World Cup 2010

[Sweder]

I missed the whole thing - thanks Virgin for the updates, they interrupted Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland and I rather wish they hadn't. From what I saw before the match England didn't deserve to go further. It's a shame about the officials c0cking things up but that shouldn't mask the failure of the 'Golden Generation' (what tosh) to gel as a unit.

I welcomed Capello's austerity when he came in so it would be churlish to blame him alone now. G-Man's observation resonates with me; fear was the enemy, or at least one of them along with hubris and denial. Germany, Hollland, Argentina ... they play without fear. They all look well drilled, seem to know one another (unlike England who play like they were introduced in the tunnel) and play instinctive, attractive football whilst defending resolutely.

Brazil have been dissapointing. The scoreline v Chile was flattering (although the goals well-taken). I can't recall a Brazil team diving and rollling about quite so much. Speaking of which, it's Spain v Portugal tomorrow ...