AFTER two days of full competition, the World Cup proper got started for most of us yesterday morning.

Yes, that's right. I set my alarm for 6.25am, just in time to enjoy John Motson's first commentary of the 2002 competition.

Motty started with a bang as he oversaw the exciting Group F clash between tournament favourites Argentina and Nigeria.

"Welcome to Ibaraki," he opened. "Where we are having breakfast with Batistuta and cornflakes with Crespo."

He sounded as though he was choking on his Coco Pops when, within 30 seconds the South Americans had already created their first two chances.

Excitable he may be, but Motty's favourite dish is stats and he can serve them up at any time of day. Noting the presence of Kanu he revealed the Nigerian was one of 11 Arsenal players in this World Cup. "Only Inter Milan have more taking part, with 13," he added.

Even better was the numbers game which accompanied Gabriel Batistuta's winning strike. "That's the tenth World Cup goal for the Argentinian - four in '94 and five in '98."

A couple of hours later on ITV, a dishevelled-looking Paul Gascoigne was "devastated" at England's stale draw against Sweden. I wonder what he had for breakfast?