WORLD CUP FEVER - June 27

Second Round

Italy

Norway

Brazil

Chile

After last night's euphoria, I couldn't raise much enthusiasm for today's games. I'm sure you understand. You do? I knew you would. Italy v Norway bored me senseless to be honest. I hope Vieri doesn't end up top scorer, someone more inventive and inspiring should overtake him. And Norway can do what Gazza suggested a few years ago. They beat Brazil and then show so little ambition against Italy.

Could that inventive and inspiring goalscorer be Ronaldo? He added two tonight (and hit the post) while still seeming to be playing below par. Cesar Sampaio got the important first two goals for Brazil, so let's give him some credit. Chile were better then the scoreline suggested and the world still waits for Brazil to really turn it on, to really turn it up, but the world has been saying that every four years since 1970 and surely expectations are distorted by hazy memories of Pele and co, based on the dreamy quality of highlights from that Mexico tournament with its vivid colours and dry heat causing the commentators' voices to sound like they were being beamed from another dimension. Also, the media's recurring fantasies about co-called 'samba soccer' that have become a big fat cliche of an albatross for the viewer if not the Brazilians themselves. Let's not forget, Pele's shot from inside his own half didn't go in, his 'outrageous' dummy of the keeper didn't result in a goal. So the message to Brazil is, if you're going to win and justify your place as every fan's second favourite team (though not mine) you'd better do it by playing exotic and thrilling football. And, please, don't let's have a repeat of the last World Cup Final.

Results: Italy (1) 1 Norway (0) 0 Vieri 18 Brazil (3) 4 Chile (0) 1 Sampaio 11, 27 Ronaldo 45 (pen), 70 Salas 68

Shots off target:

Was South Africa's Issa playing with an earphone in his, erm, ear, during his team's game against France on Wednesday? This is the bizarre question being asked and so far I haven't heard an answer.

Your Football Quote of the Day:
'The ball must be as slippery as a wet baby.' Tony Gubba