England's 'hand of clod'

British media tear apart goalkeeper for his error

One newspaper termed Green ‘Hand of Clod’, a play on the ‘Hand of God’ goal scored by Diego Maradona that knocked England out of the 1986 World Cup.

Green wrote his name into the lengthening list of blundering English goalkeepers after he fumbled Clint Dempsey’s 25-yard shot on Saturday night, giving the United States a 1-1 surprising tie with England in the World Cup opener for both teams.

Any England goalkeeper guilty of a clanger is subjected to merciless treatment by the national newspapers, with international careers usually then brought to a shuddering halt. David Seaman, David James, Paul Robinson and Scott Carson can all testify to that.

The British weekly press printed frame-by-frame images of Green’s error, with the front pages of the “News of the World” and the “Sunday Mirror” both reading “Hand of Clod”, accompanied by a giant picture of Green.

“Cock-up keeper Green wrecks dream start”, said the “News of the World”, adding:

“Stars and tripe”.

“It’s back to the drawing board after this, with Capello (England coach) forced to reconsider his options after Green’s mistake.” “Tainted Glove”, said the “Sunday Mirror”.

“Worst Howler Ever”, said another headline.

Even the ‘Sunday Times’ got into it, making a reference to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill by saying Dempsey’s goal was “one disastrous spill the Yanks won’t complain about.”

Green took full responsibility for his mistake, but said he would bounce back immediately and not dwell on the error.

He was given huge moral support straight after the Group C game at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium by one of his American opponents who also happens to be one of his best friends –– his West Ham United club mate, Jonathan Spector. “I felt for him,” said Spector. “My heart went out to him.”

Green told reporters: “I saw the ball coming, thought I had it covered, but missed it.” It was tough describing the moment of horror when he allowed Clint Dempsey’s 40th minute drive to slip from his grasp and bounce into the net when he appeared to have it under control.

“I saw it all the way, it was my mistake, no one else’s but what can I do?” he said.
“If I was younger it really might affect me very badly, but all you can do is turn round and pick the ball out of the back of the net and get on with it. You don’t want to make another mistake like that in the next match –– if I am selected. I don’t often get things as wrong as that. You have to keep strong and move on. It was my mistake I must live with it,” Green said.

After apologising to his England team-mates in the dressing room, Green got a boost from Spector, one of the unused American substitutes.  Spector, who has played alongside Green in the West Ham defence since both men joined the club within weeks of each other in 2006, told reporters: “I had mixed feelings. Obviously I felt ecstatic when the goal went in to take us back to 1-1, but devasted for him on a personal note.

“He is a friend of mine and a fantastic goalkeeper and that is why he is in the England squad. He doesn’t make many mistakes like that so my heart went out to him tonight.  “I really felt for him. I did see him to speak to him and felt so much for him.” England defender John Terry said that all his team mates consoled Green, as did manager Fabio Capello.