Eddie

Well I'm holding up the entire league.

As I said, on current form they are the better side, but to say that they are a class above is untrue. Time will tell, we can't beat the likes of Germany, Argentina, Spain or Brazil in the group stages and there is no point in trying, we'll see what happens now that we are getting to the money end of tournament. Don't allow the group stages to turn teams from mediocre into world class. I doubt very much that pre-tournament you would have said that Germany were anything other than workmanlike and effective, even the Germans were saying that, three games doesn't change that, especially when none of those games were againt top opposition. I still rate this England side for that very same reason, three games doesn't make you a bad side. I won't deny that Germany are in better form, but they are in much better form than Brazil (who have been no more impressive then England), yet you wouldn't say that they are a class above Brazil because of the general opinion that exists surrounding this amazing Brazil side. I hope that this England side will play as it can, if not then I can't see us getting much further, but I am still aware of the quality we have in our side and what we are capable of and that is a class above Germany. Of course we have to produce the goods, if not then this side will have wasted a great opportunity and tremendous amount of talent.

I think that you will struggle to convince people that Germany have a good of a team as England, though they are certainly in the better form.

I'm thinking that Sweden's work ethic will match Germany and that if they have a full side (with Ibrahimovich back) that they could produce a surprise result, especially if there set pieces are as effective as they were today.

Bad luck.

What is it about those Swedes? Thought we were good in the first half, no long balls, nice movement and passing, but it all went pear shaped in the second. I think a lot of that has to be credited Sweden, they closed down well and worked hard and turned it into a grudge match that was never going to be pretty. Our defending from set pieces needs to improve, though that was most unlike us, again though some of that can be put down to Sweden's quality, it was the one area where they looked like they could trouble us and they worked it very well.

You clearly do love this England team.

I would think and hope that, that is a joke. If not then that is a great tactic, good way to ###### of the fans and prevent any player from ever signing a contract again.

Thank you for explaining that, I have been thinking about that for ages, he did it at the end and after both goals, it was most odd.

Going to go for a 3-1 Portugal, but two teams that are a bit unpredictable.

Can always count on you for the positive.

Footballing god?

Indeed, how about a personal bet?

Lyon

They are, but the ban is still there if you go over the limit during the group stages. This is the last game where the yellow cards from the group stages are counted.

Yeah, not too bad really. I mean this with the upmost respect for the other sides but a road to the semis where you have to face Germany/Ecuador and then Portugal/Holland isn't that bad. I am only saying that because considering the fact that this is the World Cup you are always destined to meet good sides at that stage, but to avoid the very best is quite nice.

Surprisingly positive actually. Most believe that they will still qualify and that yesterday was at least an improvement and they showed that they can play some decent stuff. Obviously some of them think that they really shouldn't have blown it last night, but having said that they also feel it is a blessing in digsuise that Zidane is suspended for the next match which will hopefully see the team move to a 4-4-2. Really surprisingly calm.

You want to place some money on that?

Usually 3-0 is the standard, though I wouldn't be surprised if they were simply removed from the competition and the group fought about between the three fo them.

No, because a France win against Togo would mean that would France also have 5 points.

It is more than likely that they will still go through. As long as they win against Togo they will probably finish second in the group behind the winner of the Swiss v South Korea match. I don't know what happens if that is a draw as well, does it then go to goal difference?

Always great to see teams that are in complete control blow it. It will be interesting to see how the Viera "goal" is dealt with now, knowing the French press they'll be calling for blood more than cursing their luck. As for a Barthez howler, I really don't think he was at fault there. The touch took it above him and he just stuck up a hand, sometimes you would tip it wide or over, others you just don't get enough on it, not really his fault. I would be more interested to know why Gallas pulled out of taking a swing at the ball rather than placing any blame on Barthez.

I apologise for not doing a preview, it totally slipped my mind and I only just thought of it while watching the game. France are currenty winning 1-0, though should be 2 as Viera's header crossed the line. Much improved performance compared to the boring show against Switzerland.

Brazil have looked quite ordinary, how anyone can class them in the same league as the likes of England is beyond me.

Unlucky Aussies, you didn't deserve it. Could have been quite another story had Kewell not fluffed that chance. Agree that the officials were horrible, you weren't allowed to touch the Brazilians, ridiculous. Poor showing again my Brazil, but the Aussies will have won their place in a lot of people's hearts today. Must add that I like that Emerton, he seems to be a decent player.