The Last Word - Sports Blog (Sean Simara)

Brazil v Holland  The clash between the ‘Total Football’ and the ‘Samba Boys’ will been one for the football purest to drool over with high expectations. This afternoon will see if Holland can cause a shock and move the footballing God’s of Brazil. Holland have sailed through this tournament not really getting out of 3rd gear but they will have to raise their game to get past Brazil. As usual Brazil have gone through the tournament with flair and skill. The star man for them as I said has been Robinho. He has turned up to this summers tournament unlike some other stars and has proved his worth on the world stage. Brazil has been hard working just like how manager Dunga uses to play. They will be without playmaker Elano and Melo will be doubtful with a knock whereas Holland will be at full strength. Both nations have come to South Africa to win and the winner here could well go on to lift the trophy on July 11th. I predict a classic 3-2 Holland victory. Uruguay v Ghana  Ghana tonight h...

Finally an England performance to be proud of at this years World Cup. Capello has come under a lot of pressure in the past few days, but his decision to bring in Milner and Defoe for Lennon and Heskey worked better than he could have ever wished. It was Milners wicked ball in from the right that Defoe latched onto and put away in the first half. Defoe comes alive when he is in the box, you may not notice him much but he will be remembered as the man who fired England into the last 16 of the World Cup.  Rooney’s form is still to be questioned. Yes, he did play much better and linked up with Gerrard very well at times. However he does not look 100% or it could be something else on his mind. Rooney has never been away from his child for this long and could be missing his little one and that could be playing on his mind. Lampard, who also came in for a lot of slack played his best game for England for years. To be fair it was only a 7/10 but its better then what you usually get from him. ...

World Cup Group A South Africa Mexico Uruguay France South Africa - As a host nation they have a massive boost in confidence, and you must remember that no host nation have ever failed to get beyond the group stage. Key Man - Steven Pienaar he is the star of the team; he could boost his career in England by shining at this summer’s tournament. Mexico – They are from South America so they are naturally gifted footballers, but miles behind the like of Chile, Argentina and of course Brazil. They will be more than happy if they get out the group. Key Man - Javier Hernandez, there will be no better way for the new united front-man to make a mark on united fans by proving what he can do on the biggest stage of them all. Uruguay – The two time winners are one of the most inconsistent teams at the World Cup and after years of player division Nacional and Penarol (players based at home and playing abroad) they are more united than ever. Key Man Diego Forlan- The Madrid front-man is 31 and will...