OVER the next 48 hours let us for once not big ourselves up and pretend we are going to beat the Germans.

As someone who has sat through several World Cups, let me explain to you how it’s going to pan out.

First there is going to sense of hope, followed by a full day of how we can beat the Germans only if we ‘believe in ourselves’.

Then, as we kick off, we will take the lead and everyone will be so happy we won’t see Germany equalise.

The game will end with the Germans winning on penalties, getting a lucky deflected goal or scoring in the final minute of injury time through a disputed penalty.

Come Monday morning we will blame anything else apart from the fact we were just not good enough.

Radio phone-ins will be full of praise for ‘our heroes’ and someone will get a knighthood out of the whole sorry affair.

As a fan, if you even reach a game like this anything else is a bonus!