Protection

The BBC is today reporting that Ronaldinho is asking World Cup referees for protection.

He says: "All the teams are waiting for us and will be doubly alert in paying attention to our attack...It's vital the refereeing is rigorous because of our style of playing."

I think that it is entirely possible that Brazil's opponents will put a few of their top players out of the tournament.

I'd hate to see 1966 revisited, where Pele and Brazil were literally kicked out of the tournament by Portugal.

I don't need to see Brazil win but I think that whoever does take the tournament should do so within the rules and good spirit of football.

I think the new paranoia about diving should be balanced with a focus on illegal physical play.

May the best footballing team win...