THE countdown was under way last night to the country's biggest game of football for more than a decade after Brazil set up a mouth-watering showdown against England - with a place in the World Cup semi-finals at stake.

The nation is expected to come to a standstill early on Friday as Sven Goran Eriksson's men take on the samba stars in the quarter-finals after the brilliant Brazilians' 2-0 win over Belgium.

And temperatures are rising - both at home and abroad - as ice-cool Sven prepares to pit his wits against the sizzling skills of the glamorous South Americans.

Forecasters are predicting 90 degree temperatures in Japan for the game and the high 70s back home where the match is already the most eagerly-awaited since England's 1990 World Cup semi-final against Germany.

Rachel Vince, forecaster at PA WeatherCentre, said: "Unfortunately for the boys out in Japan, it will be very hot, and there may even be thunder. It's not going to be pleasant to play in."

Captain David Beckham and some of his teammates were at yesterday's match to run the rule over the South Americans - whose stars include breath-taking striker Ronaldo, Newcastle United target Rivaldo and former Middlesbrough hero Juninho.

England have met the South Americans in the World Cup quarter finals once before - in 1962 when Brazil won 3-1.

But the most famous encounter between the two sides was at the 1970 World Cup finals in Mexico.

In the 98-degree heat of Guadalajara, the great Brazilian side of Pele and Jairzinho lined up against defending champions England. Brazil won a pulsating tie 1-0, but the match is best remembered for the moment England keeper Gordon Banks stopped Pele's downward header - widely thought to be the greatest save ever made.

And although they have not beaten Brazil since 1984, there is a mood of optimism in the England camp.

Defender Rio Ferdinand, whose outstanding performances have been compared to the great Bobby Moore, said the squad would not settle for "brave defeat". He said: "Let's make it clear - we would not be happy with just a quarter-final place.

"Rest assured that on Friday we will have one thought - to get into the semi-finals."

He added: "That is not us being arrogant but we are very confident and we have a great belief within us. For us, losing on Friday would be a disaster."

Bets on the match are expected to reach £20m, shattering the record £15m set when England beat Denmark 3-0.

As the North-East prepares for an early weekend shutdown, schools and businesses are once again making special arrangements to make sure fans can see the game.

Woodham Burn Infants School, in Newton Aycliffe, is changing the day of its weekly family service for the first time.

At Hummersknot School in Darlington, lessons have been rearranged so pupils and staff can watch the game.

Headteacher David Henderson said: "Even if the game goes to penalties, pupils will be able to watch. We have rearranged the timetable so no lesson time will be lost."

Charity workers at St Teresa's Hospice in Darlington are having to overcome an unusual problem - a colour clash with Brazil. The hospice is staging yellow days to raise money for its work.

A spokesman said: "We want to encourage people to wear yellow throughout June to raise money - but we have designated Friday a non-yellow day!"