Results:

The Germans are the story of the tournament thus far. Renowned for their precision and skill, they had a night out against Australia smashing us 4-0. Germany looks good for a big tournament, while for Australia - wins over Ghana and Serbia are now a MUST.

South Africa kicked things off by posting an unlikely 1-1 draw with Mexico in Group A. The South African’s are lowly ranked but showed something to suggest that they could sneak through to the next round on home soil. Our old mate Zengers (pictured) will be happy. Their pacy game will worry a few of the older defences. By the same token, the Mexican’s would have fancied themselves in this game an looked somewhat disappointing.

A highlight for many was the Poms, who were long odds-on to defeat the USA, but turned in a stinker to draw 1-1. This included the much publicised “Howler” from rookie goalkeeper Robert “Fumbles” Green who let through an American equaliser in what must be described as “one of the worst pieces of goalkeeping in World Cup history” Having said that, the Poms will recover. The England/USA quinella looks a sure thing in that group.

Holland confirmed their status as the value bet of the World Cup posting a 2-0 victory over Denmark. Normally renowned for their in-fighting and aggression, the Dutchies look like they have finaly got their &%#& together this year. If you haven’t done so already – getting aboard the “Orange Army” wouldn’t be the silliest thing in the world.

Italy (remembered by most for their diving antics at the last World Cup), were ordinary to say the least in their 1-1 draw with Paraguay. Paraguay played well and look like advancing to the next stage in what is a weak group. The Italians have problems in attack, but should still sneak/dive through to the next round.

Argentina… What do you say? They got the job done with a 1-0 win. Yes they are nuts, yes their coach Diego Maradonna is a lunatic, but they have the game which can go all the way. There is still too much “man love” going on in the Argentina camp for my liking though.

Other points of interest:

• Those annoying horns which go non-stop throughout a match. Do the locals take a breath at all over the course of 90 minutes?
• Did anyone else detect a just a hint of a “Skivvy action” from the German coach? “Wear that in Australia in 2022 buddy and that will earn you a less than flattering reputation!”
• Les Murray’s hair – what is going on there? It looks like Les took the 7 for the price of one haircut deal and cashed them all in at once!
• Craig Foster's eyebrows – Is he related to Garry Lyon?
• Algerian hairdo’s –They appear very similar those featured in Underbelly (Kings Cross circa 1990)… Scary.
• Santo Cilauro’s panel show at 7:30pm. Low budget, a few blues, but very entertaining.
• Of course we have to mention it again… Robert Green’s “HOWLER” which cost the Poms victory against the USA… PRICELESS!!!

What’s coming up over the next few days?

The emergence of first round matches involving World Cup “superpowers”: Brazil, Spain… and New Zealand!!

Stay tuned for more highlights in the coming weeks…