Expert Blogs

Let's not mince words here. It was a schoolboy howler - I know it, England knows it and Robert Green knows it.
 
Sparing my own blushes, I'd like to think even I could have smothered Clint Dempsey's speculative effort which squirmed from Green's grasp earning the US a point they ultimately deserved. England were well below their best and the Americans battled gamely to grab a share of the spoils.
 
Manager Fabio Capello was faced with an unenviable decision. He elected to give the gloves to Green ahead of the ageing and error prone David James and the talented but inexperienced Joe Hart. The West Ham 'keeper knows he let himself down, but he must not dwell on the mistake.
 
Capello must now think again. Inevitably there will be huge pressure on him to replace Green for Friday's game against Algeria. I, for one, hope he stands by his goalkeeper. To axe him now would destroy his confidence for the remainder of the World Cup.
 
The chances of Green repeating the blunder are miniscule. Capello had confidence in him from the outset and one, costly, but out of character, slip should not alter the manager's opinion. The next few days will demonstrate the real strength of spirit inside the England dressing room.
 
Green will have to live with what happened until the day he retires. The media can be merciless and the incident will be replayed for years to come. Few will remember the agility he showed in the second half to save his nation as a rampaging Jozy Altidore bore down on goal.
 
In my opinion, Capello has bigger issues to deal with than whether to change his goalkeeper. In front of Green there were worryingly poor performances by Terry and Carragher, in particular, who looked as if he should have never agreed to come out of international retirement.
 
All credit to the Americans for sticking to the game plan despite conceding a soft opening goal. Bob Bradley's team grew in confidence and in addition to the excellent Tim Howard, giant defender Oguchi Onyewu dispelled any lingering doubts about his fitness with a towering display.

No harm done to hopes of advancing
 
Ultimately a point a-piece doesn't harm either nation's chances of progress. Both will expect to beat both the Algerians and Slovenia in the days to come and I expect the Group C winners will be decided on goal difference.
 
The opening games in Group B both produced conclusive results. South Korea were quicker and more decisive than their Greek opponents whose defensive lapses allowed the Koreans to coast to victory. On this evidence Greece will struggle to win a game - just like their 1994 predecessors.
 
Argentina never got out of second gear in beating Nigeria. Their single goal success in no way reflects the dominance enjoyed by Diego Maradona's team who could have scored twice before Gabriel Heinze's decisive 6th minute header.  
 
Chance after chance came and went for the South Americans who appeared to be pacing themselves against a Nigerian team which rarely threatened. Lionel Messi was allowed to roam free and his link play with Tevez, Higuain and Di Maria should have produced an avalanche of goals.
 
A word of caution, however, as we admired Argentina's attacking instincts. Nigeria was largely outplayed but, on the odd occasion, the Africans posed some uncomfortable questions at the other end. Poor finishing masked the Achilles heel, but Argentina will be hurt by a better team down the road.
 
On a day when Messi and Rooney graced the World Cup - it was a collection of goalkeepers who made the headlines. Tim Howard (USA) and Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria) were inspired for their countries. Robert Green must wait to discover if he has any further part to play.