That “Greensleeves” ought to replace “God Save The Queen” as the English national anthem. That our fans, though well-behaved, still sing appallingly and look dreadful. (Where bronzed Brazilian lovelies danced out the samba, one camera caught a rhino-sized Englishman in a tan-coloured shirt, as he reached beneath the great underhang of his belly and freed something unspeakable from where it had become tangled in a bush. Ugh.)For once, English participation in a major football tournament has not been a matter of fear, disappointment and recrimination but of fun, hope and realism. And all true football fans can only wait and pray for one of two wonderful possibilities to round it all off – a Brazilian or Senegalese victory on a sunny English summer’s day.. Guus Hiddink, the South Korea coach, yesterday denied reports from the Netherlands that he was set to take over as PSV Eindhoven’s new coach as soon as the co-hosts’ World Cup campaign was over.

But I have said to everyone that I will not talk to anyone during the World Cup. We have a big game and I’m just concentrating on that.”However, Van Raay claims the former Real Madrid coach has agreed by e-mail to return to the Philips Stadium. “I’m very confident that we will come to a final agreement,” said Van Raay.The Koreans will be disappointed by the timing of Van Raay’s comments, 24 hours before the biggest game in their history. Hiddink, too, is also annoyed by the reports, which he sees as a distraction, but although he has a deep affection for Korea, and in particular his players, he is expected to return to Europe once the World Cup ends..

History is already assured in today’s quarter-final meeting between Senegal and Turkey here So is bad blood. So is bad blood.
Whoever wins, a semi-final against Brazil will be a historic first for two sides in hitherto uncharted World Cup territory. Turkey have already gone well beyond their previous-best first-round elimination 48 years ago while Senegal, making their first appearance in the competition, are seeking to become the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.To top it off, today’s quarter-final is also turning into a mud-slinging contest, with the Senegalese accusing Turkey of belittling them, and the Turks criticising the Africans for dirty tactics.As if a game pitting the African Player of the Year, El Hadji Diouf against the Turkish striker Hakan Sukur did not have enough spice, the coaches added some more.The Turkish coach, Senol Gunes, warned his players about foul play “[Senegal] tend to show their elbows,” he said. “If you look at their matches, you will see several players had to leave the pitch injured or even bleeding The interesting thing is that no referee saw them. Such acts must be punished with a red card.”The Senegal coach, Bruno Metsu, said Senol was just trying to influence the referee “He is afraid of our play in the air.

He is just preparing for the game.”The Blackburn Rovers defender Hakan Unsal was yesterday still suffering from pain in his left knee, which was operated on two months ago.Senegal will be able to count on Aliou Ciss?Ferdinand Coly and Papa Malick Diop, who have had enough time to recover from injuries. Combined with the availability of their key midfielder Salif Diao and the winger Khalilou Fadiga, both of whom were suspended for the second-round win over Sweden, Metsu will have a fully fit squad.Turkey are convinced the Senegal match will just be a stepping stone to greater achievements Senol said. “If it’s in our destiny, we will reach the final in our first World Cup after a 48-year break.”Senegal so far have mixed attacking imagination with a solid defence to baffle all predictions – starting with the defeat of the defending champions, France, in the tournament’s opening game.Turkey have been solid all through. After leading at half-time, Ttey were unfortunate to lose 2-1 to Brazil, who were awarded a late disputed penalty, but mentally strong enough to withstand a fervent home crowd to beat Japan. What they lack in flamboyance, they make up for in efficiency.Metsu has been worried that fatigue might dull Senegal’s speed. He cancelled training on Thursday to let his players recover “They have a smile back on their face now,” he said.. It was nice that President Bush was able to telephone the United States football team before their unlikely victory over Mexico in the World Cup second round.