Germany lose! And USA produce fight-back which leaves England in safe but vulnerable position

The second big shock of the tournament occurred this morning when Germany crashed to an astonishing defeat at the hands of Serbia. With the Serbs displaying a disappointing showing of themselves in their first game of the world cup and Germany smashing Australia in a rampant victory, which was arguably the most impressive performance of the tournament yet, a German loss was almost inconceivable. But the early games of this particular Friday featured many refereeing errors in comparison to exactly a week ago when the tournament begun, when the officials were receiving magnanimous praise, and this went some way to corrupting the purity of two unexpectedly, marvellous football matches.
With the colossal figures of the likes of Nemanja Vidic and Nikolai Zigic in the Serbian line-up, it was sure that they could match the Germans in terms of physicality but with a fresh, young, skilful spine including the likes of Mezut Ozil in the German side it was thought that there was no real contest. Until the referee got involved. From the moment he blew his whistle, Mr. Mallenco had his hand in his pocket threatening disciplinary action against any player who as even looked him in the eye for an extended period of time. A meaningless yellow card dished out early on set the ridiculous consistency Mallenco retained and in no time, Miroslav Klose was off the pitch following two minor trips in honest attempts to win the ball. Immediately after this demented decision, Serbia managed to take advantage of German sorrow by predictably pumping the ball onto the head of Zigic who fumbled it down to Jovanovic, who acrobatically flung himself in aid of the Jabulani’s advancement and left the keeper with no choice but to lift the ball from the back of the net and bellow words of disheartened encouragement.
The Germans were handed a lifeline when Vidic needlessly handled in the area, which is becoming somewhat of a bizarre, common occurrence for the Serbs. However; Lucas Podolski unusually missed from the spot and Germany failed to net the equaliser they desired, resulting in an a blow to Germany’s confidence and an increasingly exciting group D.
An important game for England followed as the USA took on Slovenia. The Slovenians were promptly in a surprising two goal lead against the favourites as half-time quickly emerged and appeared good value for their lead. A stunning strike, a neat finish and the half-time whistle was superb for Slovenia’s predicted, slim chances of qualification but America battled in traditional, patriotic spirit and emerged from the tunnel fighting as Landon Donovan reduced the lead early on with a cannon into the roof of the goal. The double change from American coach Bob Bradley clearly worked wonders and then, like a cheap Hollywood movie, his son, Michael Bradley lunged at a floating opportunity. The ball thumped past the helpless Slovenian goalkeeper and produced sighs of relief from England fans and uncontrollable, hysterical, yet predictable tears from American followers.
Yet another loathsome decision from a referee marred what would’ve concluded an astounding, emotional fight-back from the Americans when substitute, Edu’s volley rocketed into the back of net and was unjustly disallowed. Replays reveal at least two or three fouls during the scramble for a winning goal but all appeared to be to the detriment of the USA as Slovenians recklessly, attempted to wrestle them to the ground.
The fight-back should still be hailed by the American media and it’s likely the “New York Post” may even perceive it as they ‘won 2-2’ but the awful decision from Mr. Coulibaly would’ve left a sour taste in the back of American throats. However; a draw was perhaps the perfect result for England as they can encounter a weak Algerian side tonight with the potential to top the group. Anticipation is continually building with team selection speculation rife but one thing is for sure. If England don’t pull off an expected victory tonight they’ll have a tough battle on to even escape their group and the rather impressive USA and Slovenia will not hesitate to knock us out.