.... perhaps, but, how long before Graeme joins Sturrock? For once I must throw my lot in with Oklahoma... Where's the Arte??? we show no creativity---and we won't playing with 6 in the back... but not having witnessed today's throttling... I'll hold my tongue. But just from the stat sheet, it would appear that GS went into Highbury to hold the result- if that's the case, maybe he should have had all XI rovers hanging from the crossbar to assist Brad. but at St Mary's it was more of the same.... playing by the numbers- predictable stuff. Rovers just don't possess enough talent in the build up- I see Tugay without a partner in midfield, someone that will assist him break down defenses.... a Dunny in his day. - Anyway,... just venting... it sux to see Rovers propping up the table so early- I just wish I could be @ Ewood to shout them on come the weekend.

Given the poor 2004 results, maybe this develops into the straw that broke the camel's back. If so, where do you go from there?? What englishman really springs to mind? Curbishley- solid at a small club, BUT can he make the leap? Big Slam - same thing...good with a mini, can he take the keys to the bentley? Should the continental track be followed once again? I could probably go on all evening, but one continental that could possibly work (is that enough qualifiers?) given his track record with huge clubs is none other than Hector Cuper. the guy's a genius of a manager, check the CV out... additionally, a solid man- the proof being how ronaldo truly hates him. Granted he's Argentine, but I think he might be an adopted Italian now, as he was too staid even for them.... just think of the Ranieri press conferences... and multiply that by 100. Where's my hat ?

Can 't be Forlan... At last glance, ol' Diego was in Peru kicking lumps into Paraguayan shins.

I'd love Duffers back as much as the next Yob... but why in the world would Duffers want to return to Ewood? He'll have his choice of club, ones with European football on their agenda, sadly.

The last two mentioned make me a bit queasy....

Sweet Frankie Lampard !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PK's beckoning, Okla.

Whatever??? WTF does that mean, mate ? That was no infraction, clean challenge - but the stadium would have been burned down if it was allowed to stand-- I see a black hand emerging......

"Ref/linesman bottled it big style. They knew if they made a mistake against the hosts they'd be slaughtered, so to be safe they disallow it" Sad, but true tcj_Jones

Disallowed goal shades of France '98, with Shearer and Roa, uh?

American, Is the match on Fox at the moment? BTW, I will not dignify your joke with a response

What is the point of that substitution ? Is that our doom?

Cheers, Flopsy !! If we can hold out & play on growing Portuguese frustrations !!! Perhaps some 'English Catennaccio' will prove fruitful when they start taking more desperate chances. (that's where Rooney's missed). RDrake, WTF ?? explain yourself.

Good God !!! The Portuguese are throwing up shot after shot !!!

Guardian is firewalled, B**ger. soccernet is providing something.... althou nothing is probably better.

dodgy trade-ff, uh??? Rooney for a goal. a bit like a deal with the devil. Help me out here, I'm trapped in my cubicle- Is my script is playing out ? are the Portuguese starting to lose their composure yet? flop, perhaps it might be time for the Adult nappies?

As a neutral observer I can honestly say that this match has really grabbed my fancy, I"ve huge butterflies in my stomach. I'm concerned that the crowd will tip the balance in the host's favor. Having said that, I hope our, check that, the English midfield choke off the Portuguese midfield and watch their diving close to the 18. It would also be nice to get a sublime moment or two from the 'assassin faced baby'. Does anyone else see the match playing out like Argentina '02 or France '04? That is, a quick strike or two and then sit back in 2 sets of 4, tightly defending? See a few posts calling for a wide opened affair, I just don't see it playing out that way... too much to lose, especially for the Hosts- they may attack, but I see England using the 'rope-a-dope' method. Expect the Portuguese to come out in a frenzy, so absorbing the early fury and frustrating them with a tight, organized defense is premordial... then watch the initial fury become nerves ( see USA 02, Greece '04 for starters) Anyway, it'll be a great match to catch at the pub, I'll buy everyone on the MB a stout to start off with. Cheers to all & enjoy a most lively match !!!

Tango's 2-0 shout seems a bit ambitious... but I'll bite.. I'm in for that as well.... hopefully the hosts will feel the heat of playing at home and the 'need' to advance. Will be a barnburner, thou. Can hardly stand the wait !! Portugal to join the azurri, spanish all going home.

Not really germaine to the topic, but I find it odd that the Eye-Talians (RAI) wish to post cameras at the Dane-Swede match to make sure that no foul play occurs..... I thought the only ones that performed that bit of backroom chicanery were the Italians.... pot calling the kettle maybe ??? "If I had 50 cameras available, I'd post them at that stadium to see if everyone behaves'. Rino Gattuso. God, How I am praying for that 2-2 that will put the Italians on the same road home as the spanish.... Arevederci, Azzurri.

BB, I too will be watching with my 4 yr. old Bulldog, Matilda... WTF????

Quality stuff that, good chuckle first thing in the am..... but I thought Everton's motto was: 'What's Blackburn doing?'

Is that in Spain ?

Lathund- "Baggio has lots of caps, but they are a while back and he hasn't played at the top level in a top team for a while." I must disagree with you, albeit slightly. Dino Baggio was the Rino Gattuso of his day, a top 5 holding midfielder, like you said tons of caps, huge experience for Parma, and other huge italian teams. But for some reason (I'm guessing injuries) he hit a wall at 29-30... what I disagree with is that he was always part of a top team... he was part of that Lazio team that purchased the league championship a few years back.

Note to Steady & Coley: repeat after me: Pedro... aqui! aqui ! - pase la pelota !!! or Centro Centro !! When's the season start ?? I'm ready to start celebrating Rover goals! BTW: Flopsy, exactly what is 'chuffed as nuts"?