WORLD CUP NEWS.SPAIN v FRANCE

Is it just me, or is there a sense that the "good" teams are not
qualifying?Mexico, Holland, Australia, Switzerland..., that is,
thoses teams that go out & actually play football lose!
If this is true, we could be in for an upset tonight, as Spain plays
France (21.00 Sp Time).

All the experts are unanimous in hailing Spain as one of the few
great playing sides, with touch football & goal. If France are
playing badly & are "too old", Spain should win tonight ¿correct?
Here is the SPANISH starting lineup:
CASILLAS
RAMOS- PABLO- PUYOL- PERNIA
CESC - X.ALONSO - XAVI
RAUL - TORRES - VILLA

However, I don´t trust our neighbours, & in particular the character
pictured below - Thierry Henry, & his friends. Nothing like a knock out
- do or die game - against a good side, to raise yourself from the dead.
France are like that, traditionally lift for the big occasion & have luck
on their side.

Still have the memory of the 1984 ( anniversary today!!!)
European Nations Cup Final , when Spain playing at its best,
were beaten 2-0 by France, in an unlucky match that badly went
wrong, after Spanish goalkeeper Arconada let slip through his
body a "harmless" ball. Then the nerves took control, the players
began to question their worth...& the devil took over.

Let´s hope that this is
just history & that it
does´nt repeat itself.

Let´s pray that my gut
instinct is wrong & I have
confused it with nerves.

Let´s think that the current
trend of good teams being
knocked out is just a coincident & nothing mystical.

Let all Spaniards wish that, for this time, with possibly the
most talented side in years, we will have the play, the referee,
luck & justice on our side.

Will post a roundup as soon as game finishes tonight.