The 2010 World Cup has opened with several blunders leading to critical goals. The biggest mistake of the tournament has been the goal allowed to Clint Dempsey by England goal keeper Robert Green. Dempsey was making a simple kick on goal and the ball went right to Green who completely muffed and mishandled the ball. The ball trickled past Green giving the U.S. a 1-1 tie with England and a point in Group C. Even though we’ve seen Green make dumb mistakes in the past, allowing a goal on an easy kick like that, especially on this stage, is inexcusable. So how did it happen?
Well, you could just say that Green’s butterfingers gave him a Buckner moment, or you can do a little math. This year’s World Cup was expected to be the most bet on event in Britain’s history with more than a billion pounds being wagered. Then, there’s the notion that the only winners in England following the 1-1 tie were the bookies because hardly anyone bets on a draw. Couple that with the knowledge that Green wants a new contract from his Premier League club, West Ham, and you have yourself a convenient little conspiracy theory. Think about it: do just enough so that the team doesn’t lose, but just enough to cash in big under the table. Hey, not saying that’s what went on, but the goal he allowed was so bad it made me ponder the issue. Here’s a video of the goal allowed by Robert Green on Spanish TV where they call him butterfingers:
Photo Credit: Scott Heavey/Action Images
