If only England were Germany

If only England were Germany - There is something almost surreal about Germany when it comes to big football competitions, especially the World Cup. All the stories of doom and disfavour, disputes and disaster fade as the natural spirit of competitiveness galvanises their players into a smooth fighting unit.

I exaggerate. But not by much. And so our 5 to Watch again took a pasting.

As England stumbled to a 1-1 draw with the USA, thanks to Rob Green’s howler and, let’s not forget, Emile Heskey’s inability to score when clean through, the Germans were hammering Australia 4-0.

Yes Tim Cahill was ludicrously sent off but even so it was mildly impressive.

Elsewhere in our 5 the Aussies turned the tables on England in the rugby union Test. Martin Johnson may have wished for a win but he was denied by a Wallabies side who just refused to be beaten.

The predicted World Cup dark horses Argentina also came good against Nigeria but they made heavy weather of it. Maradona was good value on the touchline, his roly poly posture adding to the general merriment.

Mark Webber let us down at the Canadian Grand Prix but it was great to see Lewis Hamilton finally standing on top of the podium and Jenson Button just below him.

Now all we need is for Michael Schumacher to start firing again...