The 2006 World Cup in Germany
A booksmusicfilmstv.com surreal take on the footie fest in Germany
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A bit of World Cup history with four red cards in a World Cup finals match for the first time, with the game ending with both sides down to 9 men. It would seem like it was just a bloodbath, but the game itself was end to end.

With a minute gone Holland's Mark van Bommel fired a shot just wide, and then the only action of note until midway through the half was several bookings, including one for a dreadful challenge by Dutch defender Khalid Boulahrouz on Cristiano Ronaldo, leading to the Manchester United's star eventual substitution. But then came some good football, and a fine Portuguese move ended with Maniche superbly working an opening before rifling in a crisp drive to put his side ahead. The same player then hit a long range shot just over. A mesmerising run by Robin van Persie opened up the Portuguese defence, but the Arsenal man curled his shot, with the outside of his left foot, just wide. Near to half time, a brilliant turn and shot by Pauleta saw Dutch 'keeper Edwin van der Sar save with his feet. Then the madness really began. Portugal's Costinha was sent off for handball - after picking up his second yellow card.

An explosive start to the second half saw Phillip Cocu hammer a shot aginst the underside of Portugal's crossbar. Miguel then forced van der Sar into a fine save, and van Bommel hit a long range shot, which Portuguese 'keeper Ricardo just kept out. As the game became end to end, substitute Sabrosa Simao (on for Ronaldo) blasted a free kick just over. Then things started to get really ugly. Luis Figo headbutted van Bommel, and strangely just got a yellow card. From then on, Russian referee Valentin Ivanov struggled to contain things, with scuffles breaking out on the pitch on several occasions. Boulahrouz was sent off for a second bookable offence, and Deco was also dismissed for a second yellow card - ridiculously for time wasting. Meanwhile, in the actual game, Dirk Kuyt went clean through, but Ricardo saved. Giovanni van Bronckhorst claimed a little bit of history by becoming the fourth dismissal - again for a second bookable offence. Sub Tiago shot just wide for Portugal, in the final meaningful action of a tempestuous game.

Initially I thought the referee ruined the game by booking too many players too early, but then you can't legislate for players stupidity. I actually think the red card count was about right, but some of the wrong players got them. There were no straight red cards, though Boulahrouz, Figo and Deco (for a dreadful scything challenge) deserved them. The diving of the Dutch was awful, and with no midfield playmaker they look a dull side and head home after a very disappointing World Cup. Also, why wasn't Ruud van Nistelrooy bought on by Marco van Basten? You hope it wasn't down to personal animosity - it could have cost Holland's elimination. Portugal have bags of skill and determination, but, on this evidence, no composure. It wouldn't be a surprise if England muddle their way past them in the quarter finals - because the Portuguese may be missing some key players after an eventful night in Bavaria.

- Paul Rance/booksmusicfilmstv.com.