World Cuppa

It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock'n'roll

Confirming the fact that football punditry is a game best suited to women, South Belfast's Brenda McGuigan leads the way in this year's competition. Part of the caring profession, she is, nevertheless, happy to smirk over her shoulder at the inadequacies of the chasing pack. Said pack includes two of her sons and former champion, Francis, the husband. On 14 points already, Brenda has established herself as Paddy Power's short odds favourite with only three other players in double figures. They are Rasta Paul on 11, Dan Taggart and top culchie Ricky Carr on 10 while leading the so called footballers, The Don is also on 10.

Another Ulidia master is currently bringing up the rear on a grand total of 2 points. Yes, Ron Manager is joined by Ruari Doyle, Jack McGirr, Michael Haughey, Big Viv and London's late entry Sean Hughes (the one who isn't dead)! If you think this is only a temporary aberration, I urge you to consult the history of the predictor and you will gasp at the appalling record of our estimable soccer legends.

Apart from the competition in the McGuigan house, other family rivalries are causing ructions. I thought my neighbour's house was on fire when Iceland equalised against Argentina. When Messi missed the penalty, I called the police. Dara Nolan tells me that sibling rivalry is something he has had to deal with all his young life and he looks forward to the day that his elder brothers and his dad take him seriously. On nine points, this is a significant jump from his performance in 2014 and proof that he has done his homework in the intervening years. Take note Conor! He is joined on nine points by Sara Deazley's dad (David) who obviously wants to wreck Dara's party next door. Grow up dad!

Today's first game has just kicked off, so it's back to the box for me. Incidentally, Brenda has 0-0 to Serbia reduced to 9 men for intra team arguing and Costa Rica to miss 3 penalties.

See you tomorrow as my wife is taking me out for sad Father's Day!