WFI‘s Adam Brandon counts down to Russia 2018 with 90 World Cup goals in 90 days, scored in the minute corresponding to the day in the countdown.
Context
The 2010 World Cup in South Africa was short on entertaining teams and matches, but this clash showcased the best of a very talented and exciting Germany side who proved simply too much for England.
England had laboured to the second round with boring draws against USA and Algeria and a nervy 1-0 win against Slovenia.
Germany thrashed Australia in their opening game, but were stunned by a defeat to Serbia in their next match that meant they had to avoid defeat in their final game against Ghana to be assured of a place in the knockout stages.
They duly won 1-0 which set up a tie against England.
Germany took the lead through Miroslav Klose in the 20th minute, Klose chased down a long goal kick and beat David James to the ball. Germany looked far superior to England and it wasn’t long until they added a second.
The Goal
Muller and Klose carve England open leaving Podolski with the chance to score…
What Happened Next?
England attempted a comeback. Matthew Upson’s header gave England hope. Then just before the break Frank Lampard struck a wonderful shot from twenty-five yards which bounced off the crossbar and clearly over the line, but shockingly the officials missed it.
Lampard hit the bar again at the start of the second half but after that, Germany took full control again and ran out 4-1 winners. Germany thrashed Argentina in the next round before falling to eventual champions Spain in the semi-finals.
Die Mannschaft beat Uruguay to finish third and of course went on to win the World Cup in Brazil four years later.
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