cornerstone

A draw means qualification, but if Croatia beat Australia they would still go through....unless..... Australia beat Brazil's ass!! Maybe, maybe not!

Aye, it's not looking so great this year! I must confess a soft spot for Essendon, for a few good reasons: 1. I could never like a team called the 'Swans'. I consider that a Victorian joke; no wonder they had no support down in VIC. 'Bombers' - how cool is that in comparison? 2. They're not Carlton or Collingwood 3. I have family in Essendon - my Dad's uncle and cousins moved there in the 1950's. They're still there. (Well the uncle is planted there, but you know what I mean!) The problem I have with AFL has always been the TV coverage - I can barely stomach it. I didn't mind it when it was on Seven, but Nine and Collingwood Eddie as commentator - too much for me. (Not keen on the man - and now he's moved to Sydney )

Japan 0 - Croatia 0 A dream result for us 'Auzzurri' (This name just occurred to me, and I'm quite pleased with it ) It means that Australia can lose against Brazil and only need a draw with Croatia to go through. Of course the Croatia game will be an epic - more so if they have to win. But still, only needing a draw is always a massive advantage In many respects this result is more important than the Australia - Brazil one (unless Australia win!), because Croatia dropped two points. Good work On a more practical note, I went out and bought loads of junk food for the game, but I've already eaten it...extra beer will have to suffice. If work complain tomorrow - I'll sue their ass! (read: meekly apologise)

I only observed the whole thing from afar, but this is pretty huge if some new watches are now turning up. As usual, it raises more questions than it answers...

Aye, it's a 2am kick-off here on the east coast. I think that's about, ooh, mid-afternoon over in WA (helpfully, in both Australia and America, WA is in the same place ) Me and my wife were wondering how many people are going to stay up until 4am - we think it will bring quite a lot of 'water cooler kudos' for those that walk in shattered tomorrow, so we think quite a lot (if they have an office water cooler - or should be kettle, it's winter here). Fingers crossed the Japan draw continues...

Plus, of course, we're busy with all the models we pick up with our amazing watches. Or sitting at home watching football on baby patrol

It's now a badge of honour for you isn't it? All those cars driving around with the green and gold....you've got a big black and red stripe still

Now that's some serious AFL lingo! Maybe what the Australian team should do is put two guys in white overcoats and hats either side of the Brazilian goal - then they'll show them some serious football!! Croatia just missed a penalty I believe; only caught the replay.

Yeah, I agree. The media has given Brazil a lot of analysis, but at this stage of the competition you only have to get out of the group. If you win - who remembers the group stages? And those that do remember, recall that a lot of big teams start out with a whimper and get into their stride as they play together more. Australia have struggled to score in matches - they have, but not without a big faff. Faffing is not the stuff that victories over Brazil are made of. Will be interested to know who starts in goal for Australia. And at some point it would be nice if Harry Kewell actually started playing up to his 'wunderkid' reputation he still trades on. People have been bitching about Ronaldo - me included. That is normally a sure sign that he will score. And Japan - Croatia to come first. Frankly - a draw would work quite well for me

Utterly astonishing stuff. Appreciate the info. The physical toll (and as you say emotional and financial) must be huge. The accomplishment and buzz must have been equally huge - but eventually the body can only take so much. And to think that footballers retire at 33 with sore knees I'm always amazed by engineering at the limits. It seems to have a sense of endeavour about it (as opposed to painting 'go faster' stripes on a Holden, or making a shinier Harley Davidson - both of which would bore me to tears). Good work

Well, it's that time of day again. Thoughts on a postcard for the Brazil v Australia game?

I had already expressed some compassion....until the moon came out Hopefully the pain and inconvenience has been more than made up for by sexy nurses

This is incredible! I'm guessing there are four 800 hp engines. Just how expensive does this get?!

...or Marrickvilleboy lives 30 minutes from him... It takes longer to hobble on crutches

No, but the alcohol is very cheap = same thing

How did you manage that?! Not too painful I hope....

Another Casio veteran!! I get the feeling that these days every 11 year old gets a mobile phone instead

...and hopefully read the poems first BUMP

That's actually good to hear, cheers. I wasn't sure if the stones being a bit off was supposed to be part of the accepted 'rep' factor on this watch - so pleased that isn't. Hopefully you'll get your new one soon. I'm more and more inclined to think that this will be the gift watch!

Not even one vote in three hours! Enough with being polite then - mine amused me enormously! Maybe we need Aussie voting, on a two poem preferred basis!

What about your entry? If it's a public poll? Reminiscing I look out through my window, across the pastures 'round my home, And he is standing there watching, the cattle where they roam. He was there when I was just a boy, playing in his arms, And he would hold me up so high I'll see, across the neighboring farms. He's the lord of all the land around, tall and proud as any King, His deciples all the herds on hoof and birds upon a wing. He's seen the droughts and fires, he's seen the flooding rains, When his domain was turned to swamp and mud, from the valleys to the plains. My Grandchildren now play with him, as I did long ago, When he holds them up, they tell me, they can feel the North wind blow. And I will leave this place in his careful hands, for I know he'll out live me, So I salute you my life long friend, the grand old Norfolk tree. Ken Berg

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Wow! Thanks for the pics! The gen is stunning - but what a rep too!! Very impressed!

Any photos of your watch (even if they're not the world's best photos)? I'd be interested to see them. The 'diamonds' being a bit off is one of the things that makes me pause about buying my wife this watch, so it would be great to see yours.