Sports fans have got everything on a plate right now.
The main focus of attention, of course, is on the World Cup football, with another 63 games in front of us following last night’s opener between Brazil and Croatia.
For every player, official, referee and supporter, the World Cup is just the pinnacle.
I got very lucky to play in a qualifier because I lived in Hong Kong for seven years and, while it sounds ridiculous because we played away in South Korea, lost 4-0 and I never got a kick, but there was something magical and special about it.
Even though I had had many years in the game, when the national anthems were played and the flags were raised, it was truly something special.
In addition, we’ve got the Lord’s Test match against Sri Lanka going on at the moment, the US Open golf is under way and from next Tuesday, we have five of the finest days of Flat racing you could possibly wish for taking place at Ascot.
I will need two TVs on at home to watch the football and golf at the same time.
Pinehurst II is considered one of the best golfing challenges in the world and, having been over there just a couple of weeks ago for my son’s wedding, I know the whole place is buzzing.
With the cricket and Ascot taking place in lovely sunshine, everyone has a smile on their face and it’s just great to be a sports fanatic at this moment in time.
Finally, I said last week I would reveal who is going to win the World Cup, although you can wait just another moment for that.
England play Italy on Saturday night (11pm) in their first group game and I will be backing a 0-0 draw.
It is very rare when teams start a competition that their main priority is not to lose – but I think that’s the case for both England and Italy.
With the humidity in Manaus and the pitch being awful, the priority will be to emerge with at least a share of the spoils, so I am going for 0-0 at around 6/1.
Punters are naturally positive and they want to back things to happen, but quite often the value is the other way, particularly in the first round of games.
Not surprisingly, I think Brazil will win the tournament and my bet is for a Brazil v Argentina final, which can be backed at around 8/1.
Why Brazil? Well, imagine Manchester City, Liverpool or Chelsea being told they would play every single FA Cup tie at home and, if they qualified for the final, they would also be at home.
That’s exactly the same situation Brazil are in with this World Cup and I expect them to qualify with ease for the knockout stages.
And, once the whole nation gets behind them, I think they will be very hard to stop.
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