England/Portugal 
My Pick: England
Luis Felipe Scolari will look forward to making it a hattrick of knocking out England in major tournaments when the two sides clash in the quarterfinals of the World Cup in Stuttgart on Saturday. Scolari was coach of the Brazilian and Portuguese teams which knocked the English out of the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004 respectively. Scolari also turned down the offer to replace Eriksson as English coach and the media is dubbing the game as a showdown between both the coaches.
England produced an inspired second half performance to beat gritty Ecuador 1-0. David Beckham bent it like Beckham to produce the only goal of the match. However Wayne Rooney was not getting as much service upfront as a lone striker. This may force Eriksson to recall Peter Crouch and this means Michael Carrick might have to give up his holding midfield role to accomodate the Liverpool striker. England finally have their right back problems solved as they welcome veteran Gary Neville from injury. Neither Owen Hargreaves nor Jamie Carragher were as effective as him in that position and England will be glad to have him back. Frank Lampard has been passed fit to play and remains the only one amongst the four English men in midfield not to have scored in this World Cup. Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole and David Beckham all have a goal to their name and Lampard will be keen to add himself to that list. Rooney too has not scored and will be seizing any opportunity which comes his way.
Carragher, goalkeeper Paul Robinson and Owen Hargreaves are on a yellow.
The Portuguese had an illtempered game against the Netherlands where 16 people got yellows. Ukraine and Luis Felipe Scolari's side remain the only two teams not to win a World Cup to be left in this competition. Deco and Costinha were sent off and will miss the game against England. This would probably mean that Tiago and Petit might be introduced as replacements. Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo is a doubt too.Luis Figo will however play despite that headbutting offence committed by the Real Madrid midfielder. Ricardo Carvalho and Miguel have had a great tournament and Portugal will look up to them to keep the English at bay. The Portuguese will always have to deal with the pace of Aaron Lennon down the right flank. The 19 year old ex Leeds star has impressed in whatever little time he has got on the pitch.
On a yellow: Maniche, Figo, Valente, Petit, Ricardo.
My verdict:
Extremely tough game to predict. Big Phil vs Super Swede Sven .I think England will be thirsting for revenge and might just edge this one.
Discount Portugal however at your own peril. England to go in to the last four for me. Margin to be a goal or two at the most.
