m_thomp

May I just remind everyone that Argentina were my tips to take the pot. Ithankyou. It says it all when they bring on superstar-in-waiting Lionel Messi (again, another one of my pre-tournament tips) for last 20 mins. He didn't have much of an impact really - only set up a goal and scored another.

I said to some people at work that Spain 'could' (and they always fail to deliver the goods don't they) be a different prospect this time round. They've got players who are thriving in the much more physical English Premiership and therefore will have much more steel than the Spain of old. In the past if anyone got a bit physical with them, they could never hack it. Mind you, Ukraine had a player sent off so that could've made a big difference.

I was seriously disappointed with Ghana last night. But I've got to say just how good was Michael Essien for them last night? He single-handedly galvanised those players into something apporaching a team and even a threat. That was one of the most awesome, combative displays I think I have ever seen. If only Ghana weren't so naive in their defending, and wayward with their shooting they would have got something out of last night's game. USA have no fear, Italy were not 'that' good. You can win. You will win. And if you don't I lose a chance of scooping some big money.

I hate to say it guys, but the Czech's look well worthy of their lead. That said, they've just lost their man mountain of a centre forward Jan "Great feet for a big man"* Koller through injury. I think the Czech's looked a bit shell shocked by that injury, hopefully it will give you enough hope to snatch a consilation goal. I say this because I've predicted the score to be 2-1 to the Czechs in our office competition. * it is obligatory for every ex-pro pundit in the UK to use this phrase for any footballer over 6ft 4inches tall.

When you mention that, all I can think of this:

Basically it's the same as typical Headers and Volleys. But when anyone went in goal they also obtained an imaginary letter 'S', the next time they went in they got a 'H' and on, and on, up until the first person to go in goal enough times to spell out the word 'Shitbag'. At this point that person would have to drop their trousers, run round the football field declaring at the top of their voice, "I'm a dirty shitbag!" It's called character building I believe. Certainly helped improve my shooting accuracy.

No but teenage nudity was. I believe that's Eric's illegimate Scandanavian daughter.

We called it 'rush Goalie' when he could come out of goal. When we played it like that, rush goalie was an interchangeable position and was usually the nearest person to the goal - typically the least fit footballer and therefore the brunt of the blame for any goal and object of abuse.

We played that. It was called, wait for it, 'Walley' but then again I'm Northern and therefore backward. We also played a football headers and volleys related game called 'Shitbag' but you don't want me to go into the rules of that. Do you?

I knew the Aussies would come good. That's the second of my three tips - eventually - coming through. Just need the Czechs to do the business on the pitch now - and that is a different 'doing the business on the pitch' to what I expect the food-poisoning stricken Croats to do. I believe Tim Cahill did the damage for Australia.... can't believe he didn't start! He's been in sensational form all season for Everton.

Ooops, oh yeah! I knew there had to be a reason I thought they'd do alright. I know they're without Vladimir Smicer, who was hopeless - mostly - at Liverpool but who does really well when playing for the national team. In fact both of the games tonight look like good ones. I'm supporting Ghana tonight - my colleague is from there, and we'd all like to see Italy stumble in the group stages.

Wouldn't the Yanks be favourites given that they're currently ranked 4th best team in the world? That said, I still think the Czech's will win - purely because I've tipped them to do well. Unfortunately, I said the same about Australia and they're currently losing to Japan. Bah! At least my predicted winners - Argentina - kicked off in fine style, and they didn't even play Lionel Messi!

Just in case anyone missed it, here's a little Ricky Gervais short filmed for the World Cup and aired on the BBC before the Paraguay game, in which Stephen Merchant attempts the Peter Crouch dance. Mind you that wasn't as funny as the sight of an obviously pissed (in the British sense of the phrase) Freddie Flintoff slurring and trying to hold it together whilst being interviewed before the England vs Paraguay game.

The first half we were good. Kept possession well, which in 30 degree temperatures that the team isn't used to, was the right thing to do: let the ball do the work so you don't have to. Second half we lost the impetus and handed the initiative over to Paraguay who, despite what our BBC commentators would have you believe, never really threatened at all. The game was dull. But, heck, I'll take 1-0 wins in every time this tournament.

Apparently, their whole squad has been hit by food poisoning and diahorrea. They'll certainly need to, ahem, shore up the defence, if they want to avoid leaving the wrong kind of mark on the tournament. Will do surprisingly well: Australia Biggest shock: Italy not getting out of their group.

Oddball? Less of the cheek, he plays for my team! Winners: Argentina Dark horses: Czech Republic Top Goalscorer: Hernan Crespo

Deck the halls with boughs of hooligans! It's World Cup's Day! Tonight: Germany vs Costa Rica - clash of the titans!

For all you non-soccer football people, here's something taken from when the USA hosted the tournament. And it does appear that Wayne Rooney is fit and will be going to the World Cup. Hoorah! But how will he replace England's new goal scoring threat, and his

New current fave.... Mia Maestro Zang!!!

I thought this was going a bit of a 'I was there' yawn-fest but it's surprisingly detailed and informative so far.

I know he suffered heart problems, but that doesn't mean died - so why is David Bowie only clocking in at 15? U2 at number 8?

Yes, gather round ladies, you too can get with the Crouch (although I believe he's spoken for): aka

He retired from international football - but the underlying feeling was that he was fed up being played out of position - he's right footed, and was made to play on the left wing. The ginger ninja has also been AWOL from Manchester United for most of the season with blurred vision. I expect his injury for next season is going to be hairy palm. Just put the noodz magazines down Paul!