FIFA gave Queen Elizabeth II a polite rap on the knuckles here Friday, saying her criticism of the refereeing during England's game against Argentina was out of order. The queen declared "one is not amused" when a goal scored by England against Argentina was disallowed. FIFA comminication director Keith Copper said " I am not sure Her Majesty has a better understanding of refereeing than the referee in the match. Perhaps one of her sons does."

Di Biagio heart-broken

A heartbroken Luigi Di Biagio has become the latest Italian hero to be struck by his country's World Cup curse. For the third tournament in a row Italy leave the knockout rounds unbeaten - but with nothing to show for it. In 1990 in Italy Aldo Serena missed the penalty that saw Argentina move into the final. In 1994 Roberto Baggio missed his penalty to present the trophy to Brazil. This time it was Di Biagio who was struck by the curse.`You showed the world how to playfootball'

Brazil coach Mario Zagallo put Denmark on the same footing after Friday night.

"You showed the world how football should be played," he said. "We could not have had a harder fought victory."No pay yet for Samba kings' hostesses

Twelve bilingual hostesses and 110 security workers at the Brazilian training camp in Ozoir-la-Ferriere are still waiting to be paid. The hostesses, who speak Portguese and French, signed contracts in May but have received no pay since they started work. The French CGT Union said it was taking up their case.

Women in overdrive

The women drivers of France are taking over the taxi trade. Or so it would seem during the World Cup. Lyon taxi driver Monique Passot explains that most of her male colleagues disappear off the streets during matches, and none can be found when France play. Assot suggested that the men should install TV sets in their cabs.

Zidane to Vieri: no more calls

French playmaker Zinedine Zidane is so close to Italianstriker Christian Vieri, his former Juventus teammate, he rings him before every World Cup match. ``I wish him all the best and every time I ring him after he has scored a goal,'' said Zidane. But in the week before the France-Italy game the connection went dead. ``I did't call him, and he didn't call me,'' said Zidane.