i completely agree with you. i think their 'mental toughness' argument is rather silly, based on 1 penalty miss. they tend to judge Riquelme whenever argentina lose.. why i will never know, its not as if he's the manager. the last game they lost to brasil in the final, if we analyse it proper, its defensive errors, I single out Ayala as he didnt have his best game that night.. but having hit the post twice, and provided the most assists during copa america (never mind that game alone), not to mention the assists he had during the world cup, oh and the coupa liberatadores, his achievements with Villareal (a smaller club than WIGAN before Riquelme signed for them).. all this counts for nothing to these guys.. so dont bother.

they'll probably have something negative to say about him, even after reading this.. oh well, he jst cant stop doing his talking on the pitch this Riquelme!!

(BELOW'S ARTICLE, SOURCE: GOAL.COM)

World Cup Qualifiers: Riquelme Braces Fires Argentina Past Chile Argentina 2-0 Chile

Juan Roman Riquelme scored two outstanding first half free-kicks to lead Argentina to a well deserved 2-0 victory over Chile at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires. The Argentines proved that they will be one of the teams to beat in the South American World Cup qualifiers.
World Cup Qualifiers: Riquelme Braces Fires Argentina Past Chile
zoom - galleria

Argentina started very strongly, but despite their talent up front couldn't break through a strong Chilean defense early on in the match.

But in the 27th minute Argentina went ahead with a sensationally struck free-kick from playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme. Riquelme, who hasn't played at all for Villarreal in La Liga this season, proved that he still is one of the best players in the world.

Argentina looked more calm after Riquelme's goal, and began to get together their trademark swift passing as they moved forward from the midfield, with the likes of Maxi Rodriguez and Esteban Cambiasso.

In the 45th minute the Argentines were awarded another free-kick, from what also seemed to be a very long distance. Despite this Riquelme stepped up to the ball and curled in another superb effort, that once again left Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo stranded on his line.

Chile manager Marcelo Bielsa, who coached Argentina between 1998-2004, pushed his side forward in an attempt to pull a goal back during the half, but they never looked like breaking through a very disciplined Argentine defense, despite the efforts from Eduardo Rubio and Humberto Suazo.

After the break the Argentines completely dominated their opponents, and created a number of good opportunities to extend their lead, with the explosive runs from Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, who was a constant threat both down the flanks and through the middle of the field.

Former River Plate defender Cristian Alvarez reduced Chile to ten men in the 55th minute, and from that instance it seemed to be game over, as the Argentines completely controlled their opponents in all sectors.

Chile had no answer what-so-ever, even though Bielsa's side looked a touch more dangerous after Marcelo Salas was brought on for Rubio at the beginning of the second half.

Argentina could have extended their lead moments later, with an exciting individual effort from Carlos Tevez, which finally flew over the Chile crossbar.

Alfio Basile introduced Spanish based attackers Sergio Aguero and Javier Saviola late on in the match, and both looked very lively, as the Argentines went looking for their third goal of the night.

In the end Argentina settled for a comfortable and well deserved 2-0 victory, that confirms that they will be one of the favourites to win the South American group of World Cup qualifying.

Team Line-ups

Argentina: Roberto Abbondanzieri, Javier Zanetti, Martin Demichelis, Gabriel Milito, Gabriel Heinze, Maximiliano Rodriguez(Fernando Gago 67'), Javier Mascherano, Esteban Cambiasso, Juan Roman Riquelme, Lionel Messi (Javier Saviola 83') and Carlos Tevez (Sergio Aguero 73'). Manager: Alfio Basile.

Chile:

Goals: Juan Roman Riquelme 27' and 45'

Red Card: Cristian Alvarez 53'

Venue: Estadio Monumental de Nunez, Buenos Aires. Att: 65,000.

Gregory Sica

 
Claudio Bravo, Waldo Ponce, Cristian Alvarez, Miguel Riffo, Gonzalo Fierro (Hugo Droguett 36'), Manuel Iturra (Claudio Maldonado 52'), Arturo Vidal, Matias Fernandez, Mark Gonzalez, Humberto Suazo and Eduardo Rubio (Marcelo Salas 46'). Manager: Marcelo Bielsa.

sounds like he played well...

not well enough to catch any big club's attention..

francky:

 

 

 

not well enough to catch any big club's attention..

'francky' you have to ask yourself why no big club pays attention to him, is it because he's not good enough?? A player who doesn't plays for 3 months and comes up in a team like Argentina and stands out is nothing ordinary or average.. Riquelme is world class it doesn't matter if the big clubs recognise him.. it is evident in his game and on the pitch..

Why do big clubs ignore him?? That's becoming pretty obvious now, it probably is becasue they're biased towards Riquelme's lack of running or pace.. Such a unique talent wasted in Europe..

On the other hand, players like Kaká, Ronaldinho, and Robinho who can't even perform against Colombia.. atract the big clubs very easily.. it's ridiculous. All I ever see on the pitch is that Kaká, Ronaldinho and Robinho are all overrated players.. What happened at World Cup 2006???

Riquelme should go back to Boca Juniors, no big club in Europe deserves him anyway.. All of them just ignore Riquelme, and I ask myself, What can they possibly loose?? 8 million euros?? They should give Riquelme a chance!! and stop speculation.. If a big club signs Riquelme and gives him plenty of opportunities to play and he disssapoints.. Then and only after that can people say whatever they want about Riquelme, but because No European big club has ever given opportunities to Riquelme.. and the only European club he's ever played for is Villarreal.. no one can really say or state that Riquelme can't play for a big-team in Europe.. So we'll just have to wait and see, however it seems like no big team is willing to risk it for Riquelme..

What a shame, less talented players than him have played for big-clubs in Europe; Sebastian Verón, Pablito Aimar, David Beckham, Baptista, Robinho, Andrea Pirlo, etc.. etc.. There's no explanation that can justify what Riquelme is going through in Europe.. Riquelme should really considerate a permanent return to Boca Juniors.. There's really nothing else he can do..

the guy hasnt had a SINGLE MINUTE with his club, takes his FIRST 2 FREEKICKS, and suprises all, least of all the goal keeper (just watch his reaction). Riquelme is a world class player who is unlucky. deserves to play for a big club

Teee remember our mate 'drucurl', the one who says "Kaká can play as a midfielder, or a stryker.. he can play in different positions.. he isn't like those flawed players; Riquelme, Thierry Henry, etc.. who only performe on their favourite positions.. "

Take a look at the great Kaká against Colombia:

 Kaká (5)– The Rossoneri looked out of place and frustrated against Colombia, even seeing yellow for his protests to the ref. Kaká seemed to be hemmed in by Dunga’s insistence on fielding him where he doesn’t feel comfortable: stuck to the right side of midfield of pushed up with his back to the goal as a striker.

 It looks like he doesn't like playing out of position.. and his performance was embarrasing, just like in the World Cup..

 Football players are rated on the pitch, and Riquelme (and Messi) was head and shoulders above; Kaká, Ronaldinho, and Robinho.. Say whatever you want drucurl or gregory, but I'm making my statements based on performances instead of opinions..

entusiasta:

 

Teee remember our mate 'drucurl', the one who says "Kaká can play as a midfielder, or a stryker.. he can play in different positions.. he isn't like those flawed players; Riquelme, Thierry Henry, etc.. who only performe on their favourite positions.. "

Take a look at the great Kaká against Colombia:

 Kaká (5)– The Rossoneri looked out of place and frustrated against Colombia, even seeing yellow for his protests to the ref. Kaká seemed to be hemmed in by Dunga’s insistence on fielding him where he doesn’t feel comfortable: stuck to the right side of midfield of pushed up with his back to the goal as a striker.

 It looks like he doesn't like playing out of position.. and his performance was embarrasing, just like in the World Cup..

 Football players are rated on the pitch, and Riquelme (and Messi) was head and shoulders above; Kaká, Ronaldinho, and Robinho.. Say whatever you want drucurl or gregory, but I'm making my statements based on performances instead of opinions..

 

Honestly I don't know what kind of idiot looks at ONE bad performance (as if your boyfriend Riquelme didn't have MANY more waaaaaaaay more infact......... ) Then too I couldn't fathom the stupidity to jerk off two freekicks as if other good dead ball specialists couldn't have scored the same......Keep in mind these are simply qualifiers, and Brazil's game was particularly difficlt especiallally at the high altitude.........expect Riquelme to perform ANOTHER disappeearing act at another CRUCIAL game

drucurl I heard that AC Milan have suposedly mentined or hinted something about Riquelme...

I've got to say that Kaká and Riquelme would make a great pair.. Youd have the best strategist in Riquelme, and the pace in Kaká..

Riquelme is a player who can controll a match way better than Andrea Pirlo, but at the same time he is very dangerous if given a chance to shoot..

I honestly hope AC Milan make the right decision and signs Riquelme.. I would love to see Kaká and Riquelme playing on the same pitch.. it would be a pleasure..

drucurl:

entusiasta:

 

 

Teee remember our mate 'drucurl', the one who says "Kaká can play as a midfielder, or a stryker.. he can play in different positions.. he isn't like those flawed players; Riquelme, Thierry Henry, etc.. who only performe on their favourite positions.. "

Take a look at the great Kaká against Colombia:

 Kaká (5)– The Rossoneri looked out of place and frustrated against Colombia, even seeing yellow for his protests to the ref. Kaká seemed to be hemmed in by Dunga’s insistence on fielding him where he doesn’t feel comfortable: stuck to the right side of midfield of pushed up with his back to the goal as a striker.

 It looks like he doesn't like playing out of position.. and his performance was embarrasing, just like in the World Cup..

 Football players are rated on the pitch, and Riquelme (and Messi) was head and shoulders above; Kaká, Ronaldinho, and Robinho.. Say whatever you want drucurl or gregory, but I'm making my statements based on performances instead of opinions..

 

Honestly I don't know what kind of idiot looks at ONE bad performance (as if your boyfriend Riquelme didn't have MANY more waaaaaaaay more infact......... ) Then too I couldn't fathom the stupidity to jerk off two freekicks as if other good dead ball specialists couldn't have scored the same......Keep in mind these are simply qualifiers, and Brazil's game was particularly difficlt especiallally at the high altitude.........expect Riquelme to perform ANOTHER disappeearing act at another CRUCIAL game

as if Kaka aint YOUR boyfriend lol clearly he was unhappy, and not just with the altitude. Could it be because he wasnt comfortable playing 'out of position'? or would that prove everything you built your argument on is basically nonsense. I back Kaka all the way but i dont think he's the type of player who can perform in ANY attacking position.. And neither is Ronaldinho.

someone said 'if Riquelme was born in Brasil he would have been called Riquelminho, and would have been the best player in the world'.. interesting indeed.

Teee:

as if Kaka aint YOUR boyfriend lol clearly he was unhappy, and not just with the altitude. Could it be because he wasnt comfortable playing 'out of position'? or would that prove everything you built your argument on is basically nonsense. I back Kaka all the way but i dont think he's the type of player who can perform in ANY attacking position.. And neither is Ronaldinho.

 

someone said 'if Riquelme was born in Brasil he would have been called Riquelminho, and would have been the best player in the world'.. interesting indeed.

Awwwww cry me a river...as if the Media doesn't like the poor argentine players. Absolute rubbish!!! They love MANY ARGIES!! Crespo/Aimar/ Mascherano/the Milito brothers/Messi/Aguero/Cruz etc.. People don't like Riquelme 1)because of his personality and 2)not everyone can appreicate the true genius of his game.....most fans as you said earlier don't appreciate the thinkers and only look for the runners.

Kaka- the same guy who you keep sh!tting on- WON the title of "Best Striker" in the CL this year after scoring 10 goals. He won the title of best Midfielder the year before...so your point is based on ONE bad game which again doesn't carry the significance of ...say the Semis perhaps

So i guess the World Cup wasn't significant.. just so you know; the World Cup wasn't ONE bad game, it was a complete bad Tournament. drucurl you're rating Kaká too highly.. And as for the thinkers 'thing', A lot of poeple seem to love it, and it's only natural becasue all the Cristiano Ronaldo's, Kaká's, and Fernando Torres's are getting boring.. The same football over and over again.. drucurl people like you seem to forget or simply do not know that neither Pelé or Johan Cruijff were runners.. Johan Cruijff was a thinker, and Pelé was a perfectionist.. Pelé didn't liked to run with the ball excessively, it is well recognised and aknowledged by the people who actually saw him play..

Honestly the only thing I've ever seen from Pelé is a lot of video clips.. but video clips are a very unaccurate way to rate a player, because video clips only show you the outstanding moves of a player, but they do not show you how the player actually played.. For example if you've seen Pelé video clips you'll think he was something like Robinho, that he liked to run with the ball, but the reality is that Pelé was nothing similar to Robinho.. yes he had the samba rithim, but he was a perfectionist and he tried to do the most with just two or three touches on the ball.. And this is not my opinion, it's the opinion of people who actually saw Pelé in his prime..

It's the same with Johan Cruijff, if you see a video clip of him, all you'll ever see is the Cruijff turn, Crujff bursting through three to four defenders, etc.. And I've luckily seen a few complete matches of Cruijff and to be honest, Cruijff played with ease for most of the time.. he distributed the ball just like Riquelme, and he wasn't a runner, he was a thinker... but he had a devastating speed and acceleration, a speed that he didn't exploited but that he knew how and when to use..

And it's also the same with Riquelme, if you've watched a Riquelme video-clip, you'll get to see a fast-Riquelme, a Riquelme dribbling his way through Makelele a couple of times, a Riquelme nutmegging Yepes and other players with the back of his heel, A Riquelme dribbling his way through the whole Inter Milan team, etc.. etc.. Video clips do not show you Riquelme's game.. they do not show you Cruijff's game, or Pelé's game.. wich is a shame because both of them had the same principle as Riquelme; passing and movement (wich is arguably the hardest thing in football).

I've said it once before, but I'll say it again; I used to be a huge Kaká fan, I thought he had it all, the pace, the goals, etc. I was very into Kaká until eventually I noticed the truth, Kaká is not that great, Kaká is not that extraordinary, and Kaká plays in AC Milan - a team with one of the best midfields in the world.. I love how Kaká plays, in my opinion he's a very elegant forward.. but he isn't great at dribbling, he's not so great at shielding the ball, and he's not good at free-kicks (it is not a coincidence that he has never been the free-kick tacker in neither of his clubs, and in Brazil).. My honest opinion is that most Brazilian super-stars are overrated.. But I do like them. What really pisses me off is that Riquelme keeps getting completely ignored by the European footballing world.

People don't like Riquelme - the press doesn't likes Riquelme because; Firstly the media doesn't like players with exsessive humility like Riquelme's, they see that as a weakness, it isn't appealing to most people.. Riquelme doesn't haves the face of Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, or the smile of Ronaldinho.. However the press is the first one in acknowledging "Riquelme unquestionably one of the best players of this or any other generation.."

drucurl, for someone who knows a thing or two about football, sometimes you state very dissapointing things.. it's a basical thing in the media - negativity sells and a lot of people like buy it, people prefer to hear "Raúl deserves a place in Spain" instead of "Spain made a big step towards the Euro.." People like controversy, they prefer to judge Riquelme for the unhappy-I-wich-was-elsewhere look of his face but they completely ignore the fantastic football he creates on the pitch, he really translates his love for football in the pitch and with his feet.. etc.. etc.. Stop posting bullshite like "your boyfriend.. bla, bla.." or "cry me a river" or "the media loves poor Argentine players" Guess what?? Riquelme is an exception there, I hope you can admit that..

You can post way better things than that load of shite, and you know it.. drucurl you keep saying "Kaka- the same guy who you keep sh!tting on", and I must make it clear that neither I or Teee have ever criticised Kaká harshly.. If you want me to state "Kaká is the best in the world.." it's not going to happen because that's media talk, the press as made Kaká the new best player of the world.. however I don't see it where it matters, I don't see it on the pitch.. All I see from Kaká on the pitch is a talented-elegant world class player who's extremely overrated..

Oh and one last thing, Riquelme scored a hat-trick on the 'Copa Libertadores Final' against Gremio.. And everyone knows Gremio is a much better team than Internacional.. You know, International the club who won the last 'Club World Cup' against Barcelona, and Barcelona played with the full squad - Ronaldinho, Deco, Eto'o, etc.. and they couldn't manage to score one single goal.. I think 'People' should give Riquelme a little more recognition.. Because I'm pretty sure that had Ronaldinho scored a hat-trick in a Copa Libertadores Final against Gremio.. People would still be boasting about how "Ronaldinho outshone everyone else.." One last thing - 'Riquelme is not slow, he's not extraordinarily fast, but he's definitely not slow.. He might not run a lot, but he doesn't lacks pace.. Riquelme is lazy but not slow.. '

Atletico Madrid sports chief Jesus Garcia Pitarch is convinced they made the right decision not signing Villarreal midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme in August.  Pitarch declared: "The sense of expectancy is normal. But there are external factors: the media, which give their opinion and the fans wanted him, but it was not to be. The reality is another one.   "Speaking with those around the player and the information that we handled, I see the decision as getting better every day. I am glad to have not signed him.

"If he hadn't played well against Chile, we wouldn't be talking about him. But that's football. There's always debate."

Barcelona, Sevilla, Athletico Madrid & Villareal....

Vidio clips vs watching games - that's a fairly pointless argument!  Highlights vs Reality - obviously you have to watch the game, most of us prefer to even watch the game live.  For me, i watch it regardless, cause highlights, fans and media lie! 

Riquelme's image is hardly the issue as it is his attitude as described by most creditable persons i've heard now...as Henry admitted recently, asking for the ball puts pressure on the team (spirit / togetherness) as well - team player?  Players like Drogba, even Ronaldinho, Edgar Davids, Ribery...are not the most pretty players you'll come across, but they're well respected, desired and appreciated. 

The world does LOVE argentine players, sometimes i wonder if more than Brazilians.  The English perhaps like Argentines more than Brazilians, who knows...that's not the point.  The point is that it can't just be how Riquelme looks lazy and "humble" as if Kaka doesn't give you a humble appearance, or Cannavaro, Xavi, Pele etc.  Humility is an attractive trait, i don't know where you get that from. 

Riquelme's speed (not slow, but really not as fast as many players on the field) was a question for the type of football Barcelona wants to play, which is attractive, dazzling and effective etc when the team is on song.  And no that's not the same for every team...It's not just a case of Riquelme having one look and him doing his job tremendously effective, it's a case of several other things, which the Athletico chief obviously didn't want to mention, but i suspect it's not far off what the president of villareal said and other honest players around him would say.

And your point about Riquelme's hattrick is really a non-point - you've just done what you accused us all of - talking about one game, or even a few.  Kaka & Ronaldinho had a bad tournament - WC:  Brazil got to the quarter-finals{always measure team results, since nobody is bigger than the team, club or country} Riquelme had a great tournament - WC: Argentina got where? The real fact of the matter was not Ronaldinho's and Kaka's performance, it was the teams' results and to some extent, performance.  I hope you realise too that Riquelme is not that great.  I personally am not a great Kaka fan, he's not the type of player i think i can depend on 9 times out of 10, but he must be in my Brazil team if i'm manager, simply because he can give me something 6 times or so out of 10.  I prefer " a fit" Ronaldo, who i think is ridiculous at times - phenom.  Bergkamp & Eto'o are other examples.

entusiasta:

So i guess the World Cup wasn't significant.. just so you know; the World Cup wasn't ONE bad game, it was a complete bad Tournament. drucurl you're rating Kaká too highly.. And as for the thinkers 'thing', A lot of poeple seem to love it, and it's only natural becasue all the Cristiano Ronaldo's, Kaká's, and Fernando Torres's are getting boring.. The same football over and over again.. drucurl people like you seem to forget or simply do not know that neither Pelé or Johan Cruijff were runners.. Johan Cruijff was a thinker, and Pelé was a perfectionist.. Pelé didn't liked to run with the ball excessively, it is well recognised and aknowledged by the people who actually saw him play..

Football is entertainment son....not everyone values highly intellectually stimulating entertainment. Otherwise half these shallow non-sensical songs you hear on the Radio won't make a dime.....People don't necessarily want to see the intellectual genius of  a player who most viewers have stereotyped as a "dumb athlete" anyway. It's sad and unfair but it's also true....The difference with Pele an Riquelme is that Pele could turn on the afterburners if he wanted Riquelme has no significant speed or athleticism....sorry but it's the truth. I'm also a thinker type player....and often it doesn't matter how creative I am in some matches I get totally owned by faster more athletic players.

entusiasta:

Honestly the only thing I've ever seen from Pelé is a lot of video clips.. but video clips are a very unaccurate way to rate a player, because video clips only show you the outstanding moves of a player, but they do not show you how the player actually played.. For example if you've seen Pelé video clips you'll think he was something like Robinho, that he liked to run with the ball, but the reality is that Pelé was nothing similar to Robinho.. yes he had the samba rithim, but he was a perfectionist and he tried to do the most with just two or three touches on the ball.. And this is not my opinion, it's the opinion of people who actually saw Pelé in his prime

entusiasta:

And it's also the same with Riquelme, if you've watched a Riquelme video-clip, you'll get to see a fast-Riquelme, a Riquelme dribbling his way through Makelele a couple of times, a Riquelme nutmegging Yepes and other players with the back of his heel, A Riquelme dribbling his way through the whole Inter Milan team, etc.. etc.. Video clips do not show you Riquelme's game.. they do not show you Cruijff's game, or Pelé's game.. wich is a shame because both of them had the same principle as Riquelme; passing and movement (wich is arguably the hardest thing in football)

entusiasta:

I've said it once before, but I'll say it again; I used to be a huge Kaká fan, I thought he had it all, the pace, the goals, etc. I was very into Kaká until eventually I noticed the truth, Kaká is not that great, Kaká is not that extraordinary, and Kaká plays in AC Milan - a team with one of the best midfields in the world.. I love how Kaká plays, in my opinion he's a very elegant forward.. but he isn't great at dribbling, he's not so great at shielding the ball, and he's not good at free-kicks (it is not a coincidence that he has never been the free-kick tacker in neither of his clubs, and in Brazil).. My honest opinion is that most Brazilian super-stars are overrated.. But I do like them. What really pisses me off is that Riquelme keeps getting completely ignored by the European footballing world

I concede that Kaka might be slightly overrated....he still has to improve his game a bit....he isn't a superb passer of the ball in terms of vision (he is fairly accurate but is only just learning the true brilliance of passing) and he doens't seem to be the best free-kick taker.......Only Ronaldinho has a total and complete game. However I think they are BOTH better than Riquelme because they have both brought their teams MASSIVE wins and often the things they hace done are pieces of individual solo brilliance. One can have flaws and still be the best as Diego Maradonna and Ronaldo have so effectively proven

entusiasta:

People don't like Riquelme - the press doesn't likes Riquelme because; Firstly the media doesn't like players with exsessive humility like Riquelme's, they see that as a weakness, it isn't appealing to most people.. Riquelme doesn't haves the face of Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, or the smile of Ronaldinho.. However the press is the first one in acknowledging "Riquelme unquestionably one of the best players of this or any other generation

Not really.....there are many players who aren't that good looking or nice really that are still liked.

People don't like Riquelme because he is moody, nonchalant, tempermental and unfriendly....He even blasted Maradonna for comming to visit the team and congratulate them after their huge wins... He poured scorn on Roanldinho's lighthearted approach to the game. In other words for all practical purposes he is an arrogant biggot. The guy doesn't even celebrate many of his goals!! What fan wants to watch such a dispassionate player....even though he may be a genius???

Batigol used to be my favourite player and soon after he said that football is just a job to him I had difficulty liking him the same way....I suspect many fans feel similarly about Riquelme.

But Batistuta was being philosophical, as in it's the truth - it's not exactly your walk in the park holiday picnic to be a football player.  You have to do things like every other working person, like be a professional etc.  It was not a statement that would harbour responses like..."yeah yeah i got to play against Juventus today, i'll score a goal - sure, that should make me more money" he liked it as a fan too, cause he went to games.  I guess that maybe why he wasn't so motivated to leave Fiorentina, but then again, yo ucould say that enjoyed the football more than the trophies and money he could get at big clubs.

However, Batistuta was passionate and he loved the game still.  Remember his machine gun celebration..he invented many celebrations, but that one gave him the name Batigol i think.  He epitomises what it meant being a striker in todays football.  I loved the Argentine - lol - wanted him to goto Barcelona with Ronaldo.  Oh i had dreams of seeing 2 Barcelona shirts line-up with Batistuta{what would he have worn} #09 - Ronaldo #9

Nonetheless, that's it about Riquelme.  Veron was questioned for the same thing.  I've never seen Riquelme beat anyone for pace either.  He always seem to have to get away by other means...dribbles, passing, skilll etc

PS:  Russia are leading England 2-1:  Could it be?  England do not qualify for Euro  It's always great to see England play, as long as their not winning tournaments of course.