The weight of a nation continues to sit squarely upon the shoulders of England’s players after failing to score all three points against the USA.
There were five goals overnight but the story surrounded two Englishmen – a lifting skipper and a fumbling goalkeeper.
The pressure has been on England in the lead-up to the World Cup, with many ageing players believed to be at their last tournament.
An injury to key defender Rio Ferdinand meant the captaincy found its way into the hands of Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard. And how he proved he was more than capable of playing the leadership role for the national team after four minutes against the USA.
Impressive striker Emile Heskey played Gerrard in, after he had held his run to perfection, before he slid his shot past a helpless Tim Howard.
If any nation likes to heap pressure on its stars, it’s England and the players would have felt a tonne lighter thanks to the opening goal.
But just as the weight had fallen, it came back with a couple of extra kg’s when a speculative long range strike from Clint Dempsey was fumbled over the line by English keeper Robert Green.
Capello went with Green ahead of Manchester City shot stopper Joe Hart for the opening game, but it may well be a decision he regrets after the horror blooper.
It underlined the two different ends of the spectrum in England’s 1-1 draw.
There was Gerrard, who stood up with the captain’s armband, not only scoring the side’s only goal but also chasing and tackling in the defensive third.
His performance was the best of a struggling side with striker Wayne Rooney forced deeper to get into the game in the second half.
But if one man has mastered the Jabulani ball it’s the Manchester United star.
He pinpointed passes and sent hearts racing with a long distance shot that caused Howard plenty of problems in the second half.
At the other end, there was Green.
A fumble costing his team a win and a less than convincing save at the near post where he was spared further blushes by the woodwork.
England will progress from Group C, but whether that’s in first or second remains to be seen.
Can they win the tournament based on last night’s performance?
Will they face the Socceroos in the Round of 16?
There’s plenty to look forward to.
GOAL OF THE DAY: Gabriel Heinze (Argentina) – sent a bullet of a header into the top corner of the Nigerian net. The technique and power behind it may have even surprised him.
LOVE TO BE: Park Ji-Sung (Korea Republic) – a fine performance from the Manchester United attacker, highlighted by a sublime goal to seal the game against Greece.
HATE TO BE: Robert Green (England) – a horrible error that cost his side a win.
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