England fans again left disappointed after watching match in pubs and clubs across Teesside - including in the Southern Cross in Marton, Middlesbrough
View gallery Gallery: England v Uruguay in the Southern Cross
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An excitable nervousness filled the air as football fans crammed into bars and pubs across Teesside ready for England’s crucial clash with Uruguay.
After watching England’s defeat to Italy in Middlesbrough’s Walkabout, this time the Evening Gazette was on hand to soak up the atmosphere at the Southern Cross in Marton, Middlesbrough.
Before kick-off many patrons were describing the match as a must-win fixture, despite the maths saying otherwise.
Craig Mcleod, 27, head of history at Manor College of Technology said: “I think we’ll win 2-0.
“I thought they played well against Italy, even though they lost the game I was impressed.
“If Hodgson puts Rooney in the middle I think he’ll have a better game.
“But I stopped being nervous about England a long time ago. Being a Boro fan I’m resigned to disappointment and humiliation.”
Among the crowd at the Cross was Colin West, an ex-Chelsea striker, who scored on his début against Arsenal back in 1987.
Now an area manager for housing group Riverside ECHG, Colin said: “I think we’ll win it 2-1.
“But I’d play Rooney just behind the forwards.”
Estate agent Nichola Rice, 29, said: “I think we’re going to win 2-0 - it’s just my opinion.
But as the pressure began to build during the first, half she seemed less confident.
She said: “Uruguay are doing better than I thought they would - better than England.”
Never a truer word said.
Just after making her observation, a collective “Ooooo,” rang out as Wayne Rooney’s header hit the angle, and then disaster.
Moments later, Super-villain Luis Suárez did what Ronney couldn’t and nodded the ball into the back of the net.
Four corners later and England still hadn’t come close.
Not that it had dampened the spirits of one group of lads who sang relentlessly even as Uruguay went one up.
At half-time, paramedic Chris Allen said: “We’ve got 45 minutes to do something, or we’re on the same flight home as Spain.”
The second half was filled with the kind of joyful tension that only a World Cup can bring.
Finally England matched enthusiasm with a goal on the pitch.
As Rooney tapped home an equaliser, the Cross went wild, as much with relief as joy.
The singing started again, now with added vigour.
The tension was unbearable for most, but not for the two girls who sat chatting, oblivious to the drama around them.
An incredible sinking feeling came with Suárez’s second, a feeling that wouldn’t change, despite the best efforts of England’s 11.
For the second time this World Cup, disappointment was the order of the day.
Read all of the Gazette's World Cup coverage - including pictures of fans, decorated house and dogs in England kits!
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