A bittersweet day.

André bows out with typical grace. The All-England Club allows him to take a final bow despite losing the match to Nadal. It had to happen and it'd be sad whenever it did. Butlike so many fans at Wimbeldon have screamed out the 14 times he's played there, "We love you André!"

Portugal wins. I've been rooting for Portugal since the start of the tournament which is why I was dreading this encounter with England. There was no way Portugal win against this English team in match-play. Same scenario as Argentina-Germany. England's "great" attacking midfielder, Lampard and Gerrard, missed penalties. Rooney needs yet more anger-management though somehow I get the feeling the English tabloid press will not vilify him the way they did Becks when he was sent off in a past life.

France -Brazil. I have no words. France outplayed the defending champs. There's really no other way of looking at this game. You could blame Brazil for not probing enough but ONE shot on target, in any match anywhere, takes more than a poor offensive effort. This was a stifling defense from France marshalled by their tireless midfield pit-bulls, Viera and Makelele. Gallas and Thuram were solid. Zidane showed he's not old and is still better than anyone in the world. Ronaldinho, Christiano Ronaldo and any others fighting over the crown of best ball-handler, you'll never be good enough. And who scores the winner? But of course it's Henry! =)

Ali's happy!