When passion overrides common sense....

As I carefully watched the progress of the 2nd match yesterday, the match which was to decide who would meet England in the quarters, the battle of 2 European powerhouses (Portugal and Holland), none short of pride or footballing skill or history, I couldn't help but think of two things FIFA have been publicly promoting throughout this World Cup campaign - 'A time to make friends' & 'Fair Play'. But sadly, very sadly, none of it worked yesterday.

A bruised and battered Portugal will now take on England in the quarter finals on the 1st of July, and I can't help but think, if this is afterall England's World Cup!!! Everything just seems to be falling into their platter as and when they need it, they're barely getting the goals to take them through and destiny has supported them with their scruffy defending.

As Steve Mc'mahan said at the end of the game yesterday, "The true winners and beneficiaries of all the mess that unfolded last night is England'.

Luiz Felipe Scolari would have to bring out his magic wand if he were to put it past England again this time. No Deco, No Costinha, an injured Ronaldo and a captain Luis Figo likely to face further implications for his head butt on Mark Van Bommel(a 3 match ban as per standard FIFA regulations), are the least of worries that poses Big Phil right now. With Pauleta not scoring as many, and the teeth taken off both his wings, Scolari will be up against the odds on Saturday at Gelsenkirshen, hoping against hope that Maniche would deal the final blow yet again. Add to it the fact that if England were to score first and score early, then our good ol' man Sven would revert to his most shambolic ways - Defense. He'll simply pack the midfield and with Scolari hardly left with any attacking options to choose from, I can just about see this turning out into another school boys encounter. People are ceasing to ask whether England are reserving their best for the rest, but I just can't seem to digest that one!!!!

With every passing day in this most eventful 2006 FIFA World Cup, my belief in destiny and its support to England seem to multiply.

Sometimes, the best footballing teams play the most boring football, cuz' they're not interesting in entertaining people, they're interested in Winning. England seem to be on that course now.