English football fanatic and Ministry and Wakatipu Tavern manager Dan Crawford is watching every second of the Fifa World Cup. In the first of his three weekly updates during the tournament, Dan provides his take on the action.
I've been looking forward to this World Cup for four years but I have to say I'm a little bit disappointed.
It's been a slow start and not as exciting as I'd hoped.
But, it's early days ...
So far, we've had a load of draws with average goals.
South Africa against Mexico for the opener was 1-1 and France Uruguay 0-0 - you needed match sticks to keep your eyes open.
Korea beat Greece 2-0 and Argentina beat Nigeria 1-0.
While Argentina lacked the defence, the Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama had a blinder, with save after save.
Argentina was stronger and Nigeria did well to come away only 1-0 down.
I was extremely disappointed the English side didn't win its game against the US - it should have.
England got a goal after three minutes from Stephen Gerrard ... he just got on to a through ball from Emile Heskey.
I was rapt - England was 1-0 up.
And then came the blunder of the day from England goalkeeper Rob Green.
US had a slack, light shot and he just fumbled it and the ball ended up going over the line.
On paper England was the stronger team, but the US is pretty strong in defence.
England had its chances in the second half but did not seem to capitalise on them and made silly mistakes.
There were a lot of pre-match jitters and nerves for the first game in the World Cup but hopefully now that is under their belt the boys will settle down.
England is going to have to work on the basics in its training this week before the next match against Algeria on Saturday morning.
My player of the weekend goes to Stephen Gerrard for a solid captain's performance - he led by example.
He actually grew up down the road from me, so he's a local lad and I'm a big fan.
I'm also chuffed he's wearing the captain's armband ... hopefully he can lift the World Cup like Bobby Moore did in '66.
The teams to watch over the next few days would have to be some of the African nations - I'm predicting some upsets there, like Ghana and Ivory Coast.
They have the firepower and they have the pace.
Tip of the week is the All Whites game against Slovakia at 11.30pm tomorrow.
If the All Whites are going to get any result out of the World Cup then that'll be the game and I'd put my money on a draw or win.
Player to watch is Shane Smeltz - he's firing on all cylinders.
