The first really feelgood moment of this slow-to-ignite World Cup arrived in Sunday's David v Goliath clash between the All Whites of New Zealand and the reigning world champions, the Azzurri of Italy.

When Ryan Nelsen was deservedly named man of the match after a typically inspiring performance, it must have caused a surge of pride in every watching Rovers fan, who have become used to such heroics from their club captain over the years.

The scale of the Kiwis achievement cannot be underestimated.

Let's face it, you know you're up against it when your best known and highest rank player plies his trade for Rovers!

When a part-time bank worker comes on to shore up the defence for the last few minutes it cannot help but increase our frustration and sense of alienation with our own highly paid prima donnas who have performed so abjectly so far.

If one can detect trends up to now it is that many of the traditional big guns of Europe are not only misfiring but seem to be in complete disarray, whilst the South Americans, traditionally more prone to player tantrums and self implosion, appear settled and in good form. Sadly the predicted surge of the African nations doesn't look likely at this stage and the chances of an African country winning the trophy appear about as likely as the vuvusela being welcomed at next year's Last Night Of The Proms.

There's still time for the power balance to shift back to some extent and I still wouldn't rule out a European nation winning it.

Could it still be England? Well, on present form it seems highly unlikely although we at least have the consolation of witnessing France in even a worse state of turmoil than us.

I do believe, however, that we will beat Slovenia to progress to the knockout stages and England would be capable of raising their game against a better side.

No-one will be taking anything for granted.

One thing is certain, however. If we go out having failed to beat any of the three relative minnows in Group C it will mark the end of an era when England can be reasonably regarded as a world power in football.

We will enter football competitions with much the same confidence as our tennis players contest the Davis Cup.

We stand on the brink.

Just a pity we don't have the Admirable Nelsen to steady the ship.