Phew, internet was broken there for over a week. Missed this thread.

I'll just make a comment on England going out. I agree with Cuchulainn on this. It's both they aren't thought at youth level to beat players and use their skill, & that they aren't born with the anatomy of an elastic band like the Portuguese for example. The English seem so stoic on the ball while the flair players of the big nations seem to have a bag of tricks. Ultimately, England's greatest downfall in the end was that they couldn't hurt teams with their possession in the final third. For what it's worth, I thought they gave everything, albeit they were probably nervous with pressure. Gareth Barry was easily England's worst player of the tournament, but he should never have been playing while carrying a slight injury.

As for Lampard's disallowed goal, it was a disgrace. Germany were the much better team and deserved to go through, but in the end the result is what counts, and it could have been a different game at 2-2. Blatter should be ashamed of himself, and the blame should solely rest on him after the Ireland - France game.

Brazil have to be favorites after last nights game. I just can't see a team left to both break them down and keep their attack at bay for 90 minutes.

Prediction for today. (Japan - Paraguay game is already being played)

Spain 1 - 0 Portugal