Texas

For what its worth, I really enjoyed Italy vs Germany very much as well. It was a proper football match - none of the languid (or laboured in England's case) "knocking the ball around" to no great purpose.

Both teams showed purpose, drive and desire and fear seemed absent, which was a welcome change.

I can't bear the thought of Portugal going through as they have contributed very little to this World Cup, in any sense. They are a distinctly average side and I don't believe they are capable of showing the (surprising) drive and motivation that Italy displayed last night.

Allez les bleus!

Tex