Table of Contents
- England's World Cup in an Indoor Stadium
- Previous Experiences Under a Roof
- The Gelsenkirchen Omen
- Happier Memories in Indoor Matches
- Upcoming World Cup Fixtures
ENGLAND will begin their World Cup journey in an INDOOR stadium.
However, the team will be hoping for more favorable outcomes at the AT&T Stadium than in their last World Cup Finals match played indoors.
England faces a troubling omen from the 2006 World Cup
England was eliminated by Portugal in Gelsenkirchen back in 2006
In 2006, the team faced Portugal – managed by the smiling Swede’s nemesis, Brazil’s Luis Felipe Scolari.
“Big Phil” had been the architect of England’s tournament downfall in 2002, when his Brazil team defeated Eriksson’s squad in the sweltering heat of Shizuoka, a match decided by Ronaldinho’s remarkable free-kick over David Seaman’s head.
Two years later, in Lisbon, Scolari’s team won a Euro 2004 quarter-final on penalties.
It would be a similar story once again in Gelsenkirchen, with a semi-final spot on the line.
The match saw England persevere through extra time despite a red card for a player after just 62 minutes, sent off for stamping on Chelsea’s Ricardo Carvalho.
Owen Hargreaves delivered his best performance in an England jersey as Eriksson’s team neutralized the threat from Portugal.
However, hopes that the “England curse of the penalty” might finally be broken – extending Eriksson’s reign by two more matches – did not come to fruition.
While Hargreaves successfully converted his penalty, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and Jamie Carragher – who took his shot too soon – all missed, leading Portugal to a 3-1 victory in the shootout.
In the aftermath, Eriksson's final appearance saw him plead with the world not to “blame” Rooney for his mistake.
Fortunately, England has happier memories from their other World Cup match played indoors.
It was David Beckham’s opportunity to erase the memory of his red card against Argentina in St. Etienne four years prior.
This time, the encounter with Argentina was a group match – not a knockout – held in the cycling-helmet-shaped Sapporo Dome in northern Japan.
When Michael Owen went down near Mauricio Pochettino – whatever happened to him? – and Pierluigi Collina awarded a penalty, Beckham was given the chance to level the score.
He seized the opportunity, driving the ball low and hard, celebrating his joy and relief for the television cameras.
England – who had started with a disappointing draw against Sweden – secured the victory, sending Argentina – under Marcelo Bielsa’s management – back to Buenos Aires before the Last 16 began.
Gelsenkirchen is a stadium with a roof
Just like the AT&T Stadium in the US, where England will play their first World Cup match
England will face Croatia at the enclosed stadium
What is the significance of the AT&T Stadium for England's World Cup?
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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