DAY TWO: ORANGE CRUSH

There was a moment, after Giovani Dos Santos had his second legitimate goal chalked off, when I'd given up on this World Cup. Tears soaked my Mexico shirt as if it was me playing in the pouring rain of Natal.

But justice was done and then the Spanish were thrashed, to remind us all that with football: you just never know.

And that's why Woody Allen chooses sport over movies.

Because you couldn't have predicted, with Mexico having chance after chance written off my a combination of Colombian officials and their own inability to communicate in the final third, that the unluckiest team on day two would be Australia. The Socceroos dominated much of their match against Chile and were worthy of a point. Why? Because Tim Cahill is one of the best headers of a football ever to have played in the Premier League.

Right up there with Brian McBride.

Timbo's performance, coupled with Van Persie's swan dive, have led me to think about headers...

Houchen v Spurs; Letchkov v Germany; Steve Bruce v Sheffield Wednesday x 2.

But come on, let's keep it honest:



Having tried to enjoy these first 48 hours, there's a cloud over us all today. But I think England can do it. I think they can win.

If we can just get the wicket of Sangakkara...

I thank you.

THE STORY SO FAR

Match of the tournament: Spain 1-5 Holland

Player of the tournament: Arjen Robben (Holland)

Goal of the tournament: Robin Van Persie (Spain v HOLLAND) [1st goal]