[jjbrouwer]

Italy are sub-standard. Germany have impressed me by actually producing a competent team. However, they rely on the long ball too much and will come unstuck against a team like Argentina.

I don't rate Holland much and they could even lose to Portugal.

Brazil are good but, as you say, not the side they were in 2002. England very nearly beat them that year in the quarter final, until the ageing David Seaman completely misjudged Ronaldinho's freekick.

Meanwhile, speaking of bad goalkeeping, Croats have gone 1-0 up against the Cro-stralians.

[Michael81Dus]

I want Australia to win.

Then, England has "lost" Owen, Beckham complained about the "hot weather" - England could have been better prepared with the prominent men available.