Controversies continue; Portugal look sensational

Controversies continued to roll out of the dressing rooms of the World up teams today.

The French squad returned to training after walking out on their coach, however, rumours circulate the training ground about which players will play in tomorrow’s match against South Africa.

Coach Raymond Domenech was very vague in an interview today about which players he would select, however, he did say that he would select people who still wanted to play. This may or may not include current captain Patrice Evra, who led the walk-out during training, and whose starting position, as well as captaincy, is believed to be in jeopardy.

England midfielder Frank Lampard did some damage control today, addressing the statements made by fellow England and Chelsea defender and saying that they were blown out of proportion.

Lamps stated that the lads merely sat down with manager Capello to chat about the game against Algeria and review what went wrong (aka: all of it). Let’s hope they discussed leaving Pesky Heskey on the bench where he belongs.

On a brighter note, and I hate to say it, but Portugal appears to have found their stride, joining Argentina and Brazil as teams to beat in the tournament. They looked sensational as they broke two records in the process of today’s victory, claiming Portugal’s biggest ever win at a major tournament, and handing North Korea their worst ever defeat.

It was also the seventh largest margin of victory at a World Cup, the largest since Germany beat Saudi Arabia 8-0 in 2002.

After their 7-0 thrashing of a fairly helpless North Korean side, Portugal will face Brazil, but look likely to advance based on goal difference. Poor Ivory coast will attempt to make up to goal difference when they face North Korea, however, it’s not looking good for Drogba and his men.

In further news, the "gelled tumbler" got his first international goal in two years. Woo hoo.