The World Cup: the catalyst driving a plethora of irreconcilable emotions in the diehard football fan. For those who follow ‘the beautiful game’, having your team play in the World Cup is a wonderful experience, as the hopes and dreams of the nation rest on 11 men. This year’s World Cup in South Africa has been no different. And after England’s opening game against the USA, the turmoil of seeing goalkeeper Robert Green squander England’s 1-0 lead over the Americans, has reminded us of the roller coaster of emotions we will most certainly have to endure whilst trying to reach the final. However, despite the West Ham and England goalkeeper’s mistake, a sizable 42% of Brits that have an interest in football and the World Cup (58% of the public) believe that Robert Green should start the next game compared with 40% who think he should be dropped.
Support for Robert Green is not uncommon among British adults. Whilst the majority of Brits laid blame at Green’s feet (or should that be hands) there are still some who look to defend him. Two per cent of the public are inclined to believe the new World Cup football, which has received plenty of negative press due to its tendency to bend more unpredictably than its predecessors, contributed more than anything to Green’s blunder. 22% of respondents are unwilling to single out Green entirely, suggesting it was a combination of both the new ball and the goalkeeper. For 11%, however, neither Green nor the ball was to blame, suggesting there is still some faith in the unfortunate goalkeeper.
One should remember that all is not lost, as it was just one game – the first of many. And while many may see Green as being accountable for the USA’s goal, they should also remember that he was picked by manger Fabio Capello, a general of sorts, known for his no nonsense approach to team selection, picking only in form players to start. Also, in a survey prior to the World Cup, some Brits even chose Green as someone they would have in their dream team, perhaps highlighting that many have forgotten how good a keeper Green actually is, and will hopefully continue to be throughout the tournament.
