We're almost half-way through the group stage of the planet's greatest sporting spectacle so I thought I would offer these thoughts on World Cup 2006 to date:
* First off, just how good are Argentina? Serbia and Montenegro have (had?) one of Europe's best defences, but Crespo and co battered them yesterday 6-0. Tevez and Messi can't even get in the starting eleven which tells its own story. The second goal yesterday, consisting of no fewer than 24 pases, must go straight in to the top five World Cup goals ever. Must be favourites now.
* Other teams looking mighty impressive right now are the Dutch, who have made light work of the Group of Death, and the Czechs who thrashed Uncle Sam in their first match. I didn't see Spain beat Ukraine 4-0 but the result pretty much speaks for itself.
* Not all the big countries are doing so well though. Brazil looked fairly toothless against Croatia despite a few sublime moments - not least Kaka's goal. Parreira needs to bite the bullet and drop Ronaldo if Brazil are to have a real chance at the business end of the tournament. Immensely gifted as the Real Madrid striker undoubtedly is, he is overweight, simple as that. Brazil were basically playing with ten men until he was substituted. Maybe twenty years ago a team could afford to carry a few porkers but not anymore, the game is so quick now that unfit players simply drain their team-mates.
* Even worse than the Brazilians were the French who could only manage a draw with a very limited Swiss team. They need some youthful energy in midfield as Zidane, Makalele and Vieira are all past their best. Was that really Thierry Henry playing up front for Les Bleus? Come on Titi, you may be playing with a load of pensioners but you're still the world's best player. Prove it!
* It's a weak African contingent this year, with all five, including four debutants, looking like they'll be heading home after the group stages. Unfortunatley the best African team was drawn in the Group of Death and, after 2-1 defeats to Holland and Argentina, the Ivory Coast are out. Yes, they played well but let's not delude ourselves here, they were second best in both games. And it's just not physically possible to support a team which includes the contemptible Didier Drogba.
* Right, enough negativity, there have been some great things at this World Cup. Trinidad and Susana's draw with Sweden was great, especially as veteran keeper Shaka Hislop was the hero, a man as difficult to dislike as Drogba is to like. Germany have been good craic too, dispensing with bourgoise notions like defending and going for the jugular. South Korea won a World Cup match away from home for the first time - and got to hear their anthemn twice. Guus Hiddink, South Korea's boss last time, led his new team Australia to victory over Japan, further cementing his legend status on the peninsula.
* Jekyll and Hyde performance of the tournament so far goes to Angola's keeper Joao Ricardo. One minute he's catching crosses one-handed like Pat Jennings in his pomp, the next he's charging from his line like the demented love-child of David James and a headless chicken. First class.
* Finally, a question to everyone in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who still pay their TV license - why?