The Second Round saw the shock of the campaign. Russia sent reigning champions Argentina packing after a 4-2 defeat.[ScreenShot] Vladimir Bestchastnykh was the hero as he scored 4 goals in the match. The match between Wales and Italy saw an amazing comeback by the Italians. They were 3-1 down with 40 minutes to go before Montella completed his hat-trick in the 89th minute to give them the odd goal out of seven. Arsenal's Cassano scored the other goal. [ScreenShot] France had an easy win over Croatia courtesy of goals from Trezeguet (2), Henry and Sorlin in a 4-2 victory. Chile beat Uruguay 3-1 despite being 1-0 down in the first half. Favourites Holland had an easy win over Finland (2-0) while Brazil had to slog it out against Colombia before Rivaldo scored the golden goal in the 97th minute. 2 surprise outfits were placed together in which Jamaica beat Saudi Arabia 3-2 to qualify for the Quarter Finals. England on the other hand had an easy 4-0 win over Turkey. [ScreenShot] Turkey had their goalkeeper sent off in the 12th minute but Alan Smith failed to capitalise from the resulting penalty kick. 3 players scored their first goal for England during this match, They were Etherington, Clegg and Spicer. Alan Smith made up for his penalty miss by scoring his 10th England goal.

The Quarter Finals became a place for Holland to showcase their brand of total football not seen since the days of Johan Cruyff. They outlined their intentions by hammering Chile 7-2.[ScreenShot] Van Nistelrooy scoring his second hat-trick of the campaign. Italy beat Russia 3-2 despite having a tense second half when they allowed the Russians to reduce the deficit after being 3 goals ahead. Brazil had no problems when they beat Jamaica 3-1 easily. We, on the other hand, had a tougher match as we took on France. With Sebastien Frey and Thierry Henry together with ex-Gunners Patrick Vieira, Robert Pires and Nicolas Anelka, they weren't the team I had expected to face. Owen could break the record if he scores tonight.

92,000 spectators flocked to the stadium for the match. France started well and we were soon 1-0 down when ex-Gunner Vieira headed a cross towards Zidane in the area. GOAL! In the 22nd minute, Philippe Delaye received the marching orders for pushing Chris Morgan. Despite having a one-man advantage, we couldn't keep up with France's pace and they scored through Djimi Traore in the 36th minute. I was looking at an early flight back home. But the team got together and started to play well, they were finally rewarded when Beattie slotted in a goal after good work from Joe Cole. GOAL! The French defence went to sleep inside the first half injury time as Beattie dribbled his way through before scoring. GOAL! We had equalised! All was not lost! I exchanged Richard Wright for Sean Allaway in goal. It proved to be the turning point, the French strikers including Henry couldn't find a way past Allaway. In the 71st minute, England finally took the lead when Joe Cole scored from outside the box, it also turned out to be the winning goal. England are through to the Semi Finals![ScreenShot]

Brazil was drawn with Holland while we faced Italy. Surprisingly, Holland lost to Brazil 2-3 despite the Brazilians having to play the last 25 minutes with a man down after Silvinho was sent off. That meant that he wouldn't be facing England if we were to win against Italy. A record of 128,000 people was present at the Waldstadion in Frankfurt for the match.

England started strongly and we piled pressure onto the Italians. We had beaten them 4-0 during a friendly and I'm using the same tactics now. In the 33rd minute, Tommy Smith passed the ball towards Owen who was just outside the area. Owen dribbled his way through before hitting the ball. GOAL! Goal number 50 for Owen! He started to take off his jersey showing a big red-coloured 50. That was all we could manage in the first half. The second half was not much better despite Italy finally taking control of the game. Two quick strikes just after the hour confirmed our ticket to the Final. Tommy Smith scored in the 62nd minute before Beattie scored from long range in the 66th minute. GOAL! England 3 Italy 0.[ScreenShot]

Holland's run came to an end as they even failed to secure a third place placing as they lost 0-1 to Italy. We were to play Brazil for a chance at the World Cup, 40 years after we won our first World Cup. The weather was just perfect for the 76,000 fans gathered at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. It would be a fitting way to end our World Cup drought by winning on 'enemy' soil. Both teams started strongly and Brazil had the upper hand, as England is quite inexperienced at this stage. It was a seesaw battle in midfield and we finally got the breakthrough we wanted 3 minutes before the break. A long ball from Upson found Owen near the halfway line. Owen displayed an amazing run past 3 defenders before hitting it towards the right. GOAL! It didn't take long for Brazil to regain their touch when Leonardo scored from a corner set-piece in the 47th minute. It was then a midfield tussle again as both sides tried to create spaces to score. Our unrelentless pressure finally paid off when Owen centered the ball towards Beattie. Beattie dived for the ball just as Dida was rushing out to catch it. GOAL! Beattie scores! England is 2-1 up with 12 minutes to go. I was keeping my fingers crossed at the touchline as we have come so close and we are on the verge of winning the World Cup. 12 minutes passed followed by 5 more minutes of added time. It's all over! We have won the World Cup! Joy and jubilation swept the entire English side of the stadium and millions joined in the parade across the Channel. Owen finished the tournament as topscorer with 8 goals.[ScreenShot]

We were given a hero's welcome at Heathrow Airport. Thousands of British people gathered at the airport and along the way towards the town center. Never had England seen such celebrations after their 1966 win over Germany in the World Cup Final. The Prime Minister declared a day of celebrations across the country and I was congratulated by managers worldwide. The World Cup has finally come home!