Enoch Powell once observed that all political careers end in failure - a prophecy which he himself went on to fulfil. But the same can not be said about football. Some players do indeed keep gong long after their legs have given out and their best years have passed into memory. That’s why God invented Tottenham Hotspur. But others choose the time of their departure wisely. For example, Tony Adams called it a day with an exemplary performance in Arsenal’s 2002 FA Cup final victory over Chelsea...

Just four teams left now and, following under-par performances by Brazil and Argentina in the quarter-finals, it's an all European final four for the first time since 1982. Let's see how my predictions went: Germany v Argentina, Friday 16:00 Such a shame that the two teams who have played the most attractive football have to meet so early. This would have made a great final. Argentina have so many match-winners that it's hard to bet against them. If Germany are to triumph, Ballack will...