Jermain's dream comes true

[Geez]

Source: Official Site

Jermain Defoe admitted he'd always dreamed of scoring in the World Cup after delivering for England on Wednesday.

Our top-scorer last season bagged the winner in the first half as the Three Lions won their crucial final match in Group C against Slovenia in Port Elizabeth.

Jermain also brought the best out of Slovenia keeper Handanovic, flicked another chance just wide and had a goal disallowed in the 1-0 victory.

The three points secured England's place in the knockout stages but the USA's late win against Algeria means Fabio Capello's men will face old rivals Germany in the last 16 on Sunday.

'JD' replaced Emile Heskey for his first start of the tournament and repaid Capello's faith by turning home James Milner's cross in the 23rd minute.

"I'm lost for words, what a moment," he beamed afterwards. "As a kid, that's something you always dream about.

"I had another chance but we won the game and that's all that mattered.

"It was a must-win game, a cup final and the lads were fired up.
"We said in the changing room to set the tempo, put them under pressure and we started to pass it after the goal went in. It was brilliant."

The mood at the final whistle was a stark contrast to the draws against USA and Algeria, but JD insisted: "The belief has always been there.

"At this level it's always going to be difficult. Just look at the other games, a lot of the top teams have struggled.

"It's important to keep the spirit, which we have done and that showed."

JD's goal looked set to take England through as group winners but Landon Donovan struck in injury time for the US against Algeria and the States took top spot.

Germany then beat Ghana on Wednesday night to top Group D and therefore set-up a monumental last 16 clash on Sunday.

[guate]

Well done J.D. you certainly saved England's skin. There is no way in hell Heskey would have scored that goal nor even been in the right place to do so.
Keep up the good work.

QUE VIVA INGLATERRA

[spud]

Today's goal was clear evidence to support the contention that if only Defoe would make more near post runs, instead of hanging around by the penalty spot, then he would score a shed-load more than he already does.

[mavdunners]

Like he did against Wigan at home last season, with Lennon putting the ball into the near post. It seemed to work alright!

[tttcowan]

Did anyone see 'Arry on the bbc after the game? I thought it was very interesting how he talked about Defoe... While the rest of the pundits wanted to big him up as much as possible Harry didnt seem quite so enthused. He didn't put a lid on it and didn't big him up to much either. In my eyes this smacks of how Harry knows that Jermaine can do more and play better than he did yesterday. He's always scored before but he brought something extra to his game last season which he seemed to loose again towards the tail end of it... I think Harry has said as much in the media at some point. Im sure JD will get it back but I do love how much Harry expects from him!

As for the rest of the game,
Heskeys still shit, Gerrards still wasted on the left, Rooney still can't score, Lampards still playing shit, Milners still to slow, Upsons still a complete liability and Johnson is fucking awful at defending... Just awful.

[ricardo_archibald]

Very pleased for Defoe, scoring a crucial goal at a crucial moment in a World Cup. This was a defining moment in his career and hopefully, for England, there is even more to come during this tournament.

[WhiteHeartLowe]

As for the rest of the game,
Heskeys still shit, Gerrards still wasted on the left, Rooney still can't score, Lampards still playing shit, Milners still to slow, Upsons still a complete liability and Johnson is fucking awful at defending... Just awful.[/quote]

He was bloody awful wasnt he? Dawson must be so frustrated. :bang:

[Jules77]

As for the rest of the game,
Heskeys still shit, Gerrards still wasted on the left, Rooney still can't score, Lampards still playing shit, Milners still to slow, Upsons still a complete liability and Johnson is fucking awful at defending... Just awful.
He was bloody awful wasnt he? Dawson must be so frustrated. :bang:[/quote]

He didn't seem that bad to me. If we are going to big up Defoe we should also applaud Upson's last ditch tackle at the death. Even if you think he Upson did little else, Defoe pretty much scored one goal off his shin and did little else. They both seemed to me to contribute just as much to us winning that game.

What was more worrying was that England's 'saviour' Barry was quite profligate in front of Terry and Upson and put them under a little more pressure than necessary.

[boris]

Defoe pretty much scored one goal off his shin and did little else
In the game I watched Defoe could easily have scored three; another similar to the one he did score and a powerful shot from beyond the penalty spot following a great pass from someone. I'm sure he ran around a lot too.

[Jules77]

In the game I watched Defoe could easily have scored three; another similar to the one he did score and a powerful shot from beyond the penalty spot following a great pass from someone. I'm sure he ran around a lot too.

i watched the same game. he should have done better with the chances after half time. ran about a lot??? great.. you set a high bar. I love the guy and support him fully as a spurs fan and england fan. I don't think he played badly, but I wont allow myself to be blinkered. If Upson's performance was 'awful' then i just don't see how Defoe's was much different. Upson didn't run about? I don't think Defoe or Upson were anywhere near awful in that game.