Life is full, full of surprises, and this week, Cilla has brought her magic to the World Cup.

And lets have a word with Graham for a quick reminder of what's been going on.

Pre-tournament favourites Spain were unhinged in a 1-0 defeat by Switzerland, North Korea puts the frighteners on Brazil who mustered a 2-1 victory, France were appalling as they crashed 2-0 to Mexico and Germany suffered defeat to Serbia today.

So what is next for the World Cup? There are clearly more surprises to come, but hopefully that won't happen this evening when England take on Algeria.

Just eight days in to the tournament pundits are calling for the world cup to get going, but for me it has been really exciting.

As a massive fan of football and the underdog, seeing the small clubs of the competition give their 'superior' opposition the runaround is magical.

The atmosphere in the stadia is electric and while some people call for the banning of the vuvuzela I have to ask when are we likely to encounter such a unique environment at a major tournament again.

Surely we should be embracing it? This is the African World Cup and we need to consider that when we look back on the tournament.

The Bafana Bafana look like they are heading out of the tournament which is disappointing, but the fans have brought the passion and desire to the competition and hopefully that will remain.

And in Mexico's win over France last night we finally got a glimpse of the ardent fans singing their hearts out for their country.

So with Germany, France and Spain all looking decidedly dodgy, who should we be backing for glory this summer?

For me I fancy Uruguay as an outside bet with Argentina and Holland looking tasty.

I would like to think England can progress, especially after watching Slovenia throw away a 2-0 lead against the USA today, but I will be taking it one step at a time.

Tonight I feel sick as a dog, knowing we need a result against Algeria, but with Fab Cap celebrating his 64th birthday I am confident the lads will deliver.

And from there, well anything is possible. A Germany second round tie doesn't look as daunting now as it did when they beat Australia 4-0, and with France edging towards a swift exit - giving the Irish fans something to cheer about - there is every reason to think that we could be celebrating on July 11.