Whilst many argue that the funds could have been better spent on housing or a number of other social priorities, there is very good reason for the tourism industry to be pleased with the outcome of the World Cup, because of the changed perception of South Africa by the rest of the world. There has been surprise and admiration for the country's ability to host such a successful international tournament, and it has moved up in the perception of the world alongside the developed nations, shedding its stereotype image as a backward country.

The Internet, blogs and social media are full of positive reports from those who have visited South Africa during this tournament. The positive public relations has been massive, and it is now perceived as a safe, friendly and positive place to visit and to do business. The real benefit of hosting the 2010 World Cup is the showcasing of South Africa to the world which will grow their tourism. The enormous amount of social networking has created a public image that almost no amount of government spending could have created and this has been enhanced by the many influential and public figures who visited during the World Cup, including former US President Bill Clinton who stated in Cape Town:

"South Africa has branded itself in this World Cup in a very special way. Lots of people did not think you can pull it off. South Africa is being given a chance to set standards the world can learn from."

South Africa has much to be positive about- their stock exchange keeps outperforming most of the rest of the world, and the currency has appreciated some 30% in the past year because of the massive inflows of foreign investment capital looking for excellent returns and interest rates when compared to the rest of the world. The country now has an image of a warm, stable and peaceful society and is also one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The many positive reports by people who had been surprised to find that South Africa is not riddled with crime, unlike the negative image that had previously been portrayed, will help to change many perceptions. South African Tourism did an excellent job of ensuring great international coverage on the TV networks during the tournament when the interest in the country was at an all-time high. A prestigious web based hotel booking portal has released information that reveals that Cape Town rates 9th as the most favored destination for 2010 for their clients.

Danny Jordaan, CEO of the 2010 World Cup Organizing Committee sums it up: "They said we could not build the stadiums in time: we did. They said we could not provide the infrastructure in time: we did. They said we could not deliver the TV broadcast capability to the rest of the world: we did." There were stories of crime and terrorism and even an outbreak of giant snakes, he said. There was even a rumor that a big earthquake would hit on opening night. All this fear-mongering was aimed at suggesting that South Africa was too unsophisticated to host the games. The fact is, the South Africa World Cup is a huge success, among the best run in history--and possibly the most profitable for FIFA ever."

Tourism brings in about 4% of South Africa's total GDP; and is a significant employer for a country with a great deal of semi-skilled labor. Growth in tourism will result in growth in job creation, as is shown in the new tourism strategy released by their Minister of Tourism; which seeks to create up to 225,000 new direct jobs and 400,000 indirect jobs in the tourism sector and increase tourism's direct contribution to GDP from ZAR R64bn or 3.4% in 2009, to ZAR R125bn by 2015.

The official statistics on visitors for the period show an increase in the number of tourists from most of the traditional markets for South African tourism, but there are new markets evolving as a result of the coverage of the World Cup, such as the USA who appears to have discovered South Africa since they constituted the largest number of visitors from any country. The country should exploit this massive and affluent market as a result of the favorable image portrayed of the country during the World Cup. The tournament has been an unqualified success for South Africa, but the most important benefit will not be the immediate economic benefit, but the on-going growth on tourism, such as Germany experienced with a growth of 30% in tourist numbers after they hosted the 2006 World Cup tournament, and this benefit will spread to a wide section of their economy.

By Dave Thompson

Aren't you glad this is nearly over? As much as I've had a decent run predicting outcomes, it's the games I've called wrong, that bother me more.

In the quarter finals I expected Argentina and Brazil to win their respective games. Argentina were so badly thrashed by Germany that I promptly installed the Germans to go all the way and win the damn thing.

My 12 year old did a better job backing Holland, and if I ever write another sports column, I'll be checking in with him first.

Germany have been awesome throughout the tournament, and seemed to get stronger with each game. Spain has been average, and never really caught fire…until last night. So in a roundabout way one of my original predictions comes true in that Spain makes it to the final, but I expect them to come unstuck against Holland, losing 2-1.

Over and out.

By Sean Connor

After the soccer drought I watched the two quarter finals earlier this week: Brazil, five time winners, lost to Holland. A bit of an upset. Suited me as I had $10 on Holland to win the cup.

Ghana, Africa's last hope, unfortunately, lost to Uruguay in an unbelievable finish. The penalty shoot-out started before the end of the game.

So how about some thoughts on the England v Germany games now and then?

In 1966 I watched the England v Germany World Cup Final at the Victory Cinema, Orange Grove, Johannesburg. Of course this was a replay of the actual game that had taken place several days before. In those days the common people were not allowed access to television as it would perhaps corrupt them in some way. In that game the turning point was a disputed goal awarded to England when a shot from one of the English forwards hit the underside of the bar, hit the ground and came back into play. Did the whole ball cross the line? A goal was awarded with the help of a linesman. England went on to win 4-2.

That particular linesman was a Russian. You must remember at that time it was West Germany (there was also an East Germany) that was playing England. East Germany was a Russian satellite. The Russian linesman was certainly no friend of Germany. Political overtones?

All of England plus the Commonwealth supported the decision. The rest of the world did not.

Now back to England v Germany in South Africa 2010…

Germany is leading 2-1. Lambert ‘scores' off the underside of the crossbar .This time only the linesman and the referee thought it was not a goal and the rest of the world thought it was a goal. However, the referee is always right even when he is wrong. Retribution for Germany?

Before Germany scored its other two goals, Lambert struck the German crossbar and minutes later forced the German keeper to make a great save with another powerful shot. It definitely was Germany's time to win. Final score Germany 4 England 1. Nevertheless, an unbelievable decision changed the course of this game.

FIFA officials are now talking about introducing technology to assist referees in making the correct call as far as disputed goals are concerned.

I do not think technology is the answer. Controversy is part of soccer. The introduction of technology would only dehumanise the game.

What about better referees?

By Sean Connor

Socceroos v Serbia. Nelspruit June 24. Oz 2 Serbia 1

The Socceroos just failed to qualify for the last 16.Unfortunately the 4-nil defeat against Germany was too much to recover from. Goal difference beat them.

Nevertheless, the team played well and vindicated themselves after the other two games.

In the aftermath Pim Verbeek has come in for some criticism. Josh Kennedy reckons he should have played in all the games. Harry Kewell likewise. Moreover, Verbeek's tactics also came in for criticism.

All I know is that Pim Verbeek had nothing to do with the fact that Tim Cahill was sent off during the German game and Harry Kewell during the Ghana game. These two sendoffs certainly contributed to the Socceroos early exit from the tournament.

Incidentally, the Socceroos and Bafana Bafana ended up with the same number of points – Four.

Finally, no one can complain about the fighting qualities of both teams. In this respect they did us proud.

• Australian Harry Kewell
• Australia's Lucas Neill
• Brazil's Cristiano Ronaldo
• Italy's Fabio Cannavaro
• Australia's Tim Cahill

• Uruguay was the last team to qualify for the 2010 World cup defeating Costa Rico.
• The record for the longest period of football without conceding a goal is held by Switzerland with a time of 634 minutes.
• South African coach, Carlos Parreira, has appeared at a record six world cups, bringing Brazil to victory in 1994.
• The highest winning margin is nine goals.
• The fastest sending off in the World Cup was in 1986 when Batista was sent off after only 56 seconds (Uruguay vs Scotland).
• Mark Gonzalez who currently represents Chile was born in Durban.
• The greatest margin of victory in any World Cup qualifier was in 2002 when Australia beat American-Samoa 31-0.
• There has been the first case of injury from the vuvuzela – a woman has ruptured her throat from blowing it incorrectly.

By Dave Thompson

Certainly the prediction I got most wrong was Bafana Bafana. I didn't expect them to pick up any points never mind a win. Full credit to the home team, especially the win over the pathetic French team whose players were a true disgrace to their nation. Fingers have been pointed at the French coach who rightly should take some responsibility, but the main culprits were the multi-millionaire players themselves, who should hand back whatever they've been paid.

In fact the English squad should also consider some wealth distribution considering their dire performances from some of the highest paid players in the world. Right now England is in serious danger of not making it past round two.

Most Australian players are not as handsomely remunerated, and I thought they acquitted themselves reasonably well, but their first round exit was to be expected.

The week ahead is tricky because the group stages haven't been completed.

The completion of this phase will determine who plays who in the next round – so if the following predictions are right, you can work out the games for yourself.

Italy have been very scrappy and should consider themselves lucky not to be following France to the airport. With their last group game being against Slovakia they should be strong enough to pick up full points wining 2-0. Similarly Paraguay will be too strong for the gallant Kiwi's also taking them by 2 goals to nil, thereby winning the group.

So whilst the Italians will qualify it will be in second place – not an ideal position for the reigning champs.

I expect Holland to defeat Cameroon by a minimum of 2 goals to nil. Arjen Robben is expected to make the team and this could widen the winning margin.

Of course, this dooms Cameroon to elimination – another sad display from an African team.

Denmark must beat Japan to make it through – a draw won't be sufficient and a 1-1 draw is what I'm predicting. Goodbye Denmark!

So onto the last group and potentially the best game of the first round: I tip Brazil to beat Portugal even though the Portuguese confidence must be sky high.

Tempers will flare and yellow cards will be flashing with more regularity than a Sea Point stripper – and in the second half I predict at least 2 red cards.

Then I'm predicting 2-1 to Brazil, with both teams progressing after a snoozefest and a 1-1 draw between North Korea and Ivory Coast.

Spain are going to need to beat Chile comprehensively to ensure they top the group and I expect at least a 2-0 victory which hopefully will allow the Spaniards to settled into a solid groove towards a place in the final.

If Switzerland beat Honduras this could make things very tricky at the top , but I expect this game to end in a 1-1 draw even though the Swiss are a better team.

See you next round.

By Sean Connor

Bafana Bafana v France. Bloemfontein 22 June 2010

I watched two games on Tuesday: Mexico v Uruguay and Bafana Bafana v. France. As it transpires South Africa needed to beat France by at least three goals to qualify for the next round. It was an entertaining game.

France, fresh from all sorts of team upheavals, were there to be beaten. They had a player sent off in the first half, the victim of another questionable decision by a referee.

Khumalo scored in the 20^th minute and Mphela scored in the 37^th minute.From the names you will realise that this was South Africa that went into a 2-nil lead before half time. The French pulled one back in the second half making the final score 2-1 for South Africa.

Unfortunately, South Africa just failed to qualify for the next round, making them the first host nation to be eliminated at the group stage. Nevertheless, it was an improved performance all round. Let us hope that Bafana Bafana make the finals in Brazil in 2014

by Sean Connor

Bafana Bafana
What a great start for Bafana Bafana and the World Cup. Tshabalala's goal was certainly worthy of any World Cup.
On the other hand, the game against Uruguay was a big disappointment. Goals are mainly scored from inside the penalty area, but South Africa failed to get the ball into the box.

I suggest a 6.5ft Zulu to spearhead the attack and another to play at the back. Of course, they would need a bit of soccer skill.
Now Bafana Bafana must beat France to have any chance of progressing to the next round.
Viva Bafana Bafana!

Socceroos
In the friendly against New Zealand there were two diabolical tackles on New Zealand players. One was by Tim Cahill. Obviously, he did not learn from that mistake and did the same in the German match. That cost Australia any chance of a winor draw against the Germans. The captain, Lucas Neill, also committed a serious foul. This recklessness may be a sign of frustration, however, there is no excuse.
PimVerbeek and the Australian teamface a big challenge from Ghana on Saturday.
Go Aussie Go!

By Cheryl Goodenough

Isn't it amazing how a ‘musical instrument' (well, that's one way in which it's been described) has become such a huge topic of discussion, complaint and disagreement? The BBC said this week that it's considering filtering out the sound of vuvuzelas from its World Cup broadcasts following 545 complaints from viewers about the noise.

So what's with the vuvuzela…According to Wikipedia, the blowing horn is sometimes called a ‘lepatata' or a stadium horn and can be up to about one metre in length. It is similar to the corneta which is used by football fans in South America.

Wikipedia cites them as controversial because they've been associated with permanent noise-induced hearing loss, could be a possible safety risk when spectators cannot hear evacuation announcements and may spread colds and flu viruses on a greater scale then coughing or shouting. They've also been blamed for drowning the sound and atmosphere of football games, with commentators having described them as ‘annoying' and ‘satanic', and having compared them with ‘a stampede of noisy elephants', ‘a deafening swarm of locusts', ‘a goat on the way to slaughter' and ‘a giant hive full of very angry bees'. Wonder if those comparisons have been made from personal experience?

Wikipedia also state that ‘during the entire match supporters blow the vuvuzelas frantically in an attempt to “kill off” their opponents'!

Media websites around the world feature articles and viewers comments regarding the noise. Some people want it banned outright, while others say that it should only be allowed for the matches involving African countries. And other commentators say that it's a part of the World Cup in Africa so just accept it.

By Richard Baldock

The Soccer World Cup is much like a family wedding. After the initial proposal has been accepted there are months, sometimes years, of preparations, planning and costs. Much like any decent sized family wedding there will be controversy regarding menus, venues, outfits, music and, of course, the guests. Not forgetting details of accommodation, finalising the numbers and always the bills.

Now the day has arrived and the event is officially underway. The tension is temporarily forgotten and the joy of build-up erupts into the splendor of the real thing.

Something is on the South African streets that has been absent for some time – crowds of celebrating people. Street kids, shoppers, taxi drivers, construction workers and domestic servants all blowing their vuvuzelas solidly in an endless blast. Let's not forget that the sound of a donkey in distress and a vuvuzela sound remarkably similar and if the crowd at the Super 14 final was anything to go by, it may be here to stay.

This is a time of both hope and joy. Both of which have been in short supply in South Africa for the last three or four years. There has been corruption, government squabbling, an ever increasing rate of crime and even people thriving on this dissent. Amongst all of that South Africans can be forgiven for forgetting that we have more things in common than divide us. After all, most South Africans want peace, safety, fairness and opportunity.

The Soccer World Cup is a time of coming together and healing, similar to what was called ‘The Miracle of Berlin', in 1954 when Germany won the World Cup. This boosted the nation still devastated by war. We South Africans can also reflect on 1995 when the mighty Springboks lifted the William Webb Ellis trophy after competing in the event for the first time and the entire country united behind them. These times are for the ordinary citizen. Proud and loyal, whether at the game or thousands of kilometres away in a distant country.

We would all be thrilled if Bafana Bafana made it out of the group stages. They played well on Friday and we all pinned our hopes of building upon that success. In a way South Africa will still win the World Cup if the event is successful. South Africans are using the world's largest sporting event to showcase every inch of our beautiful country. Converting visitors into friends and showing the world what a united South Africa can be.

It's history in the making, our history. It's here, feel it, it's electric. The inner soul of our nation still exists, and when the final whistle is blown it must not come to an end again.

Copy courtesy TheWorldCupSoccerSite.com

By Dave Thompson

Never place bets with a bookie known as “The Great White Wombat”. I tried to get him to pay me out on my Mexico 2 – Bafana 0 prediction, arguing that the score line still reflected a total of two goals. When will I learn?

Our expat stadium, resplendent in a mixture of Bafana regalia, Bulls and Springbok jerseys, two vuvuzelas, and even some clown wearing an orange shirt with ‘Dion' printed in blue on the breast pocket, erupted as South Africa went one up – followed by everyone asking “who's that oke?” It didn't matter that Bafana had already ruined my Soccer World Cup predictions, the excitement called for more boerie on the barbie. The game was on!

France v Uruguay was on too late for us. From what I've read, my 1-1 prediction was hugely optimistic – both sides equally useless in front of the goal. Although I still tip both of these teams to advance to the next round.

So for the rest of the matches between June 12^th and 15^th, I didn't have a bad success rate at all. In fact, good enough to have me top the points table at the Palomino Spur tipping competition.

I expected Australia to get beaten by Germany, but not “flogged” the way they were. However, this didn't stop Aussie commentators sniggering about New Zealand's chances. To be fair I was also having a chuckle, but the Kiwis at least have a point, and the Aussies are heading for the airport.

I anticipated that the turnout at Loftus for the Youth Day clash between the Bafana Bafana and Uruguay would be spectacular, but that the football was unlikely to be. [Editor's Note: In fact, Dave sent his prediction the day before the game was played, and suggested that Uruguay would kick the lumps out of the boys on the way to a 2 – 0 win. Go Dave! As he stated, it's not a game we'll want to remember!]

On to my predictions for the games between June 17 and June 19…

France will remain uninspiring and should go a goal down to Mexico before recovering to win 2 – 1.

Nigeria will pick up three points on their way to finishing second in the group, with a solid 3 – 1 drubbing of Greece. As I write this I have no idea how Greece will score.

Argentina's second appearance in the tournament will be much more convincing as they demolish South Korea 3 – 0. Ex-teammates Carlos Tevez and Ji-Sung Park are expected to use interpreters to swap shirts and laugh about how the only English they've learnt is Wayne, Giggsy and Rio.

Other predictions: Germany 2, Serbia 1: A good result for the Serbs.

The United States pick up another unexpected point after drawing 1 – 1 with Slovenia.

England scrape past Algeria 2 – 1, which is still not convincing enough to stop the tabloids calling for Don Fabio's head. Expect at least one big name player to be either sent off or injured for the rest of the tournament. No, not Shaun Wright-Philips.

The Aussie misery continues as they edge closer to home losing to Ghana 2 – 1.After this result the Australian media will impose a blanket embargo on the word Socceroo and any derivatives thereof.

I fancy the Dutch for a quarter final spot, but they flattered to deceive against Denmark. They'll pick it up against Japan with a comfortable 3 – 1 win with Arjen Robben's return making all the difference.

Cameroons earlier loss to Japan was one hiccough that I hadn't anticipated. And as I only expect them to grab a 1 – 1 draw against Denmark, the Indomitable Lions could fail to qualify for round two.

Favourite Teams

The top five teams according to FIFA are Spain, Brazil, Netherlands, Italy and Portugal. However you can never discount England, Germany or Argentina.

South Africa/Bafana Bafana

Bafana Bafana is the lowest ranked team in the tournament. Remember South Africa qualified because it is the host nation. Steven Pienaar is South Africa's highest ranked player. Carlos Alberto Parreira is the Brazilian coach of South Africa. Aaron Mokoena is the captain.

Australia.Socceroos

Australia is ranked 21 by FIFA. Tim Cahill is the highest ranked player and plays for Everton in the English Premier League. However, Harry Kewell, or rather his groin, has been getting all the attention. In fact, Harry's groin has been drawing more attention than the proposed extra mining tax! The Australian squad is mainly the same as four years ago, with Lucas Neill captain. For me, the key player has always been the goal keeper Mark Schwartzer. Pim Verbeek, an ex sports teacher is the coach. Pim is a genuine Dutchman, who was Guus Hiddink's assistant in the 2002 finals when Guus took South Korea to the semi finals. Guus also took Australia to the knock out stage in 2006.

Top Players/World Cup Stars

This World Cup, keep your eyes on the following:

• Fernando Torres from Spain
• Thierry Henry (the other hand of God) from France
• Carlos Teves from Argentina
• Kaka from Brazil
• Lionel Messi from Argentina
• Wayne Rooney from England
• Miroslav Klose from Germany
• Arjen Robben from Netherlands
• Christino Ronaldo from Portugal

First Dates to Remember

South Africa

South Africa vs Mexico – Soccer City, June 11, Midnight, AEST

South Africa vs Uruguay – Pretoria, June 17, 4.30pm, AEST

South Africa vs France – Bloemfontein, June 22^nd, Midnight, AEST

Australia

Australia vs Germany – Durban, June 14, 4.30pm, AEST

Australia vs Ghana – Rustenburg, June 19, Midnight, AEST

Australia vs Serbia – Nelspruit, June 24^th, 4.30pm, AEST

Finally, there are 30 referees at the World Cup, all of whom are capable of getting it wrong.

Hamba kahle South Africa and Australia!

By Dave Thompson

I used to call myself “the sports clairvoyant” – and I deserved this title after a sequence of spectacular predictions mainly involving the outcome of cricket matches.

But this all went wonky when I decided to put my money where my mouth was, and promptly lost R40 on a Currie Cup game between Border and Transvaal. Yes, it was that long ago.

So if you decide to throw your cash at any of my Soccer World Cup predictions, you only have yourself to blame. Luckily Australia is a very big country and going into hiding means nothing more than getting off at the wrong bus stop.

You ready to lose some money?

June 11: South African vs Mexico

I see Mexico taking this 2-0. Regardless of Bafana's late burst of form, it won't be enough to hold the team ranked 17^th in the world, higher than any other African team except for Egypt. I don't think the Mexicans will be overawed by South Africa's home advantage. They're used to playing to fanatical, noisy supporters and many of them are accustomed to playing at altitude. The Mexicans will have too much flair and class on the day, I'm afraid.

June 11: Uruguay vs France

I've noticed some pundits predicting an early flight home for the French. Huh? I'm actually tipping them to make the semi-finals! Damn! Shouldn't have spoken so soon. Against Uruguay I expect France to scrape a 1-1 draw.

June 12: Argentina vs Nigeria

The Argies are hot, but will get off to a slow start eventually pipping Nigeria 2-1 at Ellis Park.

June 12: South Korea vs Greece

How many times will commentators subject us to lame jokes about the Greeks winning corners and opening cafés? South Korea to sneak it, 1-0.

June 12: England vs United States

This won't be pretty. South Africa's love affair with the English Premier League will turn Royal Bafokeng into Wembley Stadium as the locals get behind their heroes from Manchester United, Chelsea and…errrr…Portsmouth. England to grind out an unimpressive 1-0 victory.

June 13: Algeria vs Slovenia

No, I don't know where Slovenia is. So I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt by awarding them a point for their 0-0 draw with Algeria (from North Africa apparently).

June 13: Germany vs Australia

I've been living in Australia for just over a year now and it's been good for me, but the Germans will simply be too good for the Socceroos, clubbing them 3-1. Australia's score will come from a German own goal.

June 13: Serbia vs Ghana

Michael Essien's injury has robbed both Ghana and Soccer World Cup 2010 of a great talent. However, I still expect the Black Stars to surprise Serbia with a 1-0 victory at Loftus.

June 14: Netherlands vs Denmark

A credible 1-1 draw is my guess. A score I expect Denmark to repeat in all their group stage games.

June 14: Japan vs Cameroon

Even in Bloemfontein Cameroon will feel like they're playing at home and will sweep aside Japan 2-0.

June 14: Italy vs Paraguay

This will be Italy's only hiccough in the group stages. They'll be playing in Cape Town and will blame the lure of Long Street after their lucky 1-1 draw. With their next game in Nelspruit, the Italians deserve a night out in the Mother City (before and after the game).

June 15: New Zealand vs Slovakia

No offence, but I had no idea the Kiwis had qualified. How did this happen? When did they start playing soccer? Sorry lads, love your rugby skills and Crowded House, but expect Slovakia to clean you up 2-0.

June 15: Ivory Coast vs Portugal

I predicted a 1-1 draw before Drogba got injured,so I'll stick with it. But Portugal will now have an advantage not having to contend with the Ivorian goal machine.

June 15: Brazil vs North Korea

Could you find two more diverse nations? Could the score be even greater than 3-1 to Brazil? What am I thinking giving North Korea a hope of even scoring? What do I know, after all?

by Sean Connor

• The last World Cup Soccer final in Germany 2006 was watched by 715 million people worldwide. Truly the world game!
• This is the 19^th Soccer World Cup.
• The Soccer World Cup takes place every four years (except for during the war years of 1942 and 1946).
• The first Cup took place in 1930 when Uruguay (the host team) beat Argentina 2-1 in the final. Thirteen nations took part.
• Brazil is the only country to have played in every tournament and has won the trophy five times. Both Italy and Germany have won the trophy three times.
• Australia and South Africa have both qualified twice before. Australia in 1974 and 2006, South Africa in 1998 and 2002. Could Australia and South Africa meet in the final this year?
• Former President Nelson Mandela received the World Cup Trophy into South Africa on May 7, and did a tour of the townships.
• This year's Cup kicks off at Johannesburg's Soccer City on June 11 when the host South Africa takes on Mexico.
• From the original 204 entrants, 32 teams have made it to the finals. Bafana Bafana qualified as the host nation, whilst Australia did it the hard way.
• The 32 teams are divided into eight groups. The top two teams from each group move on to the next round.
• Group A consists of South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay and France.
• Group D teams are Germany, Australia, Serbia and Ghana.
• If there is an iconic world team it must be Brazil. An iconic player? Undoubtedly, the brilliant Brazilian, Pele.
• Of course the World Cup is not without its controversies. In the 1966 final we had the highly disputed English goal that enabled England to draw level with Germany and go on to win the trophy. The Germans are still complaining about that. Then there was Maradonna's controversial goal that knocked England out of the 1986 tournament. Closer to home there was the penalty kick awarded in extra time to Italy in the knockout game against Australia in the last World Cup. The only person in the whole world who thought it was a justifiable penalty was the referee. However, he is the one that counts.
• Incidentally, the best team to have never won the World Cup is Holland. Perhaps this is their year?