Equity World Cup competition - week two: Broker on the ball

Are you more or less optimistic about England's chances of winning the World Cup after the first game?
More so. Despite some obvious tactical blunders and a goalkeeping howler, I'm choosing to take the approach that we cannot play that badly again.

Who played well and who played poorly for England in the game?
I think that Emile Heskey led the line for England fantastically well and did superbly for Gerrard's goal. I don't think it'll come as a surprise to anyone when I nominate our goalkeeper as the biggest disappointment.

Did England miss Rio Ferdinand?
I don't believe that they did. Not that England's defence was wonderful without him, more that Rio has been poor this season and I'm not sure he would have made that much of a difference.

How well did you think Steven Gerrard captained England in Rio's absence?
I think he did well. He was vocal throughout the game and did what he could to encourage and motivate. Scoring after four minutes is also an extremely impressive way to lead by example.

What is your prediction for England v Algeria on Friday 18 June?
Algeria are going to feel the backlash of frustration from our boys and, having watched them on Sunday, we have nothing to fear from them - 5-0.

Who would you drop from the side?
The easy option would be to say Green but I think he's made his mistake now and will improve as the tournament goes on. I would drop James Milner in favour of the more creative Joe Cole.

Should Gareth Barry be guaranteed a place in the side for the second game if fit?
We missed him against the US, so yes, I would play him against Algeria. It's not just his solidity in the middle that we missed, more the licence his presence gives to Lampard and Gerrard to push forward.

South Korea v Greece on Saturday 12 June at 12:30pm had been earmarked before the tournament as possibly the least appetizing fixture of the opening stages? Did you watch it?
I did watch it and was pleasantly surprised. The Koreans played with passion and soul and were easily a physical match for the normally gladiatorial Greeks. Their energy and team-play will see them progress past the group stages from what I saw on Saturday. I think the match to miss is New Zealand vs Slovakia. I yawned just thinking about it.

Which country/player has most impressed or surprised you so far in the World Cup?
Much as it pains me to say it, it was difficult not to be impressed by the German team on Sunday. Although Australia were poor and played with 10 men for a good portion of the game, to win 4-0 in your first game with all four of your strikers scoring is a fine way to start any tournament. Their young midfielder, Mezut Ozil was the star of the show.

Don't miss your chance to win a case of South African wine in week two the Equity Red Star World Cup competition.