The big decision was the penalty call and the referee got the call absolutely right. Portugal is getting nothing out of Pauleta as the lone striker as the French always have enough players back to cover.

Makalele has Deco in his back pocket while Zidane is being given a lot of room to operate in.

I would say that France looks to be the team most likley to score again as Portugal gives free kicks away in dangerous positions.

The longer the second half goes on the more Portugal will have to push players forward nd the game will stretch - all the better for Henry.

A very evenly contested first half. England settled more quickly into the game but after 15 minutes Portugal started to establish their passing game. It looks as if Maniche is playing the Deco role for Portugal. England seems to be attacking with a bit more conviction while Portugal appears to be taking a more patient route.

Weak spots - Valente looks to be very suspect but the problem is that when Neville goes forward to attack and there is a turnover in possession Portugal plays it into the space and causes England problems.

Hargreaves is giving England a solid look but Gerrard and Lampard are still not forward far enough to support Rooney.

You have to wonder how long Figo can go in this one. He’s played a lot of football in the last three weeks. Pauleta has hardly kicked the ball while Ronaldo when he cuts inside on Neville is probably Portugal’s biggest threat.

“Blether” is a slang word that is used in parts of Scotland and people who “blether” are called “bletherers”. To “blether” means you talk for the sake of talking. Marcelo Balboa is without a doubt a bletherer.

“England is lucky to have a young man on the bench like Sol Campbell, of course he’s not so young anymore” was my favourite this half.

“These countries have past history” wasn’t bad either.

But it is disturbing when you have a former World Cup player who can’t tell the difference between a dive and embellishment. A push by Tiago on Cole was not a dive it was embellishment but still a foul.

The Miguel vs. Robben battle is a well-matched affair. I don’t think I have see a better right back than Miguel at this World Cup so far. It’s interesting how Portugal is defending Robben. It looks as if Miguel is being given free rein to nip in front of Robben when a pass is delivered with Carvalho tucking in behind in case it fails.

Gabriele Marcotti described Pauleta as possessing the mobility of Ayers Rock in an article yesterday – cruel but perhaps more than an element of truth.

The Dutch have gone with three at the back and four in midfield to match the Portuguese midfield.

What a cracking wee player Maniche is. He arrives late in the box and creates a little bit of room for himself then hit a rocket beyond EvdS.

It looks to me as if Big Phil is playing Deco on van Bronkhorst from time to time. I thought Gio was a very decent midfield player but I have never found him to be a convincing full back.

How many countries that can replace someone like Ronaldo with Simao?  What a great run from van Persie about 8 minutes from half time.

Costinha is fortunate to be still on the field – others referees would have cheerfully given him a second yellow card. Re-write this piece. He’s gone this time – he was red card waiting to happen.

A fantastic save by EvdS off Pauleta just on half time. That save kept Holland in with a shot in this game. The chance came from the left side of the Dutch defense again.

With Portugal down to 10 men this game is finely balanced.

Nick Webster is up and blogging this one so I'm going to sit back and enjoy.

Nice set up by Figo on Pauleta's goal though!