SO we're off and running and what a way to start what promises to be an unforgettable World Cup.

If yesterday's opening match is anything to go by we are in for the most unpredictable tournament for years.

Senegal's victory was shocking but not altogether unbelieveable.

The African nations have improved steadily over the last 20 years and the day will come when one of its countries will lift the World Cup.

Why not this year?

The criticism levelled at African sides down the years has been they are too adventurous and naive to finish top of the pile.

Well, naive teams don't beat this French side. This was no fluke.

Senegal were physically strong and mentally astute as well as being as skillful and entertaining as we have become accustomed to seeing African sides in recent years.

And they are not the best side from the continent which will make those teams in Nigeria and Cameroon's groups sit up and take notice.

As for the French. They are anything but dead and expect them to come back with two straight wins to coast through.

They look a far better force going forward than they did four years ago with Henry, Trezeguet and Wiltord firing the bullets and with Zinedine Zidane to come in nobody will be daft enough to write them off.

They will have to tighten up at the back, however, where Frank Leboeuf looks a weak link while Emmanuel Petit does not look the force he was four years ago.

Wanderers fans must have been happy to see Youri Djorkaeff on the world stage.

But, a word of warning, Sam Allardyce reckons Wanderers will have no chance of signing him for next season if he has a fantastic World Cup. Youri's World Cup campaign didn't get off to the best of starts so Sam looks as if he may have a head start in any negotiations.