Despite the fact that the Americans were knocked out I felt that the rivalry between the US and England in the first round went a long way towards boosting soccer’s appeal in America.

My only one concern regarding this years championship was the terrible officiating. Two obvious goals were disallowed in two games I watched. The goal that England scored against Germany in the final sixteen at the end of the first half should have counted. Who knows how the Germans would have responded to two quick scores, tying the game and putting England right back in the thick of things.

The disallowed goal was reminiscent of the anecdote surrounding the 1966 World Cup when England beat Germany with a similar goal. The Germans protested but the goal counted so I expect that many in the German camp may feel that the English got their just desserts after the 1966 incident!

In any event the march continues and I am pinning my hopes on the long shot team of Ghanaians but in my heart I believe that it might just be Brazil’s turn – again!