Wayne Rooney needs goals can Rooney deliver against Germany Fifa world cup 2010
In a kind of paradox, the less English star Wayne Rooney does on the soccer pitch, the more focus gets put on him. The 24-year-old striker is considered to be the most talented player on the English squad, and a major portion of England’s hopes rest of his shoulders. But in three opening group matches, Rooney has done almost nothing to help his team advance, which they just managed to do with a 1-0 victory over Slovenia.
At 24, Rooney is a fairly rare commodity on an English side that opted to go with experience over youth at the 2010 FIFA South Africa World Cup. England’s average age in 29, which critics point to as a sign that England is prioritizing experience over youth and talent at this World Cup. Supporters note that England’s age is the exact same as Italy’s was four years ago, when they happened to win the World Cup.
But Rooney, expected to spearhead the World Cup attack, has been silenced. Along with it so has the English offence. Rooney has scored 25 goals internationally for England in 63 games since 2003, but has not pocketed a single goal in three games. The English offence, which was one of the most feared coming into the tournament, has only managed two goals in three games, a far cry from the side that obliterated the defence of Croatia, scoring five goals in one qualifying game, and scoring four in another to humiliate the proud Balkan nation.
Simply put, the English are feeling Rooney’s absence and it’s hurting their chances. Against a very tough do or die match with the Germans, Rooney will need to step it up.
Altitude affecting Rooney?
English fans had good reason to place very high hopes on Rooney. He looked well near unstoppable with Manchester United in club football this past season, scoring 34 goals and being named the Professional Football Association’s Player of the Year. He tore through defences easily and was always a terror around the net. He was considered to be one of the very best players to be playing in South Africa, but so far has been ineffectual. It’s not that the hasn’t scored- for eight straight games in international play, now- but that he hasn’t looked comfortable with the ball either.
His play has been spotty, with Algeria and the United States able to frustrate him. He hasn’t shown any creativity with the ball, getting stymied repeatedly by defenders around the box and being arguably the weakest link in the Three Lions’ offence.
His sluggish play has even led some to speculate that Rooney is somewhat out of shape after having had to play through an ankle injury for most of the second half of the season with Manchester United. Other speculation says that Rooney might be affected by the high altitude of the South African stadiums, given that Rooney has struggled in high-altitude matches in the past.
Whatever the case, no excuses will be accepted by English soccer fans, who are desperate for their country’s first world cup victory since 1966.
Rooney will play Sunday
English soccer fans got a scare on Wednesday when they saw Rooney take a kick to the ankle in the match against Slovenia. Coach Fabio Capello took him out of the match, but said he’d be able to play on Sunday against the Germans.
“I substituted Wayne because his ankle was not so good, he has some problems. I think it will be OK for the next game on Sunday," said Capello.
Rooney did fully perform in the team’s post-game practice, dispelling some fears he wouldn’t be ready on Sunday. Rooney looked upset with the move by Capello, not even acknowledging the manager’s decision when it happened, and
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