Yesterday saw the announcement, unofficially, of David Beckham's final moments as an England player. Perhaps it was just a little bit messy - thanks to Capello's renowned man-management skills, or lack of them - and not quite the send-off Becks would have wanted, but at the age of 35 he would have been honest enough to admit that his days were numbered. And after England's woeful showing in the World Cup in South Africa, Capello's decision to go with a fresh new look must have convinced Beckham that his number was up.

Should he have been dumped so unceremoniously, especially after serving his country so well over the years? Is this really the way to end a legendary career, a career that has spanned over 100 games and made David Beckham the most capped outfield player in England history?

I have to say, despite the pouting and rippling abs and general celeb ferver that has accompanied Beckham's career, from his early days bombing down the wing at Old Trafford in the Premier League up until his recent spells in Italy and America, he has always been the ultimate professional. At times, he may not have convinced on the pitch, but he usually gave it his all. And on many occasions for England, I remember him working his socks off for the cause...in my opinion, he was much missed in South Africa this summer, despite his heavier legs...

So what do we have to remember from an England career that first started back in 1996 in the World Cup qualifiers and spanned 14 years? Let's take a little gander down memory lane:

• Becks debuted in the World Cup qualifier against Moldova in 1996, at the age of 21.
• Picked for the 1998 World Cup, England manager Glenn Hoddle publicly dissed him for not concentrating on the games at hand. Finally selected for the third game against Columbia, he went and scored a free-kick, his first goal for England.
• In the second round of the World Cup in 1998, England faced Argentina, and Becks was sent off for retaliating against Simeone. He was later blamed by many for England's exit and even received death threats.
• November 200 saw his promotion to England captain by caretaker boss Peter Taylor, and then Sven Goran Eriksson confirmed his trust in the new skipper.
• October 2001 saw one of his finest moments, as England needed a draw against Greece to ensure qualification to the 2002 World Cup finals. With seconds remaining, he glided in one of his trademark free-kicks to ensure hero status.
• In the 2002 World Cup he scored the winner, a penalty, against Argentina to knock them out at the group stage. Revenge was 4 years in waiting, but surely couldn't have been sweeter.
• In 2005 he became the first ever England skipper to receive a red card, against Austria.
• In the 2006 World Cup, he became the first ever England player to score at three World Cups, with a goal against Ecuador.
• After getting knocked out by Portugal, Becks returned home a beaten man and resigned as England skipper.
• New England boss Steve McClaren subsequently dropped Beckham from the England squad, but was forced to recall him a few months later.
• McClaren's replacement, Fabio Capello, also passed Beckham over for his first game in charge, but soon recalled him. 
• If Beckham had been fit, it's a safe bet that he would have been part of the squad for the World Cup 2010 in South Africa. If he would have made a difference to a poor England side, that we'll never know...

Sir David Beckham, you shall be missed.

Was it really just 5 days ago that we sat slurping beer as Howard Webb pulled his yellow card out for the umpteenth time in that Holland v Spain World Cup battle? I guess it was...But before we forget all about the last month, all those goals, all those moments of controversy, and all those vuvuzelas, I thought we should take a look at the top 10 things that we loved about this World Cup...

1. Spain - The European champions proved they've got the skill to take on and beat the world. There were expectations on them to perform, and despite the early setback against Switzerland, they managed to raise their game and continue all the way to the final. Viva Espana!
2. Goal happy Germany - The Germans surprised everyone by...not being typically German! What a revelation - three games where they hit 4 goals, including those matches against England and Argentina, plus the new young players that seem to be paving the way for a new German team - Muller, Ozil and Schweinsteiger (still only 25) especially.
3. North Korea - Despite the threats of world domination from their president, I think North Korea played very well in their opening match against Brazil, even grabbing a goal in a hard fought 2-1 defeat. Would have been interesting if somehow South Korea and North Korea ended up meeting each other...
4. Paul the Octopus - Our favourite eight-legged football predictions guru. The Consensus should start taking tips from this guy!
5. France and Italy getting knocked out at the group stage - There's nothing like seeing former world leaders being forced to eat humble pie. Some might argue that France really shouldn't have been in South Africa anyway, after the Thierry Henry handball in the play off with Ireland, while Italy just seem to have aged beyond belief and perhaps need a new generation to come in and take over.
6. Diego Maradona - The larger than life Diego Maradona. What can you say about him that hasn't been said before. We loved his suits, and his passion on the sidelines, as it seems did the SArgentine FA who are set to offer him a new contract. Will we see him at Brazil 2014?
7. Keisuke Honda, David Villa and Landon Donovan - Three players that we loved at this World Cup. Japan's Honda had some great moments of skill, Villa proved his goal-scoring qualities and just why Barcelona have splashed the cash on him, while Donovan carried the USA almost single-handedly into the second round with hard work and a never-say-die attitude.
8. Jo'bulani balls - The official World Cup ball and its new grip 'n' groove technology was obviously a factor in some of the more crazy goalkeeping errors at this World Cup. Not sure many goalkeepers loved it, but I think it brought an extra element of unpredictability into some of the matches, which is never a bad thing...
9. Christiano Ronaldo fluffing it - The man is undoubtedly talented, but there's something satisfying about seeing him lose and watching that surly face get even surlier. He'll be back at the next World Cup, so he'll have other days to shine on the world stage.
10. The people of South Africa - There was a lot of talk about the risk of hosting this World Cup in a nation supposedly rampant with crime, but hey, I think everyone has been delighted with the enthusiasm shown by the people of South Africa and the way they took to the matches (fears of matches being played before half-full stadiums proved unfounded). And yes, I think we can excuse them for introducing the world to the vuvuzela.

PR: wait...  I: wait...  L: wait...  LD: wait...  I: wait... wait...  Rank: wait...  Traffic: wait...  Price: wait...  C: wait...

So there you go...wasn't it just a month ago that people were saying this was going to be the World Cup finals where the South American teams were going to run riot? That Europe had had its day in the sun? That this was the moment for Messi and Kaka to truly shine on the world stage? Well, sorry to disappoint you, but football's a funny old game...

Everybody's pre-tournament favorites, Argentina and Brazil, didn't really perform as expected, did they, limping out of the Quarter Finals in disappointing fashion. In fact, I wouldn't say that Argentina limped out, more that they were made to walk the plank, blindfolded and naked, smeared with honey as a swarm of bees chased them off the boat! And as for Brazil, they weren't really the "bootiful" Brazil that everybody loves to watch samba past opponents. I felt they were very workmanlike, and when the chips were down, as in the Quarter Final against Holland, their heads were down too, with no fighting spirit to pull them back into the match.

So, Sunday's final will be between Spain and Holland, two of Europe's more attractive teams, renowned for their attacking and creative play. Not that we've seen much of that from either side in this World Cup. I have to say that Spain have been much like the Germany of old, churning out 1-0 victories very efficiently. But as reigning European champions, they've reaffirmed their pedigree haven't they? And on paper it does look like they are the favorites, and do look like they will be emulating the French side of 1998 and 2000. Not to put a dampener on things for Spain, but look at France today...some lessons to be learned me thinks!

Do Holland have enough to win it? I think they do. If you have a look at their four leading lights - Robben, Sneijder, Van Persie and Van Bommel - they have enough there to seriously trouble the Spaniards. It will very much depend on how much those four figure in the game, or rather on how much they are allowed to figure in the game. But they're the underdogs, and as a true Brit, I have to go with them. Sorry Holland!

This game also raises some important questions and needs you to stick your football predictions hat on again...

• Will Torres finally get score a goal at this World Cup?
• Will Van Bommel get the red card that has been ever so close all this World Cup?
• Will David Villa be the deciding factor yet again?
• If it goes down to penalties, who would you rather have in goal - Casillas or Stekelenburg?
• And...perhaps more importantly...what does the Consensus say (updates to come - but at this early stage Holland are sneaking it)?

What do you think - Holland or Spain?

It's whizzed past, but the World Cup has now reached the crucial semi-final stage. Seems like just yesterday we were complaining about those opening few matches and the lack of excitement, but here we are, about to sit down and watch two games unfold, with undoubted doses of drama and tension to come, with a place in the World Cup Final - probably the world's greatest sporting event - at stake. Ah, no pressure then!

So, who will it be? Do the surprise package of Uruguay deserve to have got this far? Do they warrant a place in the Final, especially after the cruel way they (or rather the new Hand of God supremo Suarez) knocked out Ghana in the Quarter Finals? At least Diego Forlan has proved his quality at this World Cup with some fine goals (I wonder if Sir Alex is rueing the day he decided to sell Forlan?). Personally, the thought of seeing a smiling, cheeky faced Suarez swanning about in a World Cup final is a bit much. God knows what the majority of Ghanians will be thinking if that happens...But surely Holland have too much for Uruguay anyway? A rampant Robben, and a fleet-footed Van Persie will surely drive the Orange men through to their third ever World Cup Final (the first two? '74 and '78). Or will they? Perhaps the renowned Dutch complacency will come into play and surprise us all...

As for the second semi-final, it sees two of the finest teams in Europe clash for a place in history. Spain have flattered to deceive in this World Cup, and the mystery of why Torres has still yet to score continues...but if they do make it through to the Final, I'm putting some money on him scoring the winner! But getting to the Final will prove tricky. Germany have amazed everyone with their slick, attacking football, and their batch of young stars have impressed. Players like Muller, who is suspended from this semi-final, have shone beyond expectation, and, dare I say it about a German side, it's exciting stuff to watch! They have torn apart England and Argentina in successive matches and if they're not careful, Spain could be next for a thrashing...

If I have to put on my football predictions hat again, I think the final will be between Holland and Germany. It makes sense after watching how they put out Brazil and Argentina in the Quarters. But then again, when did football ever make sense?!

Yesterday saw the second of the four Quarter Final matches finalised, with Germany beating England (some might say with the help of one of the most awful refereeing decisions in recent times - take a look at this clip) and Argentina beating Mexico (er, again with a bad offside decision). Two World Cup giants of World Cup past, with eyes very much on the immediate future...

Diego Maradona, so often a part of Argentina's World Cup past glories, now has the reins of Argentina's future in his hands. He's doing a great job too, it has to be said. Qualifying for South Africa proved a little tricky, but surely the man has won some respect for the way his team are coming together in these finals. With Messi starting to come alive, Tevez on the scoresheet and plenty of co-stars in support, Argentina are looking every bit the part.

Germany, on the other hand, have seemingly morphed from a young team made up of Brazilians, Turks and Poles into a potential World Cup winning team. Probably the most cosmopolitan German team in history with no real big names to speak of (outside the Bundesliga), what was it that BBC commentator said yesterday before the England v Germany match? Oh yes..."You look at this German team and think about who would get in the England team and you have maybe 1 player". Riiiiiight! And another thing - perhaps it wasn't such a bad thing that Ballack couldn't make it to South Africa - what do you think?

So, when we stick our football predictions hat on, what do we come up with? Firstly, we have to say that it's probably a match too soon - this one would have been great as a classic semi-final - but this is the way it goes and how the draw unfolds...so "only" a semi-final berth to shoot for for the winners of this match! Secondly, it has the potential to be a real classic, one of those games that goes down in history. Hopefully not because of some poor officialing, but rather because of the pure footballing talent on display.

Perhaps a Messi masterclass? Or a Muller wondershow? Maybe a Tevez scoring session? Or possibly even time for Shweinsteiger to take center stage?

Whatever happens, this is one game I won't be missing!

And about time, no? After a fairly dull opening few matches, the last group games are bringing their fair share of excitement and drama. I guess it's only natural but now it comes down to one match, one dose of 90 minutes, then all is at stake and everybody gives everything they've got to give. If they haven't qualified after the first two matches already . However hot you (think you) are at football predictions, getting these last group games spot on is more than just a little tricky!

So, what have we had so far? We've seen Argentina waltz through to the last 16, with a passionate Maradona restless on the sidelines, but looking ever more like the trump card for Argentina in this World Cup. Even more so than Messi, who has had some great moments but is not the force he is with Barcelona. He's undoubtedly playing a different role, but that talent is still shining through in glimpses. Let's hope we get to see even more as the tournament progresses. And it's Mexico that awaits for Messi and Maradona...and England or Germany in the World Cup Quarter Finals!

Talking of England and Germany, both squeezed through yesterday with tough fought 1-0 wins against fairly "lowly" opposition, Slovenia and Ghana. I guess these games are just reinforcing the fact there are no easy games at this level any more. Unless you're playing North Korea . But with a now already guaranteed classic anticipated between these two old enemies, the World Cup is really starting to warm up! Could it be yet another cruel penalty shootout to decide who goes through to meet either Argentina or Mexico?  I wouldn't bet against it! But would you put your house on John Terry scoring the winning penalty for England?

As of this morning, the other Last 16 games already lined up are not quite the classics they could be (USA v Ghana, Uruguay v South Korea), but with Quarter Final spots very definitely up for grabs, there could be a nice last 8 line up. Ghana will fancy their chances, as will the South Koreans. And with the remaining final group games coming later today and tomorrow, I'm really starting to warm up to this World Cup!

But of course, the question for most of us Brits is whether Fabio Capello will still be smiling on Monday morning? Come on Ingerlund!

Well, after all the expectation and hype, the World Cup hasn't really kicked into gear yet, has it? To be honest, I'm a little disappointed with many of the games that just haven't brought the entertainment we were all expecting. I think only the opening game between South Africa and Mexico had any thrill factor to it, and that was hardly a World Cup classic soon to be turned into a DVD...

So why are all the teams making our hard thought football predictions look lame at best? What seemed certainties have turned into near-misses, almost near disasters. Look at Monday's match between Italy and Paraguay - Italy were not good enough, and hey, even my granny reckons she can line up a hot date with some of those mature Italians (er, very mature). They just weren't good enough, or young enough. The same has to be said for teams like England, who really should have beaten the good ol' US of A. And then I also caught the matches yesterday between the Ivory Coast and Portugal and then Brazil against North Korea...and I really can't get past the fact that is fast turning into one of the most boring World Cups in recent times...

Where are the goals, the red cards, the argy bargy, the end-to-end action? It ain't there is it? Everybody seems to be playing very cagily, which is understandable as no side wants to lose their first match. But come on, just a little bit more excitement and action wouldn't go amiss. There are billions around the world watching, there are thousands of fans who've traveled many many miles to follow their national side in South Africa, so a little thought in their direction would be good...

Anyway, today's Spain v Switzerland game looks set to be about as exciting as watching a lump of Swiss cheese, despite the presence of Villa and Torres (probably starting on the bench). Let's hope that hosts South Africa surprise us again and romp to a 11-0 win over Uruguay, with eight red-cards and a zebra coming on a streaker in the latter stages...

So, it's almost upon us, the greatest sporting event in the world! The World Cup of 2010! Are you excited? I bloody well am!

I don't know about you, but the next month could be a bit of a strain on the job while harmony at home could also be on the hitlist. The boss probably won't be that keen on me taking off early to catch some of the games, while the wife has already resigned herself to the fact that the next month I'm "unavailable". In preparation for Friday's match the beers are already in the fridge, the remote control has been, er, "hidden" and the kids sent to their grandparents for the weekend! How about you? In the doghouse already?

Here at Hunchers there are some awesome things kicking off to celebrate the World Cup, including the Pools World Cup competition (not open for everybody unfortunately, it will depend on the laws of the countries in which you live), with a brand, spanking new iPad up for grabs! You really should check that out, I'm already dreaming of that iPad...Maybe grab some mates, create your own table and predict away. If you manage to beat off the competition, the iPad is yours! Not too shabby, eh?

While over in the forums there are some debates already hitting World Cup fever, including:

• Who is going to be the top scorer (my money is on Robin Van Persie thanks to some awesome assists from Robben)
• Reasons why France have no chance of winning the World Cup (actually, I think far from being past it and useless, they may well throw up a surprise)
• Who will be the surprise team of the tournament?

We love the World Cup!