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Brazil 4-0 England

Saturday, 2nd June 2007

Never mind the game, I'm talking about the national anthems. No contest, is there? I've had a soft spot for Brazil's ever since hearing it for the first time during the magnificent 1970 World Cup. I love the sheer operatic jauntiness. God Save The Queen can't compete, I'm afraid. Some gorgeous images of the country's landscape in this video.

As for the match itself, I actually fell asleep for part of the second half - the first time I've ever done that during a match involving the gods in the yellow shirts. This current side looks all too mortal, unfortunately. I'm also becoming fatally allergic to Mark Lawrenson's endless commentary-box quips, most of which don't seem to add up to anything. And the boys in the studio are dull too. I know it's all the rage to bring in ex-players, but I would really love to hear journos like Patrick Barclay speak a few home truths. Life is just too cosy in the old boys' game.