... and they're off

Game One done and dusted!

I missed the opening ceremony – I had to revise about what amounts to good contractual consideration instead. But to be perfectly honest I am not sure which is the more boring of the two – promissory estoppel or an opening ceremony.

It is probably the opening ceremony – I had to sit through what felt like 4 hours of dreadful posturing by official mascots and dancers at Euro 96, as an impatient 10 year old. Ever since that point I really have been put of opening ceremonies on the whole.

I watched the game with a couple of pals who live around the corner. Used ITV's Internet Player – the quality of the stream was absolutely shocking, I could barely see the ball and the site was a nightmare to navigate. Eventually we gave up and decided to visit a less reputable but far superior website.

The game itself was slightly anti-climatic and a 1-1 was probably a fair result. I loved Mexico's adventurousness, Carlos Salcido (their left-back) was typically the furthest forward player in their play. But the stand-out player was Giovani Dos Santos – the left-footed playmaker who I believe is still on T*ttenham's books. His ability to run with the ball, head up and looking to pick a pass was outstanding. We are all looking forward to seeing more of him as the tournament progresses.

Naturally, the most talked about player at the WC is Leo Messi. Predominantly the area of discussion focuses on his natural ability being stifled by Diego Maradona's somewhat regressive tactics. At Barca, Messi is the player he is due, in no small part, to the players around him. Dani Alves overlaps creating space and Xavi... well is Xavi. By that I don't mean an interfering c*nt who should keep his nose out of Cesc's potential transfer to Barcelona – what I mean is that he is quite good at kicking a football in the right place for Messi to score.

Argentina seem intent on playing 4 centre backs across the back and two deep-lying centre midfielders and though JS Veron was an extremely talented player I believe he plays too far back and lacks the engine to link the play well enough to benefit Messi as he should. And Mascherano is an overrated trier of a player whose woeful passing ability has been terribly exposed by playing alongside Lucas and not Alonso this season.

I am off to a mates house for some beers and French humiliation. His missus is out which is good , in light of him getting drunk last night on 8% cider at the wonderful Southampton Arms in Gospel Oak. Being pissed he couldn't work out how to work the keys for the door to his flat – so of course his natural response was to attempt to kick the door down until she came down to open up (or so he reported).

I have recently got an Android phone (HTC) which is fantastic, I have been using its Google Talk app to communicate with mates around the world regarding the world cup. Very odd to be talking to a Swede in Canada watching Mexico in South Africa – but useful nonetheless to be able to communicate across the globe insantly. And plus it is open to everyone with a Gmail account, not limited only to Android phones.

I have been listening to Guardian World Cup Daily, Times Football and 'It's Gonna Go to Penalties' podcasts. It is fantastic to be able to have all the information I need digested into an easy-listening occasionally humorous form. I recommend them all highly.

My desire to gamble is being greatly increased by the constant 'product placement' style agreements which lead to me being encouraged to put money on anything and everything by the hosts of said podcasts.

Next time I write – I will be a free man and I will never have to think about the legal grounds for a Judicial Review – how f*cking amazing will that be!