World Cup Blog has some random numerical facts about the four teams left in the World Cup, including this tidbit about hated Portugal:

22 – Number of tackles by Portugal’s Nuno Valente, the most of anyone left in the World Cup.
22 – Number of cards accumulated by Portugal, the most of the remaining teams.

See, they're evil.

Meanwhile, at the NYTimes World Cup Blog they're taking a look at the notions that South America has been screwed this year (they haven't) or that smaller confederations should be penalized for their poor performance with fewer slots in the tournament (they shouldn't), aruging that the 2006 results are really all about home-continent advantage.

As for our heroes and villains feature, the results should suprise no one.

Tuesday, 3 pm EST, Germany vs. Italy: Although this game features the two teams I said I was most rooting for when the tournament began, I'm still nursing a grudge against Italy and will definitely be pulling for Germany to take it. I think they will. Italy's done well, but they're not the team that Germany is, and rolling around on the ground complaining about fake injuries doesn't work as well in the finals as it does in the group stage.

Wednesday, 3 pm EST, Portugal vs. France. Do you have to ask? Portugal's a surprisingly strong side and the dirtiest players left in the tournament, but France has been on a tear and looked like champions yesterday. (Also, see what I said above about fake injuries -- Portugal dives every play, but the utility of that tactic diminishes somewhat in the closing matches.) I think France will win, and after yesterday I certainly want them to. I still can't believe they beat Brazil.