Group-D - WC 2014

[xudong]

Well, I must say both were equally bad in 2002, and England won just by a dubious penalty. That was hurt for Argentina, but they didn't make it pass group stage, so they can only blame themselves.

IMO, 1998 hurt the England deeper, because that was the only time their so-called Golden Generation shined. Owen can not repeat the form that helped him receive Best Young Player Award. Beckham became the leader who led his team to nowhere. Scholes was underestimated with the rise of equally bad duo G & L. Shearer just got worse with age. And GK position has been being mistake-prone.

Anyway, though Argentina and England are great rival, I think they can sometimes drink together in consolation. Because since 1990, both haven't reached semifinal once.

EDIT: I've heard a not very interesting info. Since WC1954, the forwards from Milan only scored 3 goals for Azzurri: Gilardino & Pippo in 2006 and Massaro in 1994

That should change this year. I can see Balotelli scoring two penalties.

To be fair, Milan was never known for great Italian strikers. Italy NT never scored too many goals anyway either. 1994 was our best year, and in one match (against Mexico?) we had 7 (or 6?) Milan players start the game, but they were mostly defenders and midfielders other than Massaro who did score. :d