[42] The World Cup

Today's the day.

At 5pm CET and 2am AEST, the World Cup kicks-off with the hosts Germany taking on the Central American minnows of Costa Rica in Munich.

My country - Scotland - did not qualify, but my adopted country - Australia (the Socceroos) - thankfully did, so at least I will have someone to cheer.

Brazil, as usual, start the competition as favourites, and who would bet against them? Personally, I have a little hunch about the Czech Republic, and believe they might even make it to the final and, if they are not up against Brazil, who knows what might happen?

England, as is their wont, have already decided that they are going to win the trophy. Well, they have a divine right do they not? After all, they gave the game to the world, or so they keep telling everyone who will listen. I feel very sorry for all my Scots compatriots stuck back in the United Kingdom. At least here in Australia I don't have to endure all the arrogant, belligerent, xenophobic nonsense that fills the airwaves and the TV screens at times like this. And heaven forbid they should actually win the bloody thing.

My club side - Celtic - has 3 players taking part in the extravaganza: Goalkeeper Artur Boruc and striker Maciej Zurawski of Poland, and Shunsuke Nakamura of Japan. So if Australia falls by the wayside, I can always cheer for Poland and Japan.

Some of the matches kick-off in the early hours Australian time, so I may well be walking about like a zombie some days.

May the best team win, as long as it ain't England.

Come on the Socceroos