Scott Walker Column

Published 30 Jun 2010 09:51 0 Comments

FRANK Lampard's disallowed goal and Carlos Tevez's strike against Mexico - which was clearly offside - have reignited calls for technology to be used in football.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter apologised yesterday to the English FA over Lampard's goal that never was, and confirmed the debate on goal-line technology will be reopened this month - he also said sorry to Mexico for the Tevez decision.

The Lampard controversy has even prompted Prime Minister David Cameron to add his backing for goal-line technology to be introduced.

As I've said a number of times on these pages, I think it must be brought in because there is so much at stake in these big games. So let's stop talking about it and make the necessary changes.

Disallowed goal aside, Fabio Capello's England were crushed by a better side and their 4-1 defeat to bitter rivals Germany is their worst ever result at a World Cup.

The three lions squad whimpered back into London early yesterday morning - they weren't diverted to Glasgow to receive a heroes' welcome as some text jokes were suggesting.

Capello's future now hangs in the balance, and although he's stated he wants to remain in charge, the clamour from the media and many fans for him to be booted back to Italy may be too much for the FA to ignore.

Spurs gaffer Harry Redknapp has already said he wouldn't turn down the job if offered it and insists the next man at the helm should be an Englishman.

His appointment would be popular with the players and supporters, so I wouldn't be surprised if he leads the auld enemy into the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

Germany's demolition job on England has set them up with a mouthwatering quarter-final clash against Maradona's Argentina, and that is one I can't wait to see. Both teams have plenty of goals in them so hopefully we'll see a feast of goals when they meet.

Brazil are also into the last eight after cruising past fellow South American's Chile 3-0 and now face Holland for a place in the semi-finals.

The Dutch have been quietly going about their business and saw off Slovakia 2-1 to earn their quarter-final place.

Brazil would have to be favourites but this tournament has been full of surprises, so you never know.

Two times World Cup winners Uruguay will tackle Africa's sole remaining contenders, Ghana, for a place in the last four after defeating the plucky South Koreans 2-1. I think the South Americans will triumph in that one.

My stay here in Florida is nearly over, we're due back in Scotland on Friday and I'll likely be back training with Alloa the next day.

Thankfully, I've been keeping myself in shape though, and have been watching my food in-take as well as clocking up plenty of laps in the pool so my fitness should be fine.

Next week, I'll give you more of my World Cup thoughts and tell you how pre-season training is going at Alloa.

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