WHAT could Argentina, Italy, Germany, Portugal and France all have in common?

Well, they could all yet lift the World Cup, but, the way this absolutely unbelievable tournament is shaping up, they could all be catching the first flight home.

All five of these giants of the world game go into the last round of matches, starting tomorrow, knowing they may have to win to avoid global embarrassment and national humiliation - just look at what the Ruskies did to Moscow after they were beaten by Japan!

Argentina's predicament is, of course, down to the heroics of Sven's men - God, I wish I'd been at home on Friday to enjoy the partying rather than being stuck down here in Korea, but, I suppose, I can't have it both ways.

Weren't the boys completely ****ing magnificent. All 14 who played their part deserve all the praise that has been thrust upon them, but, in Pieman's view, four are worthy of the greatest plaudits.

Bionic Butt, who hasn't played a game for two months, was unbelievable in the centre of the park, breaking up play and hitting some glorious passes, while Scholesy was equally dymanic and classy.

International jet-setter Trevor Sinclair settled in brilliantly after replacing the unfortunate German exile, and he didn't look out of place, giving the team a more natural balance.

But my collosus above all other immovable pillars was Rio, who played the game of his life, with a masterful tactical display of defensive common sense.

There is a risk of a Nigerian backlash on Wednesday, but Sven's men - he can't change the side, surely - are riding on the crest of a wave, and should wrap up Group F because, I think, the Argies will beat the Swedes.

The real fun and games will start tomorrow, though, when the Frogs simply have to overcome Denmark if they are to stumble into the second phase.

They have the class, of course they have, but I reckon the Danes will hold them, and plunge Paris into mass mourning - oh how the mighty are set to fall!

Then it's the turn of Mick's men - just think about it, TWO English (and yes they are English before all the Paddys start giving me a hard time) teams into round two; life can't get any better, can it?

Although the short-sleeved Cameroons struggled to overcome the Saudis 1-0, I can not see any way in which the Irish will not get the two goals they need to send Dublin delirious.

The Spanish, probably, lie in wait, but such is the amazing morale and quality in the Irish camp that they CAN reach the quarter-finals.

Anyone who thought this would be a crap tournament has been sadly mistaken.

June 10, 2002 11:30