Category Archives: Football

Third place play-off: Germany 3 – 1 Portugal I’m sure I’m not alone in wondering whether there’s really any need for a third place play-off match at all. Both teams are beaten semi-finalists, physically spent and in mental anguish over … Continue reading →

Semi-final: Portugal 0 – 1 France Do you mind if I just dispense with any attempt to be impartial for this one? I’ve been a good boy so far, don’t you think? I haven’t said “C’MONYOUINGERLUN!” once, have I? I … Continue reading →

Semi-final: Germany 0 – 2 Italy Classic. Less than three weeks ago, Germany were plodding unconvincingly through their first two group games, while Italy were showing off their self-destructive tendencies in spectacular fashion against the USA. But now look at … Continue reading →

Brazil 0 – 1 France The resurrection of Les Bleus is fast becoming *the* story of the tournament. They looked good against Spain, but tonight’s performance against Brazil looked even tighter and more organised. Zidane, who looked forlorn and frustrated … Continue reading →

England 0 – 0 Portugal (Portugal win 3-1 on penalties) Rubbish. Yes, I know this is where we’re all supposed to talk of heroism in the face of defeat and didn’t the plucky lads try hard, but that’s just not … Continue reading →

Germany 1 – 1 Argentina (Germany win 4-2 on penalties) Plenty of people were looking forward to this being the match of the tournament, but it never really lived up to the hype. The quality of football was still pretty … Continue reading →

Just musing idly on the latest FIFA rankings, compiled in May. Here are the top 20 countries, along with their progress (where appropriate) in the World Cup… 1. Brazil — quarter finals 2. Czech Republic — group stage 3. Netherlands … Continue reading →

Brazil 3 – 0 Ghana Apparently, when the Brazilians went on to the pitch to warm up before the match, the Ghanaian players stopped their own warm-up session to gaze admiringly at the football legends on display. I don’t know … Continue reading →

Italy 1 – 0 Australia While yesterday ended in silent-era slapstick farce (or a Vietnam war movie, perhaps?) today’s play started with full-on soap opera tragedy. The match was no classic, and the Italians spent most of the first half … Continue reading →

England 1 – 0 Ecuador Well, once again it wasn’t pretty, but once again it was slightly less ugly than before. I’m not sure what to make of Ecuador. Powerful and creative against Poland and Costa Rica, they then looked … Continue reading →