ah I can see that English people haven't forgotten the famous "Hand of God" from Maradona... >>Ladbrokes are quoting 200:1 on a handballed goal in todays match - seems pretty short odds to me, so either:a) Ladbrokes have done extensive work on the propensity of the Argentine squad to cheat & figured it to be high orb) English punters are hedging themselves in size against the psychological fallout of such a travesty occuringEither way I'll be giving Roppongi a wide berth this evening...

about the rivalry between England and Argentina, found in Bloomberg news...----------------------------------------------------------------snow in November, Christmas in December.

As I said before.... only 'one' of four teams can win... Italy, Spain, Russia and South Korea...Today you have seen Spain (now 6/1 third favs behind Italy and Brazil) are through... and the Argentines are looking very unlikely, just to cover those who thought I was delusioned at not including them in my [let me say 'balanced'] view...Place your bets...Adidas

no chance, the brave Vikings will kick out the French tomorrow. The red dynamite is not afraid of Zinedine & co.svunt

and svunt is right on the money !

What a fantastic start into the day! There's no way to top that! Well, probably send home England or Argentina next would be as good as saying good bye to the "bleus"...Have a nice day guys.svunt

I am now chanting "Allez les bleus" for a different set of "bleus." The Red, White, and Bleus of my own U.S.A.! And looking at that glorious long odds payoff. For the price of two beers I may get a mortgage payment out of this!

Argentina has dissappeared ***poof*** Will it be Italy's turn tonight to catch the flight back home?My money is still on spain & england.nAnooK

Despite the frighteningly accurate results from Aaron in another thread, I stand by my South Korean choice in a bunch of four possible winners. I had heard a rumour amongst the (more underground) football newsgroups that FIFA were hoping for a 'new world order' to be formed at this tournament. Therefore my bets were hedged to reflect this... S.Korea had many helpings of luck along the way, didn't you think...? Despite my waiting until the result of the S.Korea v Poland game, who in their right mind would have accepted a S.Kor win over Italy and Spain?? Hence the incluson of these two in my choice of four (Russia BTW was my wildcard as a safeguard... although v.unlikely)Now the 'BIG' question is this....Will Aaron be correct? Odds will show this is likely and always was...But!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!With my ear to the ground, I predict that the rumours were accurate, but that the wrong teams were predicted.... After all the Turkish team have reached this point without controversy and even their 'Star" player is not in any sort of form.... Well I say that Turkey will beat Brazil and then Germany... at 8-1, I am placing a $100 bet!!Before I go to bed, which European country has a large Turkish community again.....? Oh... yes I remember............................................................................................ DeutschlandOH MY GOODNESS...... this is not 'Insider' trading....... is it?