is no question that a final set of 138 games indeed is great drama, but true greatness in sport should still remain the title of few.

England must take French lessons

It's certainly been a difficult few days for the French camp at the World Cup. Left on the verge of elimination by a 2-nil defeat at the hands of Mexico. Now more stories of discontent in the squad, including Nicolas Anelka sent home for airing his views - too strongly, according to the French Football Association - to Raymond Domenech.

During the days of Sven and Steve in charge of England, there was always the accusation that the players had too much power over the selection and tactics of the side. Things seemed to have changed under Don Fabio, but once again a troubled England campaign is regressing into the ghost of failed tournaments past.

So, the England squad and management team are to hold a frank and honest expression of views. According to ex-captain John Terry, if the comments upset Capello or any of the players - so what? Whilst it appears Fabio has made wrong decisions so far (notably Shaun Wright-Phillips twice being used as an "impact substitute"), he must stick to his guns and the players must take responsibility.

Terry's 15 minute presser today started with the Chelsea defender toeing the party line..."We're fully behind the manager." But, the later the conference went on, the more apparent a divide in the England camp appeared. Terry ended the media gathering joking that some of the squad might be sent home for their comments to Capello. One begins to wonder how much tongue was in cheek when he said that.

England's plight is in no way as desperate as France's. A win against Slovenia, ranked 17 places behind England, and we're into the last 16 and a passage to the semi-finals begins to open up. But this England effort is now starting to show the frailties of the disappointment of Germany four years ago and also the disaster that was the "Wally with the Brolly".

For the first time in the tournament the manager, the squad and the fans must unite with a simple target - keep the dream alive until next weekend at least.

Wayne Boo-ney

So, another disappointment for England at this World Cup. An abstract performance from a side fancied before the tournament started.

A nil-nil draw with Algeria leaves Fabio Capello's men on the verge of something no one considered before the squad flew to South Africa. But now we must ponder a first round exit in, what still is, a very easy looking group.

More worrying for England was the lack of intent, passion and presence of their talisman Wayne Rooney. Recently, we in the media have pointed the finger at the Manchester United striker for being too aggressive, too pumped up. But tonight in Cape Town, he looked disinterested, woefully short of form and, to generate further concern, towards the end of the game injured.

England fans have shown their displeasure with the performance, including inside the Cape Town Stadium. The boos at the end of the match can't do the England team any favours, but Rooney's reaction to this is an indication of his mentality.

Rooney turned to the camera at the end of the game and sarcastically uttered "It's nice to be booed by you own fans". Quite right Wazza. But these are the same fans that have travelled half way across the world to support their side. And so far in this World Cup, the players paid so much to do their job have failed to turn up.

England expects. And maybe too much. But the time has come for a display those England fans, and all us England fans, deserve.

Another fine Mess-i for France

They got there in the most controversial of means with Thierry Henry's handball goal against Ireland in the play-offs. Now, Raymond Domenech's France side are defeated and in disarray following a 2-nil defeat to Mexico.

Much had been made of Henry leading a players' revolt against the France manager before Les Bleus had even made it to South Africa. Now it's emerged another player/manager row erupted in the run up to tonight's Group A defeat.

Chelsea forward Florent Malouda was left out of the opening nil-nil draw with Uruguay. He was apparently asked to play a defensive role by Domenech and refused, so Sidney Govou got the nod. Following that disappointing start to the campaign, the players decided they wanted Malouda in and forced Domenech into making the change. Whether that change led to the defeat is a matter for debate, but what is clear is the respect of the manager has long gone and the sooner Laurent Blanc takes over the better.

France's managerial problems are in stark contrast to Argentina's. Diego Maradona was hounded for their poor qualifying campaign, much in the way the French people voiced criticism of Domenech. But, despite his problems, Maradona has got his Argentina side playing well. Very well. And that's without Lionel Messi yet reaching his best.

And with Messi, Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain, hat-trick hero of the 4-1 win over South Korea today, scoring 105 club goals between them this season, it is without doubt the most potent strike force in this World Cup.

Maradona has responded to the criticism aimed at him before the tournament by gathering squad capable of beautiful, attacking football and are rightly favourites with some bookmakers now. Domenech has left out players such as Karim Benzema and Patrick Vieira and already looks likely to be on a plane out of South Africa, and out of a job, as early as next Tuesday.

On Cloud Nine...

They say lightning doesn't struck twice. But Phil Taylor proved that's possible with what is questionably one of the greatest sporting achievements of all time in throwing two perfect 9 dart legs in last night's Premier League Darts final.

Whilst next door in Wembley Stadium, England's World Cup hopefuls put on a mediocre performance in beating Mexico, just metres away in Wembley Arena, one of the best champions of any sport was showing that perfection isn't a momentary thing.

The first 9 darter came in just the second leg of the match against James Wade, that after the Machine had fired in a 136 checkout to win the opening leg. So far, so perfect. It was becoming one of the greatest matches of darts to be seen. The Power switched on, Wade matching the 15-time World Champion throw for throw.

Then in leg number 15, with the score at 7-all - the impossible became reality. OK, Taylor had hit 8 televised 9-darters before, but the Power is beyond any other man to throw a dart. And when he hit double 12 to complete the feat for a second time in a match, he wrote yet another piece of history for himself.

Is it the greatest sporting achievement? Many will argue not, for they do not see darts as a sport. But there is no denying Phil Taylor's brilliance - anyone who has played a bit of arrows down the pub will know how difficult this game is - and his continued ability to dominate and dictate, improve and influence, can only manifest itself in true greatness.

Dare to dream

Is there a small child out there who hasn't dreamed of running out at Wembley? Scoring a goal for England. Thousands of fans cheering out their name. I know I did when I was younger. The realisation that I was never was going to be good enough to be a professional footballer soon materialised. I knew quickly I wasn't even going to be a decent amateur footballer for that matter. But it doesn't stop the dream of winning a trophy, no matter how small time it is, remain bright.

In fact, I had that feeling just a couple of weeks ago. My rugby 7s team, the Waunfawr Warriors, reached the final of the Plate competition at the Aberystwyth 7s after a brilliant semi-final display. We believed we could win silverware. We dared to dream. But as we arrived for the advertised kick-off time of 6pm for the final, we were informed the final had been moved forward and we'd conceded as a result.

As painful as that experience was, it's to the players and fans of Lille and Mallorca where my heart really goes out, after having Champions League football snatched out of their hands in dramatic style last night. Auxerre scored a stoppage time winner to nick third place in the French League, but the story of the night came at Mallorca.

Having beat Espanyol, Mallorca had moved into fourth spot in La Liga. Only Sevilla could catch them. Mallorca's players watched the conclusion of Almeria v Sevilla on the big screen at their stadium. Just two minutes to go. As the game entered the fourth minute of added time, Rodri scored for Sevilla, destroying Mallorca's dreams and their players sunk to their knees in disappointment. Their season ended by what coach Gregorio Manzano described as "two cursed minutes". Sport hurts.

Semi seems to be the hardest word

Semi-finals. The prize for winning is a shot at the big one, the trophy, overall victory, the championship. Fail at this stage though and no one remembers you. England's footballers have fallen at this vital stage in 2 major tournaments since 1990 - twice beaten by the necessary evil of a penalty shoot out. Fabio Capello says the semi-finals are the minimum for the upcoming World Cup in South Africa and it's the least England fans will accept when the tournament starts in less than a months time.

The semi-final at Italia '90 is my first memory of supporting England, the hope when Gary Lineker scored and the heartbreak when Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle missed their spot kicks. It's surely the cruelest stage to suffer such failings - the toughest to stomach when one looks back over the record books. Just ask Leicester City fans after last night's play-off pain.

It's for these reasons that England's thrashing of a strong Sri Lanka side in today's ICC World Twenty20 semi-final was so impressive. England's cricketers have been successful at the Test match format of the game for some time now, but their limited overs form has been patchy at best. Indeed the only success coming in last year's ICC Champions Trophy (guess where they lost though? - that's right, the semi-finals). Their success in this tournament has been low key in the media thus far, partly because of the announcement of England's provisional World Cup squad this week and partly because of Fulham's fantastic run in the Europa League, which sadly ended in final defeat last night (at least they made the final though).

Now is the time for Paul Collingwood's men to be saluted. They've been a unit throughout this competition, and especially in this one sided encounter against a talented but ageing Sri Lanka side (albeit the notable exception of Ryan Sidebottom's attitude towards his fielders whilst bowling - rightly chastised by Nasser Hussain during the live coverage). If England go on to win this tournament, they will be rightful champions - the only defeat coming against the West Indies in a Duckworth/Lewis affected game - having played superb cricket throughout, aggressive and attacking but tactically astute.

If England's footballers go on to make Capello's minimum target of a semi-final appearance this summer, we'll remember it in 20 years time with the same affection I regard the achievement of the late great Sir Bobby Robson et al. But lest we forget England's cricketers, who've already shown in Ashes success they are champions in their own field and come Sunday could be crowned World Champions. Sounds good doesn't it?