After the fanfare of an opening ceremony at Telstra Stadium, Ireland and Germany will open the 2003 World Cup in what should be a massive game. But ignoring the ceremony and going straight to the game would be like skipping the appetisers.

The team that brought us the Olympics' opening and closing ceremonies has organised a feast of football, culture, and music for the fans. Artists such as The Offspring, The Whitlams, Cold Chisel, The Hoodoo Gurus, and Linkin Park will be playing the ceremony- which will be capped by Grammy winner Norah Jones singing the official World Cup song, written by Suva's Ronan O'Gara and included as a duet single on his next DVD.

Ireland vs. Germany
Germany have made an immediate impact since appearing on the international scene, and clash with the world #2 side in what should be an awesome curtain-raiser. The last time these two sides met, Ireland escaped with a narrow 23-18 win in the Guinness Invitational. That said, I can't see Germany pushing to that level again.
Ireland by 18

Australia vs. South Africa
The tournament hosts and favourites start their campaign in Subiaco against a side they drew with a few weeks ago. The South Africans boast the likes of Joost and Jaco Van Der Westuizen, which will make them dangerous to Australia. The Kangaroos will need every one of their stars to stand up, or this could be a real danger game.
Australia by 16

Papua New Guinea vs. France
This should be a hell of a clash, as the two sides fighting for second place in Pool A do battle in front of a crazed PNG crowd. Whilst the French have the likes of Michelak and Magne in their lineup, the tenacity of the Kumuls and their fans should be enough.
Papua New Guinea by 8

Europe vs. Samoa
Yet another game guaranteed to go right down to the wire, the out of form Europeans will clash with the resurgent Samoa squad. Whilst Europe definately have a more skillful squad, Samoan coach Rowland Kelly seems to have struck a winning formula which may just spark an upset.
Samoa by 2

Wales vs. Tonga
On paper this looks like a guaranteed win for Wales, but they were upset 26-16 by Tonga only a few months ago in the Guinness Invitational. Wales are the world number three, but they need to start playing like they did in 2002 if they want to hold onto that mantle. The likes of Cunningham, Briers, and Harris should get them home.
Wales by 20

AA-TSI vs. Scotland
Scotland have been in ominous form in the lead-up to the World Cup, and come up against the AA/TSI squad who finished runners up to Ireland in the Guinness Invitational. After sliding a few spots down the ladder, AA/TSI will be keen to improve, but will miss Wendell Sailor after his call up to Australia.
Scotland by 8

New Zealand vs. Fiji
The only real certainty in the opening round, New Zealad should have no trouble dispatching the Fijians, who have been hopeless of late. That said, the likes of Rupeni, Rokokoko, and Civoniceva will create early headaches for the Kiwis.
New Zealand by 26

Lebanon vs. England
Lebanon need a minor miracle to get into the World Cup finals, with New Zealand and England in their pool, but may be able to find it on the back of a parochial 'home' crowd in Sydney's Western Suburbs. The English have been very good this year though, and should be able to close this one out.
England by 12

WRONG!!!! minus $50,000 for that poor piece of journalism.

ill watch hoodoo gurus and then get the hell out of there. i have to line up at k-mart to get the new o gara dvd. ive got all 73 of them so far. im hoping this is the one with the brooke martin scene!

Chris, ur such a Nerd