So, yes, the opening match of this year's Draft World Cup was a 6-1 win for holders Germany over poor Croatia. In the same group are Ghana and Brazil, who face off here. The other two games in today's update see all the teams from Group B get underway - we have South Africa vs. Colombia and Spain vs. Trinidad and Tobago.
Ghana vs. Brazil
It's a belated debut in the DWC for Brazil, who missed out last year in embarrassing fashion. They were great in qualifying this year, and will start as favourites against a Ghana side that scraped in as the 32nd side to qualify. They are also the lowest-ranked side in this year's DWC.
Ghana’s tried-and-trusted narrow diamond formation features several players who will be difficult to get the ball past, none more so than Sulley Muntari. All eyes will be on Emmanuel Clottey after the forward scored two outrageous goals against Brazil in last year’s DWC qualifying. In true Brazilian style the full backs will be bombing on, with lone man Paolo Guerrero (yes, he of Peru fame) hoping to make the most of the abundance of creativity around him.
Just like Brazil, Colombia missed out on even getting into the play-offs last year. They face South Africa, who on the contrary made it to the round of 16. This appears to be a very even match-up, and with Spain appearing much stronger, and Trinidad & Tobago potentially being weaker, this is going to be a huge match for the battle for second.
With an attacking trio behind the big target man Brockie, South Africa have a clear game plan. Colombia’s version of the same formation (4-2-3-1, get used to it during this tournament) is more oriented on having the ball on the ground, but they won’t be afraid to get stuck in.
Last year Spain weren't great - a very dysfunctional side that was put out of their misery by Greece. It's a very different story this year, with no squad value limit in place. It could be a very nasty experience for a Trinidad & Tobago side that has done brilliantly to get here, looking reasonably comfortable in the final round of North American qualifying.
Last year Ronaldo and Messi didn’t click... but with players of a similar calibre to them available this year, will they shine? Real Madrid edge out Barcelona by 7 players to 4 in this fearsome line-up. Anticipating a very long afternoon, Trinidad & Tobago are going defensive, with a stout 4-1-4-1 aiming to get the ball up to lone man Kenwyne Jones, who will hope to beat Champions League-winning defenders all on his own. Stop laughing!
Netherlands vs. Mexico
Greece vs. Venezuela
Tunisia vs. Thailand
Morocco vs. Turkey