WORLD CUP FEVER - June 28

Second Round

France

Paraguay

Nigeria

Denmark

It's all going to be over in two weeks' time. And I don't want to be a harbinger of doom, but it could all be over for England in two days' time. So, my World Cup thought for today is, enjoy every moment while you can.

Sorry about that. To lift the gloom, let's enjoy France against Paraguay in the first of today's second round matches. Actually, there is little to enjoy until the game goes into extra time. France lack forward thrust if not penetration and Paraguay defend capably, with the mighty Chilavert in goal. Djorkaeff disppoints, and the two young forwards look woefully short of world class status today. They need Zidane back, and back at his best, although Petit does a fine job before being substituted. Do we want France to go through? I find it hard to develop any strong feelings on the issue. On one hand, we want them to go on and beat Italy. On the other hand, we are on the side of the underdog. On yet another hand, this particular underdog hasn't a hope in hell of beating Italy and they aren't a very attractive beast, relying on dogged defence rather than attacking bite. Is it really good for the competition that the home nation progress as far as possible? Don't we resent Aime Jacquet for ignoring Eric Cantona in his prime (and to a lesser extent Daveeed Ginola)? Yes we do. I was hoping for a penalty shoot-out actually, but France finally managed to steer the ball into the net with six minutes of extra time remaining. Paraguay were distraught, but Chilavert lifted them up - physically - and becomes the man of the tournament so far. But, mon Dieu, the French were poor. Received opinion says they need a world class striker to guarantee them a goal a game. Before today, they got away with it, with Henry in particular keeping things rolling along. But now, it won't be so easy. Arsene Wenger still believes France can win as they have the best midfield. Which, he adds, England don't and therefore we don't stand a chance of winning it. Much as I hate to agree with him here, you have to agree with him here. Arsene knows.

Paris St-Denis, 8pm: surely the talented Nigerians are going to prove too much for the unimpressive Danes? Not at all. Denmark start to play like we saw all-too briefly in 1986, and in 1992 when they won the European Championships. Rufai has a Lionel Blair in goal and Nigeria are 2-0 down after 12 minutes. Jay-Jay Okocha plays out of his socks (technical term for being very good) but the red-nosed pig farmer (as we like to call him when we're being polite) keeps Nigeria at bay. The Africans had demanded a non-European ref, and got a Swiss bloke, but they could have no complaints. The gaps in their defence were punished, and Denmark will give Brazil a real test in the quarters if they can play with this self-belief and technique.

I remember in 1986 singing the praises of Michael Laudrup, and he 's still there. As in playing the third World Cup. It makes me feel less old which is nice, like being called 'young man' in the lift today. Oooh young man! Other vintage legs in the World Cup: Lothar Matthaus, now playing in his fifth World Cup, equalling the record and ensuring the German squad have the highest average age. He was great in 1990 but we don't like him now. Who else? Valderrama was there back in 1986. Bergomi played for Italy back in 1982. Then there's Jim Leighton, Belgium's Van der Elst, and some others I can't remember without my Guardian World Cup guide. But I am rambling like an octogenarian old man. Pretending to do some work (on Monday 29) and wishing it was lunchtime.

Results: France (0) (0) 1 Paraguay (0) (0) 0 Blanc 114 Nigeria (0) 1 Denmark (2) 4 Babangida 78 Moller 3 B Laudrup 12 Sand 60 Helveg 76

Shots off target:

Red card: Diego Maradona. Okay, it's 12 years ago, but we won't forget it. Peter Shilton can't forget it. 'He makes me sick,' says Shilts. 'I can't forgive him.'

Second Red Card of the day! Ali Bennaceur. Let's not forget the myopic referee who allowed the 'Hand of God' goal to stand.

Get well soon: Sir Alf Ramsey.

Your Football Quote of the Day:
'The first 90 minutes are the most important.' Bobby Robson