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From: archer@hsi.UUCP (Garry Archer)
Newsgroups: net.sport
Subject: Re: England-86
Message-ID: <312@hsi.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 17-Feb-86 10:16:47 EST
Article-I.D.: hsi.312
Posted: Mon Feb 17 10:16:47 1986
Date-Received: Wed, 19-Feb-86 07:42:39 EST
References: <1278@utai.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: Health Systems Int., New Haven, CT.
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> *** What Is the Worth of England-86?

I am 100% an Englishman, 100% football fan (soccer to you Yankee readers), and I
couldn't resist replying to the article translated from a Portuguese newspaper
analysing the up coming World Cup first round game England v Portugal.

First of all, let me say it was an excellent article and very interesting to 
read about what the "other side" thinks.  The English may have had an easier
advancement than Portugal, but historically, England make it harder on 
themselves during qualifying rounds of ANY competition... I still shudder to
think how we let a weak team like Poland (weak at the time) knock us out of the
World Cup during qualifying in 1972.  Lately, Denmark knocked us out of
qualifying in the last European Nations Cup.  While Poland and Denmark may be
highly respected and skillful teams now, at the times previously mentioned, they
shocked us (and the rest of the soccer world)... England SHOULD have qualified.
I actually think "weaker" teams can give strong teams as many problems in 
modern football, as can any strong rival.  Twenty years ago, I wouldn't have
said that!  I actually thought Rumania would have been stronger than they
turned out during qualifying against England at this time.

As for Portugal, England HIGHLY respect this team.  I think it will be an
interesting contest of styles.  I refuse to predict a result here, but I will
say that Portugal will have the advantage of the heat on their side.  English
players may tend to fade in the last 20 minutes of the game.  So, without
burning themselves out too early, England MUST look for an early lead.  The
game will be decided on how Portugal will deal with that, and how well they
will use the heat to their advantage in the final third of the game.  Altitude
will be a major problem for England, I'm not sure about the Ports.  Looking
back on Mexico '70,  England beat Rumania 1-0 (wait, or was it 1-1?), beat
Israel 1-0 (Alan Clarke penalty kick), lost 1-0 to Brazil in one of the most
memorable World Cup games of that tourney.  The heat and altitude were major
factors in those games.  Losing 3-2 after a solid 2-0 lead against West Germany
in the next round was DEFINITELY influenced by heat and altitude (and Alf
Ramsey's questionable substitution strategy).  I hope England have learned 
since then.  Portugal are always difficult to beat (NEVER more satisfying as
when we won 2-1 Wembley, London, World Cup semi-final 1966), so I shall be
watching on the seat of me pants!


		Garry Archer			ihnp4!hsi!archer
		Health Systems International
		New Haven, CT  06511
		USA
-- 

		Garry Archer			ihnp4!hsi!archer
		Health Systems International
		New Haven, CT  06511
		USA