CALL it opening day jitters, if you like. Or maybe a bad case of stage fright? Whatever it is, many of the top teams at the World Cup are fluffing their lines and the underdogs are relishing every minute of it.

The month-long tournament in Russia, which only began last Thursday, has produced one surprise result after another. For the neutrals, especially, it makes for some riveting viewing.

Three former World Cup winners - Argentina, Spain and Brazil - could only manage a draw in their opening fixtures, while Germany - the defending champions - crashed to a shock 1-0 defeat to Mexico.