I thought the U.S. did really well. I had actually picked the US to win this one long before the WC started (had not realised Arena is not that good with his tactics though) Missed the first sending off but I thought the second was a joke. I did not see any real contact, just an Italian rolling around on the ground after he landed. Are those ear pieces really for the refs to communicate with linesman or does Blatter bark down instrutions to the refs. America should have done better after the Italian sending off, to me it was time to hold possesion and be patient, stroke the ball around make the cheats chase it. The officiating in general has been pith poor, as far as letting things go the refs are blowing for the merest of things (Blatter's Instrutions?) However they are consistant with it so I'll give them that. In FIFA's effort to promote the beautiful game, in my opinion, they are somewhat spoiling it with too many stoppages. Good tourney though so far. Also, did anyone think the USA's disallowed goal had an air of Cisse's "pulled away foot" about it. One of the first things FIFA should do after this tourney is switch the offside rule back, I said it before and I will say it again, it is a difficult enough decision to apply correctly as it was but this active inactive just allows too much discretion and opinion by the officials. This rule as with all rules should be clear concise and black or white, it's just got too much of a grey area for me. Interesting last games in this group then lads and lassies, anyone can win, anyone can go home.

Agree, but let's remember it on a differnet Forum. Footy here, not the holocaust thank you very much.

I have heard twice now that Keller is the best and also one of the best keepers in the World, where do they come up with that crapola. I thought that is what the US should have tried to do yesterday, go wide, try to get round the back and whip in low hard crosses.

Anyone see the pre match in the U.S. Alexi Lalas said Kasey Keller is the World's Number One Keeper. I still chuckle when I think about that one.

Thanks, my mistake, I misread the post.

When I was home a good pint of Thwaites, well kept by the landlord, was hard to beat. Loved a pint of mixed meself. Coors however, bunk. Coors owns Thwaites?? When did that come about?

I'm going with the second part of that sentence. It's wrong, wrong, wrong. It needs to be put right. It's starting to put me off footy as surely as the "skewed" NBA officiating put me off Basketball. The rules apply to all teams equally.

Personal feelings aside regarding the Arse, I am glad he is staying. The league just would not be the same without him, a class act, a real joy to watch.

Paul Astley, as in "Gaz" Astley. If it's the same bloke I am thinking he used to drive me and me mates to a lot of the away games.

Great stuff Bob. Are they keeping you on for next season, I hope so, good lighthearted look at things good chuckles. Thanks.

Ultra Blue, I don't think it is so much the selection that has got people giddy with excitement. I think it is the fact that Sven actually did it.

Walcott, Lennon and Downing, personally I have just forgotten all about a certain Metatarsal and have quite a bit of excitement returning. Ballsy play by Sven, well done. Could be very interesting to bring these young guns on against tired legs in the latter stages of games.

Same thing here, Fox Soccer Channel, EPL Review, In their final review showing the Final Leafue TableWent through the top Five, Then to the Geordies, Bolton mentioned Wigan and West Ham having good seasons. Did not even say the Word Blackburn o Rovers, just skipped right by us.

Fair enough if that is in fact the role he wants Venables for. As his full time assistant coach, in other words doing what McClaren did for Sven. That may even work, it will certainley help me feel a bit better.

Why waggy why, go on tell us

That is indeed scary, didn't Venables help Robson at Boro, bit of irony there then. Really weak, sends out all the wrong signals in my opinion.

If that is true TND then is smacks of everything I have thought about the FA since the Mr Clough era. They are NOT interested in appointing the best person for the job. Would have been like Rovers forcing Sparky to keep TP on. The man who gets the job must be given total freedom to do the job he was hired to do. On your reading between the lines I think I mention that elsewhere that Mr O'Neill would be too strong of a person for the FA to deal with, so I agree totally with that one. So what are the REAL requirements of the job, success for the National Footy team or to run the team in a manner as not to embarass the dopes at Soho Square. In other words kiss their pompous arses. I watched an interview some time back with Simon Jordan having a good old pop at the FA I must say he was spot on.

Bit of a cock up on the posting front

Hah you're right R6, you are haved just backed my opinion and you don't know it. This England manager was a Boro was he not? The same team that you say has this IMMENSE TALENT. How then did our future manager manage to get them to finish below halfway? Baseless you say. So who was your top choice? Wait don't tell me.... was it PAUL STURROCK. Don't worry R6, I also thought Hughes would be a flop at Ewood. Can we not all have our opinions? time will tell, I 'd love to be as wrong about this as I was with Hughes but I really don't think I will be, me or many Thousands of others it seems like. Oh and Pedersen I never was all gaga googoo about him, never rated him that highly, even through the beating of the Mancs euphoria period.

Thats to stop the hill trolls from the east heeding their call and swamping the general public

You call Sven inept, possibly the most succesful manager, results wise in god knows how long and then, in the same breath accuse me of idiocy. Classic that. Yes I fully believe England will do poorly under McClaren. Baseless negativity? Well spending millions to build a team to finish in the lofty position of 13th, if that's baseless then so be it. Capacity to inspire at half time? You would agree with me? no actually that was the furthest thing on my mind, but the EUFA cup comebacks seem to blow holes in your thoughts.

Looming? What do you call the last 40 years?

Bloody hell, that's a looooooong time.

I was a bit disappointed when we hired the Swede, this had got me despondent. Nothing has changed at the FA. What has McClaren done? One could say the same of big Sam but McClaren is a limp fish, just like the Swede emotionless, passionless. How long before the roar of the English Lion is just a meow. Now I feel really sorry for Rooney, if he does not make this World Cup he may go his whole career never playing for England in another Major tournament, not with this clown at the helm. Buggar. I've hated this bunch since they refused to appoint perhaps the best manager in the World at the time, the late great Brian Clough, old school tie and all that. Fire the lot of 'em and re-build from scratch with young, ambitious and savvy businessmen who love the game of Football. Could someone tell me what happened to Martin O'Neill (my pick for the job). Was he eliminated or did he not want the job? I can see the pussies at the FA having a problem with Martins staight forward manner but I think he was the best Britain has to offer. God I can't deal with this.

Just watched the game, I must say the Blackburn End in full swing dancing and all got me a bit teary eyed and lumpy throated. Great acheivement. ###### at Pedersen again. Peter is making a point or two with the gaffer I am sure. Apart from the one you mention Rev, the ball cross field to Bellamy would have been spectacular had the defender not done so well. Great, well done everyone at the club. Had a laugh at the beginning the commentators were talking how Hughes had given a new lease of life to Souness' players, Reid, Gray and..... Robbie Savage??? They know nothing do they.