World Cup predictions ...

[dominion]

I've got north Korea and Slovakia in our work sweepstake - I don't think I'm looking good for the cash pot!

I've just picked Paraguay....

[Multiterrainer]

I've just picked Paraguay....

Spain for me!!

[Carlos the Jackal]

Who said anything about England players being saints?

Rooney was to blame for getting himself sent off but he was ably assisted by Ronaldo who knew and exploited his club mate's volatile temperament. Rooney reacted stupidly to constant provocation by Carvalho and lashed out. The referee did not appear to be sending Rooney off until Ronaldo came wading in demanding it. When he duly got his wish, he winked to his team mates suggesting that it had all been pre-planned. An example of clever low cunning, yes. But greatness? Not for me.

muddy, i think that this is the English excuse. the ref was still sorting it all out, surrounded by both Portuguese and English players. who is to say that the ref wasn't going to pull Rooney to one side and send him off after he gained control of the situation? the wink means nothing and the English make too much of it. remember Ronaldo was playing for Portugal not England.

[Muddy Retriever]

muddy, i think that this is the English excuse. the ref was still sorting it all out, surrounded by both Portuguese and English players. who is to say that the ref wasn't going to pull Rooney to one side and send him off after he gained control of the situation? the wink means nothing and the English make too much of it. remember Ronaldo was playing for Portugal not England.

Guess we'll just have to agree to differ on that.

Anyway, good as Ronaldo is I think Messi is on a different level to everybody right now.