Posted on 10/14/2013 3:11:50 AM PDT by Berlin_Freeper
England, the country that gives so many of the world’s top players employment and huge salaries in its Premier League, remains tenuously on the brink of the World Cup.
A 4-1 home win over Montenegro at Wembley Stadium on Friday looked comprehensive, but on a raw, wet and windy night, it took an own goal, a penalty, a predatory strike from Wayne Rooney and a fabulous debut goal from the Tottenham winger Andros Townsend to subdue Montenegro. England’s passage to Brazil for the finals next year is not yet assured.
England still needs to beat Poland at Wembley on Tuesday because Ukraine, now just one point behind, is all but certain to defeat San Marino.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
England v Poland 1973: When Clough's 'clown' stopped England
None of the England team were laughing at the end of a completely one-sided match that saw them take 36 shots to Poland's two, force 26 corners, hit the woodwork twice and have four efforts cleared off the line.
But Tomaszewski has much happier memories.
"I have never watched the game again," he told BBC Sport. "But if you have a game like this, you always remember it in your heart. I can wake up in the middle of the night and remember every minute."
Lawro on England: Why the Three Lions' biggest worry against Poland is themselves
Yes, Poland have their inspirational captain Jakub Blaszczykowski and quality striker Robert Lewandowski.
But where else are they going to hurt you?
The biggest danger for England is England. We did well on Friday night (even if you do take into account that Montenegro are an average side).
But how often have you seen us string together two performances of top quality?
The danger men: How England could get Pole-axed on Tuesday
England face Poland in a must-win World Cup qualifier on Tuesday – so we look at the five men who could consign Roy Hodgson’s boys to the dreaded play-offs.
England give Poland 10,000 extra tickets for crucial clash
England's hopes of securing qualification for the World Cup in Brazil next summer have been dented by a seemingly short-sighted FA plan to offer Polish fans thousands of extra tickets for Tuesday's crucial match at Wembley.
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I would be shocked if England failed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.
But not half as I shocked as I will be if anyone manages to beat Brazil at home next summer.
At least this time England doesn’t have to deal with the “clown”, Tomaszewski.
What I would really like to see is England against France in a World Cup qualifying play-off. Can you imagine?
(Please God, I never ask for anything for myself...)
Tomaszewski will be there - Cheering!
Too bad this time the Poles won’t qualify...shame, because they have plenty of talent, but their association is a joke.
I would have liked to see Mexico out of the WC, but it does look like they’ll make it......barely.
Mexico is like a cornered animal - Dangerous!
There were chances galore but no celebrations, endless recrimination but no rational explanation.
The last time Poland paid a World Cup visit to Wembley they brought down the curtain on England’s golden age.
England should have hired Clough.
BTW “The Damned United”, great movie.
Is England split off from Scotland and Wales, or something like that?
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