Is that bit not an oxymoron? The fact that Howard had to make 15 saves suggests that the defence was absolute pony.....
FWIW I agree with your points about concentration and effort being intrinsically linked.
You are scraping the barrel there matey.
Just look at those two teams. Of the recognised players stick them up against each other and see which country you would rather they played for. Look at the comparable quality, experience and market value.
I'll suggest that Walcott might just possibly be...
It may be just a modelling runway for some of these players to flirt with potential premiership and la liga suitors but I still believe that the WC is a far greater draw and spectacle for the fan than any old Champions League Final.