SHORT ESSAY: Half Time. And it ain't half better.

As Jon Bon Jovi once sang, we're halfway there. And there's a fair few nations living on a prayer. Only two are definitely out, but of the big names, France are destined to be a casualty, while alcohol will need to be imbibed by the fans of Germany, Spain, Italy and England, who all need a win in their final game to definitely make it to the next phase.

Now everyone's had a second outing, patterns are emerging. The Africans are having a mare. As are the Europeans. But all the south Americans are enjoying themselves, and putting in some good performances it has to be said.

The 'second round' of group games were far superior to their edgy predecessors. Teams realised they had to go for it. Some free kick takers even managed to keep the ball lower than Row Y. But we've yet to have a truly stunning freekick disturb the netting.

I've seen nothing to dissuade me that Holland won't do well in this competition. Brazil look the best team at the moment though, and it's going to take some massive transformation for the Italians to make the final as I've predicted.

But most worrying is that in less than 48 hours, the World Cup will be all over for England for another four years, if they perform as they have been. Roll on 2014 for more disappointment...