'UNTERWEGS'

Gelsenkirchen: Well, football's not coming home, after all. Thousands of English fans have been singing this anthem lustily, hoping fervently that after 40 years of waiting, they would be able to bring the trophy home. Apparently the Portuguese players, and their talismanic coach, big Luis Felipe Scolari, hadn't heard it as they blew England out of the water in a dramatic penalty shootout to move into the semi-finals.

England's much-vaunted professionals once again lost their nerve on the big stage. How else can you explain guys like Steve Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Jamie Carragher all missing from the spot. However, while disappointed with their heroes, the fans were pointing the finger of blame at only one man - coach Sven Goran Eriksson. 'What can you do when he adopts negative tactics right through the campaign. If there is anyone who should shoulder the blame, then it must be Sven,' said disgusted English fan Gordon from Newcastle. 'He has to answer for this performance. But what does he care. He is gone with all his booty.'

This is the common reaction - and the most publishable one - from gutted English fans. Most of them had just colourful expletives to vent when I asked them about Sven. They mainly accuse him for picking a squad lacking firepower, especially an extra striker. Having got through an easy group, what was most disappointing was Eriksson's decision to start with just one established striker - Wayne Rooney - and packing the midfield in a defensive shield during the knockout stages. There was no way England were going to win a World Cup in that style. He should have thrown caution to the wind and started with both Rooney and Peter Crouch.

Rooney, on his own up-front, was a frustrated man. To see him having to withdraw deep into his own half to get the ball - as he did a couple of times against Portugal - sums it all up. Attack, they say is the best form of defence. Obviously Eriksson hasn't read this military manual. He was too busy feathering his nest at the FA.

'He's been s****. He picks a team with four strikers, two of whom are not fully fit. One of his fit strikers is a player who has not even played in the Premiership. And did we see Theo Walcott at this World Cup?' asks angry Adam from Devon.

Eriksson's counterpart, Scolari, seems to be touched by the muse. He inspires teams and players. He looks them in the eye, and you come away feeling like a giant, capable of massive deeds.