and so the show goes on

And so the quarter-finals have been concluded. I hate the fact that other continents (apart from Europe, that is) will be, from this point onwards, just spectators of the FIFA World Cup. Although I've always predicted Germany to win this edition of the WC, I've always hoped that the two South Americans meet in the final (I know the sentence sound strange; but predictions are all about being realistic, and hope is all about, well, hope). That'd show those Europeans! But for all the creativity and flair of Riquelme and Ronaldinho, beating the organization of the Europeans is never an easy feat. And so Germany and France have shown. Then again, not all countries have the luxury of an Algerian-born playmaker. Old is gold, bebeh.

And so Sven got quite a bashing from the English media. And so he should. He dared bring a young striker that have never played in the top flight to the WC (and two unfit ones, while at that), but dare not play him. And here I thought Walcott was some kinda secret weapon or something. I can't help wondering; is it just me or do everyone think he should have brought in Walcott instead of Crouch when that wunderkid of his got sent off against Portugal? I mean, I watched some talk show this morning and there's this Englishman (who's a sports columnist or something) and he said "to not play him is criminal.." (referring to Walcott). Why he brought Crouch to the WC in the first place is a mystery in itself (not to mention Walcott). I can't remember Crouch being prolific in the air, in case he wanted to use his height for aerial advantage. And in all fairness, Beckham is capable of all sorts of crosses, not just the ones you have to use your head to score with. But then again, in all fairness, Portugal have got Big Phil.

It's rather sad for England I reckon, since I believe this was their best squad that I can remember. There were so much quality that the team virtually selects itself. Then again, maybe the problem is with the quality, not lack of it. I mean, can you seriously imagine Sven playing unknowns instead of Gerrard and Lampard? There should be only one central figure, the others are just the supporting cast, not unlike France in their game against Brazil where les bleus centered around Zizou (finally! In their group matches they can't really figure out whether it should be Zidane supporting Henry or the other way around). Zizou called the shots against the Brazilians. And how he did it. Sigh.. what's left now are the maybes. England are out. And so are the two South Americans (one rather disgracefully I think. Siap gaduh lagi).

Well then, good luck to the semi-finalists. It'd be less entertaining sans the South Americans, but the show must go on. I originally predicted this edition's final would be a repeat of four years ago, but with Germany coming out tops this time around. My prediction remains, albeit with a bit of an 'alteration', of course. 2006 WC final prediction : Germany vs France. With Ballack et al bringing the cup to West and East Germany this time around. But what do I know, huh?