Tonight's the Night

It's D-Day at the World Cup.

In about half an hour England play Slovenia in a game they have to win. I have always had a soft spot for England in the World Cup, depsite their constant failures and disappointments. I went to the World Cup in Spain in 1982 and went to all of England's games, in Bilbao and Madrid.

They have again been disappointing so far in South Africa but they still have their fate in their own hands. A win over Slovenia puts them through to the 2nd round. With Defoe, Crouch, Lennon and Dawson from Tottenham in the squad perhaps the Spurs factor can get them through.

Then the BIG one, Australia v Serbia. After the terrible effort against Germany and the unlucky circumstances against Ghana, with Cahill and Kewell sent off respectively, the luck has to turn for the Aussies to go through. Firstly we have to beat Serbia (remembering that they're coming off a 1-0 victory over Germany!!) and then we need the right result from the Germany v Ghana game. Ironically, a win to either of them suits us depending on the scoreline. If we win and Ghana win we go through although that's the most unlikely outcome.

If Germany win they need to score lots of goals to help counter-balance our poor goal difference as a result of the 4-0 loss to Germany. Germany will probably win but will they score enough goals? And can Australia get it together and win by 2-3 goals over Serbia?

Realistically that's unlikely.

I think the most likely outcome is Australia will not go through, even if they win tonight.

But, let's hope for a footballing miracle.

Go the Socceroos!!