Liveblog: England vs. Ecuador

June 25th, 2006 | by: WC Bob |

It wasn’t a dominant or impressive performance, but once again England got the job done beating an Ecuador team that appeared to just be happy to make it to the second round. You can read the play-by-play below and leave your thoughts on the match.

Final: England 1-0 Ecuador

Full time That is it from Stuttgart where England comes away with a one-goal win. The two teams played a largely even match the first half but in the second half England controlled the tempo. It took a goal from David Beckhan to send England through to the round of 16 where they will face the winner of today’s Portugal-Netherlands match. Thanks for joining me and for your comments. I’ll see you again soon.

89:34 England looking more and more likely to come away with another unimpressive win. Ecuador played them straight up in the first half but since the Beckham goal it has been almost all England.

88:23 Players have to dodge the little treat that Becks left on the field. Ecuador having trouble getting the ball. England happy to play keep away.

86:59 Close up of Beckham emptying his stomach. That one will go on the fashion magazines. Lennon coming on so Beckham can barf in peace.

85:37 Robinso will live. Beckham will live. Will Ecuador live to see another game? Not much time left for them to do it.

84:34 Ecuador with another disappointing effort. Paul Robinson hurt and lying on his belly in pain. He grabs his left leg. Beckham still tossing chunks. This is getting ugly and the only thing worse is seeing the players wives eating ice cream.

82:34 Both teams looking tired in the head. Carragher given a yellow for stalling. The clock is not ticking quickly enough.

81:21 Sven with his legs crossed and an utterly bored expression on the bench. It is good to be king.

79:57 Ecuador looking like a defeated team. Someone needs to show them the scoreboard and explain that all they need is one goal. Beckham dry heaving again. He is hurting out there. Too much partying and not enough training. Oh wait, that is me.

78:33 Mendez with a shot from the top of the box but you knew before he hit it that it wasn’t going in. Robinson shown a yellow for wasting time. He was just having fun with the roundest ball.

76:59 England hasn’t shown much offense this tournament but defensively they have been quite good. Joe Cole comes off and Jamie Carragher is on. One less Brazilian on the field for England.

75:12 Public service announcement: We are liveblogging every stinkin’ game in this tournament so come back and join us starting later on for Portugal-Netherlands. I might still be stuck in this seat the way I am sweating.

74:28 Ecuador not showing much this half and not looking like a team that needs a goal to stay alive.

72:57 Lampard has a sitter in front of the goal after Rooney sets him up but Frankie hits it all the way to Munich.

71:45 Tenorio with a nasty ankle turn. Iván Kaviedes is in fact in as Ecuador hopes to get an equalizer in the next 20 minutes.

70:12 Carlos Tenorio also likely to come out as he is injured off the pitch. Perhaps it is time for Ecuador to play Iván Kaviedes, the man with the mask.

69:02 Right now the fact that Ecuador’s players have been abstinent and England’s have not is not proving to be an advantage. Heat or no heat. Jamie Carragher likely to come on for England soon. Lara on for E. Tenorio for Ecuador.

67:18 De la Cruz shown a yellow for trying to reach up and grab the ball. They should allow players to carry the ball in their hands. Just kidding. Crouch was warming up but it appears the goal has put him back on the bench.

65:46 Beckham looked to be dry heaving on the pitch. I can relate with this heat and beer. Ecuador with a shot and Robinson hits it out for a corner.

64:35 England looking very content to let Ecuador move down the field and then kick it out of bounds like they have done all game.

62:34 England increasingly coming to rely on the right foot of Beckham on free kicks. They haven’t done much offensively in this tournament but continue to get the results. Still time from Ecuador to come back but they face a tough challenge.

61:02 Ecuador trying to come back after the Beckham goal. Mora got a finger on it but he bent it right near the post and that is enough to get his wife to show her bouncing chest in the stands.

59:02 GOALLLLLL!!! Beckham on the free kick drills it from outside the box and its bends in by the post.

58:13 England insisting that the long balls to Rooney are the way to go. Reality showing otherwise. Ecuador also having trouble mustering much.

57:15 Rooney crunched in the box by two Ecuador defenders like a bull in a China shop. Rooney gets up and yells something unpleasant. Good no call.

55:23 Corner kick to Ecuador. Mendez takes it and it is long and ugly.

53:49 England dinks around and Ecuador looks to counter but their crosses are horrible. This one is turning out to be less than wonderful. Still time for that to change.

51:34 De la Cruz down for a few rolls on the ground but he is not really hurt. McClaren explaining the strategy of football to Sven on the bench. Either that or they are doing a crossword puzzle together.

50:23 England could use a player like Lennon to come in and bring some pace to the game. Neither coach sweating despite being grossly overdressed for this game.

49:12 Rooney breaks through but his first touch looks like someone who hasn’t played very much. England corner is cleared and we are back to the muddle.

47:47 Mendez with a long shot that is knocked down. Rooney voices his displeasure at the linesman. He certainly has a little temper that Wayne.

46:12 No changes for either side and, yes, it is still me liveblogging although there might be a late game sub if I pass out. This one looks like it will be the first team to score will win. But I am usually wrong about these things.

45:01 We are back underway from Stuttgart where England and Ecuador will play another 45 minutes to determine who will be in the quarter-finals and who will be headed home. Thanks for stopping by and taking part in the fun. Your comments and thoughts are quite welcome. Here’s to a good second half and/or a sudden cold front to move through Berlin.

Halftime: A rugged first half with more fouls than attractive play. Ecuador continues to hold tough against an England team that just hasn’t hit their stride. I’m going to go hose myself down with ice water. I’ll be back at the start of the second half. You can go right ahead and leave your thoughts on the first half.

45+ Ecuador corner kick and Espinoze hits it high with his head. Two minutes of added time.

44:23 Hargreaves takes a crack on his leg from Delgado and he is down by the corner flag in exteme pain. Robinso hits Ferdinand in the back of the head. Hargreaves getting in the way of the corner kick. This is turning into a strange sequence of events.

42:34 Rooney to this point has looked a lot like Michael Owen. That isn’t a compliment. He is trying hard though but just seems off his game.

41:21 De la Cruz having a solid game for Ecuador in the back. It seems like we get 30 seconds of play for every 15 seconds of fouls. Wow, what an ugly face from Rooney. The nightmares I will have tonight after seeing him scream.

39:46 The wave breaks out in the stands and the crowd seems to have more energy than the players. Every time I look up Beckham seems to be over the ball for a free kick. Lots of fouls being called by the Belgian referee.

38:35 Wouldn’t be accurate to describe this game as a thing of beauty but it has had its moments. Neither side looking like they are going to break through anytime soon.

37:02 I feel like I soaked my hands in juice before the match. This one better not go 120 minutes or there might be ling term damage. Carlos Tenorio show a yellow card for kicking Terry as the crowd asks us all to have God save the queen.

35:08 Lampard had his belly hit the pitch and England gets a free kick. Crouch sighting on the sideline. He is laughing, stretching and possibly roboting. Beckham with the free kick from straight on. It goes wide.

33:29 Ecuador coach Suarez looking like a million bucks in a suit on the sideline. How is he not sweating?

32:32 Joe Cole sure does spend time on the ground. The Brazilian of England. Meanwhile John Terry just taught me a new swear word. Corner kick to Ecuador but it amounts to nada.

30:12 Owen Hargeaves giving hope to Canadians and bad football players everywhere. He gives up a free kick to Ecuador on the side of the area. Mendez hits it in and it bounces right back.

29:34 Crowd doing their best to pretend they are in a library. Both teams going through the motions. Not the sharpest game but still even. I think I will continue watching.

27:45 Lampard with a shot on the ground and Mora makes the save. In the process he shows off the flag painted on his face and makes me feel old.

26:47 You would think that based on pedigree England would control this game but Ecuador is hanging in there and taking their chances. Ecuador has some strong, physical players. Kind of defying some stereotypes about teams from South America.

25:36 Players falling over like a forest being clearcut. They might just be wilting in the heat although if they would avoid killing each other they might not be in such pain. The other Tenorio guys off for a bit but he’ll be back.

24:02 I knocked Ecuador’s kits a few months ago but they have grown on me. Valencia shown a yellow card for a reason only known to him and the referee.

22:32 Corner kick to England from the right side. Beckham takes it but it is cleared away as Ecuador continues to hang in there against the favored side from England.

20:36 Beckham lines up a free kick. His hair is still perfectly in place. The blue boots are very blue. Dangerous moment for Ecuador and teenage girls alike. It is swung wide but Ecuador clears it.

19:49 Free kick to Ecuador from long range. It sneaks through the wall and is almost redirected but goes wide.

18:47 Gerrard takes a crack and it is well high. On the other end Terry assualts Tenorio with a high boot. He is shown a yellow for a dangerous play. Carlos Tenorio receiving some magic water. The other Tenorio not so lucky.

17:21 England strategy seems to be to pass it around and then throw it long to Rooney. Not too convinced that is going to take them to the promised land.

15:37 The skin on my fingers are peeling off with each touch of a keystroke. It is hot, sticky and stinky here. I bet you are jealous I am in Germany for the World Cup. Both teams passing it around a bit. Nice start to the game.

14:23 Sven looking like he should work at Ikea instead of be on the England bench. Rooney dispossessed by Espinoza in the box. Excellent bit of defending.

13:24 Free kick by Ecuador goes in on goal but is blown offside. Ecuador with a lot of life the past couple of minutes. The first goal might be crucial in this match.

11:43 Nice play by Ashley Cole to hustle back and deflect the shot. Saved his team a goal.

11:32 Carlos Tenorio takes a Tery mistake and he drills it off of Ashley Cole and it hits the bar. That was very. very close.

9:47 Beckham plays a long ball as England trying to find Rooney alone up top. Ecuador a bit more patient in the attack, rolling it around by not necessarily with much success.

8:35 Paul Robinson boots it from his goal all the way through to the other end. A bit too overeager but he hasn’t seen much action this World Cup so who can blame him for being excited to give it a kick. Still a bit sloppy out there.

6:56 Ecuador with two players named Tenorio which is a liveblogging nightmare. Not that they thought about that when they put together their lineup.

5:56 Carrick plays a through ball to Rooney who can’t run it down. England with the possession so far but no close opportunities.

4:45England looking stronger on the ball in the midfield. Through ball to Rooney is too long and he can’t get his metatarsal on it.

3:12 Neither team suffering from heat stroke quite yet. The sun has gone behind a cloud and all can rejoice. Offside to Ecuador. Choppy start thus far.

1:56 German commentator Fritz von und under Taxis calling this game. He is my personal favorite. Cole knocked down and England with the free kick. Beckham swings it in and it is cleared away.

0:34 Ecuador playing with little to lose. The pressure all on the favorite England. We will see how both teams respond. Early foul against Ecuador.

Kickoff: We’re underway in Stuttgart with England taking on Ecuador in a knockout stage clash. Thanks for joining me today. Your comments are appreciated. Keep them clean, have fun and love one another. I hope that we all are treated to a wonderful World Cup match.

3 minute countdown: Ecuador’s anthem is happy and upbeat in sound. A fair amount of fans wearing yellow and blue. The players sing with their hands over their hearts. What a proud moment for the small South American country.

5 minute countdown: The two teams are out on the sun drenched pitch and there is a roar from the crowd. The kids escorting the players are smiling ear-to-ear, even the one next to that scary Wayne Rooney. England national anthem first. Some sing, some don’t. All in the stands show their windpipes.

7 minute countdown: Lots of England flags in Stuttgart as most of the fans made it to the stadium without getting arrested. The players are lined up in the tunnel and Ecuador is indeed wearing yellow shirts with blue shorts. England in white tops and blue shorts. Neither team paying much attention to the other.

10 minute countdown: Boris Becker is interviewing Gary Lineker in English. Things are getting a bit surreal. The heat is making everyone daffy. Lineker saying that England will be ready and will deal with the heat. He predicts one of England’s midfielders will score. Considering Rooney is playing as a lone forward that is far from a bold prediction. He says England 2-0.

15 minute countdown: It is almost too hot for beer. Almost. Today I will go with a lager. German television showing Sven and playing creepy Twighlight Zone music in the background. I think that is supposed to mean that he is a mysterious Swede who keeps making interesting lineup changes. Almost artsy in a sports pregame show kind of way. Today’s Sven mysterious move is to start Michael Carrick. Will it work? We shall see.

20 minute countdown: England has yet to play dazzling football but they have gotten the job done. England’s defense has been steady in the World Cup with keeper Paul Robinson has only been asked to make five saves in three games for England, while letting in two goals. Ecuador keeper Christian Mora has been slightly busier, making ten saves while allowing three goals. Mora also has had a painted Ecuador flag on his cheek. By the way, Gerrard is starting. Ignore my previous babble.

25 minute countdown: The referee today is from Belgium so if you are a fan of either team please develop your Belgium hates my country conspiracy theory now or forever hold your peace. The stadium in Stuttgart looks sun splashed with a brief shadow on one sideline. If I were a betting man I would say that this game will not be cancelled due to snow. Looks like Ecuador is in their yellow kits and England in their white but I’m not 100% certain. Will try to confirm.

30 minute countdown: Here are the names of the 22 men in shorts who will entertain you at the start of the game. England has switched formations again with the loss of Michael Owen to injury. Ecuador is back to the team that earned them two wins to start the World Cup. My legs are twitching from excitement and/or heat stroke.

England
1. Paul Robinson, 3. Ashley Cole, 4. Steve Gerrard 5. Rio Ferdinand, 6. John Terry, 7. David Beckham, 8. Frank Lampard, 9. Wayne Rooney, 11. Joe Cole, 16. Owen Lee Hargreaves, 18. Michael Carrick

Ecuador
12. Cristian Mora, 3. Iván Hurtado, 4. Ulises De La Cruz, 8. Edison Méndez, 11. Agustín Delgado, 14. Segundo Castillo, 16. Luis Valencia, 17. Geovanny Espinoza, 18. Néicer Reasco, 20. Edwin Tenorio, 21. Carlos Tenorio

40 minute countdown: England and Ecuador are hardly familiar with one another. Both countries field teams that are drawn almost exclusively from their domestic leagues. On paper England has to be considered the strong favorite, but Ecuador has shown that it is a very capable team even playing away from the thin air of Quito. Starting lineups headed your way next.

50 minute countdown: It is a balmy 30+C/90+F day in Stuttgart where England and Ecuador will meet in the second round of the World Cup. The victor advances to face the winner of the Netherlands/Portugal match later today. The loser heads home It is probably about 20 degrees hotter here in the World Cup Blog HQ in Berlin. My fingers are already sticking to the keyboard but I am excited for this game. Starting lineups and other stuff coming up soon.

Pregame: Who do you think will win?

International Football News – World Cup Blog RSS Feed

Deviilz.

Can the English lads win this match…within 90mins.The fav team is the English to win by a single goal.
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

“Oh, yeah. Bloody hell. I’m sweating in here. Roasting. Boiling. Baking. Sweltering. It’s like a sauna. Furnace. You can fry an egg on my stomach.”

/wipes brow/

Ecuador 2-1 England
Drunk

Nope England have to win because i have them in my club sweepstake so they have to make the semi’s im picking 2-1 England
Denni

I want England to win, but the boys have a ready-made excuse.

Talk is that they’ll be taking ice baths during half-time…
monkeymonkey

what colour we playing in today?
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

monkeymonkey – I think it’s white vs. yellow.
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

I’m way ahead of you, Bob. That ref lists his best memory on the FIFA site as Liverpool’s victory over Juve in the 2005 Champions League quarters.

That good enough of a conspiracy theory for me!
Steve

Ecuador to win only to save the english blushes when they go out in the next round.
dennis

SVT here in Sweden showing a highlights package of Ecuador with backing music from, who else? Sash, Ecuador! ;)
Ivan Kuek

It will be an exciting draw by 90mins. England to win by extra time
Sophia Kuek

i support England. the score should be 3-1. England should wear white.
Thomas

England 2 – 1 Ecuador

Wish I could watch it live :(
Felicia Yap

I am preparing beer to celebrate later after england’s win.
paddy

Hard to pick which result would produce the worst from the UK tabloids:)
England losing would be fairly “juicy”, but I think a winning scoreline would be just too insufferable with all that gushing prose.

C’mon Ecuador, put them out of their misery and let’s get on with the football.

Ecuador 2-1
Andreia & Alex

Aaaarrrggghhh….Dial up…Didn’t think we would ever get online today…
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Prediction: England 1-2 Ecuador, regular time.
Andreia & Alex

Being soccer newbies we’re suckers for underdogs so we guess we’ll go for Ecuador (just heard they never made it to the round of 16)
Andreia & Alex

Just wanted to say GREAT BLOGGING BOB…
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

Ecuador not doing enough to try and get midfield control.
http://www.strangerinegypt.com/blog Stranger

I hope Ecuador wins; although I know winning from European country in Europe is not easy!
tom

anyone in us watching the game….the commentary is the worst i have experienced….
Ivan Kuek

The way its playing, England can’t get to score.
Thomas

Welcome to ESPN commentators. They’re awful Tom…

I don’t get the whole ‘going for the underdog’ thing. Maybe it’s just because I’m a big England fan! :P
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

Ahhhhh!!! So close!
Roland

I’m watching it on Univision. My gut tells me Crouch goes home to practice the robot; Ecuador wins 2 – 1.
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

Cole def. saved a goal. Should be 1-0.
Andreia & Alex

C’mon Tenorio!!!!
Adebayor

So Becks is still hoofing long balls to Rooney then, not realy making use of Gerrard and Lampard in midf
dietmar

why does abc/espn utilize that stupid 5 second delay? its a soccer match for cryin’ out loud!!
Bolo

Almost!!!
Andreia & Alex

I guess the underdog thing happens since we don’t really know either team so sometimes you just like to see the little guy move ahead or do well.

Other than that I just want to see some good playing and don’t like to see either team suffer a humiliating loss…
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

I find the heat discussions amusing. It’s supposed to be 90F/32C today, and we don’t have air conditioning.

Why do I get the sense that England is about to bomb out of the tournament?
Andreia & Alex

We’re in the US..>Gave up on that a long time ago. Going strictly with Univision. Can’t understand a word of Spanish (though we’re learning) but it just seems so much better. The ABC commentators are as dry as a hot summer day with 0% humidity and a dust storm
Adebayor

Tenorio’s 1st touch wasn’t good enough, otherwise this is a defiite goal with Robisnon in o man’s land
Roland

Hey dietmar, they must have spotted Janet Jackson at the match…
http://terpbuck.blogspot.com Ben

If only univision was in HD
wayne

why the constant long ball? let carrick hold and keep the ball on the floor, allowing gerrard and lampard to create space and make the plays they do. too many touches for hargreaves and not enough for the three best players on the pitch (gerrard, lampard, beckham).
malik

ANYONE HAVE A LINK TO A STREAM FOR WINOWS MEDIA PLAYER…PLEASE HELP!!!! IM STUCK AT THE OFFICE, THIS MIGHT BE ECUADORS LAST GAME….HELP A BROTHER OUT!!!
Andreia & Alex

Feeling the heat in California already…. Maybe I can pretend I’m in Germany (never been there)
Roland

The English are addicted to the long ball, and always have been. You can’t ask them to change their game now.
http://terpbuck.blogspot.com Ben

Malik try this site. http://livefooty.doctor-serv.com/
pawan

England 2:0 Ecuador.
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

Gotta love Univision. Chilavert already noting that ECU is getting hosed by the ref.
Roland

Good heavens, what was that yellow for?
wayne

but if they are going to contend against somone like brazil, they have to free up gerrard and lampard by keeping the ball on the deck and playing european midfield football. set pieces aren’t good enough.
Bolo

Referee should wear the England jersey… he sux!!!
Roland

Ref needs to balance out the calls, here.
wayne

pawan, how is england going to score? they haven’t done ANYTHING convincing yet.
dietmar

maybe they have the delay because the commentators are so stupid, that this gives ‘em a chance to censor their ignorant asses
sooz

Stuttgart Wx Prediction a la accuweather:

rain soon, increasing humidity, temp. 30, wind speed increasing by the hour

Stay smart, Equador…..stay smart and strong and focused.
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

Seems pretty even so far to me. So whoever makes the first big mistake is in big trubba.
Chance

I predict it will be 2-2 after 90 min. abd England will win 3-2 in extra time, GO ENGLAND!!!
Roland

dietmar, lol, that’s it, lol, that’s it exactly, lol.
Andreia & Alex

Can’t figure out the yellow card system…

Liked the game from yesterday went a long time before any yellows were handed out
tom

the game has been boring so far…a good chance lost by ecaudor but other than that nothing else …
dietmar

hey if anyone whats to watch a interview with klinsmann, sweinsteger, and pele its on zdf.com, real joyful fellows!
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

And my stream just died. :(

Oh well.. I’m back then!! And stuck!!
dietmar

oops — zdf.de
wayne

STILL not enough gerrard and lampard!
malik

SO after i download the pp stream…i should just refesh and start watching??? thanks sooooooo much BEN!!!!
Bolo

So you guys thought England was gonna have it easy, didnt you?
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

Bolo.. I knew it would be hard for England. In fact, I was highly doubting that they make through this match. Ecuador has a really good defence so far!! Its definetely not easy for England. If England does score, it would be because Ecuador makes a mistake.
dietmar

have these teams a history? cant be that they have played all that many matches!
Roland

This is ridiculous carding. It’s so one sided.
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

lol, Univision calling Beckham “Spiceman”.
tom

Bolo….right now its looking the othe way around…..
sooz

BS YC compared to what has been allowed
Bolo

Dietmar, history is made of only one game in 1970… a friendly in Quito: Ecuador 0 – England 2
Andres

Malikk, in case that doesn’t work download TVUPlayer from download.com and the click on the Univision channel. Theoretically you could click ESPN or ESPN2 or ABC but why in God’s name would you? Univision is much better (not in video quality, though).

Suerte para ti y para tu equipo.
dietmar

one game, wow, and a friendly-so this is for all the marbles, then!
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

Move, dude.
Roland

In this weather, the longer it takes England to score, the more it favors Ecuador.
Thomas

This is pitiful. England’s not going hard for any 50/50 balls, their defense is lazy, and they’re not making runs into the open spaces. Everyone’s standing around like it’s warm-up. I’m disgusted.
hoa

Ecuador played very well.
malik

thank you sooo much BEN it works!!!!..its in chinese, lol, but i have a picture, thanks!
hoa

England got booed by their own fans right now!!
dietmar

typical english conservatism!
malik

LETS GOOOO ECUADOR!!!!!!!!!! VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Roland

Ecuador is actually starting to control the tempo. It will be an interesting 2nd half.
http://proxy.espn.go.com/et/corr/corrview?id=209&leagueCup=fifa.world&cc=3888 Bolo

It’s not because im ecuadorian, but the yellow team is playing better than England without any doubt. I’m watching on TV that people are on the streets celebrating already.
Lala

You can listen to REAL live audio commentary. Use this with your picture. I watch ESPN with the volume OFF.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006260665,00.html
http://AOL Marc

Come on England, It’s my birthday. Score a goal or two for me. Nice present if thet do.
malik

WHAT STRIKERS HAVE STARTED FOR ENGLAND…CAPS!!!
http://proxy.espn.go.com/et/corr/corrview?id=209&leagueCup=fifa.world&cc=3888 Bolo

Ecuador finished the first half playing better and more ambitious than England. I’m watching on TV that people are celebrating in Quito and Guayaquil already. There won’t be enough beer if Ecuador wins.
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

I thought it would be 2-1 Ecuador, but it looks more like the first to score will win.
DanielRF

Vamos Ecuador! Defy the possibilities
paddy

LOL It’s easy to see why England didn’t want to meet Germany in the group of 16!!!
Ecuador look like they might just stay awake long enough to score.

Such a disappointing game after yesterday’s crackers.
http://thebiglead.com/?p=567 The Big Lead » blog » Update: England 0, Ecuador 0 (Halftime)

[...] Ashley Cole made his hot girlfriend proud with a brilliant defensive play (seen above) to deflect a point-blank, wide-open shot by Carlos Tenorio off the crossbar and out of play. [...]
http://www.fussballwmblog.de/ Norbert

good Ecuador, Respect!
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

This is the first time I’ve had to watch the stream (thanks to the daughter demanding Dora). The Chinese commercials are hilarious.
Andreia & Alex

Happy Birthday MARC!
http://google.com rosie

i reacon england will win 1:0
malik

these chinese commercials are hilarious!
futbol

Ecuador might want to press hard on #6 John Terry (ENG) who is taking care of Torrino (ECU).
sooz

THIS is england’s representation of their skills and expertise resulting from thousands of hours of matches and practises???

they look like they could use an hour’s rest. I hope Equador mops the pitch with the entire english squad and their pathetic “performance”. they should have their wages slashed.
malik

damn, the chinese have bettter commercials than herein the states
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

“THIS is england’s representation of their skills and expertise resulting from thousands of hours of matches and practises???”

Change England for America and that’s EXACTLY what I said Thursday afternoon.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Wayne, Wayne, Wayne. Shut the hell up.

All that work to come back from the broken foot just so you can risk a card for mouthing off?
http://proxy.espn.go.com/et/corr/corrview?id=209&leagueCup=fifa.world&cc=3888 Bolo

Does Ericsson think Rooney alone is enough to defeat Ecuador’s defense? NOT!!!
Roland

What is Tenorio doing?
hoa

Long balls not helping England so far.

Its defense plays great, but midfield and attack are awful.

Ecuador has put up a strong performance so far.
Bobbio

His nails I think.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Pick that out.

Beckham’s still got it.
Roland

Rooney needs to watch that borderer temper of his, it’s going to cost his team.
hoa

oh my god! what a shot!!!!
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

Ugh. Nice shot into the corner by DB.
tuanny

Hi everyone! That’s the best free-kick goal of this tournament! Good work for Beckham.
Roland

That’s where the English can hurt you, with those long and mid distance shots. Beckham finally shows up.
http://AOL Marc

Goal England
paddy

Drat!!! Good goal to Beckham.
Wonder if this will wake up the two teams.
kapcro

Beckham now the hero. Phenomenal kick.
Bobbio

David Beckham doing what he does best!
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

Gotta keep those floodgates, shut Ecuador. Still tons of time to get one back.
tom

english team noe energized……good..
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

switched on the tv just in time for the fantastic Beckham free kick
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

That was such a lucky score for England!!

VERY unlucky for Ecuador!!

1 – 0 !!

Will there be more goals?!
Lala

GOOAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!
Andreia & Alex

Where are you all streaming from to see the Chinese Commercials?
Roland

Poor play from the Ecuadorian gk – he wasn’t positioned properly and was too hesitant to go after that ball, which didn’t have much on it.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Did one of the Univision guys just call Beckham “Spice Man?”
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

ECU looking deflated right now.

Need to keep up their confidence.
Bobbio

Bob’s got a point. Beckham’s been directly involved in all of England’s tournament goals to date.
Janice

Yea!!!! Good shot…..more to come
Lion

How are England lucky? I know they are popular to hate, but they have dominated Ecuador for the most part, its been the final passes that have let them down. They deserve the goal.
Andreia & Alex

You know it took me a while to realize who they were talking about when they kept saying Spiceman.. I kept looking for that on the back of someone’s jersey

DUUUUHHHH
Chris

Beckham’s first goal from a freekick for England since 2003.

A pretty crap return considering he takes everyone.
Roland

They have so not dominated Ecuador. What game are you watching mate?
Tony

The scariest thing is that Hargreaves is the best player Canada has ever produced (that traitor). If he was on Canada, we would be playing England in the final 16…..yeah right!!!

Oh, and another foul on Hargreaves!
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

Larita!
Tom

Yeah, they haven’t “dominated” but this game is over for Ecuador. Ecuador’s passes have, for the most part, been errant and England will probably net another after the 80th minute winning 2-0.
Lion

The ball has been in Ecuador’s half for most of the match! Especially this half, its been all England except for a couple of counterattacks.
dude66

lucky f- english!!! This team is too poor to win the WC for sure!!
Beckam and the rest is shite!!
N

Ecudaor aren’t out of the game yet.
dude66

loosers loosers!!
http://proxy.espn.go.com/et/corr/corrview?id=209&leagueCup=fifa.world&cc=3888 Bolo

Game’s not over yet… anything can happen…
tom

is it just me…but i think the referring in most games have been poor so far…some calls are really controversial
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

Lampard is cracking me up! He’s taken over twenty shots this tournament, and never really gets close.
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

Lion.. You could barely find any support for your claim of England dominating. They very obviously just got lucky. To begin with, they required a free-kick to have an opportunity. The ball luckily slipped into the goal, even after the GK’s attempt. It was inches off the post. It was very obviously a “lucky” score. Not a show of their talent.

And by the way, this is coming from someone supporting England. I was actually cheering England, but full of doubt if England would be able to make it. They got lucky even in their very first match with an own goal. I doubt their luck will pull them through till the end. They will run out sooner or later, unless they make use of talent rather than luck!
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com Trish

Nice save.
kapcro

Without Beckham’s play where would England be this WC? Ecuador settling down a bit but some spotty play.
al

england, england where art thou?

I would like to see england world champions again but not this england, they are mediocre…..btw, what’s the deal with the referee? do they get paid extra for helping the supposedly “favourite” team…..england, england where art thou?
Lion

Are you watching the match!? Every time Ecuador have pressed forward lately, England have excellently intercepted the ball and taken it forward.
N

Does anyone know of a way to watch these games online?
Roland

Since the score, England has played much better.
Tom

Roland, that’s true and ecuador has not adapted at all. They are still playing lifelessly and they are done.
wayne

and, instead of sitting back defending the lead, they are still pushing the ball forward, which is what they should have done against sweden.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com Trish

How hot is it? and what is the actual percentage of possession?
N

hey dude66, what do you think of the chances of germany against argentina?
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

Trish: about 5 minutes ago, Univision channel said 50/50.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com Trish

Bob is blogging both games? Too cool.
john

How did I know that if England scored a goal it would be from a free kick or a penalty. The referee is clearly cheatin in Englands behalve.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com Trish

thx Trent. What’s with the shot of all the sweaty bald guys with shirts off? COme on, Univision…
dude66

well if they go through Argentina will eat them up
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

Ball possession has pretty much been 50/50 both teams.

England’s defence is pretty good. So is Ecuador’s. Very strong indeed!! If you ask me, both sides are lacking in offence. Neither of them have made very impressive shots.

And as for the shots, both teams have equal statistically. I dont see England “dominating” at all!

I see both teams trying to push their luck and playing defence trying to pull through. However, no impressive offense from either.
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

When I said first goal wins, I didn’t mean the rules had changed. Come on, Ecuador.
http://proxy.espn.go.com/et/corr/corrview?id=209&leagueCup=fifa.world&cc=3888 Bolo

England wasting time? That’s very mediocre…
sooz

core body temp of equador: normal
core body temp of england: spiking and soon rising to 106

sorry, but all of those brit trips to the carib do not constitute conditioning
http://www.conquestgames.net russ

Is it just me or is Gerrard sucking it hard?

And that Beckham corner was a work of art. Hang that thing on a freaking wall.
paddy

Well we’ve seen games where neither side deserved to lose……..But this is one that neither deserve to win.
Ecuador seem overwhelmed by the occasion and England look even more pedestrian than usual.

Hard to see either side going any further.

Come on Ecuador, snatch a late goal and surprise us all!!!
Roland

The English idea of offense is to dump the ball to Rooney and have him chase it. If they play against a good passing team like Germany or Argentina they’re going to get killed.
Andreia & Alex

I know I’m not the one out there in the heat playing but it just seems that Ecuador has already given up
Trav

Sun Commentator’s head about to explode because England won’t replace Beckham and\or Rooney.
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

Lots of nutmegs today, at least.
hoa

Ecuador players seem running out of steam now.
dude66

@nepal,Actually I am french!! So watch this space as France move slowly to the last four!!
Cheeers!! I hate england!!
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

After all the talk about how awful Beckham has been and whether he should be replaced, he comes up with this performance.

Boring, boring England. But it will get them through if they can hang on.
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

Lol Trav.. right you are!!

The guy was going on and on and on about “Why wont they use the subs?!” “Why isnt there more substitutions?!” “Have we become naive?!” (I dunno what thats supposed to mean) “Why are they not sending more subs out there?!”… and on and on and on..

Lol.. I was laughing at that!
Roland

A lead does wonders for your stamina.
Roland

dude66, I wouldn’t book a ticket to Berlin just yet. France will not escape Spain.
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

Terrible reaction to the goal by ECU. Games seemed over to all concerned at that point.
Lala

It’s over. England moves to the next round
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Rooney’s going to go the distance. Huh.
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

Poor Beckham. Why isnt he given a break? :(
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

wasnt*
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com Trish

Hmm. This game did NOT have the level of play we saw yesterday…how come Mexico plays a more exciting game and they are going home and Eng is moving on…Just the way it works, I guess…
Lala

Yes Trish that is Football for you
paddy

Thank God that’s over!!!
Dreadful, boring sort of match that gives football a bad name.

England into the 1/4 finals and, no doubt, out after that.
Roland

I’ve watched all of England’s matches so far. If long balls to Rooney and corners to Crouch is all the offense they can muster…well, let’s just say they did very well reaching this far. How many more times can Beckham carry them?
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Heh. Rooney was telling De La Cruz to calm down.

In the words of Strongbad, “IT’S OVER!”
http://proxy.espn.go.com/et/corr/corrview?id=209&leagueCup=fifa.world&cc=3888 Bolo

Anyways… there wont be enough beer… Ecuador stood with dignity and we’re proud of La Tricolor… cheers to all
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

And England is through.

Their match with Netherlands should be interesting!

Luck wont work there. hehe..

Go HOLLAND!!
Roland

Holland? We shall see…
Tom

I love Strongbad.

That was a horrible match. I hate when a team completely gives up. You see it so often in futbol…one team will go up and the other will play like the match is already over. Any team that doesn’t realize that this is an elimination match and plays like Ecuador does deserves to go home with their heads hung low.
sooz

Big F***G Deal england. One f****g goal and a perfume advocate cum soccer player puking his guts out on the sidelines. looks good on you. enjoy the new car rooney, once you get your license.
futbol

Ecu played with no will! Just one goal and they gave up…Come on

They have to learn from the Germany.
marco

shame on you english!
Do you really think you’re fair?
The embarrassing referee allowed you to win.
You’ve lost time in the most mean ways.
Terry should have been kicked out in the first half for unfair play.
He tried several time to cross the Ecuador forwards falling down and asking the yellow card. Once he succeded with Tenorio. Shame on you!
Do you really think the winning free kick was right?
Shame on you usual censors.
You deserved to lose!
jamie

Ecuador we are proud of you anyways you can only get better from here on. Good luck to all the teams that are left. May someone celebrate big time. The way is looking I think Germany will win from the help of there referees.
dean

The referee clearly cheated on this one Ecuador had no chance they had all kinds of fouls call on them. And I clearly saw some ball posetions that should have gone to Ecuador. I don’t like referees when they call unfair shots. Oh well thats sports for you.
leti

I think the Ecuador players knew things were not looking good for them with the referee cheating and all.
billybob

man….no wonder americans hate soccer. this was the most boring of the game i have ever seen in my life. i will stick with real american football
Dave Hamilton

Right in line with my predictions, although I called it 2-0 and was thinking today as I watched Freddy Flatscreen that it was 1-0 I called. No matter, I am on my way to an unprecedented SWEEP — I hope!
Ecuadoreans weren’t put back on their heels against germany and played harder certainly, but seemed more concerned throughout with expending energy on defense. Unfortunately, Beckham scored the winner, but I have never questioned his free or corner kicks, only his leadership. He was sitting on the right wing watching the action far too often today, too. England is like Germany; both need a real test.

Dave hamildav@yahoo.com
Ulli G

Lucky the Brits did’nt meet Germany in the round of the the last sixteen
michel platini

dear sven…

next match, please play a 4 – 4 – 2 diamond formation.

i can’t believe i’m about to say this… but i would like to see crouch with rooney.
LOKi01

Ecuador deserves to be kicked out of the world cup, not for losing but for playing like a bunch of sissies.

This is the first time i’ve watch this team play and it’s a disgrace that you roll around the ground like girls and wimps when you are touched.

Go back to your mountain and come back when you play in the spirit of the game.

Ecuador will never be a force to be a reckon with, only a force in your own minds.

roll, roll, roll.. oh my leg.

pansies!!

And that goes for any other nation who does the same thing.

Get up and play like men
sooz

loki: what he hell game were you watching? england players were flopping like babies as if the turf was a place of rest! but my god, I have such respect for your team in that (and for many other reasons) they show the world to SIT UP and rest for a sec when you’ve had a knock and then KEEP PLAYING. it’s the rugby in me I think, and also that is the way to handle life.
alan

when you get your tongue out of loki arse sooz skip the goody goody lessons on life and stick to football.
dude66

We all hate the english they can not play football and they deserve to go home as soon as possible. go on france.
Denni

Dude66, give it a rest. I’m tired of xenophobes!
dude66

Denni,and i am sick of english sh**!! Who thinks there is nothing else better than them. You loosers!!!
dude66

Ok sorry for beeing rude! Football makes me over react!1 I am the same about France when they play bad!!
Sorry.May the best team with the best football win!
Good luck to all!
Bobbio

It’s simple enough. You drink every time he pouts.
Lion

Americans should not comment on football judging by some of their late comments in this thread.
Rolf Habich

After this performance I am very sad. Why? Because England had to play Ecuador and not Germany. Boy, would we have crushed them, more than we have ever done.

Superior in any respect:

- condition
- ingenuity
- mental KRAFT
- midfield combination wizardry
- scoring power
- wit

yaaaawn … you name it.

Comrades, for you ze Kup iss over in ze nekst game, no matter who you play.

IOW: football is soon coming home.
Lion

You have to beat Argentina first. We get an easier draw in Holland or Portugal. :D
Steve

Some of you guys shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss England’s chances. Granted we have not played anywhere near our best so far, but it is an acknowledged fact that England’s performance is largely determined by the opposition.
Portugal will have a tough time in the Quarter Finals as they will be without Costinho and their best player in Deco. Added to this, C. Ronaldo may not play through injury and Figo might be suspended when Fifa review his headbut on Van Bommel.
To be honest, I can take a Semi-Final loss to Brazil as they would start as favourites against probably every other side.
http://www.worldcupblog.com P@TR!@

i still havent bin able to watch Brasil play i have faith Brasil can win!GOAL!
http://www.worldcupblog.com P@TR!@

DAVID BECKHAM LOOCKED HOT!NO LITERALLY HE LOOKED HOT,POOR BECKHAM IT BREACKS MY HEART TO WATCH BECKHAM SICK POOR BABY!
http://www.worldcupblog.com P@TR!@

BRAZIL I AM SO DISAPOINTED WITH YOU BRAZIL I NO LONGER HAVE FAITH IN YOU I KNOW BELONG TO FRANCE!VIVA LA FRANCE!
http://www.worldcupblog.com P@TR!@

THE MEN FROM PORTUGAL LOOKED HANSOM BUT FRANCE KICKED ASS.SORRY PORTUGAL I GUESS I WONT BE SEEING ANYMORE OF YOU GUYS WHAT A SHAME YOU GUYS ARE HOT!BUT IN THE FINALS ITALY VS FRANCE ILL BE ABLE TO WACTH HANDSOM MEN PLAYNG CAUSE TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH THE MEN FROM THE ITALY GROUP ARE BEUTIFULL!SO GOOD LUCK TO THE BEST!