Source: Daily_Mail
Frank Lampard: Green's World Cup howler was 'just a freak'
Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard led the efforts to rally round blunder goalkeeper Robert Green by insisting the United States' equaliser was just 'a freak goal'. [LNB]Former England captain Alan Shearer said the mistake would 'haunt him for the rest of his life', but Green's team-mates were quick to support the West Ham No1. [LNB]Green, 30, had found out just two hours before the game that he was starting, with manager Fabio Capello keeping the experienced David James and rookie Joe Hart guessing about who would get the jersey. [LNB] Poor position: Green never got his body behind the shot[LNB]But now the Italian must decide who to pick for England's next game,on Friday against Algeria in Cape Town. England had looked in controlof the match last night until Green inexplicably let Clint Dempsey'stame shot bounce off his gloves and over the line in the 40th minute. [LNB]But if it was up to Lampard, Green would keep his starting role. 'Itwas just a freak. Nobody is pointing the finger at Robert,' he said. [LNB]'We win, lose or draw as a team. He has the character to bounce back from it, which I'm sure he will. [LNB] Chin up: Lampard encourages Green after his howler[LNB]'He was very quiet in the dressing room, which is understandable. Itwas very disappointing to draw the match. It means we will have to winthe next two games and will be doing our best to do that. [LNB]'I thought we were in control for most of the game but we didn'tcreate enough chances.' [LNB]Gerrard was also quick to defend Green. 'It wasone of those freak things. You can't criticise the keeper,' said thenew captain. [LNB]'People have been talking about the ball and it does do funnythings. But we have got to get right behind Robert and support him. [LNB] Agonising: Green reaches out, but it's too late[LNB]'Robert Green is a man. Sure he will learn from this and I'm surehe'll play an important part down the line. Maybe he'll make a savethat will win us a game. [The goal] shocked us a bit, of course it did.After we had taken the lead, we expected to go on and win the game. Ittook us a while to get going again.' [LNB]A devastated Green added: 'I don't want to make any excuses about the ball. It might have moved, I don't know. [LNB]'But it was my mistake and I'm responsible for it. I've made errorsbefore and I've been big enough to get over them and I will this one.' [LNB] Down but not out: Green has vowed to win over his critics[LNB]But Shearer was scathing in his criticism. 'Green looked very nervous in the tunnel before the game,' he said. [LNB]'The mistake will haunt him for the rest of his life. He just hasto hold his hands up and say it was a horrendous mistake. I will bevery surprised if he plays against Algeria now. Imagine what theopposition would say.'[LNB] WORLD CUP 2010: England 1 USA 1 - Robert Green's clanger gifts Americans draw in opening Group C clashPiers Morgan: Why would anyone want Wayne Rooney to behave like a choirboy?VIDEO SPECIAL: Rob Green joins David James, Paul Robinson and co to drop clanger in goal for England ITV left red-faced as HD coverage MISSES England's first World Cup goalDes Kelly at the World Cup: Gazza's tale still brings a tear to the eye PATRICK COLLINS: The World Cup is here and the time is right for dancing in South Africa's streets[LNB] [LNB]
