Charlton Athletic Online

The World Cup kicked off yesterday, and the first thing that strikes me from the opening two games is that the American teams (North, Central, and South) will be no push-overs. Costa Rica gave the host nation Germany a fright, equalising in the first half, and then scoring again to set up an interesting last twenty minutes. Paulo Wanchope (left), the ex-Derby, West Ham and Manchester City striker, scored both Costa Rican goals, and he became the first 2006 World Cup player to be linked with Charlton immediately after the match. He will not be the last!

The second game saw Ecuador beat Poland 2-0. This was surprise result, and did show the strength of the South Americans. Poland had been fancied to give Germany a good run as Group winners, but now they will have it all to do in order to qualify. Of course, a Group A qualifier will meet England in the second round if they are successful too...

England, and the English fans, will do well to remember that Paraguay, whom England play later today, are a stronger team than both Costa Roca and Ecuador, so the result is not a foregone conclusion.

Hopefully, the warning wil have been heeded by Sven and his men, and an English victory secured without injury or too much to worry about.

Come on England!