The Fever is setting in... You know it's setting in when you start singing 'Put em under pressure' in the shower first thing in the morning, doing your best impression of a Jack Charlton accent. I even bought an Ireland jersey for the first time in years today. I was backed into a corner because the only one I have is from USA 94 and the OPEL logo on it is starting to fall off, never mind the fact that its blue instead of white. There's retro and then there's crap, but I'm still gonna wear it, I just need to have a backup plan.

Poland and Greece squared off today to start the ball rolling, closely followed by Russia and the Czech Republic. I thought it ended up being a few hours of decent football. More likely the case that I was just starved of it over the past few weeks. Overall the Russians look like they should easily top Group A, whereas 2nd place is up for grabs, and could be taken by any of the other 3 teams. No surprises there then, but how will Russia fare against Holland/Germany/Portugal in the quarter finals, that my friends is the question?

Back home in Ireland meanwhile, the country is draped in tricolours , there's a buzz in the air, the football has started, we're part of it for the first time in 24 years, Roy Keane is laughing along with Patrick Vieira on ITV, everything is going to be brilliant... Ireland is smiling again. It's great to be here right now. But don't get me wrong it would be better to be in Poland. I keep saying to myself 'France 2016, that will be my chance'... One thing at a time, all that matters is Sunday night. Bring on the Croatians and their stupid looking jerseys.