The Beeb pundit, the other day summed-up how the German game against Italy should finish: By one of those three likely occurrences.

A fitting triumvirate for what was a…

…MISTAKE
Poor Ronaldo. Again one of the best player yesterday and probably the best youngster we have seen on show at the world-cup. To be hated, jeered and heckled around the ground by everyone must have been tough. But he’ll learn and will rise to become the next Figo. Portugal will need another two like him.

…THE GENIUSES
Ballack, Kaka, Fabregas, Torres, Zokora, Klose, Essien, Apiah, Cannavaro, Pirlo, Marqez, Robben, Henry, Viera, Makelele, Figo, Ronaldo, Maniche, Frings, Metesecher, Thuram., J. Klinsmann for coaching an impressive German team, able to break away from his dour image. A short-sleeved manager on his way to become a football guru and a man who gave us a much nicer image of Germany in the 21st century….Gerrard, A. Cole, Lehman, Buffon,…
Those are my geniuses for this W-Cup…and yours?

..AND THE PENALTY
…Taker…Well, I almost forgot the genius to top them all: ZINEDINE ZIDANE. Nerve of steel…eagle-like look…dropped shoulders, bag of tricks, wizzardry aplenty,..aching back and tigh..bald patch…economy of smile and words..No Wags allowed…the beauttiful game as it should be played, with class, instinct and balance in the air….sit down and enjoy a maestro at work…unique sight on a football pitch…’The Zizou code’ might never be broken again…He will now be remembered in the same breath as one of the true great of the game, fellow number 10, main driving force behind a team’s revival and inspiration to a nation: Diego Armando Maradona…

Bonsoir!