Some invisible hand must be guiding England. They have managed to get through their matches with some of the most insipid soccer played in this World Cup. Today’s match between Portugal and Netherlands could not have been more joyous to the Three Lions. After having been bailed out by a picture perfect Beckham free kick in the match against Ecuador, they now face a Portugal minus their midfield wizard Deco, a starting defender Costinho, and maybe even Cristiano Ronaldo who seems to have suffered quite a worrisome injury to his thigh during a tackle in the Dutch- Netherlands game.
England’s hopes just rose a quantum. To get to another level of the tournament with their level of play so far, they need every bit of help. They have Valentin Ivanov to thank if they go past Portugal.