Green’s goaltending gaffe could cost him his starting job

Teammates back him, but coach might not

By: Rob Harris Posted: 1:00 AM CDT Monday, Jun. 14, 2010

RUSTENBURG, South Africa -- As England players rallied around Robert Green, Fabio Capello was contemplating whether to drop the goalkeeper who cost them a win against the United States in their World Cup opener.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/06/2010 (5956 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

RUSTENBURG, South Africa — As England players rallied around Robert Green, Fabio Capello was contemplating whether to drop the goalkeeper who cost them a win against the United States in their World Cup opener.

Green fumbled Clint Dempsey’s low 25-yard shot into the goal, leaving England with one point heading into Friday’s second Group C match against Algeria.

“We have time to decide and to speak with (Green) and I will decide,” Capello said.

MICHAEL SOHN / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
England’s Robert Green blows the save on a shot by United States’ Clint Dempsey. — MICHAEL SOHN / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS England’s Robert Green blows the save on a shot by United States’ Clint Dempsey.

England’s first rest day since arriving in South Africa turned out to be a day for agonizing on the golf course, but Green said the blunder wouldn’t affect him psychologically.

“I’m 30, I’m a man, and you have hardships in life and prepare for them,” Green said Saturday night. “I’m strong enough to move on. At a younger point in my life it would have affected me more.”

David James, the veteran goalkeeper who has been struggling with knee problems since arriving in South Africa, supported Green.

“Mistakes happen in goalkeeping, and Rob Green made a great save (from Jozy Altidore) in the second half to keep us at 1-1,” the 39-year-old James said. “A mistake like that should stay with you for just two minutes.”

Midfielder Frank Lampard also stood up for Green, saying “no one will be pointing the finger” at Green.

“It is unfortunate for keepers,” Lampard said. “They are the last line and, when they make a bit of a (mistake), it gets picked out.”

Green will now have to wait for Capello to make his decision on a starter for Friday’s match against Algeria.

The 63-year-old Capello also has a host of other decisions to mull over at the same time — starting with the central defensive partnership standing in front of goal.

Ledley King, who was brought to the World Cup despite chronic knee problems, had to be replaced at halftime due to fresh groin problems and is a doubt for Friday’s match.

Jamie Carragher, who was persuaded to come out of international retirement for the tournament, came on but looked immobile.

Capello could now give Michael Dawson a first full England start on Friday, with the hope that he reproduces the form that helped Tottenham qualify for the Champions League. Or he could select Matthew Upson, who has started nine times under the Italian.

While Ashley Cole’s fullback berth don’t seem under threat, Capello will be concerned at Cole’s lack of adventure going forward.

— The Associated Press