What a night.

England were rubbish. Complete rubbish. They were very disappointing, and Rooney is an angry, over-rated thug.

One of the commentaries said the rest of the world will not be disappointed because England and their fans have so little grace and joy in their football. How true. To see the raving after the game explained a lot about English football hooliganism. It's all the ref's fault. It's the fault of the Portuguese! Well, yeah - that's in the nature of competitive sport. The other side aren't meant to help.

Out they went on penalties again.

Then France looked spectacular. Zizou was amazing. The French sparkled. They were dangerous attackers, commanding midfields, rock solid in defence. Barthez is a football giant. But Zidane performs magic with such effortless cool he makes it look like he is out for a stroll.

Before the match Carlo stood on our balcony calling out "allez Les Bleus". And Josie found him there with neighbours calling back to him from half a dozen apartments over the street. "Allez Les Bleus. Allez Les Bleus." The same neighbours erupted when Thiery Henry nailed his goal and then drenched the street in noise and excitement at the full-time whistle. We jumped and cheered and hugged and punched the air. The Paris streets filled with honking cars and cheering fans.

Joe told me the Brazilian goalie lived next door to him - Next Door! - in Auckland this year for a few months on an English language exchange. So Joe told me he was supporting both France and Brazil.


France should get past Portugal in the semi. If Italy beats Germany, we will face a dark test of national loyalty in the final.

Meanwhile, I'm up to 82nd in the world cup daq, with a million pound payout to come on both France and Portugal. Damn the money isn't real.