The World Cup draw takes place a little later, and I'll be watching the groups very closely.

One overlooked detail regarding the cup is the extraordinary achievement of Dutch coaches world wide. Four nations have qualified under the direction of Dutch coaches, an unprecedented development: Australia (Guus Hiddink), South Korea (Dick Advocaat), Trinidad & Tobago (Leo Beenhakker), and of course Holland itself, with Marco van Basten, who has been nothing short of a revelation.

A coincidence? Hardly. The Dutch system of "total football", speed in attack, and flooding midfield en masse, is a winning formula that players willingly embrace for its pure exuberance and boldness.

Out on a limb, I'm picking Holland to win, which means you'll find me celebrating on the Liedseplein in Amsterdam next July, floating above the crowd, in raptures...

Live draw can be followed here.