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One of Pekkerman's substitutions was forced by injury, of course, but all the same he has to take a large amount of blame for what happened. Take off two players if you wish, but Crespo and Riquelme? They are the most puzzlingly insane substitutions since Graham Taylor took Gary Lineker off when England desperately needed a goal.
Messi will make a name for himself over the next few years. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if at least 80% of the players on that shortlist become big names by the next World Cup - they nerly all seem like dead certs, rather than possibles.
Jurgen Klinnsman needs to go into tonights semi-final unnaffected by nerves - he's got this German side this far by having them play fast, attack-oriented football, and the team will do best if they carry on in that style. Expect Italy, on the other hand, to be set up looking for counter-attacking opportunities.
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