※SpinalGap24 ※

Soya bean coffee
Rum with tropical fruit
Rice, daikon, carrots, chicken, furekake, spinach and Mama Sita sauce
Sesame seed bread with Brie and black, pitted olives.
Tuc biscuits.
Lemon, ginger, mango and orange tea.

(These are from my own private stores...not courtesy of the NHS!)

What did you enjoy on your plate, and in your glass/tankard* today dear friends?

* Which one of you uses a tankard???

I'm off to see the hospital (wizard) consultant, bye bye for now.

Time that sped away
never waited for today
only fulfilled tomorrow's call
ahead of us all
...forever.

lauren6, Philippines, May 23rd

"Just because you have a nice motorbike, doesn't mean you can ride it well."

Another flabby performance by Brazil and they somehow swagger through again, yawn...they are in danger of losing a once loyal global fanbase. Ronaldinwho??? Two uninspiring performances from him...never mind the Ronaldo weight-related thoughts, what about the world's current best player? He looks predictable to me...and is over-playing the chipped-through ball, which has not worked once as yet. He IS brilliant, but has the arrogance gone to his feet? I hope not.
Brazil are boring, yes...it is true, and it hurts me to say so. Kaka is their star and nobody else.
For heaven's sake TV, there are more players than R in the Brazil team.
A nod to Australia who were mightily unlucky to lose 0-2, and but for Kewell's uncool finishing, would have gained a point...indeed, three points would not have flattered the Australians, who were the better team, with weaker finishing.

France...oh mon Dieu, why has this happened? They are a warning to England, that sitting on a 1-0 lead, (even if it WAS really 2-0 but the referee forgot that the net does not have to inform him of a goal, to make it legal), is very dangerous, verging on arrogant. I think that France will still qualify, but without any dignity.
Can anyone remember Italy during Spain 1982, when they scraped through the group stages on three draws? And eventually won the World Cup outright that year. Cameroon, (which included the ageless Roger Milla), also had equal points with Italy but were eliminated, very unfairly...and speaking of Italy, a team I admired before this WC started, appear a sad blend of failing actors and actresses. Del Pierro and Totti, the old school, apart, their team do not impress in the true footballing sense, however, they will probably do well, but thanks to refereeing decisions...they are probably due some dubious decisions in their favour, after THAT exit to South Korea in 2002.

Why did nobody on TV mention Japan's brilliant penalty save yesterday?

Well done Ghana by the way, an African victory in this WC was surprisingly overdue, despite some brilliant football from all four competing teams. I predict they will qualify for the last 16. I haven't seen my Ghanian friend, which probably explains the level of his celebrations since their win!!!!!