FOOTBALL: WORLD CUP BETTING

LABELLED THE great underachievers, Spain look set to surprise a few people and can get off to the perfect start by beating Nigeria (maybe 2-0 - Stanley go 7-1) at Nantes this afternoon.

Alfonso (6-1 with Ladbrokes) looks a fair bet to be first goalscorer.

Mexico should beat South Korea (though perhaps only 1-0 - Ladbrokes offer 11-2) at Lyons. Hernandez - 6-1 with Stanley - looks the best wager for first goalscorer.

The Netherlands, with Bergkamp back, should take Belgium apart (maybe 3-0 - 11-1 with Stanley) at St-Denis this evening). Kluivert generally 5-1 - looks the best bet to notch the opening goal.