Joe Cole's dives are somehow qualitatively different to Ronaldo's, even though they resulted in two bookings for innocent players??

Yes.

We saw in in Ronaldo's constant attempts in all the games he played, to get his fellow players cautioned or sent off - only the worst culprit in a team where the manager actively encouraged this - in a win at all cost mentality. Which I am glad to say - did not work.

Joe Cole's inability to stay on his feet my be encouraged by his current (Portugese) club manager but he was was not representitive of the England team approach in this World Cup.

As he plays for the national side that I support, I am probably more upset with Joe Cole's individual conduct in this respect and am not offering any excuse for this. I hope he will learn from this tournament that cheats do not prosper.

My criticism of Portugal's tactics started long before their game with England. This current England side were not good enough to go any further and did not go out because of Ronaldo's conduct in that game. He should not be made a scapegoat for England's performance in and exit from the tournament - but he must take responsibility for his un-sporting actions - which are not excused by similar actions by other players or instruction from managers.