And the award for Worst Manager goes to...

So we’re out of the group stages now, and it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for the favourites, that's for sure. There have been some near misses (Spain, I’m looking at you) and some absolute skin-of-the-teeth qualifications by teams that you would expect to have simply cruised through their groups (England). But we have lost some favourites, and while no other awards have been finalized as the tournament is just getting into the business end of proceedings, I think I can safely give probably the least coveted prize in world football: The Worst Manager of the Tournament Award.

So, without further ado, here are you finalists!

Tonight's Games.

I know I've missed the kick-off for the Dutch game already but here are tonight's games.

A strong Holland team will play Denmark in the opening game of the night. Holland have shown strong performances in the lead up to the tournament, with a 6-1 win over Hungary. Denmark havn't had the best of preparations however with a 1-0 loss to Australia. Holland to win.

Later on we'll see Japan vs. Cameroon. Cameroon are the favourites in this match with Eto'o coming off a Champions League winning season. Japan have had a terrible preparation to the World Cup, not winning any of their games and managing to only score 1 goal. Cameroon to win.

Defending champions Italy start their title defence against Paraguay. The ageing Italian squad boast a great World Cup record, conceding only 2 goals in their whole campaign in 2006. Paraguay managed to finish 3rd in qualification ahead of Argentina however in my opinion they wont be a match for the Italians. Italy to win.

Tonight's Games. C'mon Aussies!

Tonight we see Algeria take on Slovenia, in a match I know nothing about. Wikipedia tells me that the Algerians are called the "Desert Foxes" and Slovenia have a pretty quirky kit. What I do know is that Slovenia managed to finish ahead of the Czech Republic in qualifying, so I'll give them credit for that. So I'm going for the cool kit over the Desert Foxes. My tip...Slovenia.

Serbia vs. Ghana should be a great game of football. Both nations are technically good and very physical. Ghana will miss Essien in their line-up but they've still got some half-decent players. Serbia haven't been in the best of form as of late, losing to New Zealand 1-0 a couple of weeks ago. It will be a pretty defensive match and I think Serbia might have a slight edge over Ghana. However I still think it will be a draw in the end.

Finally Australia will take on Germany. Australia are the clear underdogs in this match and Germany have been very arrogant in their approach to the game. However this over confidence from the Germans is good for the Socceroos, who will hopefully fly under the radar and get something out of the match. Rumours have been circulating that Harry Kewell will start, but whether Pim will risk him on the opening match is doubtful. My head says Germany but my heart hopes for a draw.

South Korea dominate, while Argentina do just enough.

South Korea established themselves in group B with a strong performance against Greece. It took the Koreans just 7 minutes to net their first goal for the campaign whilst Greece never showed any signs of a come-back. The Greeks were out-run, out-passed and out-scored in the match that finished 2-0. A 53rd minute strike from Manchester United's Ji Sung Park sealed the win.

Maradonna's Argentina did just enough to get a win over resilient Nigeria. Gabriel Heinze's header into the top left corner at 6 minutes was all that was needed to get the 3 points. Argentina looked like they were going to run away with the match, however some spectacular saves from Nigeria goalkeeper Enyeama kept the Super Eagles in the game. Messi was brilliant throughout the 90 minutes and should've scored at least 2 goals. Maradonna decided to start Higuain and Tevez up-front with Aguero and Milito on the bench. Militio came on for Higuain in the 79th however did not get enough time to settle in. Expect Aguero to fire in the next game.

England and USA play out eventful draw

England 1 - 1 USA

After an unsurprisingly energetic start England took an early lead after Emile Heskey somewhat fortuitously put the Lions captain Steven Gerrard through on goal, which he duly finished, tapping the ball past a stranded, and absolutely furious Tim Howard for the games opener before the clock had even ticked over into the tenth minute.

It looked as if England might be about to deliver a killer blow to USA hopes when almost immediately after the restart, Glen Johnson ghosted in from the right, keeping the ball close to his feet as he penetrated diagonally into the box. His run was halted however by a wall of bodies, and the USA defense, clearly reluctant to be on the receiving end of another Howard tirade, cleared their lines.

Most of the remainder half was a tense, tight affair, with Jozy Altidore coming closest, his head making only the slightest connection with a Landon Donavon cross that skimmed past the far post. If the temperature of the match hadn't been high enough, however, it was about to double.

Tonight's games

A technical South Korea will face up to a physically strong Greece. At last check Greece were the slightest of favourites to win the match. After watching Korea's 2-0 over Japan a couple of weeks ago, my tip is for the Korean's to get a win.

Expect a strong performace from Argentina when they take on Nigeria in the second game tonight. The likes of Messi, Tevez and Aguero are named to play but who Maradonna finally decides to pick will be known 30 minutes before kick-off. Argentina should win easily in this one.

Finally we get to see England kick off their World Cup campaign against the USA. The Three Lions are the favourites for this match however USA will be a dark horse in this one. Last year the Yanks beat Spain in the Confederations Cup, and if they can pull off another performance like that, then its anyone's game. But with Rooney fit, my pick will still be England for the win.

Whatever happens, it will be a great night of football and I will be very tired in the morning.

South Africa Promising. France fail to lift.

Last night South Africa proved critics wrong by displaying a strong performance against Mexico to finish 1-1, in the opening game of the World Cup. Mexico were heavy favourites, heck, even I placed a bet on the Mexicans. Thats $3 I'll never see again.

Who's your pick for the Cup?

The reigning European champions Spain are the favourites to win the tournament for the first time, followed by South America champions Brazil. Following shortly behind are Argentina, England, Holland and Germany.

The Dutch can win it!

My pick for the World Cup? -Holland

Their weakness has always been in their defence, but in recent years they have really improved in this area. The introduction of right back Van der Wiel into the squad gives them an extra attacking option from deep. Robben and Sneijder have had amazing seasons and they'll bring this form into the tournament. Robben will sit out the first match but will be fit to play the rest of the games. Van Persie has had an injury hampered season but he still shows so much class. Van Bommel and De Jong will be solid anchors in the midfield, to allow Van der Vaart and Sneijder to attack. Dirk Kuyt will provide a lot of attacking runs on the wing. After watching their 6-1 win over Hungary, I believe that they've got what it takes to win it. Go the Oranje!

World Cup Watch: Wesley Sneijder

The 26-year old will be the leading force in the Dutch midfield after his incredible season winning the Champions league with Inter Milan. He is currently one of the best midfielders in the world and his specialist free-kick taking will cause nightmares for goalkeepers. It's not too late to pick him for your fantasy team.

Wags: the one that got away

One WAG who will be sorely missed in the stands at the World Cup will be Ashley Cole's soon-to-be ex-wife Cheryl Cole. The 26-year old singer and tv personality no longer classifies as a WAG, but this is close enough.

More photos in the link. 

We're Sorry!

Sorry for being so slack for the last 2 weeks. We were literally drowned with homework and exams. But don't worry, you haven't missed much because we're back! And with the World Cup starting in 2 hours-ish, what perrrfect timing.
We promise to make it up to you (thanks for reading, mum and being our only fan).