Dear lovers of the world game,

I am pleased to announce that my plan for Germany to beat Netherlands in the World Cup is coming together nicely. Last night saw one of the last pieces of the puzzle with Germany obliterating Argentina 4 - 0. But Maradona (not sure of spelling, but not important) unable to use the 'Hand of God' technique, what chance did Argentina really have?

In a slightly less bias way, I do think Netherlands and Germany have had a more difficult run of games to get this far so really deserve the final. Of course I want Germany to win.

On a non football note, Pippa and I have almost finished the form for my Settlement Visa. This means I could be in England before the end of September. So I thought I should get some practice. So just like a reptile sticker book (start safely) I went to Cockington Green and strolled around the model village. This is a tourist attraction in Canberra with 1/12 scale models of English villages and individual buildings. Amongst other things I saw Stonehenge, Horning, Lavenham, Lynton and Lynmouth, and a cricket pitch and a football pitch. On the football pitch the game appeared to be Liverpool v Brazil. I am sure some people think this is good, but I think Chelsea would have been a better choice. I have however been informed that if I wear my Chelsea jersey around Peckham I may be beaten up......possibly by my own relatives.

The gardens at Cockington Green are also fantastic and I shall have to visit Cockington, Devon to see the original village the model village was based on. Also to get use to England I am acquiring a taste for teas. So far I have tried English Breakfast and Calvary hospital cheap and nasty. The English breakfast is good.