I see after last night's defeat, Snr XSYRETPQYE (or whatever he's called) resigned as head coach of Portugal. This was followed tonight by the resignation of Frankie Reikard when Holland went out of the diving competition.

God, how I hate it when the Eyetie's start falling over when the wind blows.

-- Anonymous, June 29, 2000

Answers

Screach,

Agree with your loathing of horizontal Wops, especially Ms Totti - I've gone off the latter recently. But the worst is the triumphalism afterwards - here in wop-land you have to suffer a continual cavalcade of cars with their drivers waving flags and sounding horns until 2 in the morning. And the big bastard smiles which accompany their 'bon giorno' this morning.

But what a defence! Could we not find a few bob to buy some more wops for the toon?

-- Anonymous, June 30, 2000

why on earth have they resigned. Presumably not as failures?

-- Anonymous, June 30, 2000

Beardo - that is puzzling me too! Had England performed like either of those two teams, the manager would be coming home hailed as a hero! (:o)

-- Anonymous, June 30, 2000

Dunno about the Portugese chappie but FR indicated he felt responsible. He said something like "It wasn't the players fault. I was in charge and I let them down". Sounds like he'd already sharpened his sword.

TDO was interviewed on TV last night. He reckons Van Gaal is favourite and that it would be "too early" for him (TDO) to be interested. Not to mentions a cr@ppy track record.

-- Anonymous, June 30, 2000

Have to agree with toonexpat when he praises the Italian defence.
Yes, they spoiled the big game through negative tactics and a lack of self-belief in their attacking players. However, presumably they felt it was the only way they could defeat Holland.
Despite that - and their appalling cheating - you have to admire the way they defend, and God I wish we could get our defence half as well organised.
They're lame, cheating b@st@rds, who Holland have only themselves to blame for not beating - but their defence is fantastic, especially Nesta and Canavaro.

-- Anonymous, June 30, 2000

Clarky,

surprised that you didn't mention Maldini (jr) in your list of outstanding wop backs.

-- Anonymous, June 30, 2000

Sorry cannot agree on the quality of the Italian defence. They let the Dutchies through too many times. It was always the gross ineptitude of the Dutchies that let them selves down.

I know you can play what ifs all day and night, but how many of you would be praising them if the two penalties this great defence gave away were scored?

-- Anonymous, June 30, 2000

Part of a great defence is a great keeper. One exceptional save that neutral commentators would have praised to the heavens and an excellent piece of psychological warfare staring out Kluivert. With Tug-boat-Willy and his little whistle masquerading as a referee, I'm surprised he only awarded them 2 penalties.

Italy simply didn't have the midfield to play it open: 10/10 for recognizing their limitations. I'll put money on them winding up Zidane to make him lash out as he always does and getting himself sent off. Time to see what Henry and Anelka can do without 400 acres of open space to work with. If France get through it'll be with Wiltord.

-- Anonymous, June 30, 2000