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發表於 2006-6-15 22:34:13
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Leo Beenhakker insists England are little more than a dead-ball team.
And although Trinidad and Tobago's Dutch coach does not underestimate the challenge his team face in Thursday's Group B encounter in Nuremberg, he knows their confidence is surging.
The Soca Warriors, as they are otherwise known, are on a high after their goalless draw against Sweden.
'On paper England have more talent than us,' said Beenhakker.
'But in the last two matches England played they scored six times against Jamaica and once against Paraguay and five of those goals were from dead balls.
'It's part of the game but it means they are struggling at beating opponents at playing football and creating chances.'
England beat Paraguay in their opening match last Saturday, only courtesy of an own goal, deflected in via a David Beckham free-kick.
And Beenhakker is certain his side, made up largely of lower English league players such as Wrexham's Dennis Lawrence, Gillingham's Brent Sancho and Port Vale's Chris Birchall, will cause England problems.
He said: 'Every week they see the England players on television and they are big heroes. Now they have to play them. It is a dream for the likes of Birchall. It's a big challenge.
'Physically and mentally they are well prepared.
'In football nothing is impossible. That's exactly what football is about and why we have the right to play with confidence. We will play with a smile on our face I can assure you.'
Beenhakker insisted there would be shocks at this World Cup among the top teams, although he did admit that England could only improve.
He said: 'All the teams have certain problems and we will see shock results. We haven't seen a brilliant match from any of the top teams.
'I never understood the reaction after the draw that Trinidad and Tobago did not exist. It was a mistake. It's football. Other smaller teams have shown it. It is not easy for bigger sides to beat these guys. Everyone has learned to prepare teams mentally and physically.
'Many big teams are struggling with smaller teams. England did what they had to do against Paraguay. But I think England are one of the teams who will grow in the tournament.
'They have the talent. They have fantastic players.'
Beenhakker also admitted he hoped Wayne Rooney would play some part in Thursday's encounter.
He said: 'I hope so for Wayne. You have to see the great players at the World Cup. I hope he's ready for part of the game.
'Perhaps for 20 minutes Wayne will come on the pitch. As a fan of football I'm looking forward to seeing him.'
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發表於 2006-6-15 20:08:50
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