FIFA World Cup Soccer History: Part 2 - England football won’t deliver
From the 1966 tournament onwards, England has come to FIFA World Cups with great expectations on its back. English fans expect their team to perform well and win the World Cup every time England qualifies for the tournament itself. English teams over the years have developed a fear of failure which actually works against them and constructs a self destructive cycle for them. England failed to qualify for the next two World Cups. After the two disappointments, England made their next FIFA World Cup appearance in 1982 where they only made it to the second round. In the 1986 FIFA World Cup, England made it till the quarter-finals under Sir Bobby Robson’s supervision who was England’s manager at that time.
In the FIFA World Cup of 1990, England had the energetic and prolific Paul Gascoigne - nick named “Gazza” - in their line-up. Gazza was the star of the tournament and his tenacity and determination became symbolic of what the English aspired to be after their disastrous few years in world football. His terrific form led England till the semi-finals where they played West Germany. England started the game slowly and went down 1-0 at the start of the second half but they equalized in the 80th minute of the match through Gary Lineker. The match entered into extra time at a 1-1 score line. Gazza was booked during the match which, because of his previous disciplinary history in the tournament, meant that he would’ve missed the final if England made it through. The camera’s caught tears in his eyes as he was shown the yellow card by the referee. The match eventually went onto a penalty shootout situation which resulted in a win for the Germans. England, since then, have had a penalty shootout “curse” upon them as they have never ever on a penalty shootout during their FIFA World Cup history.
England failed to qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup but successfully qualified for the 1998 FIFA World Cup which was held in France. England successfully made it till the quarter-finals of the tournament but lost to Argentina on penalties after the game had ended at 2-2 in normal time. The game is remembered because of David Beckham’s sending off after kicking out against Diego Simeone after a tackle from the midfielder. The 18-year-old Michael Owen is also remembered for scoring one of the best goals ever seen in the FIFA World Cup tournament during this match for England.
England successfully qualified for the 2002 World Cup but failed to make it past the quarter-finals stages again where they faced the mighty Brazil. After taking a first half lead through a Michael Owen goal, England failed to keep with the speed and flair of the Brazilians. The game ended in a 2-1 victory for the Brazilians.
In the 2006 World Cup, England made it to the quarter-finals again and played against Portugal. England’s star striker was sent off during the first half for deliberately stomping on Ricardo Carvalho who was playing in central defence for Portugal. England struggled to keep possession throughout the match and failed to score any goals as well. Despite being a man down, England kept a clean sheet throughout the match. The match eventually went onto penalties, where England again failed to deliver and were knocked out of the tournament.
England’s FIFA World Cup adventures have been very average to say the least. As a team England have seldom performed, despite having some very good individuals in their squad. English always have high expectations with regard to their team but as history has shown us the three lions fail to delivery time and time again. English fans should pray for two things, one that their team does not self destruct and two that whatever happens an England match should not progress to penalties.
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