WORLD CUP FEVER - July 6

No football today either. But how about this? Der Spiegel reports that 'Virtual Replay' software, developed by Israeli firm Orad, clearly shows that Geoff Hurst's second goal in the 1966 Final *was* legitimate. The ball *was* over the line. For decades if not centuries the Germans have claimed they wuz robbed and even fair-minded Englishmen - and women - have expressed doubt that Sir Geoff's shot crossed the line on its way down from striking the underside of the bar. The software, apparently, allows the action to be visualized with animated characters and a virtual camera, which shows the action from seven different angles. (Which sounds just like the equipment Andy Gray uses.) So, Der Spiegel, concludes: 'There has been a debate over whether the ball had really crossed the line. Now the issue is resolved: it had.' So let's hear no more about it.

Emmanuel Petit was praised by FIFA for 'outstanding sportsmanship' in France's quarter-final against Italy. In extra time, he kicked the ball out of play when he saw an opponent lying injured.

Pizza Hut are trying to recruit David Batty for another TV advert. DON'T DO IT!! How we cringed when we saw Gareth Southgate with a bag over his head and feeble puns involving the word 'miss'. And how we were horrified when we heard he was paid £100,000. So, David Batty, the answer will be a resounding NO! Have some dignity... please. Of course, I'd do it for £100,000 but I'm not a rich footballer already. JUST SAY NO.



Oh, the crazy things they say (continued...)

'That corner kick was almost subterranean.' John Champion
'One multiplied by one is two.' Ron Atkinson
'There's grass in front of the teams and behind them as well.' David Pleat
'His heart is as big as himself.' Kevin Keegan
'The goalkeeper missed it by a mile, literally.' Barry Davies